Gamble with Me

by Sissi Grandeur

After discovering that her husband lost all their money, Valeria makes a life-changing decision and is determined to leave him. However, she doesn't expect him to forbid her from taking their daughter with her. Valeria stays in a loveless relationship only because of her baby girl, but her life worsens when her once caring husband turns into a violent monster.

Zyon Zhumagulov is everything an actual crime lord should be. He's dangerous, violent, and ruthless, and he never cared for the consequences of his actions. As the head of an infamous crime family, he is a bloodthirsty alpha male who stops at nothing to reach his goal. And when his eyes land on the gorgeous manager in a casino, the terrifying hunt will start.


Zyon

Valeria Kellerman was a cutie and a stunning beauty, but I would never admit to anyone that she had made an impression and impact on my stone-cold heart, similar to a nuclear bomb in Nagasaki.
Even my sleep-deprived brain knew that if the rock in my chest started beating faster, looking into those wide grey-blue eyes, it was weird at best.
Nothing could bring me to life, but the redhead goddess who had just left was very close to waking up that stupid thing with feelings and emotions from a years-long slumber.

Valeria

Zyon Zhumagulov was like a fist, punched straight in the middle of the face. He was shocking and frightening, creepy and scary like he just walked out of some freak show; one glance into his sinister eyes could probably make me pee myself.
But at the same time, I found him oddly mesmerizing. I felt weird tingling in my stomach, traveling through my entire body, poisoning my cells, nerves, and thoughts.
He was like a dragon, ready to breathe fire and destroy everyone and everything in his path, yet maybe, just maybe, we were lucky enough, and he honored us with his presence because he was in a good mood.

Author's The book Gamble with Me is dark and contains heavy themes and scenes. Please check your triggers.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark, Romance, Forced Proximity, Audiobook, M F Romance

465 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2025

About the author

Sissi Grandeur is an author with a romantic heart and a passion for steamy, sexy stories. Her interest in different lifestyles and people’s desires inspired her to write a romance novel on her own. In her books, you mostly find dark, brooding men falling in love with ordinary, strong women who, despite their fears and insecurities, are ready to face the challenges that a new life could bring.

If you’re interested in newsletter, free e-book, or other informations about the author, visit this link: https://linktr.ee/sissi.k.grandeur

Reviews

[Natalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have rated higher if the h wasn't so annoying. Her actions were so stupid at times it drove me nuts.

I've said it, and I'm saying it again, I CALL DIBS ON MALIN!!! I'm all in for the quiet, dark, and slightly psycho type!!!

Just hope he doesn't get settled with a Teen...

[Alexandra Doda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Actually I DNF this book, is a big no for me.
Oh, brilliant. H disguises himself as h, goes full body paint to hide his tattoos, and somehow — miracle of miracles — the paint stays perfectly intact during sex. Not even a smudge. And instead of being terrified that some random creep is impersonating someone she knows, she’s into it. Of course. Because nothing says ‘romance’ like sleeping with a total stranger you can’t even recognize. Genius. Absolute storytelling masterclass.

[Jaqui · Rating 1 out of 5]

The FMC was actually INSUFFERABLE

I don’t think I’ve hated a FMC more, she was so annoying, she made me want to bang my head against a wall. The two MC’s sucked at communicating literally 90% of everything could have been avoided in this book with them just speaking to one another, I get the miscommunication troupe, but to do it for 80% of the book BE FOR REAL. Also, I wish this book didn’t include a child whatsoever, the child felt like an accessory to the FMC, she showed limited consideration for the child, when the whole point of her being in her situation was because she apparently cared for her child so much. 90% of the time her child wasn’t even with her, the rest of the time she was allowing her child to be alone around a man who SA and physically ass*ulted her. I was so close to DNF this book and I wish I could get back the hours I spent yawning through the pages.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, I DNF'd this book at 21%. The premise of the story was good, but the writing was disappointing. The inner dialogue of all of the characters was cringey, full of cliches, had weird analogies, and rambled endlessly. The FMC would jump from being sassy and bold to meek and whiny in the same sentence. The transitions between scenes were jarring, and sometimes didnt make sense. There were times I would be confused about where the scene was, or if it had changed from the previous line.
Overall, a frustrating read that I couldn't even finish.

