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High Stakes
What do you get when you cross a master manipulator, an assassin, and a dead man?
An unhinged quest for vengeance.
Reeling from the loss of their brother and friend, Declan and Hayden must choose what matters getting the job done or getting revenge.
Emelia must decide if all her scheming is worth the consequences that come next.
Do they work together in their quest for retribution, or will the kingdom Emelia built crumble when the final card is dealt?
Now this Queen is on her knees and the choice is anything but simple.
But can she have it all and still win?
All the cards have been dealt and all the bets have been placed, but who will have that final ace up their sleeve?
One queen, two aces, two eights
A dead man’s hand it does make.
An unhinged quest for vengeance.
Reeling from the loss of their brother and friend, Declan and Hayden must choose what matters getting the job done or getting revenge.
Emelia must decide if all her scheming is worth the consequences that come next.
Do they work together in their quest for retribution, or will the kingdom Emelia built crumble when the final card is dealt?
Now this Queen is on her knees and the choice is anything but simple.
But can she have it all and still win?
All the cards have been dealt and all the bets have been placed, but who will have that final ace up their sleeve?
One queen, two aces, two eights
A dead man’s hand it does make.
- GenresRomanceWhy Choose
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 18, 2025
Well, things just did not work for me here. The author did provide some clarity as to Em's past and that did explain her determination for the ultimate vendetta, so in terms of that, it was nice to actually see the vulnerability in the FMC. My issue was the romance here, it just did not quite click for me. It was a pity as all the elements of a good story were there. One of the things that I admire in individuals is their diversified perspectives and interpretations, so I hope that others enjoy the story.
September 17, 2024
I am so happy I read this book. I was going crazy waiting to see how this book would continue after the ending we had in book 1.
What a fantastic conclusion to this series it did not disappoint.This epic "why choose" love story is anything but conventional; it’s packed with action, blood, revenge, torture, and plenty of spice! I highly recommend reading this series. Book one, Betting Blind, ends on a gripping cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more.
What a fantastic conclusion to this series it did not disappoint.This epic "why choose" love story is anything but conventional; it’s packed with action, blood, revenge, torture, and plenty of spice! I highly recommend reading this series. Book one, Betting Blind, ends on a gripping cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more.
September 18, 2024
If you haven't, well then I would suggest you read Linsay's first book called Betting Blind. This book leaves off from the first one and omg it didn't dissapoint. When I say the twist and turns in this one gave me whiplash for the gods. I swear just when you think you might got it figured out BOOM hear comes the whiplash.
Loved the first one but this second one girrrllll!! Lindsay you DID THE DAMN THING! This book got it all drama, banter, blood, revenge, whychoose (yes cuz why would you want to), lots and lots of steam, family broken and then put back together.
Emelia is broken after her parents were killed and she made it her mission to avenge them. With the help of her boys and of course Hector. Together they will learn to love, cherish and above all else forgive.
I'm going to need more of them. Maybe a series cuz this can't be the end.
Loved the first one but this second one girrrllll!! Lindsay you DID THE DAMN THING! This book got it all drama, banter, blood, revenge, whychoose (yes cuz why would you want to), lots and lots of steam, family broken and then put back together.
Emelia is broken after her parents were killed and she made it her mission to avenge them. With the help of her boys and of course Hector. Together they will learn to love, cherish and above all else forgive.
I'm going to need more of them. Maybe a series cuz this can't be the end.
February 4, 2025
what can I say
Firstly, how can you not LOVE Em?!?! Strong, beautiful and smart, she literally had the boys eating out of her hand.
However, there was one thing that annoyed me about this book and it was actually due to Em. When she ‘forced’ something extremely intimate on one of the guys after he not once, but twice shook his head when reacting to what was about to happen to him. Nodding means yes and shaking means no right??? Right?? Well, he definitely shook his head. To me, that wasn’t a sexy scene.
I also get the idea of ‘bi awakenings’ but I didn’t feel it worked so well here. It felt like a troup to tick off and the build up was rushed. One of the bi character’s initially squeezed his eyes closed and looked away when he first accidentally body rubbed another guy. The build up to this relationship felt completely one-sided. To another guy questioning whether he could actually share Em as he didn’t want to be anywhere near someone else’s 🍆. Guess what… they both end up loving 🍆. Where did that come from??
