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Double Trouble #2
Doubling Down: Edizione italiana
Hacker Leotrim Nicolosi and Deputy Marshal Rich Cody may have escaped a vengeful crime boss by the skin of their teeth, but they’re not out of danger yet. With the mob’s tentacles embedded in everything from local law enforcement to federal agencies, the guys are running low on allies.
Rich has one ace up his sleeve—the men who had his back in warzones during his time in the Marines. When he sends out a distress call, the cavalry comes running. Heavily armed, highly trained, and fully provisioned, they hunker down in a buddy’s missile silo, ready to make a stand against whatever the Grimaldi family sends after Rich and Leo.
Leo isn’t so sure about the Marines, though. He trusts Rich, but something isn’t right, and he’s not a gambling man when his life is on the line. The Marines aren’t so sure they trust him, either, and Rich suddenly finds himself in a standoff between the men he’s bled with and the man he’s quickly falling for.
Now they’re running out of time to either find the turncoat among them or get on the same side.
Because the Grimaldi family is coming, and this time they’re bringing out the big guns.
Doubling Down is the sequel to Double or Nothing, and is the conclusion to the Double Trouble duology.
Rich has one ace up his sleeve—the men who had his back in warzones during his time in the Marines. When he sends out a distress call, the cavalry comes running. Heavily armed, highly trained, and fully provisioned, they hunker down in a buddy’s missile silo, ready to make a stand against whatever the Grimaldi family sends after Rich and Leo.
Leo isn’t so sure about the Marines, though. He trusts Rich, but something isn’t right, and he’s not a gambling man when his life is on the line. The Marines aren’t so sure they trust him, either, and Rich suddenly finds himself in a standoff between the men he’s bled with and the man he’s quickly falling for.
Now they’re running out of time to either find the turncoat among them or get on the same side.
Because the Grimaldi family is coming, and this time they’re bringing out the big guns.
Doubling Down is the sequel to Double or Nothing, and is the conclusion to the Double Trouble duology.
244 pages, Paperback
First published July 29, 2019
39 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Cari Z.
136 books539 followersCari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 24, 2022
***4.5 Stars***
Audiobook: 👌
Entertainment factor: 👏
Romance: 👍
Logical plot: 🤙
Bad guy: 🖕
Some side characters: 👊
Did I love it? Hell yes, I did! 🙌
Audiobook: 👌
Entertainment factor: 👏
Romance: 👍
Logical plot: 🤙
Bad guy: 🖕
Some side characters: 👊
Did I love it? Hell yes, I did! 🙌
February 21, 2020
While we still got lots of action, book 2 in this duet seemed more emotional to me. The relationship dynamics between the characters was more suspenseful in book 2. There is also plenty of romance at the end to make my soft heart soar with the HEA.
It is a duet and I recommend reading the books in order. Although you could possibly read book 2 alone, you'd miss half the story.
For the duet as a whole I'm giving 5 stars. I absolutely LOVED this story.
It is a duet and I recommend reading the books in order. Although you could possibly read book 2 alone, you'd miss half the story.
For the duet as a whole I'm giving 5 stars. I absolutely LOVED this story.
August 6, 2019
I have started this review four times since I finished the book, typing it up and then actually writing it down to see if I could get myself together and what I’ve realized is, my review keeps changing because I liked it a lot more than I thought I did when I first finished.
My other attempts said things like:
I don’t feel like this right now. I have a couple little things, which is to be expected, but the longer I think about this, I kind of did love this one too.
So, let’s try this and see if this fifth draft can be the last one.
My review of Double or Nothing was quick so I’ll try to elaborate a bit more with this one.
I think my initial reaction was due to the difference with the time Leo and Rich were together. The first half of this story was the two of them against the world. In the second half, this one introduced a lot of characters. A LOT. This was another issue I thought I had but again, the more I think about each of them and how it all went down, I liked this too more than I thought I did. Where I thought it was too distracting trying to figure out ‘whodunnit’ it actually added a new level to the already exciting story.
(It’s very funny to contradict everything you thought you thought. I need to stop using the word thought in this review. Jeez, what is even wrong with me today?)
Anywhoo... The biggest thing that I thought would be a struggle for me was the opposite and I feel it should be mentioned. I am not a fan of romance of convenience. Romance of opportunity or circumstance and I have no idea why this didn’t read that way to me. It should have. Really. Maybe there is something different about fear. Relying on each other and only each other in the face of true danger that somehow makes it different and makes it work for me. I don’t understand it but I’m not gonna spend time bitching about it either. This totally worked for me. No Stockholm syndrome here! Nope! HAHA!
I like that this was a duology. A word that is hurting my brain for some reason but a word I hope I get to type more often. I’m digging that this was a twofer. As I get older a trilogy or even better, like this one, a duology looks very good to me. Faster resolution and not as much to recall. I’m all about quick satisfaction sometimes, ;o)
So, first drafts be damned! I loved this. Probably not as much as the first one but it for sure was exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t want to put it down and I for sure didn’t want it to end. I am so glad this series came across my feed and I’m so glad it happened right as the series was concluding. Good stuff.
And lastly, I’ll leave with this sentence which made it into all the review drafts because it is that serious.
What in the ever loving fuck did he name his cat?
OH MY GOD how could you do that to me?? Tell me now! HAHA!
My other attempts said things like:
"So, I liked it but I didn’t love it. It wrapped everything up, no doubt, it just kind of fell apart a little" or "So, this was a great conclusion to this duology but I didn’t love it as much as I did Double or Nothing"
I don’t feel like this right now. I have a couple little things, which is to be expected, but the longer I think about this, I kind of did love this one too.
So, let’s try this and see if this fifth draft can be the last one.
My review of Double or Nothing was quick so I’ll try to elaborate a bit more with this one.
I think my initial reaction was due to the difference with the time Leo and Rich were together. The first half of this story was the two of them against the world. In the second half, this one introduced a lot of characters. A LOT. This was another issue I thought I had but again, the more I think about each of them and how it all went down, I liked this too more than I thought I did. Where I thought it was too distracting trying to figure out ‘whodunnit’ it actually added a new level to the already exciting story.
(It’s very funny to contradict everything you thought you thought. I need to stop using the word thought in this review. Jeez, what is even wrong with me today?)
Anywhoo... The biggest thing that I thought would be a struggle for me was the opposite and I feel it should be mentioned. I am not a fan of romance of convenience. Romance of opportunity or circumstance and I have no idea why this didn’t read that way to me. It should have. Really. Maybe there is something different about fear. Relying on each other and only each other in the face of true danger that somehow makes it different and makes it work for me. I don’t understand it but I’m not gonna spend time bitching about it either. This totally worked for me. No Stockholm syndrome here! Nope! HAHA!
I like that this was a duology. A word that is hurting my brain for some reason but a word I hope I get to type more often. I’m digging that this was a twofer. As I get older a trilogy or even better, like this one, a duology looks very good to me. Faster resolution and not as much to recall. I’m all about quick satisfaction sometimes, ;o)
So, first drafts be damned! I loved this. Probably not as much as the first one but it for sure was exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t want to put it down and I for sure didn’t want it to end. I am so glad this series came across my feed and I’m so glad it happened right as the series was concluding. Good stuff.
And lastly, I’ll leave with this sentence which made it into all the review drafts because it is that serious.
What in the ever loving fuck did he name his cat?
OH MY GOD how could you do that to me?? Tell me now! HAHA!
August 7, 2019
I really loved this ... it had pace, action, a little mystery and lots of heart. Rich & Leo were a perfect match, their charisma and connection was believable and I was wishing for them all along despite every damn obstacle put in their place. Loved the epilogue and I was glad for it❤️
September 29, 2019
This pair need to write together more. Seriously. I couldn't put this book down. It's another seamless, enjoyable, gripping piece of writing from Cari Z & L A Witt. I loved Risky Behavior Suspicious Behavior Reckless Behavior and now The Double Trouble duology, starting with Double or Nothing.
The conclusion to the Double Trouble series is perfect.
More in depth review at-
The conclusion to the Double Trouble series is perfect.
More in depth review at-
August 12, 2019
Lots of action and suspense
Not much romance and don’t blink or you’ll miss the sex scene (I don’t know why they even bothered with it). But, the suspense and danger and mobsters and marines were exciting. Both authors know how write, that’s for sure but I wish the “romance” wasn’t shoehorned into the plot. Yes their defense of each other and determination to be together is romantic but the plot didn’t leave room for actual relationship building. You have to take it mostly on faith that the necessity for trust from the start created the connection. Still very entertaining.
Not much romance and don’t blink or you’ll miss the sex scene (I don’t know why they even bothered with it). But, the suspense and danger and mobsters and marines were exciting. Both authors know how write, that’s for sure but I wish the “romance” wasn’t shoehorned into the plot. Yes their defense of each other and determination to be together is romantic but the plot didn’t leave room for actual relationship building. You have to take it mostly on faith that the necessity for trust from the start created the connection. Still very entertaining.
August 27, 2019
Trust no one
3.5 stars
This time around Rich enlist some of his old marine buddies to help protect Leo from the Grimaldi's. With the reach of the Grimaldi's being so large Leo worries whether or not he can trust Rich's buddies. This puts Rich in an awkward position and has him questioning who to trust as well.
Overall, a nice finish to the end of Leo and Rich's story. Finally closing the door on the Grimaldi crime family and giving Leo and Rich the closest thing to a HEA.
3.5 stars
This time around Rich enlist some of his old marine buddies to help protect Leo from the Grimaldi's. With the reach of the Grimaldi's being so large Leo worries whether or not he can trust Rich's buddies. This puts Rich in an awkward position and has him questioning who to trust as well.
Overall, a nice finish to the end of Leo and Rich's story. Finally closing the door on the Grimaldi crime family and giving Leo and Rich the closest thing to a HEA.
August 31, 2019
This was a so-so read for me. Despite the action and a bit of suspense, all I read was a bunch of men in forced proximity getting on each other's nerves, oh and a cute cat Inigo. It just didn't grip me. I really didn't care for most of the characters, and the intense feelings both MCs had were a bit far-fetched. I wish I liked it more. *sigh*
August 9, 2019
4,5 stars!
June 3, 2024
Voto: 4.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI LADY MARMELADE
Giuro che non l’ho fatto apposta!
Davvero non me ne sono resa conto, come l’altra volta!
Cosa ho fatto? Beh… al momento di mettere nero su bianco le mie opinioni su questo secondo e ultimo volume della serie, mi sono accorta che anche stavolta tutte le citazioni che ho scelto sono pervenute da uno solo dei protagonisti!
Con una piccola differenza: questa volta è stato il turno di Rich!
h già, la volta scorsa ho empatizzato con Leo, a caccia di vendetta per aver perso il suo innamorato, mentre stavolta Rich ha catturato tutta la mia attenzione.
Non poteva essere che altrimenti, visto il proseguo della storia e la scesa in campo della cavalleria, ovvero gli ex commilitoni di Rich.
I nostri eroi sono ancora in fuga e l’unica soluzione è nascondersi dentro l’ex sito missilistico dove vive Smitty, il complottista già conosciuto nello scorso volume.
Stavolta però sono pronti e armati fino ai denti per contrastare la controffensiva della famiglia mafiosa da cui Leo è fuggito.
Nessuno si fida di lui però, solo Rich non ha più dubbi sul ragazzo, forse perché ha finalmente ammesso di essersi innamorato di lui.
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI LADY MARMELADE
Giuro che non l’ho fatto apposta!
Davvero non me ne sono resa conto, come l’altra volta!
Cosa ho fatto? Beh… al momento di mettere nero su bianco le mie opinioni su questo secondo e ultimo volume della serie, mi sono accorta che anche stavolta tutte le citazioni che ho scelto sono pervenute da uno solo dei protagonisti!
Con una piccola differenza: questa volta è stato il turno di Rich!
h già, la volta scorsa ho empatizzato con Leo, a caccia di vendetta per aver perso il suo innamorato, mentre stavolta Rich ha catturato tutta la mia attenzione.
Non poteva essere che altrimenti, visto il proseguo della storia e la scesa in campo della cavalleria, ovvero gli ex commilitoni di Rich.
I nostri eroi sono ancora in fuga e l’unica soluzione è nascondersi dentro l’ex sito missilistico dove vive Smitty, il complottista già conosciuto nello scorso volume.
Stavolta però sono pronti e armati fino ai denti per contrastare la controffensiva della famiglia mafiosa da cui Leo è fuggito.
Nessuno si fida di lui però, solo Rich non ha più dubbi sul ragazzo, forse perché ha finalmente ammesso di essersi innamorato di lui.
Continua sul nostro blog!
December 13, 2021
I'm going to review this two as a whole book because these are more like a big book split in two than two separate stories. Well, this wasn't for me after all. I should have suspected it because I don't have a good track record with L. A. Witt and once I started I knew this has the potential to be a complete mess, but I was amused at first. Then the telefilm vibe, the plot holes, the insta everything and the over the top situations got the best of me and I ended up bored out of my mind. Not for me after all.
February 24, 2022
Great Ending😍
April 15, 2020
Action-packed greatness is what this was and I loved every bit of it!
Not really in the mood for a long review but its definitely worth the read.
Recommended
Not really in the mood for a long review but its definitely worth the read.
Recommended
January 26, 2026
It was fun. A lot of action. A lot of murder. But they love each other and are with each other at the end.
A good time was had.
I enjoyed the audiobook narrator too!
A good time was had.
I enjoyed the audiobook narrator too!
July 28, 2019
3.5 Stars
Following closely from where “Double or Nothing” ended, DOUBLE DOWN detailed (former Marine) Deputy US Marshall Rich Cody and hacker Leotrim Nicolosi next course of action to evade vengeance-bound mobsters. They holed up at Rich’s friend’s place on remote Colorado mountains and calling up the cavalries for enforcement. While the Rich trusted his former teammates, Leo and the Marines didn’t exactly feel the same way toward one another and it seemed Grimaldi’s men were closing in on them.
As a requisite installment, DOUBLE DOWN presented way of tying up loose ends that’s been left hanging on Leo vs Grimaldi case (from the previous book). It also dug deeper into our leading men’s psyche, particularly Rich who suffered from (practically untreated) ptsd. The arrival of his Marines mates added to the whole drama and suspense, deftly span by Z-Witt in a blend of goofing around and emotional disputes. If “Double or Nothing” got me questioned people Rich/Leo met or paid a visit, this book (where our MC had to live with having a number of “strangers” under the same roof) had me contacted Leo’s suspicions and didn’t stop suspecting each of Rich’s friends. Especially when some of them appeared a bit hostile toward Rich .
That said, with so many (additional) supporting characters and varied backstory, there was not enough room to accommodate everyone’s development. It probably lent the air of mystery so (readers) could keep guessing on where the leak coming from, but for me it raise iffy questions not only to these Marines’ supposedly good instinct and capability compared to that of civilians (notice that I put plural on the later).
On the romance front, it was not as sizzling as the previous book but no less emotional - what’s with the trust issue when affections already involved. To say this was an insta-love sort of thing felt like a disservice; given the time frame, the magnitude of attachment, and situation, I’m torn between frowning or giving a nod to Rich and Leo. Then there’s also the issue with a couple of loose ends that seemed magically solved as an aside (when Leo’s original dispute was actually with that person). Personally, I felt as if the authors ran out of time (or pages) rehashing the brotherhood and just set ballpark of pertinent points. The closing was certainly a leap of faith. Bot that I’m begrudging these guys their happy ending; but even with the length this novel had to me it still missed some ingredient that could draw me more into the story as the prequel had. It was still a fun, action-packed, emotional ride though. I just wasn’t as invested as I thought I would be.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Following closely from where “Double or Nothing” ended, DOUBLE DOWN detailed (former Marine) Deputy US Marshall Rich Cody and hacker Leotrim Nicolosi next course of action to evade vengeance-bound mobsters. They holed up at Rich’s friend’s place on remote Colorado mountains and calling up the cavalries for enforcement. While the Rich trusted his former teammates, Leo and the Marines didn’t exactly feel the same way toward one another and it seemed Grimaldi’s men were closing in on them.
As a requisite installment, DOUBLE DOWN presented way of tying up loose ends that’s been left hanging on Leo vs Grimaldi case (from the previous book). It also dug deeper into our leading men’s psyche, particularly Rich who suffered from (practically untreated) ptsd. The arrival of his Marines mates added to the whole drama and suspense, deftly span by Z-Witt in a blend of goofing around and emotional disputes. If “Double or Nothing” got me questioned people Rich/Leo met or paid a visit, this book (where our MC had to live with having a number of “strangers” under the same roof) had me contacted Leo’s suspicions and didn’t stop suspecting each of Rich’s friends. Especially when some of them appeared a bit hostile toward Rich .
That said, with so many (additional) supporting characters and varied backstory, there was not enough room to accommodate everyone’s development. It probably lent the air of mystery so (readers) could keep guessing on where the leak coming from, but for me it raise iffy questions not only to these Marines’ supposedly good instinct and capability compared to that of civilians (notice that I put plural on the later).
On the romance front, it was not as sizzling as the previous book but no less emotional - what’s with the trust issue when affections already involved. To say this was an insta-love sort of thing felt like a disservice; given the time frame, the magnitude of attachment, and situation, I’m torn between frowning or giving a nod to Rich and Leo. Then there’s also the issue with a couple of loose ends that seemed magically solved as an aside (when Leo’s original dispute was actually with that person). Personally, I felt as if the authors ran out of time (or pages) rehashing the brotherhood and just set ballpark of pertinent points. The closing was certainly a leap of faith. Bot that I’m begrudging these guys their happy ending; but even with the length this novel had to me it still missed some ingredient that could draw me more into the story as the prequel had. It was still a fun, action-packed, emotional ride though. I just wasn’t as invested as I thought I would be.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2019
ABSURD FUCKING BOOK!!!
THE AUTHORS ABSOLUTELY OBLITERATED/DESTROYED/ANNIHILATED THIS ONE FOR ME!! SOME OF THE SUB-PLOTS AND PLOT-DEVICES ... ABSOLUTELY STUPID, ABSURD, AND FUCKING LUDICROUS!!! NEGATIVE AN INFINITE AMOUNT OF STARS FOR THIS ONE, just because of everything that happened here, and also for making me waste my fucking time!!! I'm going to dock a star from the first book too, just because THIS book pissed me off as much as I did!! Fuck around with a book and the rating will absolutely suffer!!!! And that's what happened in this book, absolute and complete BULLFUCKERY!!!!!!!! NO EXCUSE FOR JD OR LUCKY ... BOTH DESERVE 10 TIMES THE JAIL TIME ANYONE ELSE MIGHT HAVE GOTTEN [dude, I am so pissed of, I say LIFETIME], JUST BECAUSE OF EVERYTHING THAT TRANSPIRED AND WHO THEY WERE!!! And HELLOOOO these guys were your combat buddies, people you bond with for life ... JD SHOULD have told them everything, trust them, leaned on them, relied on them LIKE IN FUCKING COMBAT, and they could have figured something out!! THIS route was absolute bonkers and so fucking ludicrous, and very much a spit in the face of ... well so many things, I am really fucking royally pissed off!!!!
SUPER HARD LIMIT HAS BEEN REACHED HERE!!!
Note: I'm former military; having spent several years IN a combat environment/zone, so this book REEEAAAAALLY rubbed me the wrong way!!
Once again, everything that happened here = TOTAL BULLFUCKERY ... and it's all on the authors for this one, in terms of destroying this book/duology for me!!!!!!!!!!
THE AUTHORS ABSOLUTELY OBLITERATED/DESTROYED/ANNIHILATED THIS ONE FOR ME!! SOME OF THE SUB-PLOTS AND PLOT-DEVICES ... ABSOLUTELY STUPID, ABSURD, AND FUCKING LUDICROUS!!! NEGATIVE AN INFINITE AMOUNT OF STARS FOR THIS ONE, just because of everything that happened here, and also for making me waste my fucking time!!! I'm going to dock a star from the first book too, just because THIS book pissed me off as much as I did!! Fuck around with a book and the rating will absolutely suffer!!!! And that's what happened in this book, absolute and complete BULLFUCKERY!!!!!!!! NO EXCUSE FOR JD OR LUCKY ... BOTH DESERVE 10 TIMES THE JAIL TIME ANYONE ELSE MIGHT HAVE GOTTEN [dude, I am so pissed of, I say LIFETIME], JUST BECAUSE OF EVERYTHING THAT TRANSPIRED AND WHO THEY WERE!!! And HELLOOOO these guys were your combat buddies, people you bond with for life ... JD SHOULD have told them everything, trust them, leaned on them, relied on them LIKE IN FUCKING COMBAT, and they could have figured something out!! THIS route was absolute bonkers and so fucking ludicrous, and very much a spit in the face of ... well so many things, I am really fucking royally pissed off!!!!
SUPER HARD LIMIT HAS BEEN REACHED HERE!!!
Note: I'm former military; having spent several years IN a combat environment/zone, so this book REEEAAAAALLY rubbed me the wrong way!!
Once again, everything that happened here = TOTAL BULLFUCKERY ... and it's all on the authors for this one, in terms of destroying this book/duology for me!!!!!!!!!!
June 1, 2020
Leo and Rich are off the gird, finally able to squeeze some time together that doesn't include bleeding or running.
But nothing lasts. Their one constant has been their trust for one another, and that's tested in Doubling Down .
Everyone is closing in on each other and the pressure is up. The Grimaldi crime family barely holding on, the Marshall's office scrambling to clean house, Leo and Rich hunkered down preparing to fight with every arsenal at their disposal.
Things get intense and the resolve is that much sweeter.
I loved the HEA in this book, I only wish it was longer and got a lengtly glimpse of their lives in the sun. Alas, it was still the perfect ending and this was a well told story.
Though of course if Cari Z and L.A.Witt happen to write a novella titled Leo & Rich Life-after, I would be on it so fast. Sigh, wishful thinking.
"We've been through hell together. All I want is a chance to love you when the sun's out."
But nothing lasts. Their one constant has been their trust for one another, and that's tested in Doubling Down .
Everyone is closing in on each other and the pressure is up. The Grimaldi crime family barely holding on, the Marshall's office scrambling to clean house, Leo and Rich hunkered down preparing to fight with every arsenal at their disposal.
Things get intense and the resolve is that much sweeter.
I loved the HEA in this book, I only wish it was longer and got a lengtly glimpse of their lives in the sun. Alas, it was still the perfect ending and this was a well told story.
Though of course if Cari Z and L.A.Witt happen to write a novella titled Leo & Rich Life-after, I would be on it so fast. Sigh, wishful thinking.
"We've been through hell together. All I want is a chance to love you when the sun's out."
July 5, 2024
Nayeli - per RFS
.
Nel libro precedente, una serie di vicende d’azione ha portato Leo (coinvolto nel sistema di protezione testimoni) e Rich (agente Marshall incaricato della sua sicurezza) alla fuga, dopo la decisione dell’hacker di collaborare contro l’organizzazione mafiosa di cui aveva fatto parte. Alcune retate e arresti hanno decimato le figure ai vertici, ma le sue radici sono infiltrate ovunque, perfino nell’agenzia federale e tra i colleghi di Rich, e probabilmente ora sono tutti sulle loro tracce.
Il libro si apre con i protagonisti che scappano in cerca di un posto sicuro in cui rifugiarsi in attesa del processo, e lo troveranno presso il bunker missilistico di un ex commilitone. La trama si svolgerà interamente in questa ambientazione, dove presto i nostri uomini verranno raggiunti dall’intera squadra di ex marine, compagni d’armi che Rich considera come fratelli.
Forse non stavo dando loro il giusto merito, lo so, ma non ero dell’umore giusto. Niente nella vita sembrava più essere giusto: le persone che amavi morivano, quelle di cui ti fidavi ti tradivano e alla fine della giornata potevi davvero contare solo su te stesso. Dovevo ricordarmene, specialmente dopo l’arrivo dei Marine, quando Rich e i suoi amici avrebbero fatto comunella. Okay, forse… forse ero un po’ geloso.
Su questa convivenza forzata, in ambiente chiuso e sotto pericolo imminente, viene costruito un plot simile a una cena con delitto, in cui nessuno dei presenti (uomini armati, temibili e sospettosi per deformazione professionale) si fida degli altri, e ognuno dubita che possa nascondersi un traditore.
I marines hanno tra loro un rapporto molto solido, basato su prove di sangue e di guerra.
Leo però si fida solo di Rich: l’aver vissuto, a sua volta, in un’organizzazione gerarchica e violenta che rende fedeli gli uni agli altri dei perfetti sconosciuti che non necessariamente si piacciono, creando legami viscerali, di fratellanza tramite dimostrazioni sul campo che fanno la differenza tra la vita e la morte, lo aiuta a comprendere la natura dei rapporti del compagno con loro, ma nulla riesce a convincerlo a non essere paranoico, dopo tutto ciò che ha passato negli ultimi dieci giorni. Leo è molto abile nel leggere le personalità: questo l’ha tenuto in vita nella mafia, permettendogli di anticipare le reazioni e aiutandolo ad adeguare il proprio comportamento nelle varie situazioni. Gli consente di inquadrare le persone che ha di fronte, ma prima di concedere fiducia ha bisogno di tempo e di metterli alla prova.
«È tutto così… strano.» «Sono un gruppo di persone molto strane.» Ridacchiai. «Puoi dirlo forte. Come facevate a gestire personalità così diverse nel bel mezzo di un combattimento?» Alzò le spalle. «Come ci riesce ogni comandante?» «Nella mafia… con la paura,» risposi in modo diretto. «O segui gli ordini o finisci ammazzato.»
Dal canto loro, gli ex marines darebbero la vita per un compagno, che più volte sul campo ha fatto lo stesso, ma non sono certi che valga la pena rischiare la pelle per uno come Leo, un mafioso che ha fatto scelte sbagliate ed è invischiato in cose illecite.
Rich è l’anello di congiunzione tra tutti: da un lato gli amici per cui ha versato sangue e che ne hanno versato per lui, dall’altro un ragazzo con cui è scattato qualcosa non più di una decina di giorni prima. A prescindere dai propri sentimenti, comunque, la protezione di Leo è anche una missione che gli è stata affidata dall’agenzia, per cui non dovrebbe essere messa in discussione né comportare una scelta.
Nessuno mi aveva mai guardato in quel modo. Come se fosse terrorizzato all’idea di non incontrarmi mai più. Era stato come fissare dritto in uno specchio che rifletteva tutte le mie peggiori paure. Abbiamo passato l’inferno insieme. Tutto ciò che voglio è la possibilità di amarti alla luce del sole.
L’atmosfera di sospetto che cresce dentro al bunker si alimenta sempre più, fino a moltiplicare il senso di pericolo con la sensazione di essere circondati e traditi. Nel complesso, si tratta di un delizioso libro di azione, con la particolarità che l’adrenalina e la suspense sono per la maggior parte trattenute, sospese, sembrano più che altro sfrigolare attorno ai personaggi alimentate dall’attesa per qualcosa di esplosivo.
Ho apprezzato molto anche l’approfondimento sul passato di Rich, il suo disturbo da stress post traumatico, e l’analogia con la paura e la sensazione di essere braccato di Leo. Le similitudini tra organizzazione militare e mafiosa, tra essere commilitoni e compagni d’armi nella malavita. I due uomini hanno una personalità dura ma allo stesso tempo non priva di sensibilità e vulnerabilità, cosa che rende la lettura molto piacevole.
.
Nel libro precedente, una serie di vicende d’azione ha portato Leo (coinvolto nel sistema di protezione testimoni) e Rich (agente Marshall incaricato della sua sicurezza) alla fuga, dopo la decisione dell’hacker di collaborare contro l’organizzazione mafiosa di cui aveva fatto parte. Alcune retate e arresti hanno decimato le figure ai vertici, ma le sue radici sono infiltrate ovunque, perfino nell’agenzia federale e tra i colleghi di Rich, e probabilmente ora sono tutti sulle loro tracce.
Il libro si apre con i protagonisti che scappano in cerca di un posto sicuro in cui rifugiarsi in attesa del processo, e lo troveranno presso il bunker missilistico di un ex commilitone. La trama si svolgerà interamente in questa ambientazione, dove presto i nostri uomini verranno raggiunti dall’intera squadra di ex marine, compagni d’armi che Rich considera come fratelli.
Forse non stavo dando loro il giusto merito, lo so, ma non ero dell’umore giusto. Niente nella vita sembrava più essere giusto: le persone che amavi morivano, quelle di cui ti fidavi ti tradivano e alla fine della giornata potevi davvero contare solo su te stesso. Dovevo ricordarmene, specialmente dopo l’arrivo dei Marine, quando Rich e i suoi amici avrebbero fatto comunella. Okay, forse… forse ero un po’ geloso.
Su questa convivenza forzata, in ambiente chiuso e sotto pericolo imminente, viene costruito un plot simile a una cena con delitto, in cui nessuno dei presenti (uomini armati, temibili e sospettosi per deformazione professionale) si fida degli altri, e ognuno dubita che possa nascondersi un traditore.
I marines hanno tra loro un rapporto molto solido, basato su prove di sangue e di guerra.
Leo però si fida solo di Rich: l’aver vissuto, a sua volta, in un’organizzazione gerarchica e violenta che rende fedeli gli uni agli altri dei perfetti sconosciuti che non necessariamente si piacciono, creando legami viscerali, di fratellanza tramite dimostrazioni sul campo che fanno la differenza tra la vita e la morte, lo aiuta a comprendere la natura dei rapporti del compagno con loro, ma nulla riesce a convincerlo a non essere paranoico, dopo tutto ciò che ha passato negli ultimi dieci giorni. Leo è molto abile nel leggere le personalità: questo l’ha tenuto in vita nella mafia, permettendogli di anticipare le reazioni e aiutandolo ad adeguare il proprio comportamento nelle varie situazioni. Gli consente di inquadrare le persone che ha di fronte, ma prima di concedere fiducia ha bisogno di tempo e di metterli alla prova.
«È tutto così… strano.» «Sono un gruppo di persone molto strane.» Ridacchiai. «Puoi dirlo forte. Come facevate a gestire personalità così diverse nel bel mezzo di un combattimento?» Alzò le spalle. «Come ci riesce ogni comandante?» «Nella mafia… con la paura,» risposi in modo diretto. «O segui gli ordini o finisci ammazzato.»
Dal canto loro, gli ex marines darebbero la vita per un compagno, che più volte sul campo ha fatto lo stesso, ma non sono certi che valga la pena rischiare la pelle per uno come Leo, un mafioso che ha fatto scelte sbagliate ed è invischiato in cose illecite.
Rich è l’anello di congiunzione tra tutti: da un lato gli amici per cui ha versato sangue e che ne hanno versato per lui, dall’altro un ragazzo con cui è scattato qualcosa non più di una decina di giorni prima. A prescindere dai propri sentimenti, comunque, la protezione di Leo è anche una missione che gli è stata affidata dall’agenzia, per cui non dovrebbe essere messa in discussione né comportare una scelta.
Nessuno mi aveva mai guardato in quel modo. Come se fosse terrorizzato all’idea di non incontrarmi mai più. Era stato come fissare dritto in uno specchio che rifletteva tutte le mie peggiori paure. Abbiamo passato l’inferno insieme. Tutto ciò che voglio è la possibilità di amarti alla luce del sole.
L’atmosfera di sospetto che cresce dentro al bunker si alimenta sempre più, fino a moltiplicare il senso di pericolo con la sensazione di essere circondati e traditi. Nel complesso, si tratta di un delizioso libro di azione, con la particolarità che l’adrenalina e la suspense sono per la maggior parte trattenute, sospese, sembrano più che altro sfrigolare attorno ai personaggi alimentate dall’attesa per qualcosa di esplosivo.
Ho apprezzato molto anche l’approfondimento sul passato di Rich, il suo disturbo da stress post traumatico, e l’analogia con la paura e la sensazione di essere braccato di Leo. Le similitudini tra organizzazione militare e mafiosa, tra essere commilitoni e compagni d’armi nella malavita. I due uomini hanno una personalità dura ma allo stesso tempo non priva di sensibilità e vulnerabilità, cosa che rende la lettura molto piacevole.
October 20, 2021
3.5 stars for the story, 4 for the narration.
Good conclusion to the story; strong performance from Nick J. Russo, although the accent adopted for the Irish hitman was a) not Irish and b) painful.
Good conclusion to the story; strong performance from Nick J. Russo, although the accent adopted for the Irish hitman was a) not Irish and b) painful.
September 15, 2019
Rich and Leo may have managed to stay alive so far, but the danger posed by the Grimaldi family is far from over. With the trial approaching, things are likely to come to a head soon, and unsure whom they can trust, the two of them hunker down at Smitty's well fortified compound. For additional protection, Rich insists on calling in his former Marine buddies, a move that Leo unsurprisingly is far from thrilled at. Tensions between Leo and the Marines soon threaten to erupt, leaving Rich stuck between a rock and a hard place, torn between the team he went through the hell of war with and the man he's coming to love - and all the while, enemies are closing in.
An excellent conclusion to this duology - high stakes, steamy goodness, lots of action, and while there was also lots of drama that occasionally threatened to get a little too much, it never quite crossed that line.
An excellent conclusion to this duology - high stakes, steamy goodness, lots of action, and while there was also lots of drama that occasionally threatened to get a little too much, it never quite crossed that line.
August 17, 2019
Love this Series.
L.A. With knows how to write an attention gripping story. Her partnership with Cari Z just makes for a fantastic series. READ BOOK ONE FIRST! Sizzling chemistry between Leo and Rich. Not a realistic Marshall story but who the --- cares. It is a good read that I did not want to put down
L.A. With knows how to write an attention gripping story. Her partnership with Cari Z just makes for a fantastic series. READ BOOK ONE FIRST! Sizzling chemistry between Leo and Rich. Not a realistic Marshall story but who the --- cares. It is a good read that I did not want to put down
August 1, 2019
Good & fitting HEA
August 2, 2019
Brillaint conclusion
Great conclusion to a great story loved that Rich and Leo got their happy ending. Great action and fast paced!
Great conclusion to a great story loved that Rich and Leo got their happy ending. Great action and fast paced!
January 16, 2026
This is partly my fault for why I didn't enjoy this as much as I hoped; I really thought I remembered what happened in the first book but then I started this and immediately went who are these peopel and still kept reading. Despite that, I still enjoyed the suspense and action in this one a lot! And I also had great time while I got to know these characters for the second time, though I feel like there were a few too many of the side marines and they all kinda just blurred into one for me.
I am also not the biggest fan of how this all ended, it felt a bit anticlimatic to me after everything. All in all, enjoyable read still.
I am also not the biggest fan of how this all ended, it felt a bit anticlimatic to me after everything. All in all, enjoyable read still.
February 1, 2020
Hold on tight
This was the conclusion of the first book and boy did it not disappoint. We picked up with the two headed back to the safe house and everything that ensued after. Wow! I really enjoyed watching the two struggle with their trust. I loved watching that with that struggle they grew closer and fell in love.
The suspense was everything I love, the writing was perfect and the story kept me on my toes. The side characters were amazing good and bad and the ending was perfect
This was the conclusion of the first book and boy did it not disappoint. We picked up with the two headed back to the safe house and everything that ensued after. Wow! I really enjoyed watching the two struggle with their trust. I loved watching that with that struggle they grew closer and fell in love.
The suspense was everything I love, the writing was perfect and the story kept me on my toes. The side characters were amazing good and bad and the ending was perfect
August 4, 2019
My main issue with the previous installment was Rich and Leo's relationship wasn't resolved in a "proper" way. I don't mind a HFN, but I couldn't feel a real couple when the book ended which made me feel a bit disappointed. I LOVED the book and really wished for a bit more from these two so I imagine how happy I was when this book was magically released!
I've been a slow reader the past month with too much going on in my life, so when I FINALLY sat down to read yesterday I wasn't sure how much I'll manage before I drop unconscious. Turns out I had more juice then I realized as I simply COULD NOT put this book down. I finished the book near 4 a.m. with burning eyes (let's not talk about how tired I was today...) with a HUGE smile on my face. NOW I didn't even need to close my eyes to imagine a beautiful future for Rich and Leo.
This book starts right around the time the previous one ended. While the guy who tried to kill Leo - Matteo Grimaldi was captured by the police, papa Grimaldi might be old but since it's PERSONAL he wasn't about to accept Leo's betrayal (as well as his daughter's..). Leo and Rich are still at a loss with who to trust with the police and Marshals so Rich turns to his old Marines team for backup hoping it'll be enough hiding together in the silo of one of his teammates (where they hid in the previous installment as well). This time they are ready for battle! Yet the old friendship, the obsolete trust is somehow not really there. Rich WANTS to trust his old team, as he wants to trust Leo, but Leo's general distrust of the guys and his own behavior Rich doesn't approve of makes it even harder to have a united front.
It was a fast paced read. Even when they were just sitting doing nothing there was still a lot going on, between Rich and his team, naturally between Leo and Rich who were TRYING to build something together even if they aren't sure what exactly, there's also Gianna Grimaldi. She was simply a TREAT. I loved everything about the woman. She was POWERFUL. She was born into the mafia so she could more than handle herself but she was also a really good person. She truly wanted her brother and Leo to be happy together unlike her father and brother who wouldn't have it. She was smart and cunning and in a way an almost motherly figure or just a big sister for Leo. The no-nonsense kind who pushed you to fight for what you want.
This book wasn't long but it delivered exactly what the previous book lacked - a real closure to the Grimaldi sage - yeah, but more importantly a feeling Leo and Rich were able to build something real and they were willing to do what it takes to take it to the next step and make a future out of it. Hopefully with no fear of flying bullets.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. MUST be read after the first installment.
More Reviews HERE
I've been a slow reader the past month with too much going on in my life, so when I FINALLY sat down to read yesterday I wasn't sure how much I'll manage before I drop unconscious. Turns out I had more juice then I realized as I simply COULD NOT put this book down. I finished the book near 4 a.m. with burning eyes (let's not talk about how tired I was today...) with a HUGE smile on my face. NOW I didn't even need to close my eyes to imagine a beautiful future for Rich and Leo.
This book starts right around the time the previous one ended. While the guy who tried to kill Leo - Matteo Grimaldi was captured by the police, papa Grimaldi might be old but since it's PERSONAL he wasn't about to accept Leo's betrayal (as well as his daughter's..). Leo and Rich are still at a loss with who to trust with the police and Marshals so Rich turns to his old Marines team for backup hoping it'll be enough hiding together in the silo of one of his teammates (where they hid in the previous installment as well). This time they are ready for battle! Yet the old friendship, the obsolete trust is somehow not really there. Rich WANTS to trust his old team, as he wants to trust Leo, but Leo's general distrust of the guys and his own behavior Rich doesn't approve of makes it even harder to have a united front.
It was a fast paced read. Even when they were just sitting doing nothing there was still a lot going on, between Rich and his team, naturally between Leo and Rich who were TRYING to build something together even if they aren't sure what exactly, there's also Gianna Grimaldi. She was simply a TREAT. I loved everything about the woman. She was POWERFUL. She was born into the mafia so she could more than handle herself but she was also a really good person. She truly wanted her brother and Leo to be happy together unlike her father and brother who wouldn't have it. She was smart and cunning and in a way an almost motherly figure or just a big sister for Leo. The no-nonsense kind who pushed you to fight for what you want.
This book wasn't long but it delivered exactly what the previous book lacked - a real closure to the Grimaldi sage - yeah, but more importantly a feeling Leo and Rich were able to build something real and they were willing to do what it takes to take it to the next step and make a future out of it. Hopefully with no fear of flying bullets.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. MUST be read after the first installment.
More Reviews HERE
April 8, 2020
3.5 stars
Sometimes you have to be in the right mood zone to read a book. This one had been sitting on my virtual library since last year, when it was released, but I haven't had the urge to read it until now. Suddenly I picked it up and I finished it in a day.
On the good part, Doubling Down is fast-paced, with more threats thrown onto Rich and Leo's way, most notably a possible traitor within Rich's bands of Marine brothers. I was very much amused with Leo's snark and his friendship with Rich's friend's cat. Oh, and Gianna Grimaldi is effing awesome.
On the not-so good part... Rich's Marine brothers. Honestly, for Marines, I think they don't show the capability and competency that I would like. They gets their asses handed to them by civilians. And Rich doesn't impress either; so much for being a Marshall whose job is to protect the witness *shakes head*
Verdict: enjoyable enough
Sometimes you have to be in the right mood zone to read a book. This one had been sitting on my virtual library since last year, when it was released, but I haven't had the urge to read it until now. Suddenly I picked it up and I finished it in a day.
On the good part, Doubling Down is fast-paced, with more threats thrown onto Rich and Leo's way, most notably a possible traitor within Rich's bands of Marine brothers. I was very much amused with Leo's snark and his friendship with Rich's friend's cat. Oh, and Gianna Grimaldi is effing awesome.
On the not-so good part... Rich's Marine brothers. Honestly, for Marines, I think they don't show the capability and competency that I would like. They gets their asses handed to them by civilians. And Rich doesn't impress either; so much for being a Marshall whose job is to protect the witness *shakes head*
Verdict: enjoyable enough
August 25, 2019
What a roller coaster ride! Lots of stuff happened, and it was hard to know who was on whose side (and when). The romance was solid, Rich and Leo had each other's back all the way.
What I didn't like as much was the stuff that happened after Rich got shot. It was not necessary to stretch out the fallout that much - it was clearly obvious (especially if one had read Double or Nothing) that the guys would get together afterward.
And WTH? What was the cat's name?
What I didn't like as much was the stuff that happened after Rich got shot. It was not necessary to stretch out the fallout that much - it was clearly obvious (especially if one had read Double or Nothing) that the guys would get together afterward.
And WTH? What was the cat's name?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2019
Doubling Down!
Total Rating: 3.1 Stars out of 5
Rating Review Rollout:
(1) Blurb vs Story matchup: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(2) Character Development: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(3) Danger/Drama/Thrills/Chills: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(4) Editing/Proofreading: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(5) Entertainment Value: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(6) Feeling the Words: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(7) Flow of the Story: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(8) Keeps my Attention: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(9) MC Appeal: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(10) MC Backstory: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(11) MC Chemistry: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(12) MC Love Connection: 2 🌟🌟
(13) Plot Worthiness: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(14) Sexy Sex Scenes: 2 🌟🌟
(15) Wrap Up of Loose Ends: 3 🌟🌟🌟
Total Rating: 3.1 Stars out of 5
Rating Review Rollout:
(1) Blurb vs Story matchup: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(2) Character Development: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(3) Danger/Drama/Thrills/Chills: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(4) Editing/Proofreading: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(5) Entertainment Value: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(6) Feeling the Words: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(7) Flow of the Story: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(8) Keeps my Attention: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(9) MC Appeal: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(10) MC Backstory: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(11) MC Chemistry: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(12) MC Love Connection: 2 🌟🌟
(13) Plot Worthiness: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(14) Sexy Sex Scenes: 2 🌟🌟
(15) Wrap Up of Loose Ends: 3 🌟🌟🌟
August 2, 2019
Solid story
Good collaborative story. I’ve never read a story by Cari Z. I liked the pacing, the conflict between the characters. Good solid story.
Good collaborative story. I’ve never read a story by Cari Z. I liked the pacing, the conflict between the characters. Good solid story.
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