[Cole Branham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zyon and Valeria are perfect for each other!!

So dark mafia romance? stalker romance? and gambling/poker is involved? sign me up and boy did bluenose sign me up for a really great audiobook this time. We have gamble with me and just like it sounds it revolves around casinos and things of that nature, but we also have the dark mafia aspect with our MMC and his two brothers. This story falls Valeria and Zyon. Valeria is currently in a failing marriage. Her husband Chester is a absolutely awful person. He has basically used all their money for his gambling dance and has gotten involved with the wrong type of people in a rival mob gang. While working one night at the casino, she meets the Zhumagulov brothers, but catches the eye of Zyon. From that first moment, they’re both completely obsessed with one another. There are two things in this book after their first meeting they absolutely love because it’s just showing how powerful that first meeting was for both of them. Not only has Valeria, caught the eye of Zyon, she’s Kathy of a mystery stalker or is it a mystery you’ll have to read it to find out. This book is narrated in duet by the amazing Joe Arden and the phenomenal Michelle Sparks. Whenever I was listening to this, all I could think of Michelle‘s voice was Addie from haunting and Hunting Adaline. She just brings in that type of attitude with this book and she did absolutely great job with this. With Joe he goes through an range of characters in with one of the brothers, we get a little bit of that Jonas voice from shutter and speak so it’s nice to hear them both bringing out these familiar voices that we have all heard before. Growing up I absolutely loved playing poker so it was nice in this book to kind of get some of those casino games getting to be seen like poker, blackjack, roulette. just brought a little bit of a smile on my face when I saw the book name and I was like I really hope there’s like a big poker game in here or poker mentioned because that was one of my favorite card game is growing up, so it was really nice to get to see that in this book too. I just wanna take a quick moment to again say thank you so much to Blue Nose AUDIO for allowing me to get to listen to this early, thank you so much to the author for writing this amazing story and thank you so much to Joe and Michelle for doing such phenomenal freaking jobs when it came to narrating this!!

[Nour Hane · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF… 40%

Unfortunately I couldn’t finish this book... It felt way too long with excessive dragging and the events moved so slowly without anything truly pulling me in.
I tried to get into it and gave it more chances.. but I reached a point where I was reading without any excitement, and for me that’s a clear sign to stop... I just can’t force myself to continue.

[Bri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this had a good premise but the writing felt all over the place and it made the story drag a little too much. The connection just wasn't here for me even which was really disappointing since i did see the tension in the beginning and it could have led to something very fun to read. There was too much thrown in with little explanation, especially the heroines background, I could have done without that personally.

[fionasbookdiary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

The MMC‘s obsession with the FMC needs to be studied.

The way he stalked her? Chefs kiss if my men ain’t like that I don’t want him.

The scene when he won them at gambling? Where he asked her if the thing he offered where enough?

Also not him saying her daughter is his… literally swooning, he showed her what a real dad is like and I couldn’t love him more for that.

They deserve the world.

[meisha 📖🕯️🍰 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ I see the effort and vision but this book was just way too long and repetitive. It was extremely boring at times, wouldn’t read again. I also didn’t rlly like any of the main characters like how did y’all even fall in love????

[Desi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story was so forgettable that I have to look at the summary on google to rejog my brain on what happened and the feelings I had whilst reading this. It follows our FMC, Valeria a woman stuck in an abusive, loveless marriage and the MMC Zyon a businessman and rising mafia leader. What made me give this book one star are the dumb choices made by Valeria, she pissed me off at every turn with every decision she made. From meeting Zyon to the end of the book, it was chapter after chapter of stupidity. Her only justification for all the nonsensical actions was her doing it for her daughter but consistently putting her daughter in more danger which completely threw me out the window. Zyon was also stupid for falling for a woman hellbent on making dumb decisions that put them both in danger. Their love was nothing, but physical attraction enhanced by the forbidden aspect because she was marriage, nothing more. The spice was good though.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hated every second of it. The daughter Could have been nonexistent, she wasn’t practically there. Miss Girl Is being beated up and stalked but falling in love (not by the same men). Just do yourself a favor and read another book

