All In

Stud Games #3

by Ava Drake

In crime, like in love, there can be no half measures….

Fashion model Zane Stryker needs money—badly. At almost thirty, his glory days are behind him, and he needs capital to start over. When his luggage is switched with a bag containing contraband he’s forced to deliver, it’s either the worst thing that’s ever happened to him… or the best.

Enter Sebastian Gigoni, formerly of the British Special Forces, who has to decide just where Zane’s loyalty lies and why. Sizzling attraction erupts between them, but that doesn’t mean they can trust each other. They double down in a race for their lives—and their love—but are their purposes at odds? As they struggle to reconcile their goals, their consciences, and the needs of their hearts, one thing is clear—they must go all in or give up altogether.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Mystery, Contemporary, Audiobook, Gay, LGBT

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2017

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes we just can't like everyone...

'All In' is the third book in Ava Drake's 'Wild Card's' series and the 38th book in Dreamspinner's 'Dreamspun Desires' and I have to admit I wasn't exactly 'all in' on this one.

I liked the story line well enough. Zane Stryker is a fashion model who's career is on the downslide now that he's fast approaching 30 and with his return to New York he's hoping to score some runway jobs that will fund his retirement. What he's not hoping for is what happens and that's getting detained at customs with a suitcase devoid of his clothes and containing contraband of unknown origins and a handsome but strange man demanding that he trust him if Zane wants to get out of the mess he's suddenly found himself in.

Sebastian Gigoni is retired British Special Forces and when he's asked to retrieve Zane and the contraband suitcase from the airport what he doesn't count on is the complications that are involved...things like trying to figure out where Zane's loyalties lie and what to do with the attraction that seems to be developing between the two men.

At just over 6 hours of listening time this story moved right along and as I said I liked the story. I actually really liked Sebastian too. He was a bit of a mystery man and much to Zane's disappointment not the gullible fool that Zane needed him to be and for some reason that I couldn't fathom he seemed to be attracted to Zane and there you have it...the fly in my ointment...Zane.

In a nutshell I did not like Zane. I found him to be shallow, self absorbed and just generally full of himself. I honestly had no clue what Sebastian saw in him and try as I might I never really felt the connection between these two men. So while the story worked for me and I enjoyed it the relationship between these two pretty much tanked.

While 'All In' was my first book by this author when it comes to the narrator this is not our first dance at the rodeo...John Solo was the narrator for this one and from the audio side of things it was solid. I liked his voices for the characters, they were solid and I got the clarity and emotional expression that I enjoy in an audio book. But still even this just did not help me to like Zane.

I admit it maybe I was just being a cranky pants when I listened to this one and another time I might like Zane, but in all honestly I doubt it. Zane's just not my cuppa' and I don't honestly see that changing any time soon.

********************
An audio book of 'All In' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Antisocial Recluse · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. This third entry from Ava March for Dreamspun Desires, is an action story on the lighter side. Zane is the hapless victim, an aging fashion model returning to the states from Europe for one last try at reviving his career. His quest is cut short when his luggage is burgled and he meets Sebastian, ex-Special Forces soldier turned real estate baron. He's helping a friend, using his skills for security firm Wild Cards, as they go after a group of mysterious criminals.

It doesn't quite reach the fun romp stage of the previous novella, and the plot was rather confusing. There were a couple of action scenes that served to get the two into bed together. The sex was seriously hot and steamy though! Zane and Sebastian seemingly working at cross-purposes did feel contrived to fit the desired conclusion and lacked sufficient logic. It was well edited and cleanly written. If you can just suspend disbelief, don't object to insta-love, and just want to enjoy a light escapist read, it's a good choice.

*An ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Hearts On Fire Reviews, for an honest review*

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing your luggage when flying is one of the worst things that can happen. The airline losing it when your career, and any future income you badly need, depends on it is worse. But finding out that someone has exchanged the content of your bag for illegal contraband, being discovered and marched off into a separate room, then being threatened with years of incarceration is off-the-scale catastrophic. This is exactly what happens to fashion model Zane – who is in extreme need of money and has one last chance to earn it by walking the runway, only to not find the suitcase with the wardrobe he needs for auditions upon his arrival in New York.

