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Beaufort Poker Club #5
Not in the Cards
Not in the Cards is book 5 in The Beaufort Poker Club. This series MUST be read in order. Start with book one, Poker Face!
_________________________
Melissa
I was done with internet matches and swiping left and right. The dating pool needed a lifeguard. But just when I decided that love wasn’t in the cards for me, the boy I’d always had a crush on walked into my ER and flashed a smile that told me he wasn’t letting me slip away. I just had to keep his sister’s secret a little longer.
Jason
The military was my ticket out of Beaufort, North Carolina. After a career of flying fighter jets for the Navy, I rolled back into my hometown and found the one who got away twenty years ago: my sister’s best friend.
_________________________
Not in the Cards is the fifth book in the Beaufort Poker Club series. Get ready for a feels-packed love story with a fairy tale happily ever after, and some moments that are so hot they’ll melt your Kindle! For a note regarding sensitive topics in Not in the Cards, please see the preface of the book.
_________________________
Melissa
I was done with internet matches and swiping left and right. The dating pool needed a lifeguard. But just when I decided that love wasn’t in the cards for me, the boy I’d always had a crush on walked into my ER and flashed a smile that told me he wasn’t letting me slip away. I just had to keep his sister’s secret a little longer.
Jason
The military was my ticket out of Beaufort, North Carolina. After a career of flying fighter jets for the Navy, I rolled back into my hometown and found the one who got away twenty years ago: my sister’s best friend.
_________________________
Not in the Cards is the fifth book in the Beaufort Poker Club series. Get ready for a feels-packed love story with a fairy tale happily ever after, and some moments that are so hot they’ll melt your Kindle! For a note regarding sensitive topics in Not in the Cards, please see the preface of the book.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
306 people are currently reading
1469 people want to read
About the author
Maggie C. Gates
24 books2,269 followersMaggie Gates writes raw, relatable, romance novels packed full of heat and humor. Maggie calls North Carolina home. In her spare time she enjoys daydreaming about her characters, jamming to country music, and eating all the barbecue and tacos she can find! Her Kindle is always within reach due to a love of small town romances that borders on obsession.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
February 18, 2022
When I tell you this book took me by surprise.. I literally mean that in the best ways.
Maggie had me seeing Mel in a whole new light. She is a bad ass. Mel is the kind of friend who will be there cleaning your dishes and taking care of you when you feel like shit, she'd be your number one supporter and motivator. Strong. Smart. Caring. Passionate. Adventurous. The kind of woman we all aim to be.
Mel is everyone else's shoulder to cry on and the one they all go to for support. So it's no surprise at all when Jase comes storming back into town after not seeing her for years, and see's the stunning woman his little sisters best friend has grown into and is instantly back to crushing on her.
Jase has no filter in his thoughts, so the moment he falls in love, he accepts it fully. He has a way with taking control in the best and hottest ways and is more than comfortable in his own skin to tell Melissa his plans for their future (both in the long run and when they get to the bed room)
If you have read the first 4 in the series.. you know Maggie doesn't hold back on spice. The men in her books know what they want and don't shy fro the details.. but oh my lanta.. Jase? He is the KING of dirty talk.
I loved book 5 and the ending had me IN TEARS. I absolutely cannot wait for Betting Man!
Maggie had me seeing Mel in a whole new light. She is a bad ass. Mel is the kind of friend who will be there cleaning your dishes and taking care of you when you feel like shit, she'd be your number one supporter and motivator. Strong. Smart. Caring. Passionate. Adventurous. The kind of woman we all aim to be.
Mel is everyone else's shoulder to cry on and the one they all go to for support. So it's no surprise at all when Jase comes storming back into town after not seeing her for years, and see's the stunning woman his little sisters best friend has grown into and is instantly back to crushing on her.
Jase has no filter in his thoughts, so the moment he falls in love, he accepts it fully. He has a way with taking control in the best and hottest ways and is more than comfortable in his own skin to tell Melissa his plans for their future (both in the long run and when they get to the bed room)
If you have read the first 4 in the series.. you know Maggie doesn't hold back on spice. The men in her books know what they want and don't shy fro the details.. but oh my lanta.. Jase? He is the KING of dirty talk.
I loved book 5 and the ending had me IN TEARS. I absolutely cannot wait for Betting Man!
March 3, 2022
Not in the Cards is AVAILABLE NOW! I cannot wait for you all to dive in to Mel and Jase's happily ever after!