[Ashley Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
I just couldn’t with the FMC
Very repetitive

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-> ♾️🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶🌶.275


🖤 Dark Mafia Romance
✨️ Stalker/Masked Man
🖤 He Falls First
✨️ Obsessive/Possessive MMC
🖤 Age Gap
✨️ Billionaire
🖤 Touch Her & You ☠️

⚠️ CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️


✨️📖 On To The Book Review 📖✨️

Where do I begin with these two characters? Valeria and were two of the most magnetic people that had the chemistry that really made you take a second and appreciate it!

Valeria was in such a bad predicament! I couldn't help but feel bad for her in every aspect. She wanted nothing more htan to be a good mom and not continually have to bail her husband out at times. He was a freaking nightmare of all nightmares!! I couldn't imagine being in the same room, much less be in a marriage with him.

I couldn't imagine what that would be line day in and day out. Especially with her daughter! That poor baby girl wanted nothing more than to be cherished and loved. I loved the realtionship that she had with Zyon! He truly wanted to love her and treat her like the princess she is!

Valeria truly went through it and fell for the masked stalker that came to find her time and time again! I loved this aspect of the book! I've never been a huge lover of the stalker trope but this really sold me on it!! Not to mention the things that they both do for the stalker aspect. The hidden camera, the texts, and whisking her away to their warehouse to have time "together.'"

Zyon was the obsessive and possessive man that you want after you, Baby!!! He would burnt he world down for Valeria, and not once feel bad for anything. Which is soo valid, especially when it comes to her husband. He deserved the worst of the worst, because he was the WORST! But Zyon went and did the MOST to make sure that Valeria and her baby girl were taken care of. Could it have been done earlier than it was? Yes, it could have shaved off like 50 pages. But that doesn't mean I wasn't on the edge of my seat the WHOLE time waiting to see what was happening next. I was grocery shopping and I had to stop mid-aisle so that I could wait for whatever to happen!

I have seen a ton of other reviews that weren't in favor of the book. I question did we read the same book? I think if they would have listened like I did, it would have been a better experience. I loved that I was on the edge of my seat with every chapter!!

I cannot wait to see what the next book brings us!!


✨️ All opinions are my own, honest, and voluntary✨️.

[Kayla Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book — I finished it in under 12 hours because I just couldn’t put it down. My heart broke for Valeria and Zara and everything they survived with Chester. Watching their pain made the story hit even harder.

But seeing the way Zyon stepped up, protected them, and claimed Zara as his own so quickly genuinely meant the world to me. The way he treated both Valeria and Zara felt like the first real safety they’d had in a long time, and it changed everything. It made their healing feel possible.

I’m really hoping we get to see more of their future — what their life looks like now, how Valeria adjusts to happiness, and how Zara grows with someone who finally chooses her. I’m especially excited for the second book with Nina and Dorian, and I’m hoping we get updates or scenes that show how Zyon, Valeria, and Zara are doing.

Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.
Emotional, intense, heartbreaking, and healing in all the right places.

[AReadsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐️
The premise and the idea is good but the characters aren’t very likable and the plot is hole-y and it could use some editing. The biggest problem I have is the inner monologue and the dialogue is very…almost childish…like they’re supposed to be these 40 year old mafia men and they’re thinking and acting like 14 year olds.
So as far as stalker dark mafia books go the idea is good but the execution is kinda meh

[Miska · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well I must say I was very pleased and surprised how this book and story was written. To answer probably the number one question: yes it is the most topical mafia romance… and no I don’t think it’s that realistic. On the other hand what is very realistic was domestic violence.. I must say that I almost felt everything and in this case it was pretty much real… the only thing I would point out as little bit annoying was the MC, specifically the way she handled things. She has literally a mob boss behind her and he told her he will help with anything and she still doesn’t ask for that help…

[Tannie🦋 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started another book of her and honestly didn’t like it, BUT this one wow! Amazing!

[Asha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Man

He may need therapy. Ok he does. But this man loves his woman and not just in the “I’ll burn the world down “ kind of way either.