Other than those little issues, this was an enjoyable read with an interesting twist that I didn’t see coming from reading the first book.
Firstly, how can you not LOVE Em?!?! Strong, beautiful and smart, she literally had the boys eating out of her hand.
However, there was one thing that annoyed me about this book and it was actually due to Em. When she ‘forced’ something extremely intimate on one of the guys after he not once, but twice shook his head when reacting to what was about to happen to him. Nodding means yes and shaking means no right??? Right?? Well, he definitely shook his head. To me, that wasn’t a sexy scene.
I also get the idea of ‘bi awakenings’ but I didn’t feel it worked so well here. It felt like a troup to tick off and the build up was rushed. One of the bi character’s initially squeezed his eyes closed and looked away when he first accidentally body rubbed another guy. The build up to this relationship felt completely one-sided. To another guy questioning whether he could actually share Em as he didn’t want to be anywhere near someone else’s 🍆. Guess what… they both end up loving 🍆. Where did that come from??
Other than those little issues, this was an enjoyable read with an interesting twist that I didn’t see coming from reading the first book.
September 20, 2024
I am speechless. I have no words that would be remotely relay how PHENOMENAL this book was. It was beautiful, emotional, life changing, and everything I had hoped the second book in The Dead Man's Hand duet would be! I could not put it down and devoured it so quickly that I'm crying now because it is over. Some serious character development happens along with a few other surprises, I hope everyone will love as much as I did. I absolutely fell in love with the main characters in book 1, but book 2 fills my heart with so much joy, and I couldn't be happier with how Lindsay Reign ended it. I do want to tell her thank you, it's not every day that an author listens to their readers, but I am so freaking glad she did! It's definitely a top favorite of the year for me, and I highly recommend everyone read it! I will be getting shelf trophies of this duet because I will be re-reading it a lot.
September 29, 2024
Lindsay Reign’s High Stakes delivers a thrilling ride from start to finish. The premise of a woman on a vengeance-fueled mission after the death of her family sets the tone for this intense reverse harem romance. Our heroine is fierce, determined, and unwilling to back down, making her a compelling character to root for.
The chemistry between her and the four men—especially the one who owes his life to her—is palpable. Their complicated relationships, layered with guilt, loyalty, and undeniable attraction, are at the heart of the book. The three men tied to the disaster that destroyed her family add complexity, making you question motives and alliances throughout the story.
If you’re a fan of strong heroines and complex reverse harem relationships, High Stakes is definitely a book to add to your TBR.
The chemistry between her and the four men—especially the one who owes his life to her—is palpable. Their complicated relationships, layered with guilt, loyalty, and undeniable attraction, are at the heart of the book. The three men tied to the disaster that destroyed her family add complexity, making you question motives and alliances throughout the story.
If you’re a fan of strong heroines and complex reverse harem relationships, High Stakes is definitely a book to add to your TBR.
September 6, 2024
SILASSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!
This book literally had me pacing my house like you wouldn’t believe. My boy is back and ready to see his girl. High Stakes has to be the best one out of both books Lindsay has written. I loved the dynamic and all the twists that she threw our way. Bringing Hector into the fold and learning how long he had feelings for Emilia was the best. Towards the end is where it had me in a chokehold. To learn that the boys were a part of what happened to Emilia’s family and that she already knew was mind-blowing, but then again, she’s the boss and knows everything. What shocked me was her part in what she did to Declan, Silas, and Hayden. That I did not see coming. But all is forgiven, and they get their happy ending. ALL OF THEM
This book literally had me pacing my house like you wouldn’t believe. My boy is back and ready to see his girl. High Stakes has to be the best one out of both books Lindsay has written. I loved the dynamic and all the twists that she threw our way. Bringing Hector into the fold and learning how long he had feelings for Emilia was the best. Towards the end is where it had me in a chokehold. To learn that the boys were a part of what happened to Emilia’s family and that she already knew was mind-blowing, but then again, she’s the boss and knows everything. What shocked me was her part in what she did to Declan, Silas, and Hayden. That I did not see coming. But all is forgiven, and they get their happy ending. ALL OF THEM
September 7, 2024
High Stakes by Lindsay Reign is top tier! This is the most perfect second book for the duet from book one, Betting Blind. I got literally everything I was hoping to get in this book. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I've been waiting to find out how this storyline was going to evolve after book one, so I read it straight through in one sitting! It gave me - sass, banter, Emelia showing her true self, lots of quick heart beating moments, twists and turns that blew my mind and had me giddy, truths being revealed and a 🤌 *chefs kiss* of an ending! I couldn't have asked for more. Thank you Lindsay for delivering another incredible read! 💕
⭐5/5++
🌶️5/5
⭐“This is the price you pay when you play a game with such high stakes."⭐
⭐5/5++
🌶️5/5
⭐“This is the price you pay when you play a game with such high stakes."⭐
September 12, 2024
Difficult to know how to review this without giving out spoilers, but just to say that there are so many secrets and betrayals here that need to be resolved and they are.