The description of that first scene, when Zane realizes how deep the sh*t is that he finds himself in, is epic. I’ve lost luggage before and had to deal with reporting it missed, but I was never escorted to a secret back room and questioned by a guy who looks like a Fed, gives no details, and asks the impossible of me. Zane is as clueless as I’d be, but he has no choice except to trust the stranger – at least until the threat of being arrested vanishes. Dealing with possible apprehension by the authorities quickly turns out to be the least of the issues Zane encounters in this thrilling adventure. Between the risks for his life being ended and his intense attraction to Sebastian, Zane may as well have entered the Twilight Zone…

Sebastian, the Fed-looking agent, is something else. While he intimidates Zane, the moment the story switches to his point of view, it becomes obvious that he is an honorable guy trying to do an almost impossible job catching some bad guys. And all of it because of a favor he owes a friend. Sebastian is a former member of the British Special Forces, has worked hard to move up from his humble East London street origins, and is intimidated by Zane’s sophistication and elegance. But he has a job to do, so he focuses on that – as much as he can amid the distraction of his immediate attraction to Zane.

As is customary for the books of the Wild Card Inc. series, “All In” is full of secrets, intrigue, suspense, and danger, and that is just part of the plot. What is as exciting for me as the excellent mystery/spy part of the story is the explosive chemistry between the two main characters. Zane and Sebastian click on a subconscious level, but there is so much “stuff” they have to deal with on a conscious level, as well as several threats to their very lives, that the personal relationship almost doesn’t get noticed. There just isn’t time while they are fighting for their lives! The result is an absolutely fabulous spy thriller of James Bond-like proportions.

If you like high-stakes crime-fighting situations that put the main characters in almost constant mortal peril, if a former member of the British Special Forces and a fashion model pairing up to fight a shadowy criminal organization that doesn’t remain in the dark for very long sounds interesting, and if you’re looking for an action-packed thriller that includes humor as well as lots of passion between two men falling in love, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. Like the others in this series, I think this deserves to be a movie!


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

[Sara]

2.5 Hearts

It’s a sad day in the reading life of this ginger when a Dreamspun book falls flat.

I can pinpoint one exact thing that didn’t work for me with this one as I loved the first book in the Wild Card series but I couldn’t find that certain something to draw me into this one.

I never felt a connection to neither Zane nor Sebastian and honestly kept mixing up who they were as their names didn’t fit the character and to me should have been switched. There was no chemistry to be had between the two men and the storyline of the hijacked luggage and crime origination bored me to the point I skimmed a good portion of this book.

For me, when you have a series like this it should be an easy read but I so struggled with this book and that makes me sad. The first kiss is one of my most favorite things in romance and when I got to this one, they could have been exchanging coupons in line at the grocery store it was so void of emotion.

Ugh.

That end was over the top insta love and this is coming from someone who digs insta love.
I won’t drag the book through the mud and just say, this one didn’t work for me at all.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

On his way back to NYC to attend the meet-sees hoping for a job or three, Zane Stryker, fashion model, nearly 30, is detained at the airport because his suitcase was flagged for possible contraband. Inside the interrogation room, Zane meets Sebastian Gigoni, formerly British Special Forces, who asks that he opens the suitcase.

Inside are two metal tablets and a suit - none of which belong to Zane.

From there, the story takes off as Sebastian and Zane try to work together, though their goals may be at odds, in foiling the plan of the international crime syndicate from the previous installment of this loosely connected series, with a little help from one of Zane's friends, Sebastian's brains, Zane's ability to think on his feet, and the super-sekrit British organization for which Sebastian now works. All while falling in love, because this is a romance, after all.

The reader needs to suspend disbelief for most of the novel - realistic, this is not. However, it's definitely a fun ride, in and out of the bedroom. There's intrigue, mystery, an inside look at a fashion shoot, bad mob-like dudes with guns, good dudes with guns, a couple of major crime bosses, and a super hawt romance as well.