[STXBookLover · Rating 4 out of 5]

4

[Janet Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gamble With Me
Sissi Grandeur
Wow wow wow!!! The chemistry between the two main characters is hot! Valeria is it a horrible marriage but there’s only there for one reason because of her daughter. Zyon is the leader of the Mob as well as the triplet. When Valeria meet Zyon at the casino that she works for which he owns their connection is instant, and the chemistry is unreal. Don’t let the number of pages scare you because trust me once you pick this book up, you won’t want to put it down. There are many ups downs all the way arounds lol she did a great job with this book! I will remember this one for sure!

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book is way too long for the story line. Really good concept and could have been a really good book but extremely repetitive to the point of annoying, Many many typos, and the dialogue was very cringy at times.
I found myself skimming through most chapters but still stayed to finish the story…. So wasn’t quite a DNF for me. I still found myself somewhat wanting to know what happened.
I also found the FMC to be annoyingly stupid with her inner dialogue and reasons for decisions🤷🏻‍♀️

[Nisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF it was extremely difficult to enjoy the story when the main character keeps litterally walking back into an abusive relationship she has a man she can depend on to ask for help. Like for fucks sake I’m tired of reading over and over and over again about the same thing he abuses her he uses some tactic to get her to stay she stays “ because she has no choice” you litterally have someone you can depend on that will get you out of you just ask but you will sit in the shit like a retard.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝖣𝖺𝗋𝗄 𝖬𝖺𝖿𝗂𝖺 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾• 𝖲𝗍𝖺𝗅𝗄𝖾𝗋 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾 • 𝖠𝗀𝖾 𝖦𝖺𝗉 𝖳𝗈𝗎𝖼𝗁 𝖧𝖾𝗋 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖣𝗂𝖾 • 𝖯𝗈𝗌𝗌𝖾𝗌𝗌𝗂𝗏𝖾 • 𝖬𝖬𝖢 𝖡𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗂𝗈𝗇𝖺𝗂𝗋𝖾 • 𝖪𝗂𝖽𝗇𝖺𝗉𝗉𝗂𝗇𝗀

"𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝑮𝒐𝒅. 𝑰𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅, 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝑮𝒐𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒅𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖.” 𝒚𝒐𝒖

Going into this book, I honestly wasn’t sure how I would feel or if I’d end up DNFing it altogether. Cheating is a hard no for me in books, and it’s usually the fastest way for me to walk away from a story. It was definitely challenging to get past at first, but as the story unfolded, I found myself actively wishing something terrible would happen to the husband… which says a lot.

"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂," 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅, 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒔. "𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏'𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕."

I did receive the ALC for this book, and Sissi Grandeur is a new-to-me author I would absolutely read again. As always, Michelle Sparks and Joe Arden did a phenomenal job bringing this story to life. The pain and emotion were so intense that you could truly feel them, and that’s where the audiobook really shined. I was completely hooked from start to finish, so much so that I had to keep finding things to do around the house just to keep listening. Honestly, if I had read this instead of listened to it, I’m not sure it would have held my attention as well. I think the story could have benefited from a bit more plot development.

“𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒎𝒐𝒏 𝒄œ𝒖𝒓. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰'𝒎 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕.”

At its core, this is a love story between a woman trapped in an abusive marriage and a mafia leader who falls in love with her, hides his identity, and stalks her. You’d think that through stalking her, he would learn about her abusive husband, but somehow, he doesn’t. What he does know is that he’ll do whatever it takes to get her away from him.

“𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒉, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏.”

I absolutely fell in love with Zyon's character. This man is everything. He had me melting at every turn, especially when he was willing to bet 200 million dollars for Valeria in a poker game against her husband. I also loved that the brothers are triplets, making them hard to tell apart, and the little bit we got of them had me laughing and wanting more.

I did feel for Valeria’s character at times; however, as a mother myself, some moments didn’t fully add up. If I were in an abusive marriage, I would never leave my daughter alone with my husband; I would do everything possible to stay between them. Those inconsistencies pulled me out of the story at times.

“𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰 𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔, 𝒕𝒐𝒐. 𝑰 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒔.”

Overall, the story itself landed at 3.5 stars for me, while the audiobook experience was a solid 4 stars. The narrators truly elevated the material, making this an engaging listen despite a few plot gaps.

"𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒆, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒚 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒊𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒔 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓." "𝑹𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔, 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂. 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒁𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑾𝒉𝒐𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒅."

[·˚✧*₊˚davina₊˚✧.* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Within the first few pages you get “there’s something about him/her” and it’s literally just them meeting. Like wtf do you mean? This book was insta love/obsession. There was no real chemistry between the mcs and I don’t recall them ever having a real, genuine conversation. They had absolutely nothing in common. Bro was just obsessed with her for no reason tbh. And the fmc lied and kept things to herself in order to “protect” the mmc and her other stupid reasonings, but in the end it just made things so much worse (who would’ve guessed?😃). She also let some random man (her stalker) get all touchy feely on her after getting kidnapped, which made no damn sense. Like who knows if it could’ve been an actually crazy person stalker who was just waiting for the right moment to kill you. And her internal struggle of “do I confront the mmc about being my stalker” also made no sense. She kept saying that she doesn’t know for sure if the mmc was her stalker but at one point in the chapters before, she had implied it to him in a conversation and the mmc basically admitted it without admitting it, if you get what I mean.

Honestly the biggest problem I had with this book is that fact that they had absolutely no chemistry other than fucking. Ngl I had to skip those scenes bc it was so cringe and hard to read. And don’t get me started on her daughter. She was somehow the reason for the fmc staying with her abuser which just felt like she was put in the story purely to push the plot forward and give the fmc a “good” excuse. The daughter was more told to us of her importance rather than shown. We barely got her in the story for half of it. Also, the fmc was supposed to be smart but somehow couldn’t realize that her abuser didn’t actually care about their daughter and was just using it to manipulate her into staying. The fmc was so adamant on the fact that her father would never do anything to hurt her, but girl there comes a point. And that daughter is def old enough to feel a vibe of what’s going on. Like isn’t it more harmful for her to grow up thinking it’s okay for woman to get beat? Only saying this bc none of her internal monologue showed us that she herself was the one trapped, which I would understand more since it’s an abusive relationship. Every time she stayed with him it was for her daughter. The daughter was genuinely only put into this story in order to create more drama.

The writing felt like Wattpad and was very cringe. If you read it super fast and don’t think too much about it, it’s entertaining enough. But if you want an actual good read, skip this one. It was way too long and could’ve been 200 pages shorter. The read was interesting enough to get me to finish it and the poker scene was very captivating (although I’ve never played before so idk if it’s even accurate). Overall though, I would not recommend.

[Endi Carlos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ended up giving this one three stars, but honestly, it leaned more toward the lower end of three. The book kept my attention enough for me to finish, but there were a lot of things that just didn’t work for me.

First, the FMC, Valeria, was very frustrating to read. I understand flawed heroines, but the constant cycle of her going back to her abusive husband was hard to get through. It didn’t make her feel strong or sympathetic—it just made me annoyed and disconnected from her journey. It got repetitive, and instead of growth, I felt like she kept making the same painful choices.

Then there’s the whole situation with her mother-in-law. I never knew if she was supposed to be good or bad, helpful or manipulative. The writing around her was confusing, almost like even the author wasn’t sure where to take her character. That inconsistency pulled me out of the story.

The MMC, Zyon, was equally difficult for me to connect with. Out of nowhere, he started calling Valeria “mommy,” and it felt very forced and uncomfortable. His supposed love for her wasn’t really shown or developed—he never expressed it in a way that felt deep or believable. On top of that, the fact that he had been married before bugged me, not because of the marriage itself but because it made it seem like he had this pattern of “falling in love” with women, trying to keep them, and then letting them go when they didn’t want to be controlled. It kind of gave me the impression that his relationship with Valeria could easily end the same way, which undercut the romance for me.

The way Zyon bonded so quickly with Valeria’s daughter was also strange. It didn’t feel natural, and it was way too fast for me to buy into. The fact that the little girl suddenly wanted to call him “dad” was unrealistic and borderline uncomfortable. Those kinds of relationships usually take time, but here it just happened instantly, without buildup.

Another issue for me was how many side characters were mentioned but never went anywhere. The brother is talked about but never actually appears, which felt like wasted potential. Zyon’s mother was mentioned often, yet she only showed up once in the entire book for a very short moment, then disappeared from the story completely. These threads felt unfinished and left me wondering why they were even included in the first place.

Overall, Gamble With Me had potential, but it was confusing, rushed in places, and left a lot unresolved. I didn’t enjoy the reading experience as much as I hoped, and while I pushed myself to finish, I don’t think I’ll be continuing if there’s a second book.

[Teru Daisy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I mainly came to read this book for the famous lines that go as follows:
-But I am married
-That’s a matter that can be taken care of with one bullet.
And it turns out that wasn’t even the ML who said that!
>1st disappointments

The FL, is annoyingly submissive and a crybaby even though she says she is a leader and cannot settle for any job. And she easily stutters and gives in when trying to “defy” the ML.
>2nd disappointment


The amount of misunderstanding and lack of communication is annoyingly disturbing, it’s too much.
>3rd disappointment


She is easily smitten by looks, and easily fantasises about anything. I had a hard time figuring out who could the ML be in the beginning. Like why invest this much detailed description of 2nd characters and even side characters and be infatuated with them? Dorian, the other guy who briefly talked and flirted with her a bit, the Milan….She has no consistency and looks like she is willing to fall for any guy including her husband again giving that she forgave him on multiple occasions.
>4th disappointment

Some contradictions here and there and double standards from the ML, were also such a disappointment. Him saying he never hit nor killed a woman. Yet, it was him who made the order to burn down the place where Adams’ family is hiding (Adams, his wife and the father). So giving the order instead of doing it look like the same thing. Since it’s a principle you cannot cross no matter what the circumstances are. It was done under his order and upon being agreed on with his brothers. His brothers are true to themselves more than him.

The whole masked guy situation felt forced and I couldn’t get why would there be such scenes. It felt like the author wanted something dark, but it really wasn’t and couldn’t be.
At this point on, I started loosing interest completely. It was getting worse and worse.

With all this amount of disappointments, I dropped it.

[✎⋆˙⟡ toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
❗️♡my thoughts while reading & spoilers will be at the bottom of my review♡❗️

The reason im deducting 1 star is because I truly do feel the only woman right for Zyon is me!!! MEEEEE!!!! Valeria didn’t deserve this man sometimes ☹️ (I get she was traumatised and going through things but how dare she make my baby sad)

this book was so fun although frustrating at times, I absolutely loved the plot. the MMC was literally obsessed with the FMC from the get go and with the added stalker/mysterious man trope involved it kinda felt like a slow burn in the best way possible! there was spice obviously and we knew what was going on but to get to the actual MMC and FMC it took its time but it was so fricken worth it.
The bond between the brothers was admirable and I loved how they all have their own traits and personalities despite being triplets! I can’t wait for more in this series to read about mal and dor ♥️
Zy’s bond with Zara was soooooo cute and little bluff being her bestie was adorable 🐶

if this book doesn’t appeal to you or isn’t your normal reading style trust me when I say you NEED ZYON IN YOUR LIFE. 😮‍💨

-ˋˏ ✎ ┈┈┈┈ live thoughts;
I’m around 25% through and the MMC is confusing me. she’s too scared to tell a mafia boss a known killer her husband abuse her but she’s brave enough to blackmail him?? and she’s also too scared of men due to her husbands outbursts but slept with a masked stranger who kidnapped her?? hmm…

Somebody needs to let me know what brand of body paint this man is using because not once did it smudge or come off during THE act and that has me laughing so much

Omfg the FMC made some annoying decisions I mean I get it she was scared for her daughter but let’s be real you basically had the facts and safety in front of you for months now, JUST ASK HIM!!