Emilia continues to be a badass b**ch, while the guys are obviously still broken following the loss of Silas at the end of the last book. There are flashbacks too, which fill in a lot of the blanks in their personal histories. The only thing that I thought needed more was the showdown with the big bad guy. It just felt a bit too quick and easy.
And I was so cross that it took me almost the whole book before I realised that the masks reflected their names. Diamonds for Declan, Hearts for Hayden and Spades were for Silas.
Emilia continues to be a badass b**ch, while the guys are obviously still broken following the loss of Silas at the end of the last book. There are flashbacks too, which fill in a lot of the blanks in their personal histories. The only thing that I thought needed more was the showdown with the big bad guy. It just felt a bit too quick and easy.
And I was so cross that it took me almost the whole book before I realised that the masks reflected their names. Diamonds for Declan, Hearts for Hayden and Spades were for Silas.
September 21, 2024
Wait what? Unexpected twists
After the plane Silas was on explodes everyone has to dead with the trauma and assess what they will do next.
This book has so many twists and turns in it. Who is pulling the strings and how is everything connected or is it just random?
Unravel everyone's past and see how they all ended up here. Will they make it through still together when everything comes out?
This book has a lot of info, action and spice. The group scenes in this book are so hot. There's some unconventional things used and it was freaking awesome. There's also a surprise added to their dynamic and that is a lot of fun.
I loved this story. I love unhinged characters and this has been full of them. I'll definitely be adding this to my physical bookshelf soon.
After the plane Silas was on explodes everyone has to dead with the trauma and assess what they will do next.
This book has so many twists and turns in it. Who is pulling the strings and how is everything connected or is it just random?
Unravel everyone's past and see how they all ended up here. Will they make it through still together when everything comes out?
This book has a lot of info, action and spice. The group scenes in this book are so hot. There's some unconventional things used and it was freaking awesome. There's also a surprise added to their dynamic and that is a lot of fun.
I loved this story. I love unhinged characters and this has been full of them. I'll definitely be adding this to my physical bookshelf soon.
September 26, 2024
The perfect way to end this duet! Oh I loved this so much!!! There more planning and deceiving in this book. You learned so much more about Emelia and the boys. Honestly I wasn't expecting that twist that you learn about on the middle of the book. I was shocked!!!! But then, it makes so much more sense now. If you love happy time and a lot of it, RH, and more triggers warnings. This series is for you. You will fall in love with all the MC.
This is again multiple POV which I love so much, but this time Hector from book one in it and all I have to say is FINALLY!!!! I was hoping he would get more time after book one and I'm so glad he did!! Sad that it ending but it ending perfectly!
This is again multiple POV which I love so much, but this time Hector from book one in it and all I have to say is FINALLY!!!! I was hoping he would get more time after book one and I'm so glad he did!! Sad that it ending but it ending perfectly!
September 11, 2024
Ahh freaking mazing book!! I just absolutely adorable lindsays way of making you feel like you're there watching all the craziness go down. The why choose of this book is so deliciously written. The FMC is a badass and doesn't need anyone other than to help her feel comfy ;) I cried, I audible gasped, I laughed. The banter, the relationships, the friendships. I just never want red this boook to end. The biketok ladies who have been looking hot men riding, this book is for you. If you enjoyed the reaped series this series is for you. If you love why choose in detail this book is for you. I can't rant and rave enough about how amazing lindsays writing is.