April 22, 2024
4.5 stars - “its always been you” RTC
February 18, 2022
Gah!!!! There is something about these books that just pull at my heart strings.
Being able to follow these friends book after book, with a new POV and love story each time, just makes these such a comfort read.
This story follows Jase and Mel. Childhood friends who grew up and spent 20 years apart. Jade comes home hoping to finally be the man Mel deserves, but she doesn’t make it easy.
Mel is INDEPENDENT, the ride or die best friend we all want, strong and fierce (she’s a nurse and a CrossFit competitor) and has spent her whole life looking after everyone else. Once Bee, Mel’s best friend and Jase’s sister gives each one her blessing to pursue their relationship, things heat up and I mean HEATTTTTT up!
This book is full of love, laughter, and SPICE! And I CANNOT wait for the final book in this series!
Being able to follow these friends book after book, with a new POV and love story each time, just makes these such a comfort read.
This story follows Jase and Mel. Childhood friends who grew up and spent 20 years apart. Jade comes home hoping to finally be the man Mel deserves, but she doesn’t make it easy.
Mel is INDEPENDENT, the ride or die best friend we all want, strong and fierce (she’s a nurse and a CrossFit competitor) and has spent her whole life looking after everyone else. Once Bee, Mel’s best friend and Jase’s sister gives each one her blessing to pursue their relationship, things heat up and I mean HEATTTTTT up!
This book is full of love, laughter, and SPICE! And I CANNOT wait for the final book in this series!
August 29, 2022
I received this arc for an honest review.
OMG! Maggie did it again with the Beaufort poker club. Not in the Cards delivered everything I was hoping for for Melissa’s story. We’re back in Beaufort, NC and this time, we are hanging out with Melissa and we meet Jason, Bridget’s older hot, tog gun fighter jet flying, brother. Mel and Jason have known each other since they were kids but it’s been about 20 years since Jason has graced Beaufort with his presence. Melissa and Jason connect and with a forced proximity trope, things get interesting. We get to check in with the other members of the poker club and that is all I will say about because I really don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. This was a great addition to the Beaufort series and I can NOT wait for the finale!
*as always, check TW, Maggie does a really good job with doing so, but just check them.
OMG! Maggie did it again with the Beaufort poker club. Not in the Cards delivered everything I was hoping for for Melissa’s story. We’re back in Beaufort, NC and this time, we are hanging out with Melissa and we meet Jason, Bridget’s older hot, tog gun fighter jet flying, brother. Mel and Jason have known each other since they were kids but it’s been about 20 years since Jason has graced Beaufort with his presence. Melissa and Jason connect and with a forced proximity trope, things get interesting. We get to check in with the other members of the poker club and that is all I will say about because I really don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. This was a great addition to the Beaufort series and I can NOT wait for the finale!
*as always, check TW, Maggie does a really good job with doing so, but just check them.
July 29, 2022
I like the book but at the same time it was really hard for me to connect with Melissa. I don’t care what anyone says. She let her friend go through that for months and never reported it. That’s just not OK in my book. And I think it makes her weak
March 28, 2025
I’m not gonna leave my bed until I finish this series. Let me rot in peace.
April 8, 2025
I honestly just skimmed this to get to book six 😬
December 20, 2023
OMG! I am not ok!!
Maggie Gates’ Poker Club series is addictive and I cannot seem to stop reading it. I mean it’s a busy time of the year and yet I’m finding myself either reading or listening to these books.
This is Mel’s story, but it is so much more than that. I have had some suspicions about some characters for a while now, and I found out I was correct, I was also caught a bit off guard with the ending. I mean Mel gets her HEA, but the story is not over and the cliffhanger is going to shock you. But thankfully book 6 is available.
Maggie has a talent that I am so glad I’m not missing out on it. I only have 1 more book to go, and I am diving right in! I HAVE to know what happens next!!
Do not sleep on this series!!! Read them all and read them in order!!
1. Poker Face
2. Wild Card
3. Square Deal
4. In Spades
5. Not in the cards
6. Betting Man
Maggie Gates’ Poker Club series is addictive and I cannot seem to stop reading it. I mean it’s a busy time of the year and yet I’m finding myself either reading or listening to these books.
This is Mel’s story, but it is so much more than that. I have had some suspicions about some characters for a while now, and I found out I was correct, I was also caught a bit off guard with the ending. I mean Mel gets her HEA, but the story is not over and the cliffhanger is going to shock you. But thankfully book 6 is available.
Maggie has a talent that I am so glad I’m not missing out on it. I only have 1 more book to go, and I am diving right in! I HAVE to know what happens next!!
Do not sleep on this series!!! Read them all and read them in order!!
1. Poker Face
2. Wild Card
3. Square Deal
4. In Spades
5. Not in the cards
6. Betting Man
June 1, 2024
I didn’t really care for Mel the first four books.
This was a bit of a redemption book for her.
Short. Nurse. Muscles.
Jason. Military men are labeled “red flags” in real life. But I’m books green flags all the way all day. Make him a pilot too and 🔥🔥
But I did not enjoy that Bridget overpowered this book and the ending wasn’t what I really was expecting. The cliffhanger. I need the finale of these two in the next book somehow.
This was a bit of a redemption book for her.
Short. Nurse. Muscles.
Jason. Military men are labeled “red flags” in real life. But I’m books green flags all the way all day. Make him a pilot too and 🔥🔥
But I did not enjoy that Bridget overpowered this book and the ending wasn’t what I really was expecting. The cliffhanger. I need the finale of these two in the next book somehow.
May 18, 2024
OMG that cliffhanger!!!! I actually enjoyed this couple, I mean best friends brother will never disappoint. Liked how domestic violence was portrayed and liked the military air force subplot.
June 29, 2024
The books get better and better as the series progresses, especially the last 20% of this one! I’m SO ready to read Chase and Bee’s story!
December 6, 2024
4.5⭐️
Mel & Jason are my favorite couple in this series.
Mel & Jason are my favorite couple in this series.
February 13, 2022
I got the privilege of receiving an ARC of this book and all I can say is AMAZING. I was in tears and I need to know what happens next. I am so sad. 🥺
February 15, 2022
I got the pleasure of receiving an ARC and it was an absolute gift! Jason & Mels story is everything! I’m so glad in this book Mel got what she deserved and deep down she knew it wasn’t our favorite lumbersnack that she crushed on. There were so many things in this book that my mom would tell us as kids or that I say to mine that just tugged at my heart….now the hard part, we get a glimpse into Bee and Kyle’s world that we haven’t seen up close but we know is happening, be prepared. Maggie wrote these scenes with such care and compassion that it hurts but it’s also healing for someone who has lived it!! This is entire story was beautiful!
March 2, 2022
Huge thank you to Maggie for sending me an ARC in return for this review.
Mel & Jase are honestly the perfect match - the spunky, take no crap girl and the snarky yet laid back “player”.
After being apart for 20 years, I loved that their friendship came back to them so easily. I loved seeing their connection grow throughout the book and turn from friends to lovers. Realizing how badly Jase loved Mel, even as kids, made my heart melt. He also planned the best first date I’ve ever read about! Oh and I will never look at a Rubiks Cube the same way ever again...
This book does deal with some heavy topics (gaslighting, sexual assault/abuse) and I feel that Maggie did a really good job with telling that story in an appropriate way. These topics do come up in the other Beaufort Poker Club books, but specifically in this one and the final book of the series as well. Thank you Maggie for starting this story and properly giving us readers enough information ahead of time so we can decide ourselves if we feel safe reading the story.
Now I very impatiently wait for book #6.....
Mel & Jase are honestly the perfect match - the spunky, take no crap girl and the snarky yet laid back “player”.
After being apart for 20 years, I loved that their friendship came back to them so easily. I loved seeing their connection grow throughout the book and turn from friends to lovers. Realizing how badly Jase loved Mel, even as kids, made my heart melt. He also planned the best first date I’ve ever read about! Oh and I will never look at a Rubiks Cube the same way ever again...
This book does deal with some heavy topics (gaslighting, sexual assault/abuse) and I feel that Maggie did a really good job with telling that story in an appropriate way. These topics do come up in the other Beaufort Poker Club books, but specifically in this one and the final book of the series as well. Thank you Maggie for starting this story and properly giving us readers enough information ahead of time so we can decide ourselves if we feel safe reading the story.
Now I very impatiently wait for book #6.....
March 17, 2022
I got the opportunity to receive an ARC copy of this book and OH MY GOODNESS. Let me tell you. This book is incredible. I loved finally getting into Mel's head, getting to know her better and reading her much deserved HEA with Jase. Jason makes me absolutely SWOON, with both his words and his actions. I love getting to see the rest of the Poker Club throughout the series and enjoy their little side stories, and the Girls Nights are always the best! This book deals with very sensitive issues, so please make sure to read the trigger/sensitivity warning in the Author's Note. Maggie does a beautiful job writing this book, and especially the hard parts. I definitely shed some tears while reading this book, but they were absolutely worth it!! Love love love this book and series, and cannot wait for the next book! <3
February 3, 2023
I am excited to review the ARC of "Not in the Cards" by Maggie C. Gates. The Beaufort Poker Club has quickly become a new favorite series. The characters are complex and feel real. They are sometimes messy and over-involved in each others' lives, but the best of friends often are.
This one follows Melissa and Jason, who have known each other since childhood. Melissa is best friends with Jason's sister and is the sole confidant for her secret. The tension is palpable in this one, as you wait for the inevitable to occur. If you've been along for the entire BPC ride, then you already know the setup.
I enjoyed that the love between Melissa and Jason felt so natural, and that the flashbacks show how they have really grown to adore each other. I love the attention given to Melissa's character as a POC. She's a beautiful, smart, strong character, and it made me so happy to see him love her for being such a badass.
Finally, I can only be simultaneously ecstatic and aggravated that I received the opportunity to read the ARC because now I have to WAIT for the resolution to that cliffie!!! (Darn it, Maggie!)
Anywho......I'm off to recommend this series to another friend.
Happy Reading!
***ETA: Because of the mention of Zapp's chips, I've now binged my way through a bag of Cajun Dill Gator-Tators! >.<
This one follows Melissa and Jason, who have known each other since childhood. Melissa is best friends with Jason's sister and is the sole confidant for her secret. The tension is palpable in this one, as you wait for the inevitable to occur. If you've been along for the entire BPC ride, then you already know the setup.
I enjoyed that the love between Melissa and Jason felt so natural, and that the flashbacks show how they have really grown to adore each other. I love the attention given to Melissa's character as a POC. She's a beautiful, smart, strong character, and it made me so happy to see him love her for being such a badass.
Finally, I can only be simultaneously ecstatic and aggravated that I received the opportunity to read the ARC because now I have to WAIT for the resolution to that cliffie!!! (Darn it, Maggie!)
Anywho......I'm off to recommend this series to another friend.
Happy Reading!
***ETA: Because of the mention of Zapp's chips, I've now binged my way through a bag of Cajun Dill Gator-Tators! >.<
August 25, 2022
Okay, so this book hit differently for me, the energy was a bit more intense than it’s predecessors (but that might simply be the anticipation for the next installment because WHAT?!!!!!)
Mel and Jason’s story was beautiful. The unfolding of their always-meant-to-be was like a balm for the soul and I loved the glimpses that gave more insight into the poker club, the “ride-or-die” elements of these friendships were emphasized by those glimpses.
I felt a lot reading this book, a lot of empathy and a lot of anger, both at certain characters for their decisions and at knowing that if I were placed in that position I can’t say for sure I wouldn’t do the same things (infuriating really).
Maggie’s stories have a way of gripping you, immersing you in the beautiful flaws of the characters and making you wish you were part of the group for real.
P.S. The spicy scenes - HELLO Lt. Commander and thank you for your service.......
Mel and Jason’s story was beautiful. The unfolding of their always-meant-to-be was like a balm for the soul and I loved the glimpses that gave more insight into the poker club, the “ride-or-die” elements of these friendships were emphasized by those glimpses.
I felt a lot reading this book, a lot of empathy and a lot of anger, both at certain characters for their decisions and at knowing that if I were placed in that position I can’t say for sure I wouldn’t do the same things (infuriating really).
Maggie’s stories have a way of gripping you, immersing you in the beautiful flaws of the characters and making you wish you were part of the group for real.
P.S. The spicy scenes - HELLO Lt. Commander and thank you for your service.......
February 28, 2022
I’m writing this review as an arc reader, an avid romance reader, and a Maggie Gates Stan; those facts alone may show my bias because I wouldn’t be on Maggie’s arc team if I didn’t love all her previous stories… and I mean love. On that note, Not in the Cards is book 5 in the Beaufort poker club series. You need to read this entire series in order, the plot line is super interconnected, which is a big yay, because all your favorite characters come back book after book. It’s also a little sad (in only the best way for a reader) because the anticipation for the next story is so strong.
I absolutely fell in love with Mel and Jason *major swoon.* Going into this story, I didn’t totally know what to expect. I love the entire poker club, I was so attached to books 1-4, and yet there was this apprehension, who is Mel? She truly was a mystery, in books 1-4, but just aloof enough to really not show her hand, which all changes in Not in the Cards. Mel was so real, so imperfect and so relatable and somebody I would love to have in my girl gang. Jason was a wild card, he wasn’t in any of the other books and I wasn’t sure what to expect from him. Well, the super sexy/dreamy/swoon-worthy man that Jason is, was even more than I anticipated. Mel and Jason’s chemistry was off the charts. STEAMY. Mildly spicy. Soooo good. And the build up 🔥💥🔥💥
This specific book, Not in the Cards has a trigger warning for Domestic Violence. The victim is not the heroine of this specific story, and the perpetrator is not any of the author’s previous or potential future heroes and while it is a super serious, and honestly hard to handle topic for me, based on my personal history, this book wasn’t uncomfortable for me to read.
This book also has a cliff hanger, although we know that book six is coming soon so that cliff hanger isn’t too unbearable, and I personally love a good book hangover and that anticipation, because I know what comes next will be so good.
TLDR; one click this book (and the rest of the series) it is amazing and enjoyable and real and heartbreaking and heart mending.
I absolutely fell in love with Mel and Jason *major swoon.* Going into this story, I didn’t totally know what to expect. I love the entire poker club, I was so attached to books 1-4, and yet there was this apprehension, who is Mel? She truly was a mystery, in books 1-4, but just aloof enough to really not show her hand, which all changes in Not in the Cards. Mel was so real, so imperfect and so relatable and somebody I would love to have in my girl gang. Jason was a wild card, he wasn’t in any of the other books and I wasn’t sure what to expect from him. Well, the super sexy/dreamy/swoon-worthy man that Jason is, was even more than I anticipated. Mel and Jason’s chemistry was off the charts. STEAMY. Mildly spicy. Soooo good. And the build up 🔥💥🔥💥
This specific book, Not in the Cards has a trigger warning for Domestic Violence. The victim is not the heroine of this specific story, and the perpetrator is not any of the author’s previous or potential future heroes and while it is a super serious, and honestly hard to handle topic for me, based on my personal history, this book wasn’t uncomfortable for me to read.
This book also has a cliff hanger, although we know that book six is coming soon so that cliff hanger isn’t too unbearable, and I personally love a good book hangover and that anticipation, because I know what comes next will be so good.
TLDR; one click this book (and the rest of the series) it is amazing and enjoyable and real and heartbreaking and heart mending.
Read
March 1, 2022“The minute I saw Mel again, roots sounded better than wings.”
Mel and Jason absolutely made my heart take off like a jet plane.
This childhood friends to lovers, long harbored crush, best friend’s brother, “share my apartment while you find a place to live but oops we fall in love,” small town romance with a few airplanes and a lot of steam (that involves a Rubik’s Cube in ways that will make you blush) was just downright FUN.
The little snippets of Mel and Jason’s past made my heart swoon, right along with watching Jason—who is dead set on only seeing his sister before hitting the road again—fall right into roots with the girl next door.
And Mel. Sweet girl Mel. Finally getting her happy ending. Y’all. Watching her progress, from head over heels to a crash landing with Steve, to getting her pilot’s wings with Jason, just made my heart so damn happy.
(I am going to stop with the literal cringe-worthy airplane lines now. I am sorry).
But this wouldn’t be a Maggie Gates novel without a little drama, am I right? Without spoiling anything, Mel’s involvement in something that’s been brewing around the Poker Club since the beginning had me in tears and on the edge of my couch (until 1 in the morning when I finished the book and then messaged Maggie crying. Y’all, I am surprised that she hasn’t blocked me from her inbox yet). Trust me. This is the lead-up-to-the-season-finale you don’t want to miss.
But for reals. The way this community of friends-turned-family is so interwoven is one of my favorite parts of this series. Watching each of these characters grow and change throughout the series has been like watching my favorite Netflix show unfold. Mel and Jason being clicked into the puzzle gave me such warm fuzzies (ya know, until the *plot twist* at the end of the book made them go away and replaced them with anxiety).
I lied. I wasn’t done with the plane puns. FLY, don’t run, to Amazon, and pick up NOT IN THE CARDS today!
(I am now done with plane puns. You. Are. Welcome).
Mel and Jason absolutely made my heart take off like a jet plane.
This childhood friends to lovers, long harbored crush, best friend’s brother, “share my apartment while you find a place to live but oops we fall in love,” small town romance with a few airplanes and a lot of steam (that involves a Rubik’s Cube in ways that will make you blush) was just downright FUN.
The little snippets of Mel and Jason’s past made my heart swoon, right along with watching Jason—who is dead set on only seeing his sister before hitting the road again—fall right into roots with the girl next door.
And Mel. Sweet girl Mel. Finally getting her happy ending. Y’all. Watching her progress, from head over heels to a crash landing with Steve, to getting her pilot’s wings with Jason, just made my heart so damn happy.
(I am going to stop with the literal cringe-worthy airplane lines now. I am sorry).
But this wouldn’t be a Maggie Gates novel without a little drama, am I right? Without spoiling anything, Mel’s involvement in something that’s been brewing around the Poker Club since the beginning had me in tears and on the edge of my couch (until 1 in the morning when I finished the book and then messaged Maggie crying. Y’all, I am surprised that she hasn’t blocked me from her inbox yet). Trust me. This is the lead-up-to-the-season-finale you don’t want to miss.
But for reals. The way this community of friends-turned-family is so interwoven is one of my favorite parts of this series. Watching each of these characters grow and change throughout the series has been like watching my favorite Netflix show unfold. Mel and Jason being clicked into the puzzle gave me such warm fuzzies (ya know, until the *plot twist* at the end of the book made them go away and replaced them with anxiety).
I lied. I wasn’t done with the plane puns. FLY, don’t run, to Amazon, and pick up NOT IN THE CARDS today!
(I am now done with plane puns. You. Are. Welcome).
February 15, 2022
I have the pleasure to get an ARC of this and where do I even start?
Another great addition to The Beaufort Poker Club Series.
This is Melissa and Jason's story.
Goose and Flyboy♡
Every book in this series I have fallen in love with but something about this one hits different.
There's so much emotion.
I laughed so hard that tears were rolling down my face. On the other hand there's parts that have me curled up in a ball needing a hug and telling me everything will be ok.
Jason is Bridget's hot Navy fighter jet pilot brother who is back in town.
Mel is our fun sized ball off fire.She takes care of everyone else to keep from needing anyone else.
Mel and Jase go way back but time has been against them and they have quite a reunion. Things get interesting.
*Let's just say Tequilla is a magical liquid*
He bet her "the best date of her life" Can he live up to it?
Jason is ready to dive in head first no looking back, Mel is it. Kissing her is like flying.
But will happen when secrets are kept and people get hurt.
We get a change to check in on all of our favorite Poker Club couples and also a look into the last too which I absolutely loved. You learn about how everyone has met and also we learn some new things😍
***I really don't want to give away too much but please read triggers.***
I love Bee and will be impatiently waiting trying not to cry waiting for her book.
My only complaint is that I need the next one now and I don't want them to be over🤣 My heart is so invested in the Poker Club♡
“The quantity of days we get with those we love is out of our hands. But the quality of those days— that’s up to us.”
Another great addition to The Beaufort Poker Club Series.
This is Melissa and Jason's story.
Goose and Flyboy♡
Every book in this series I have fallen in love with but something about this one hits different.
There's so much emotion.
I laughed so hard that tears were rolling down my face. On the other hand there's parts that have me curled up in a ball needing a hug and telling me everything will be ok.
Jason is Bridget's hot Navy fighter jet pilot brother who is back in town.
Mel is our fun sized ball off fire.She takes care of everyone else to keep from needing anyone else.
Mel and Jase go way back but time has been against them and they have quite a reunion. Things get interesting.
*Let's just say Tequilla is a magical liquid*
He bet her "the best date of her life" Can he live up to it?
Jason is ready to dive in head first no looking back, Mel is it. Kissing her is like flying.
But will happen when secrets are kept and people get hurt.
We get a change to check in on all of our favorite Poker Club couples and also a look into the last too which I absolutely loved. You learn about how everyone has met and also we learn some new things😍
***I really don't want to give away too much but please read triggers.***
I love Bee and will be impatiently waiting trying not to cry waiting for her book.