Omfg the poker game… when Z asked if all the stuff was worthy of Val 😭 I LOVE HIM

[Emmalee Burford · Rating 4 out of 5]

CRAZY
Writing a lot of spoilers to remember details for the next book!!
Zyon mafia boss:
-married twice before no scenes of them he divorced them because they weren’t happy
-there is a scene of him getting a BJ from another girl early on in the book but it was right after they met and he pictures her then feels AWFUL.. he’s not with anyone after that
-stalks her wearing a mask for her protection from his enemies
-OBSESSED
-loves her daughter (there is a scene the daughter has night mares and pees the bed he hears her goes in and changes the bedding and she ask to sleep with mom and he takes her in there and she ask him to stay with them 🥹🥹)
-his brothers love her (they also get him fired up about her being hot it’s funny)
-shot multiple times he lives

Valeria:
-Works at a casino
-has a panda tattoo for her parents
-abusive ex husband hits her multiple times she moves out he threatens to take their daughter from her so she will come back (she has a bad past drugs/jail) he attempts to rape her twice.. beats her to a bloody pulp in the third act and shoots Dorian in the shoulder.
(Don’t worry Zyon pays people to rape him as punishment then when they go for Val to say buy he shoots him)
-best friend named Alicia her dad is sick


Zyons mom is mentioned as stunning


Next books for the brothers/triplets:
Dorian we don’t meet his love interest but it’s stated he’s a doctor, also a scene of him getting a BJ lol
He’s the happy go lucky brother

Malia the serious/“scary” brother the enforcer the MIT graduate Zyon states he has only ever known his brother to hook up with a handful of women he’s very picky about who he dates

[Vianca (Vee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted, intense, and unhinged but sweet

This was a fun read filled with action, stalking, and amazing characters. We have our MMC Zyon, a mafia leader who just happens to have two identical brothers. They are feared but respected and not people to mess with. Their paths cross with our FMC Valeria after they meet at a casino where they interrogate the staff in search of someone who owes a debt. Let’s just say this is the beginning of an obsession on Zyon’s part with the beautiful redhead, Valeria.

Valeria is tired of her husband and his gambling problems which has left them broke. She needs an out but can’t seem to catch a break especially when she finds out about her stalker. She’s frustrated with the trajectory of her life but when she gets an opportunity to work for the Zyon, life starts to look better. Until it doesn’t, she tried to leave her husband but he is a lunatic who uses their daughter as leverage to keep her.

Valeria struggles throughout the book with her conflicting thoughts and feelings towards her mysterious stalker in addition to her failing marriage and unhinged husband. She feels trapped and hopeless until the realization that she can get help from her boss Zyon. He is more than willing to lend a hand seeing as his obsession with her makes him be protective of her and her daughter. In addition, Zyon and his brothers are dealing with betrayal and someone trying to undermine them. Unfortunately, Valeria’s husband seems to be involved and well that puts a whole other spin to the drama. This book is action packed and the story keeps your attention.

[Christie Wilcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gamble with Me by Sissi Grandeur
MMC: Zyon Zhumagulov (40)
FMC: Valeria Kellerman (30)

🖤dark mafia romance
✨️pierced billionaire masked stalker
🖤he falls for her first
✨age-gap

AUDIOBOOK review:
This book is narrated in duet by the amazing Joe Arden and the phenomenal Michelle Sparks. I’m ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED with Joe Arden and whatever he narrates. He’s truly AMAZING in his narrations. I always love whenever he does the mafia male POV. Michelle is also a favorite female narrator of mine. They worked so well together creating this audio!
Now that I’ve raved about the narrators; let’s get into the story review. This one is an iffy for me. I LOVED the audio however; I wasn’t completely sold on the story. I couldn’t stand the FMC for half the story. She was always making the wrong decisions or dumb choices. YES! I understand she was stuck in an abusive loveless marriage BUT she got out once and willing went back because he threatened to take their daughter away from her. He used her not so clean past against her. Yes, I guess you’d do anything to protect your own child but she coulda had a little more backbone for the type of FMC I like. I’m not completing dissing her but my opinion fluctuates on this character. Now, Zyon…. Holy shit! Where can I get myself a big badass mafia man 😉🥵 he’s EVERYTHING you want in your MMC. Loved that he stalked her and made her fall in love with him. He was SO damn possessive and protective. Loved his character. I honestly can’t wait for more audios on the other brothers!

Narrators/audio: 5⭐️
Overall story: 3.5⭐️