The attraction between Zane and Sebastian burns brightly from the start, and this book is probably one of the raunchier titles in the Dreamspun Desires series. I'm not complaining, hahaha. The sexy times were hawt!

Seriously, I had a blast reading this, and I think you will too. This can be read as a standalone, no problem, but I think to get the full impact, you'll want to read the first two books as well. The writing is crisp and well-suited to the story, and there wasn't a dull moment to be found within.

Nicely done!


** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **

[The Novel Approach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peregrine Cardiffe, co-owner of private security firm Wild Cards, Inc., is trying to put a stop to counterfeiting by the Erebus Consortium. The Erebus Consortium is a group of capable businessmen who have pooled their resources and monetize crime into a highly organized, secretive corporate structure, which has been a headache for law enforcement.

Zane Stryker is trying to make one more big payday on the runway. He’s put together his best wardrobe, packed up and has returned from Milan for his last shot in NY. When his luggage is confiscated by airport security, he finds himself on the run. Zane has a chance to make big bucks, one million dollars, by handing over what’s in his luggage. But, would that really solve all his problems?

Sebastian Gigoni joined the Army at eighteen, and with his savings he started investing in properties. His background is pretty impressive, working for the SAS, the Army and Special Forces. He’s trying to help Peregrine put an end to the Erebus Consortium. And has found what he’s looking for: the suspicious luggage and its owner, Zane Stryker.

Sebastian and Zane are suspicious of each other; who’s working for whom? Zane thinks he can outsmart both Sebastian and the counterfeiters. He puts some of his creative ideas into motion, but it also puts him and Sebastian into some pretty hair-raising and dangerous situations.

Then, we have Etienne Souvent, former combat driver for the Foreign Legion. He gets to chauffeur Sebastian and Zane around, and takes them on some of the wildest car chases ever.

Ava Drake brings action, suspense and danger along with the wild car chases in the third installment of the Wild Cards series in the Dreamspun Desires collection, and I hope she has more stories lined up for this series. The plotline was very interesting, with counterfeit plates as the focus. Sebastian and Zane certainly make for an exciting couple in their different experiences growing up, and in the chemistry that they create. Etienne Souvent, being a little bit mysterious, certainly was an entertaining and fun character.

Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I was very happy to have this continuation of Wild Cards in relation to the Erebus Consortium, I found that I was a bit disappointed in this book and found it overall mediocre.

Zane is a model trying to get his one last year of runway in New York so that he can make enough money to comfortably work out a retirement plan. All of his current money is invested in the new wardrobe he has brought for his interviews, so when he finds out that his entire suitcase has been replaced with contraband he worries about what he will do. In comes Sebastian, former British SAS, with a plan to use Zane to catch the people behind the contraband in his suitcase. The two slip away from the airport together to work out a plan.

The action of the story was all right. I was happy that it was about Erebus and for the most part everything seemed sound. Both the planning and the activities of Erebus and of Zane and Sebastian worked in the context of the contraband and the capture setup. However, while it all was fine, it never really grabbed me or had me all that worried about next steps.

The romance between Zane and Sebastian fell completely flat for me. It was easy to believe that they could want each other. There was instant and believable lust, and the act that they acted on it felt right and worked out. Beyond that they never really grabbed me. There was too much flip flopping about trust for me to really see a jump to love. Sebastian spent the first half of the book convinced Zane worked for Erebus, and it was hard to see how he was so in love that finding out Zane wasn't Erebus cinched it for him. Then with Zane, the man flipped between trust and distrust, the need for money and being okay without it, that I really didn't see where the sudden jump to head over heels love came in. Without the belief in the romance and caring about how these two characters ended up, everything in the story became very bland and it felt uninteresting despite the potential for some very good story in here.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note: This audiobook was provided to me through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.

I generally enjoy the Dreamspun Desires series of romances based on old tropes. Yes, some of them are hokey, but generally they’re well-written and/or well-thought out. This one just didn’t meet the grade for me. I found it too far out in the realm of unreality. The story plot didn’t hold my interest, and the romance was not the least bit genuine. In fact, it wasn’t until the last chapter that I realized the men really did come to care for each other.

Add to that the fact that John Solo’s narration wasn’t as good as it usually was—I didn’t care for the voice he gave to Zane—and overall, it was a disappointment.

As a side note: when an author uses words like “privates” and “nether regions” in the sex scenes in an adult MM romance, I generally roll my eyes. In this one, my eyes rolled so far back, I could see behind me! So the saga described in the blurb, in which the supermodel who needs money just happens to have his bag stolen and the contents replaced with twenty-dollar-bill engraving plates was bizarre from the start. Pursuit by a man who was not only working for an international security firm, but who also happened to be a self-made millionaire and internationally known investor, was a bit too much. Put the two together, mix well, throw in bad guys with underhanded intentions, and shake out a story that was quite subpar. This is one I can’t recommend in e-book or audio version.

[Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fashion model Zane Stryker finds himself unwittingly involved in the underworld of organized crime after his suitcase is swapped out for a bag containing contraband that a powerful organization can't wait to get its hands on. Spared from being arrested as a smuggler by the mysterious (and attractive) Sebastian Gigoni, Zane must find a way to get out from under the thumb of the unknown people who are now demanding he hand over the item they're looking for while deciding if he can trust Sebastian--at first with his life, but maybe even with his heart. And Sebastian has his own dilemma--trying to figure out if Zane is part of the conspiracy or is really as innocent and genuine as he seems to be.

I really did like these characters, and the interactions between the two of them were the right combination of sweet and spicy. But the overall situation they're in here in the book and some of the pacing just all seemed a bit off to me. So while I'd give this four stars for the characters and the relationship, I'm knocking it down just a bit since the total package didn't quite seem to come together.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

At thirty, Zane Stryker needs money to start over as a fashion model. He knows it will be difficult considering his age but he has a plan. Too bad Murphy’s Law has a plan as well. His luggage is switched at the airport and he winds up with contraband that he must deliver. Then Sebastian Gigoni enters the fray. As a former British Secret Service agent, Sebastian must determine where Zane’s loyalties lie. Their attraction to each other is off the charts but that does not equate to trust. As the odds of winning seem to decline, Zane and Sebastian will have to be all in if they are to succeed.

Zane and Sebastian were amazing together. Both were independent and tended to not listen to the other. Yet both were intelligent enough to do the right thing but in their own way. It made for some amazing conflict that made the reading so much fun. With an intriguing plat and two wonderful heroes, pick up All In and watch as Sebastian and Zane do what they want individually and together.

[Annika · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was utterly and completely riddiculous and unbelievable. Sure, you don't pick up Dreamspun Desires and expect a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but I do expext some credibility... Maybe my frame of reference is a bit skewered having just finished Hush, but come on, there is such a thing called research and fact checking. So yeah, I might just avoid this author entirely in the future.

[Rissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the mystery! Zane was good! I'm glad he was one step ahead.

Sebastian's hideaways were so cool! I like how the author described them!

This is the third book in the series about the Wild Cards organization. I wonder if there will be more and if there will be crossovers. I'm so glad this book didn't end in a cliffhanger, lol!

[Risa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Der 37. Band der Beloved-Serie konnte mich von Anfang an überzeugen. Der enthaltene Krimiplot war spannend erzählt. Besonders Zane sorgt für so manche Überraschung.
Auch das Paar Zane und Sebastian gefiel mir sehr gut. Wenn die beiden zusammen sind spürt man direkt die knisternde Erotik.

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is full of action and drama. In the middle of all this action there is love. The icing on the cake getting to take out the bad guy.

[Janet Fair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story. Zane didn't know how smart and tough he really is.

[Zane Kage · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Wraps up the Erebus storyline.

[Karlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, eine super spannende Geschichte,
toll beschriebene Protas,
sehr fluessig zu lesen,
etwas Erotik und einiges an Humor haben die gesamte Story abgerundet,
klasse, hat mir sehr gut gefallen