September 24, 2024
Where do I start?! Firstly, thank you to the author for this masterpiece, the characters that I've fallen in love with and the quadruple stuffed oreo scene... IYKYK 👀 the characters were so complex but all equally devoted to each other and it made me scream, giggle and melt 🫠🥵 the first of many, many books for this author I hope 🤌 if you want an unhinged psych0 FMC (no, really, she's the best!) and MMCs who worship her crazy, with fast paced action and spice to dieeeeeee for, this duet is for you!!
July 29, 2025
I felt it wasn’t fair to give a 2 star rating without stating why. I’ll start by saying that I loved book one, truly I was immersed. Book two was just a complete let down for me. Multiple typos, or repeat sentences back to back and conflicting information within dialog just made this one a fail for me. Also *this may have been stated and I missed it* but I bought my 2in1 book and had gotten the art with it and the art actually gave away one of the biggest plots in the book. I ended up liking the characters/relationship a little less the more the books went on and the ending was just meh IMO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2024
What a perfect ending to this duology! All of these characters have stuck with me between the books being released and they will stick with me for a long time after. This was such an epic why choose love story! However this is not your typical rainbows and butterflies story. Lots of action, blood, revenge, torture, and all the spice!!! Highly recommend reading this set of books! Book one is Betting Blind and ends on a heart wrenching cliffhanger so be prepared!
September 9, 2024
Oh. My. God. SILAS! This is the perfect conclusion to a duet. No stones were left unturned. I am so glad Emilia has her happily ever after...and Hector?! Who would've thought?! I absolutely devoured this book and I'm so glad there aren't any cliffhangers or unanswered questions. Thank God Emelia got what she wanted in every facet of her life, and I'm so glad the boys are all together again and Hector is finally included! ❤️
September 20, 2024
I read this as an ARC! This is the book that follows Betting Blind. I thought betting blind was crazy, this book had me shook. I hated Emelia for a jiffy bc wtf girly😭 i understand her motives because she needed to avenge her parents murders, but at the same time- WTF GIRLIE. This book gave me everything I wanted from this duo. It closed everything up in the best way possible! Go read Betting Blind and then have High Stakes for dinner, you won’t regret it!
September 22, 2024
It's hard to write a review with spoiling to much.
My broken heart has been stitch back together again. My Spades mask is okay.
Oh my I have missed these characters.
This book has so many twists and turns in it. Who is pulling the strings and how is everything connected, you never know.
It was packed with action, blood, revenge, torture, and plenty of spice!
I abselytly loved this book what an amazing ending for this duet.
My broken heart has been stitch back together again. My Spades mask is okay.
Oh my I have missed these characters.
This book has so many twists and turns in it. Who is pulling the strings and how is everything connected, you never know.
It was packed with action, blood, revenge, torture, and plenty of spice!
I abselytly loved this book what an amazing ending for this duet.
September 16, 2024
ARC Review
High Stakes continues where Betting Blind left off with Silas assumed dead and Declan, Hayden and Emelia trying to move on. It was a wild ride from the beginning. There are so many twists and turns. I was so happy when Hector joined in their love fest. Emelia continues to seek revenge on those responsible for her parent's death.
High Stakes continues where Betting Blind left off with Silas assumed dead and Declan, Hayden and Emelia trying to move on. It was a wild ride from the beginning. There are so many twists and turns. I was so happy when Hector joined in their love fest. Emelia continues to seek revenge on those responsible for her parent's death.
September 26, 2024
Received as an ARC.
🖤 Mafia
🖤 Why choose - MFMMM
🖤 Touch her and 💀
The ideal follow up to book 1, we were well and truly thrown straight back into the fray and it couldn’t have come soon enough. I was desperate to know what was going to happen next and this did not disappoint. It was rounded off perfectly and the ultimate conclusion to what is a top tier why choose duet!
🖤 Mafia
🖤 Why choose - MFMMM
🖤 Touch her and 💀
The ideal follow up to book 1, we were well and truly thrown straight back into the fray and it couldn’t have come soon enough. I was desperate to know what was going to happen next and this did not disappoint. It was rounded off perfectly and the ultimate conclusion to what is a top tier why choose duet!