My only complaint is that I need the next one now and I don't want them to be over🤣 My heart is so invested in the Poker Club♡
“The quantity of days we get with those we love is out of our hands. But the quality of those days— that’s up to us.”
February 25, 2022
ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Possible Spoilers as far as just setting up the character setting.
Throughout this series, I always questioned Mel and how much I really liked her. Getting this book, I really didn't expect to give a high rating because of its predecessors. There's nothing throughout the series that puts Mel in a bad light, I just couldn't figure her out. I couldn't determine her endgame. I couldn't quite connect.
But of course, Maggie C Gates gives me whiplash and BAM, she's now just as favored as all the other female leads in this series. This book did an amazing job of finally pulling back the curtain to her story, showing her true light of bravery, devotion to her friends, and doing just the best she possibly can. She is so selfless and deserving of the same love she extends to others. She absolutely puts her friends and family before herself, and though this is something she has to work on throughout the book, you begin to understand her.
Jason is amazing. I was also questioning his character in the beginning, but then 20% in, you immediately know his loyalty to Mel. He is swoony, charismatic and just a hell of a guy.
Also, bring a fan, cause woof.
My favorite thing about this series are the women. They are all so different and carry unique strengths. They support one another and their relationships are unbreakable, regardless of what they have been through. Of course the men are all swoon-worthy, but the women are what truly sets this series apart from other romance series I have read.
Also, cheers to Maggie for setting up the trigger warnings. It is a sensitive read, but it was written with genuine intentions.
Let's go Chase and Bee!
Possible Spoilers as far as just setting up the character setting.
Throughout this series, I always questioned Mel and how much I really liked her. Getting this book, I really didn't expect to give a high rating because of its predecessors. There's nothing throughout the series that puts Mel in a bad light, I just couldn't figure her out. I couldn't determine her endgame. I couldn't quite connect.
But of course, Maggie C Gates gives me whiplash and BAM, she's now just as favored as all the other female leads in this series. This book did an amazing job of finally pulling back the curtain to her story, showing her true light of bravery, devotion to her friends, and doing just the best she possibly can. She is so selfless and deserving of the same love she extends to others. She absolutely puts her friends and family before herself, and though this is something she has to work on throughout the book, you begin to understand her.
Jason is amazing. I was also questioning his character in the beginning, but then 20% in, you immediately know his loyalty to Mel. He is swoony, charismatic and just a hell of a guy.
Also, bring a fan, cause woof.
My favorite thing about this series are the women. They are all so different and carry unique strengths. They support one another and their relationships are unbreakable, regardless of what they have been through. Of course the men are all swoon-worthy, but the women are what truly sets this series apart from other romance series I have read.
Also, cheers to Maggie for setting up the trigger warnings. It is a sensitive read, but it was written with genuine intentions.
Let's go Chase and Bee!
February 19, 2025
Maggie Gates has delivered yet another absolute winner with Not in the Cards! This book is packed with second chances, small town charm, and just the right amount of tension to keep you hooked. Melissa and Jason’s story is an emotional, heart melting rollercoaster that I never wanted to end.
Melissa was so easy to root for—smart, independent, and completely over the modern dating disaster. But just when she’s ready to throw in the towel on love, Jason walks back into her life like a dream come true. And Jason? A former Navy fighter pilot with a heart of gold? Say no more. The way he sets his sights on Melissa and refuses to let her slip away again? Swoon. 😍
Their chemistry is undeniable, and the sister’s best friend dynamic adds just the right amount of tension. Throw in a few secrets, some small town meddling, and moments so hot they’ll melt your Kindle, and you’ve got a book that’s impossible to put down. But beyond the spice, this story has so much heart—Jason’s journey home, Melissa’s fears of opening up, and the way they fight for their happily ever after made this book unforgettable.
If you’ve been reading The Beaufort Poker Club series, you need to pick this one up. Read them in order! If you haven’t started yet, grab Poker Face and thank me later. Not in the Cards is a beautifully written, deeply emotional, and seriously swoony addition to the series, and I loved every second of it!
Melissa was so easy to root for—smart, independent, and completely over the modern dating disaster. But just when she’s ready to throw in the towel on love, Jason walks back into her life like a dream come true. And Jason? A former Navy fighter pilot with a heart of gold? Say no more. The way he sets his sights on Melissa and refuses to let her slip away again? Swoon. 😍
Their chemistry is undeniable, and the sister’s best friend dynamic adds just the right amount of tension. Throw in a few secrets, some small town meddling, and moments so hot they’ll melt your Kindle, and you’ve got a book that’s impossible to put down. But beyond the spice, this story has so much heart—Jason’s journey home, Melissa’s fears of opening up, and the way they fight for their happily ever after made this book unforgettable.
If you’ve been reading The Beaufort Poker Club series, you need to pick this one up. Read them in order! If you haven’t started yet, grab Poker Face and thank me later. Not in the Cards is a beautifully written, deeply emotional, and seriously swoony addition to the series, and I loved every second of it!
October 19, 2025
4.5/5 🌟
okay so I genuinely didn’t wanna read this book bc I never really cared for Melissa’s character bc I thought she was a weirdo for having a crush on her dead friend’s husband BUTTTT i will fully admit my faults here
I could not put this book down!!!! Although Kristin x Will is my 5 star pairing for this series so far, I have to say that this book is the most well written and well rounded for me. The subplot was such a fucking good set up for the next book and I’m kinda obsessed with Mel and Jason. It’s so interesting to fully see Mel’s role in the poker club and also see how the men in the poker club get along with each other. I love this found family so much.
Cliffhanger ending though???? If I was reading this series as it was being published I genuinely would be locked up in a rubber room. I will be starting the next book IMMEDIATELY 🙂↕️
okay so I genuinely didn’t wanna read this book bc I never really cared for Melissa’s character bc I thought she was a weirdo for having a crush on her dead friend’s husband BUTTTT i will fully admit my faults here
I could not put this book down!!!! Although Kristin x Will is my 5 star pairing for this series so far, I have to say that this book is the most well written and well rounded for me. The subplot was such a fucking good set up for the next book and I’m kinda obsessed with Mel and Jason. It’s so interesting to fully see Mel’s role in the poker club and also see how the men in the poker club get along with each other. I love this found family so much.
Cliffhanger ending though???? If I was reading this series as it was being published I genuinely would be locked up in a rubber room. I will be starting the next book IMMEDIATELY 🙂↕️
June 19, 2024
oh how i love mel. she wasn’t really at the forefront in any of the other books other than maybe steve and erica’s but she always came across as the strong and silent type which was exactly what she was. i love her and jason together and im such a sucker for best friends brother!!
a fair bit of this book was taken up by the bee situation, which i understand for the following book and im actually so ready for it to break my heart.
these two were everything and more i loved them. i love when the strong and silent type finds someone to let go with it makes me gooey on the inside.
a fair bit of this book was taken up by the bee situation, which i understand for the following book and im actually so ready for it to break my heart.
these two were everything and more i loved them. i love when the strong and silent type finds someone to let go with it makes me gooey on the inside.
November 14, 2025
4. C’était peut être celui que je pensais qui allait moins me parler et au niveau de la relation, j’ai bien aimé. Oui y’a un peu d’insta-love, j’aurais voulu plus de yearning/ de moments quand les mcs étaient jeunes pour comprendre l’attirance du MMC pour la FMC, mais c’était cute. Ce que j’ai aimé, and sue me, c’est le fait que FMC respecte la demande de sa bbf de ne pas parler de la VC. C’est souvent le réflexe de vouloir parler et dénoncer à la place de la personne, mais ça peut tlm mettre la victime en danger ( props a l’auteure d’avoir glisser des stats et des explication sur la VC). D’être un safe Space, un endroit ouvert et sans jugement et de laisser la personne venir à soi et de lui laisser savoir qu’on est là, c’est ÇA qui empêche que la victime soit complètement coupé du monde et qu’elle reste prise dans sa relation. C’est pour ça que j’ai aimé le livre.
February 27, 2022
I didn’t see that one coming.. I didn’t think there was a way to out-write #4, but here we are … the comedy from online dating and an audible laughter induced shower scene to the swoon-worthy boy next door romance. Sure to take you soaring like an Angel- the Blue kind. I will say parts are harder to read if you’ve been in toxic relationships, but it’s very well written! I’m dying to get my hands on the next one!
March 1, 2022
Love the latest poker club instalment! Mel and Jason’s story is a little more heartwarming - with a little spice where your really rooting for them! Loving the tantalising snippets of Brigit and Chases story leading up to the big finish in the next book! Loved it but with the one you need to have read the series!
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