September 30, 2024
Wow what an amazing ending to the duet. I just love Em and how strong and courageous she is. With her men by her side she is flying. Lots of twist and turns. Definitely read Betting Blind before this book. The duet has everything you can want in a book. Can’t wait to read more from this amazing new author Lindsay Reigjn.
September 30, 2024
I almost left the book at 20% because I was so frustrated with Silas' death. I'm glad I returned to read it again a few days later. What twists! And the polyamorous relationship... just perfect! One of the few books I've read where you can't see preferences and dominance of some interpersonal relationships over the others, each one of those men complements the relationship in a unique way
January 7, 2025
Then stakes have never been higher
Ok there are plot twists and then there are PLOT TWISTS. I didn't see half of them coming in this book.
This contemporary Mafia why choose is filled with masked men, ass@ssin FMC, and whole bunch of spice and weapons. This was a blast
Be sure to check TWs
Ok there are plot twists and then there are PLOT TWISTS. I didn't see half of them coming in this book.
This contemporary Mafia why choose is filled with masked men, ass@ssin FMC, and whole bunch of spice and weapons. This was a blast
Be sure to check TWs
February 16, 2025
Omg loved it
I absolutely loved this duet the FMC was one bada$$ not to mention the MMC's. If I had to pick a favorite it would be Hayden he was funny, a little psycho, a character to fall in love with. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat never knowing the twist and turns it does. Lindsay Reign you slayed it I can't wait to read more of your books.
I absolutely loved this duet the FMC was one bada$$ not to mention the MMC's. If I had to pick a favorite it would be Hayden he was funny, a little psycho, a character to fall in love with. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat never knowing the twist and turns it does. Lindsay Reign you slayed it I can't wait to read more of your books.
March 19, 2026
i liked this book even less than the first. honestly, it was all over the place, and I was confused. I initially loved em but towards the end and the reveal of what she did, I just didn't love her that much. I thought she was forgiven a little two easily. I was hoping for more MM, but honestly, the romance was too rushed and lacking for everyone. This jad potential, but it fell short.
September 7, 2024
I waited patiently and was not disappointed.
Baby boy Silas is back.
Hector, also baby boy, did join as I wished.
Hayden and Declan are still amazing.
Love the back story and ploy. Love that she got her revenge.
Loved the end for this. 🥰🥰
Baby boy Silas is back.
Hector, also baby boy, did join as I wished.
Hayden and Declan are still amazing.
Love the back story and ploy. Love that she got her revenge.
Loved the end for this. 🥰🥰
September 19, 2024
Miss. Reign you did it again! I was so excited to read this because I needed to know how this was going to end 🔥and It did not disappoint. I don’t want to give anything away but 🤯 what a roller coaster of emotions.
September 21, 2024
As Scar, from Lion King once sang “Be prepared!” Because this book is definitely a roller coaster of emotions, like holy cow! Super excited to get it but like Illidan Stormrage from World of Warcraft said “You are not prepared.” (Yes I’m a nerd and that’s okay hahaha), and let me tell you I was not ready for any of this. (How dare you Lindsay! It’s gonna take months, no, years to deal with all of this!!! Haha, love you!) But anyways this book definitely had me on the edge of my seat! And if anyone says differently then you are lying or you weren’t reading the same book! This book has everything! Sass, drama, loving moments and also the fiery Emelia! The twists and turns hand me clutching my nonexistent pearl necklace. For the love of everything holy make sure you know this is a dark why choose romance, so there’s gonna be stuff in this book some people are not okay with! Also I cried when I finished because I know this is the end of this great series and I’m not ready to say goodbye!
September 17, 2024
Lindsay Reign you are a plot twist, keep the secrets devil. I got this book as an arc. Book 1 ended on a major cliffy. Can’t say too much without spoilers. If you read book 1 you know or thought you knew the secrets. Lindsay pulled the rug out and said hold my beer I got some more secrets. Em is still fierce and bad A&&. The men are delicious! High stakes answers your questions and fully satisfies your thoughts. Well worth the read.
September 25, 2024
Dark is what I crave. This book is certainly dark but Em finally gets her revenge and her happy ever after so what else can you ask for?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews