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Meredith Hunt is content with her solo life. She owns and runs a successful Pilates studio, volunteers at the high school every week, and recently bought a house. She can take care of herself, which is good because she has a hard time relying on other people. When she's mugged and a handsome man comes to her rescue, she doesn't know how to accept his help-or how to stop staring into his chocolate-brown eyes.
Ace Vance moved to Bridgeport to offer his fifteen-year-old son, Finn, a better life. Here, Finn has a chance to play football for a good team and maybe even earn a college scholarship. And Ace scored a job at a top-notch garage, where he gets to fix up classic cars. Plus, they could both use some distance from Finn's toxic mom. The last thing on his mind is falling in love, but he can't help offering assistance to a gorgeous redhead in need.
Thrown together by a careless criminal, Meredith and Ace can't deny their attraction. But can they open their hearts-and their lives-to make room for love?
Shelley Shepard Gray's Bridgeport Social Club series explores how communities can come together to support each other, whether it's around a poker table, in a Pilates studio, or anywhere in between. Get ready to fall in love with a group of men and women who, even when they feel lost, refuse to lose hope.
Ace Vance moved to Bridgeport to offer his fifteen-year-old son, Finn, a better life. Here, Finn has a chance to play football for a good team and maybe even earn a college scholarship. And Ace scored a job at a top-notch garage, where he gets to fix up classic cars. Plus, they could both use some distance from Finn's toxic mom. The last thing on his mind is falling in love, but he can't help offering assistance to a gorgeous redhead in need.
Thrown together by a careless criminal, Meredith and Ace can't deny their attraction. But can they open their hearts-and their lives-to make room for love?
Shelley Shepard Gray's Bridgeport Social Club series explores how communities can come together to support each other, whether it's around a poker table, in a Pilates studio, or anywhere in between. Get ready to fall in love with a group of men and women who, even when they feel lost, refuse to lose hope.
286 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2019
53 people are currently reading
1297 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Shepard Gray
126 books2,314 followersLibrarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).
Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
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Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 7, 2019
I found All In a cute romance between a Pilates studio owner and volunteer at the local high school and a single father trying to make a new start with his teen son. The romantic chemistry is strong. But both Meredith, who has never leaned on anyone, and Ace, who is wary of trusting a woman, dutifully attempt to fight the attraction.
There is a quite of few endearing relationship and characters that just pop right off the pages. Gray really does capture that hometown closeness and neighborhood feel.
I received this ARC copy of All In from Blackstone Publishing. This is my honest and voluntary review. All In is set for publication Feb. 12, 2019.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Shelley Shepard Gray
Series: Bridgeport Social Club
Sequence in Series: Book 2
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing; Unabridged edition
Publication Date: February 12, 2019
ISBN-10: 1538440881
ISBN-13: 978-1538440889
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/All-Bridgeport...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-...
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/all-...
There is a quite of few endearing relationship and characters that just pop right off the pages. Gray really does capture that hometown closeness and neighborhood feel.
I received this ARC copy of All In from Blackstone Publishing. This is my honest and voluntary review. All In is set for publication Feb. 12, 2019.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Shelley Shepard Gray
Series: Bridgeport Social Club
Sequence in Series: Book 2
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing; Unabridged edition
Publication Date: February 12, 2019
ISBN-10: 1538440881
ISBN-13: 978-1538440889
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/All-Bridgeport...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-...
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/all-...
February 26, 2019
A cute love story between a Pilates studio owner Meredith and a single father Ace who repaired classic cars.
My first book by Shelley Shepard Gray, the story had be identifying with both the characters as they were both closed off in the beginning and slowly opened up when the pages turned.
Love happened between these two characters unexpectedly when a mugging caused Ace to enter her life. The characters developed slowly and it was fun to see them start to trust each other, rough edges and all.
The book was well written in most parts. I thought it would be a clean read but does have its expletives/innuendos. I didn’t like the main character thinking smoking was cool. But to each his/her own. And I didn’t like the poker references, probably because I don’t play poker
Overall, barring a few scenes, skimming a few parts, the story was a sweet romance, read in 2 hours.
My first book by Shelley Shepard Gray, the story had be identifying with both the characters as they were both closed off in the beginning and slowly opened up when the pages turned.
Love happened between these two characters unexpectedly when a mugging caused Ace to enter her life. The characters developed slowly and it was fun to see them start to trust each other, rough edges and all.
The book was well written in most parts. I thought it would be a clean read but does have its expletives/innuendos. I didn’t like the main character thinking smoking was cool. But to each his/her own. And I didn’t like the poker references, probably because I don’t play poker
Overall, barring a few scenes, skimming a few parts, the story was a sweet romance, read in 2 hours.
June 19, 2019
Meredith Hunt has carefully orchestrated her life. She had a bank job she hated so she quit it and eventually opened a Pilates studio. In addition, she volunteers at the local high school, and this brings her even more fulfillment in life. However, one day while jogging, she is mugged and is slightly injured in the process. Ace Vance and his teen son Finn see her fall and quickly come to her rescue.
Meredith wants to just get up and take care of herself, but Ace insists on accompanying her to get checked out - and he never leaves her life after that. Meredith begins to learn what it is like to depend on others, and that includes new friendships that she is forming.
Ace recently moved to Bridgeport with Finn to give him better opportunities, and this includes the fifteen-year-old having the chance to play varsity football for the high school team. This just might give Finn the opportunity to earn a scholarship for college. Ace would move mountains for Finn, especially as Finn was raised by his mother, who was not good for Finn in his life, ever.
As Ace and Meredith begin to spend time together, they realize that, despite the fact that neither of them have time for love in their lives, feelings do begin to bloom. When Meredith experiences problems at her house, Ace really steps up.
There were many things I loved about this book. For starters, Ace's relationship with Finn. I was really moved by some of their conversations. Then when it came to friends and family in this book, I was even more affected.
Whether it is poker, Pilates, the slow burn of the romance developing, this second book in the Bridgeport Social Club series is quite a wonderful read. The trio of friends that formed the social club are finding love, and that is always rewarding. I definitely recommend this touching story.
Many thanks to Blackstone Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Meredith wants to just get up and take care of herself, but Ace insists on accompanying her to get checked out - and he never leaves her life after that. Meredith begins to learn what it is like to depend on others, and that includes new friendships that she is forming.
Ace recently moved to Bridgeport with Finn to give him better opportunities, and this includes the fifteen-year-old having the chance to play varsity football for the high school team. This just might give Finn the opportunity to earn a scholarship for college. Ace would move mountains for Finn, especially as Finn was raised by his mother, who was not good for Finn in his life, ever.
As Ace and Meredith begin to spend time together, they realize that, despite the fact that neither of them have time for love in their lives, feelings do begin to bloom. When Meredith experiences problems at her house, Ace really steps up.
There were many things I loved about this book. For starters, Ace's relationship with Finn. I was really moved by some of their conversations. Then when it came to friends and family in this book, I was even more affected.
Whether it is poker, Pilates, the slow burn of the romance developing, this second book in the Bridgeport Social Club series is quite a wonderful read. The trio of friends that formed the social club are finding love, and that is always rewarding. I definitely recommend this touching story.
Many thanks to Blackstone Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
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December 24, 2021I can't give this is a star rating -- I knew going in that this was a general market romance by an up until recently exclusively Christian Fiction (Amish and Historical Romance) author. And I'd read the first book in the series and was disappointed in some of the content -- but, when I saw All In available in the Audible Plus catalogue I decided to give it a try anyway.
What I loved -- Gray's distinctive storytelling style where she explores one theme through the lives of multiple characters. In this case it's being brave enough to be vulnerable and and learning to live in community. There's some beautiful, touching scenes with Meredith and Ace as well as Ace's son Finn and his ...almost...girlfriend. And I like the Bridgeport community and loved the chemistry between Ace and Meredith right from their meet-cute.
BUT
That relationship included too many sexual innuendos for me. Plus, I wasn't a fan of the ultimate 'happily' ever after. On top of that there was quite a bit of coarse language throughout the whole book -- more than I remember being in the first one. So, this just confirms that this author's general market books aren't for me.
What I loved -- Gray's distinctive storytelling style where she explores one theme through the lives of multiple characters. In this case it's being brave enough to be vulnerable and and learning to live in community. There's some beautiful, touching scenes with Meredith and Ace as well as Ace's son Finn and his ...almost...girlfriend. And I like the Bridgeport community and loved the chemistry between Ace and Meredith right from their meet-cute.
BUT
That relationship included too many sexual innuendos for me. Plus, I wasn't a fan of the ultimate 'happily' ever after. On top of that there was quite a bit of coarse language throughout the whole book -- more than I remember being in the first one. So, this just confirms that this author's general market books aren't for me.
November 29, 2024
Meredith Hunt lives in a Bridgeport where she has her recently bought home, and where she owns and runs Shine Pilates. Added to that she volunteers at the high school every week. There she meets fifteen year old Finn. One night when she is mugged a handsome man comes to her aid along with his son. His son is Finn. They provide her with much needed help. Meredith is used to being independent and finds it hard to trust people, but she has no choice but to rely on Ace Vance and Finn.
I also liked some of the support characters especially The Lunch Bunch, who are one of Meridith’s more mature Pilates groups, as well as Kyle and his wife and the sense of community in Bridgeport.
Each chapter begins with a quote about poker which is what The Bridgeport Social Club is, a poker game sure but also a place where men can unwind and talk to each other.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a simple, easy read story well told, although some aspects of the ending were not what I would have liked. And that pulled my rating down a little. As far as I was concerned that ending was not conveying ‘all in.’
Although this is book 2 in a series it is not essential to have read book 1. Sense of community and place is well conveyed and Bridgeport sounds a lovely place to live despite a few concerning incidents.
I also liked some of the support characters especially The Lunch Bunch, who are one of Meridith’s more mature Pilates groups, as well as Kyle and his wife and the sense of community in Bridgeport.
Each chapter begins with a quote about poker which is what The Bridgeport Social Club is, a poker game sure but also a place where men can unwind and talk to each other.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a simple, easy read story well told, although some aspects of the ending were not what I would have liked. And that pulled my rating down a little. As far as I was concerned that ending was not conveying ‘all in.’
Although this is book 2 in a series it is not essential to have read book 1. Sense of community and place is well conveyed and Bridgeport sounds a lovely place to live despite a few concerning incidents.
January 26, 2019
Shelley Shepard Gray's novel, All In, shows what happens when two strangers go all in with both their minds and hearts. I enjoyed watching how these two had to learn to lean on each other. Each protagonist was weary of the other one. Trust was to be earned not just given. That made me like and respect that characters even more. Love is on the horizon between two unexpected people. They are automatically closed off...but with plenty of time, they start to open up and it was beautiful. Shelley Shepard Gray made this an entertaining read, I kept wondering what would happen between Meredith and Ace. Relationships are complicated. But they can be everything one needed even when not looking. If you love a heartfelt contemporary romance, then this is a must read.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
May 14, 2020
Enjoyable!
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was excited to read this one. Ace is a true man's man...handsome, muscular, protective, also tender.....sigh. I also really liked Meredith. She is someone I would want for a friend or daughter, and would love to take her Pilates class and be a part of the lunch bunch! There was also a sweet teenage romance with Finn and Allison. A good, light read that I found very enjoyable. I would rate PG for some light swearing and kissing;)
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was excited to read this one. Ace is a true man's man...handsome, muscular, protective, also tender.....sigh. I also really liked Meredith. She is someone I would want for a friend or daughter, and would love to take her Pilates class and be a part of the lunch bunch! There was also a sweet teenage romance with Finn and Allison. A good, light read that I found very enjoyable. I would rate PG for some light swearing and kissing;)
March 17, 2019
All In was such a sweet, light romance. I loved how real the storyline was.
January 20, 2019
All In ( Bridgeport Social Club #2 )
By: Shelley Shepard Gray
All In Is book two in Bridgeport Social Club Series. This is not Ms. Gray’s usually Amish story. Ace moves to Bridgeport to offer his son a better life. Meredith is content with her life. She can take care of herself. She has a hard time relying on others. There is attraction between these two, but Ace is not ready to fall in love again. The author ties things together with the poker game, which i wasn’t to fond of.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley and the Publisher, but was not told that I had too give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
By: Shelley Shepard Gray
All In Is book two in Bridgeport Social Club Series. This is not Ms. Gray’s usually Amish story. Ace moves to Bridgeport to offer his son a better life. Meredith is content with her life. She can take care of herself. She has a hard time relying on others. There is attraction between these two, but Ace is not ready to fall in love again. The author ties things together with the poker game, which i wasn’t to fond of.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley and the Publisher, but was not told that I had too give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
March 1, 2019
Caution: Review contains one major spoiler. You have been warned.
Shelley Shepherd Gray is better known for her Amish romance and Christian historical romance. As far as I know, this is her first general market novel [I now find it's the second in a series, so it's at least her second general market novel]. I knew it was a general market romance novel when I requested it for review, so I knew I couldn't hold the plot and characters to the same standard as I might hold my more common contemporary Christian romance read.
Yet this still managed to disappoint.
(You know how I said this review contains a spoiler? Well, if you don't want spoilers, now is the time to click away.)
I don't like writing reviews that contain spoilers beyond the obvious: if a novel is a murder mystery, someone dies. If a novel is a medical thriller, someone gets sick. If a novel is a romance, two people fall in love.
So that's half the spoiler for All In: this is a romance, and two people meet and fall in love. We know that's what happens in a romance. We're not reading to watch them get together. We're reading for the journey.
And the journey in All In was fun. Sure, I think Ace is a pretty dumb name for a hero, but I can look past that. I can look past the tattoo, and the fact he's the single father of a teenage son who was conceived in less than idea circumstances (hey, that provides a lot of room for a redemptive plot). I can even look past the fact he smokes (although I'm not so sure how Pilates instructor and health nut Meredith Hunt can get past that).
Here's what I can't get past. (Remember how I warned you about the spoiler? It's from the last chapter, so it really is a spoiler. Here it comes.)
Romances are supposed to have an emotionally satisfying ending. At least, that's how Romance Writers of America define the genre. Many readers refer to this as an HEA or happy-ever-after ending. In some romance novels I've read, this HEA ending is the couple deciding to try and overcome their differences and start a relationship. More often, it's a proposal scene. Sometimes there is a wedding (although that might be reserved for an epilogue).
In All In?
The book with a TITLE that implies the couple will be all in? As in, fully committed to each other?
The big climax is Ace asking Meredith to move in with him and his son and their puppy. Roommates with benefits? That's romantic? I didn't find this emotionally satisfying at all. It felt like cheating. It made me feel stabby. To make it worse, Meredith thinks:
All in meant that she could give 100 percent.
Yeah. She's giving 100 percent, but Ace isn't. If Ace was "all in", he'd be offering to marry her. Not have her move in and cook and clean for him and his son and the new puppy (because you can't tell me she won't end up doing the lion's share of the housework.)
Shelley Shepard Gray is a strong writer. The characters are excellent—I especially liked the interactions between Finn and Alison (even if they did detract from the Ace/Meredith story). The plot was solid ... well, except for the stabby climax. But I'm not the only person who thinks this kind of ending is a let-down. My romance reader friends agreed with me - roommates with benefits is not the happy ending we are looking for.
Overall, I thought All In was a solid romance novel let down by the last chapter.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Shelley Shepherd Gray is better known for her Amish romance and Christian historical romance. As far as I know, this is her first general market novel [I now find it's the second in a series, so it's at least her second general market novel]. I knew it was a general market romance novel when I requested it for review, so I knew I couldn't hold the plot and characters to the same standard as I might hold my more common contemporary Christian romance read.
Yet this still managed to disappoint.
(You know how I said this review contains a spoiler? Well, if you don't want spoilers, now is the time to click away.)
I don't like writing reviews that contain spoilers beyond the obvious: if a novel is a murder mystery, someone dies. If a novel is a medical thriller, someone gets sick. If a novel is a romance, two people fall in love.
So that's half the spoiler for All In: this is a romance, and two people meet and fall in love. We know that's what happens in a romance. We're not reading to watch them get together. We're reading for the journey.
And the journey in All In was fun. Sure, I think Ace is a pretty dumb name for a hero, but I can look past that. I can look past the tattoo, and the fact he's the single father of a teenage son who was conceived in less than idea circumstances (hey, that provides a lot of room for a redemptive plot). I can even look past the fact he smokes (although I'm not so sure how Pilates instructor and health nut Meredith Hunt can get past that).
Here's what I can't get past. (Remember how I warned you about the spoiler? It's from the last chapter, so it really is a spoiler. Here it comes.)
Romances are supposed to have an emotionally satisfying ending. At least, that's how Romance Writers of America define the genre. Many readers refer to this as an HEA or happy-ever-after ending. In some romance novels I've read, this HEA ending is the couple deciding to try and overcome their differences and start a relationship. More often, it's a proposal scene. Sometimes there is a wedding (although that might be reserved for an epilogue).
In All In?
The book with a TITLE that implies the couple will be all in? As in, fully committed to each other?
The big climax is Ace asking Meredith to move in with him and his son and their puppy. Roommates with benefits? That's romantic? I didn't find this emotionally satisfying at all. It felt like cheating. It made me feel stabby. To make it worse, Meredith thinks:
All in meant that she could give 100 percent.
Yeah. She's giving 100 percent, but Ace isn't. If Ace was "all in", he'd be offering to marry her. Not have her move in and cook and clean for him and his son and the new puppy (because you can't tell me she won't end up doing the lion's share of the housework.)
Shelley Shepard Gray is a strong writer. The characters are excellent—I especially liked the interactions between Finn and Alison (even if they did detract from the Ace/Meredith story). The plot was solid ... well, except for the stabby climax. But I'm not the only person who thinks this kind of ending is a let-down. My romance reader friends agreed with me - roommates with benefits is not the happy ending we are looking for.
Overall, I thought All In was a solid romance novel let down by the last chapter.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2019
This second book in the series was another well written and thoughtful story.
Meredith Hunt is a pilates studio owner. She has not had much love in her life and keeps to herself not because she is aloof , but because she fears that if she gets close to anyone, she could be hurt.
Ace Vance, has recently moved to Bridgeport so that his 15 year old son, Finn, can have more opportunities. A son that unbeknown to him, had not been well taken care of by the boys Mom. Vance is a man a little rough around the edges , and one that hides a big heart.
Ace, and Meredith meet when someone mugged her. Much to both their surprise , a friendship and relationship starts. But both keep their hearts closed up for fear of not being enough and being hurt.
But in holding back, will they miss an opportunity of being truly happy with someone special?
It’s a story about friendships, support systems, and families made up not only by blood but also by friends. Also a reminder, that though life is messy, and full of bumpy roads, in taking chances and giving of yourself, it can also be fulfilling and so much brighter.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Meredith Hunt is a pilates studio owner. She has not had much love in her life and keeps to herself not because she is aloof , but because she fears that if she gets close to anyone, she could be hurt.
Ace Vance, has recently moved to Bridgeport so that his 15 year old son, Finn, can have more opportunities. A son that unbeknown to him, had not been well taken care of by the boys Mom. Vance is a man a little rough around the edges , and one that hides a big heart.
Ace, and Meredith meet when someone mugged her. Much to both their surprise , a friendship and relationship starts. But both keep their hearts closed up for fear of not being enough and being hurt.
But in holding back, will they miss an opportunity of being truly happy with someone special?
It’s a story about friendships, support systems, and families made up not only by blood but also by friends. Also a reminder, that though life is messy, and full of bumpy roads, in taking chances and giving of yourself, it can also be fulfilling and so much brighter.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
May 15, 2019
The Bridgeport Social Club gets better with the second book, All In. A sweet romance that takes center stage in this story, which typically gets too mushy for me. However, the process of this romance makes this one interesting, because it allows readers to immerse in the development a relationship between two adults, with one being a single parent.
I also find the character Finn a highlight. There's an emotional development with this high school character definitely made All In a story worth reading. The underlying premise of using the tools of a poker game to elaborate on the theme and message of life is an interesting one. However, what makes it more relevant is the idea of a social gathering that isn't about a game, but friendship.
In all honesty, I'm looking forward to Hold on Tight, the next book in the series from All In alone, but after I saw the cover, I know for certain it's on my list of reads!
For my clean readers, please note there are slight profanity in this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
I also find the character Finn a highlight. There's an emotional development with this high school character definitely made All In a story worth reading. The underlying premise of using the tools of a poker game to elaborate on the theme and message of life is an interesting one. However, what makes it more relevant is the idea of a social gathering that isn't about a game, but friendship.
In all honesty, I'm looking forward to Hold on Tight, the next book in the series from All In alone, but after I saw the cover, I know for certain it's on my list of reads!
For my clean readers, please note there are slight profanity in this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
February 3, 2019
I liked 95% of this book but was disappointed by the ending. I felt it didn’t stay true to the book or to what I’ve come to expect from this author.
Aside from that, I feel that Gray does an amazing job with her main characters. They are very authentic. I felt I was watching the story unfold before my eyes. I felt for Finn who doesn’t know how to respond to seeing a loving, healthy family. I liked that Ace didn’t fit the stereotype for a gentleman but had an amazing protective streak towards Meredith. I enjoyed seeing how Meredith “helped” out in school.
Just like the first book in this series, the power of community, having people around you who care for you (and letting them do that) was compelling. As Meredith and Finn find out, sometimes your real family aren’t related to you by blood.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The Bridgeport Social Club
Book 1: Take a Chance
Book 2: All In
Book 3: Hold On Tight (coming out June 11, 2019)
Aside from that, I feel that Gray does an amazing job with her main characters. They are very authentic. I felt I was watching the story unfold before my eyes. I felt for Finn who doesn’t know how to respond to seeing a loving, healthy family. I liked that Ace didn’t fit the stereotype for a gentleman but had an amazing protective streak towards Meredith. I enjoyed seeing how Meredith “helped” out in school.
Just like the first book in this series, the power of community, having people around you who care for you (and letting them do that) was compelling. As Meredith and Finn find out, sometimes your real family aren’t related to you by blood.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The Bridgeport Social Club
Book 1: Take a Chance
Book 2: All In
Book 3: Hold On Tight (coming out June 11, 2019)
November 26, 2018
Shelley Shepard Gray, the author of All In was unfamiliar to me when I began this piece. After having read one-third of the book, I was ready to add everything she’s ever written to my TBR List. I was fascinated by the way Gray wove together Relationship, Family, Love, Support, and Unexpected Help together. She’s created many complex relationships in this piece, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these characters. As someone who struggles with authentic relationships, this novel has given me a glimmer of hope, not only for me, but for mankind. All In is well written and I’m rooting for Finn and Allison in the future.
It has been my pleasure to read and review All In, a novel provided by NetGalley. All In is scheduled for release February 2019.
It has been my pleasure to read and review All In, a novel provided by NetGalley. All In is scheduled for release February 2019.
January 16, 2019
A hard shove brings three hurting souls together, at least in that moment. A father who has finally stepped up and moved his fifteen-year-old son away from his neglectful mother, and a young woman who is making it on her own despite a disapproving mother and an absent father.
We follow these three a life’s curves and lessons are thrown their way, and we walk in each of their shoes, and hopefully learn with them.
Now this is the second book in this series, but enough information is given that it can be read alone, but I loved that the previous characters are here and play bit parts.
There are also offered tips on Pilates and Poker!
I received this book through Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review
We follow these three a life’s curves and lessons are thrown their way, and we walk in each of their shoes, and hopefully learn with them.
Now this is the second book in this series, but enough information is given that it can be read alone, but I loved that the previous characters are here and play bit parts.
There are also offered tips on Pilates and Poker!
I received this book through Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review
February 10, 2019
This book was nothing special for me. I didn’t realize this was not a Christian fiction book. There was some mild language, some references to sexual activity (nothing crude or distasteful), and it really bothered me that Ace was a smoker and that Meredith thought that made him more attractive. More than the personal distaste I have for those minor things was the fact that this book really didn’t have much of a plot and the characters didn’t seem to have much depth to them. I think my favorite character was Ace’s sin Finn, he brought a bit of interest to the story. This book wasn’t my fave, but it wasn’t horrible and if you are looking for secular Contemporary Romance then this might be one to check out.
February 8, 2019
This is book two of The Bridgeport Social Club Series and it is just as good if not better than book one Take a Chance. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one. You don't have to read book one to know whats going on, it just has some of the same people in it. This book is full of emotion and once you start reading it you don't want to stop. Thank you Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
July 12, 2019
Great character, an emotional story and a wonderful ending. Happy reading/listening!
Want to read
January 5, 2020Another fabulous book by Shelley Shepard Gray and a must read by anyone who loves her books. Sometimes God throws someone into our life when we least expect it and this is what this books has in it.
October 25, 2022
I liked this second book in a series just like the first. Small town people just navigating normal life. Feel good easy listen with cute romance.
May 22, 2023
Good modern romance between relative strangers with tough childhoods. Had lots i enjoyed. Puppies. Good manners. Family. Even the poker lessons and pilaties explainations were interesting.
February 18, 2019
Meredith Hunt owns her own Pilates Studio in Bridgeport, Ohio. She happily lives a single life. Her mom is toxic and is never happy with what she does or accomplishes. Her father disappeared when she was five years old and she has no other family. Her clients at her pilates studio have become her family and, for now, that is enough.
Ace Vance moved to Bridgeport from West Virginia to get away from his son’s mother and to offer Finn a better life. Finn is a great football player and Ace is hoping that moving them will offer Finn opportunities for a college scholarship. Ace also was able to get a great job as an auto mechanic. Life is good and he isn’t interested in a relationship with a woman. He and Finn are fine by themselves.
While hiking on a trail, Ace and Finn came across Meredith immediately following a mugging. They took her to urgent care and stayed with her until she was taken care of. Ace was nothing like Meredith had ever been interested in. He was a tattooed, cigarette smoking man who showed her incredible kindness. Meredith was nothing like Ace had ever been interested in or thought he could ever have. The more time he spent with her the more he wanted to be near her. Was it possible for them to go all in? Would the payoff be worth the risk?
I really enjoyed this book. For the most part the book was a clean read. There was an almost sex scene and minimal foul language. I loved how Meredith and Ace and Finn learned to depend on each other and how the relationships they formed helped to heal the wounds that had been created from prior toxic relationships. The supporting characters were wonderful and well developed, also.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my review.
Ace Vance moved to Bridgeport from West Virginia to get away from his son’s mother and to offer Finn a better life. Finn is a great football player and Ace is hoping that moving them will offer Finn opportunities for a college scholarship. Ace also was able to get a great job as an auto mechanic. Life is good and he isn’t interested in a relationship with a woman. He and Finn are fine by themselves.
While hiking on a trail, Ace and Finn came across Meredith immediately following a mugging. They took her to urgent care and stayed with her until she was taken care of. Ace was nothing like Meredith had ever been interested in. He was a tattooed, cigarette smoking man who showed her incredible kindness. Meredith was nothing like Ace had ever been interested in or thought he could ever have. The more time he spent with her the more he wanted to be near her. Was it possible for them to go all in? Would the payoff be worth the risk?
I really enjoyed this book. For the most part the book was a clean read. There was an almost sex scene and minimal foul language. I loved how Meredith and Ace and Finn learned to depend on each other and how the relationships they formed helped to heal the wounds that had been created from prior toxic relationships. The supporting characters were wonderful and well developed, also.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my review.
November 21, 2018
All In is book 2 in the Bridgeport Social Club by Shelley Shepard Gray. Don't expect the usual clean Amish or historical Christian romance that Ms. Gray usually writes. This one is edgy. The main male character has tats, wears earrings and smokes cigarettes but he is a good single father to his son Finn and his protective nature is endearing. Even though there was no sex in the book the main female character was looking forward to going to bed with him. I think I would have enjoyed the book better if she was not considering going to bed with him. Also, it would have been better had there not been any swear words in the book but you have to consider that these characters did not express a belief in Christ so you can't really expect them to act like saints. Overall the book was well-written and I will probably like to read the next one in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blackstone Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This book is due to be released on February 5, 2019.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blackstone Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This book is due to be released on February 5, 2019.
February 17, 2019
Hard to Put Down
Okay. Let me begin by saying that as I write this review, I find myself in a bit of a conundrum. It comes from my background of experience with author Shelley Shepard Gray’s earlier books. My experience with this author has been through her works in the genres of romance/historical/mystery&suspense mainly involving Amish and Mennonite. They have also been labeled as religious/christian/clean&wholesome. Thus, my conundrum begins. I had to separate & get beyond my past experiences with the author’s prior works in order to give my honest thoughts about All In.
So, let me just begin by saying that my first challenge was to accept that All In doesn’t fit into a mold that I’ve experienced with the author’s prior works. That being said, it was scary, refreshing and exciting for me to read. Scary in that from the beginning, I could tell this was a different type of story from what I was used to from this author. Refreshing in that from the beginning, I was immediately drawn into the characters, which were different from the other works I’d read by this author. Exciting in that I really wanted to see where the story would go.
I was indeed drawn in from the start when Meredith Hunt is mugged and two guardian angels in the form of Ace and Finley Vance, show up just in the nick of time to help her. The problem is that Meredith isn’t used to being helped. She didn’t have the best situations while growing up. The difficult situations in her life and relationships have made her self reliant and hesitant to receive help from anyone. Even in this situation, she found it uncomfortable to
have someone, make that two someones, helping her.
Ace Vance hasn’t had things so easy either. He’s just moved to Bridgeport to make a better life for his son Finn and to get away from Finn’s mother. His main focus has been to make things better for Finn. The situation with Finn’s mother combined with his focus to make a better life for Finn has kept the whole dating thing off of his radar.
And as for Finley Vance, he’s had his share of bad experiences in his young life, most of which stem from his mother’s lack of mothering. At his young age he feels the need to be self reliant but also struggles with things he’s missed out on, as well as the typical challenges faced by teens.
The lives of these three become entwined when Meredith’s mugging brings them together. The story has romance, mystery and intrigue. But the largest part of the story revolves around how these three individuals come to terms with their pasts and how they are able to move forward from there to find forgiveness, healing and love.
So, I said all that to say this. All In is a clean, wholesome read with a slight contemporiness (is that even a word?) to it. It will take you to a place where you will find just how powerful love, and love’s healing, can be.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Okay. Let me begin by saying that as I write this review, I find myself in a bit of a conundrum. It comes from my background of experience with author Shelley Shepard Gray’s earlier books. My experience with this author has been through her works in the genres of romance/historical/mystery&suspense mainly involving Amish and Mennonite. They have also been labeled as religious/christian/clean&wholesome. Thus, my conundrum begins. I had to separate & get beyond my past experiences with the author’s prior works in order to give my honest thoughts about All In.
So, let me just begin by saying that my first challenge was to accept that All In doesn’t fit into a mold that I’ve experienced with the author’s prior works. That being said, it was scary, refreshing and exciting for me to read. Scary in that from the beginning, I could tell this was a different type of story from what I was used to from this author. Refreshing in that from the beginning, I was immediately drawn into the characters, which were different from the other works I’d read by this author. Exciting in that I really wanted to see where the story would go.
I was indeed drawn in from the start when Meredith Hunt is mugged and two guardian angels in the form of Ace and Finley Vance, show up just in the nick of time to help her. The problem is that Meredith isn’t used to being helped. She didn’t have the best situations while growing up. The difficult situations in her life and relationships have made her self reliant and hesitant to receive help from anyone. Even in this situation, she found it uncomfortable to
have someone, make that two someones, helping her.
Ace Vance hasn’t had things so easy either. He’s just moved to Bridgeport to make a better life for his son Finn and to get away from Finn’s mother. His main focus has been to make things better for Finn. The situation with Finn’s mother combined with his focus to make a better life for Finn has kept the whole dating thing off of his radar.
And as for Finley Vance, he’s had his share of bad experiences in his young life, most of which stem from his mother’s lack of mothering. At his young age he feels the need to be self reliant but also struggles with things he’s missed out on, as well as the typical challenges faced by teens.
The lives of these three become entwined when Meredith’s mugging brings them together. The story has romance, mystery and intrigue. But the largest part of the story revolves around how these three individuals come to terms with their pasts and how they are able to move forward from there to find forgiveness, healing and love.
So, I said all that to say this. All In is a clean, wholesome read with a slight contemporiness (is that even a word?) to it. It will take you to a place where you will find just how powerful love, and love’s healing, can be.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 26, 2019
I wanted to like this cute, sweet story. But by the end, I just felt like things weren’t developed as well as I needed them to be in order to feel invested in the characters, and their stories.
Ace is a recent transplant to the town of Bridgeport, Ohio. Having followed his friend Kurt, he has hopes of making a more stable life for his 15 year old son. When he and Finn rescue Pilates studio owner Meredith after a mugging, Ace discovers that maybe Bridgeport is where he’ll find a better life for himself as well.
There are plenty of things to like about this story. The characters are realistic and relatable, and there are several storylines going with side characters. The hero and heroine meet, get to know each other, and develop a relationship at a realistic pace. And I really appreciate how the author doesn’t create unnecessary angst for the sake of building drama. Several times I thought I knew how things were going to go down, and the characters instead behaved like adults. That was very refreshing!
However, not much really happened in this book. They meet, they both experience a cute amount of “does he like me” and “is she interested in me” doubt, they go on some dates. Their banter wasn’t particularly clever or witty. It was just...nice. And the one instance of suspense/drama that may have been related to her mugging seemed out of place, wasn’t developed well, and ended anticlimactically (other than to show the heroine had good friends).
Overall, All In lacked the charm that was present in the first book in the Bridgeport Social Club series, leaving me disappointed and trudging through the book over the course of five nights (which FYI that’s a long time for me to read a book). I’ll give this series another try since the first book was a solid read - hopefully the next one will hold my interest better.
* thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Ace is a recent transplant to the town of Bridgeport, Ohio. Having followed his friend Kurt, he has hopes of making a more stable life for his 15 year old son. When he and Finn rescue Pilates studio owner Meredith after a mugging, Ace discovers that maybe Bridgeport is where he’ll find a better life for himself as well.
There are plenty of things to like about this story. The characters are realistic and relatable, and there are several storylines going with side characters. The hero and heroine meet, get to know each other, and develop a relationship at a realistic pace. And I really appreciate how the author doesn’t create unnecessary angst for the sake of building drama. Several times I thought I knew how things were going to go down, and the characters instead behaved like adults. That was very refreshing!
However, not much really happened in this book. They meet, they both experience a cute amount of “does he like me” and “is she interested in me” doubt, they go on some dates. Their banter wasn’t particularly clever or witty. It was just...nice. And the one instance of suspense/drama that may have been related to her mugging seemed out of place, wasn’t developed well, and ended anticlimactically (other than to show the heroine had good friends).
Overall, All In lacked the charm that was present in the first book in the Bridgeport Social Club series, leaving me disappointed and trudging through the book over the course of five nights (which FYI that’s a long time for me to read a book). I’ll give this series another try since the first book was a solid read - hopefully the next one will hold my interest better.
* thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 26, 2019
Such a good book!I like the idea of a social club for men. It is so much more than just a poker night. This is a time for the guys to get together and bond with each other. Poker is just the means to justify the end result....Guys communicating with each other and helping each other out.Meredith and Ace have two totally different agendas...Meredith is a very confident yoga studio owner who is trying very hard to prove that she doesn't need a man in her life. Things do not bode well for her in that area as the book opens with her being mugged on a running trail.Our introduction to Ace is swoon worthy. He sees Meredith lying on the trail and runs to her rescue, literally. He takes care of her and gets her back home in the most endearing way possible. (being a southern momma, I hope my grown sons treat women the way Ace treated Meredith)These two may have chemistry, but nether is looking for this encounter to lead to anything romantic. Ace is focused on his son Fin and providing a good home life for him in this new town. Meredith has been hurt in the past and is only interested in being the best yoga instructor she can be.Little did either of them know, but they both need the help from their friends and acquaintances. Ace gets his help from the Bridgeport Social Club and Meredith gets hers from neighbors, friends and her Lunch Bunch.Both learn that leaning on each other is not such a bad thing after all. If you like great characters, just enough tension to keep a story moving, and wonderful dialog....you will love this book. I look forward to the next book in the series. Hold on Tight.
March 25, 2019
~Those who are fans of SSG's writing need to be aware this is a different style than her previous Amish romances. Like with the first story in this series, I think that a lot of people think they know what to expect and then are surprised by a clean but more contemporary romance. Just a warning :) ~
Like Take a Chance, All In is more than just a romance. There is the relationship between Ace and Meredith, but we also have Meredith learning to open herself up to others, Ace & Finn developing a better relationship, Finn settling in to a new school, and Finn's interactions with the awkward girl next door. (I do wish we'd gotten a bit more there. I think that there was so much opportunity to develop not only their interactions together but also the way they are viewed by other kids.) It all works together to create a beautiful tapestry capturing small town life.
I will say that Gray pleasantly surprised me with the ending. I thought for sure I knew where things were going and the conflict Ace & Meredith would have to face before they could have their HEA ... but I was wrong! I love a book that doesn't take the obvious angle.
All In is a lovely, sweet, and believable story of finding love and belonging. Shelley Shepard Gray is a skilled writer, drawing her readers into the character's lives and making them feel real. I really hope she continues bringing us stories from Bridgeport.
**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**
Like Take a Chance, All In is more than just a romance. There is the relationship between Ace and Meredith, but we also have Meredith learning to open herself up to others, Ace & Finn developing a better relationship, Finn settling in to a new school, and Finn's interactions with the awkward girl next door. (I do wish we'd gotten a bit more there. I think that there was so much opportunity to develop not only their interactions together but also the way they are viewed by other kids.) It all works together to create a beautiful tapestry capturing small town life.
I will say that Gray pleasantly surprised me with the ending. I thought for sure I knew where things were going and the conflict Ace & Meredith would have to face before they could have their HEA ... but I was wrong! I love a book that doesn't take the obvious angle.
All In is a lovely, sweet, and believable story of finding love and belonging. Shelley Shepard Gray is a skilled writer, drawing her readers into the character's lives and making them feel real. I really hope she continues bringing us stories from Bridgeport.
**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**
February 10, 2019
This was a simple romance with likeable characters - it wasn't deep, but it was a quick read. I didn't totally get all the poker references and how they related to the book itself, other than the title and the leads jumping "all in" to their relationship. I loved that the characters had flaws and rough edges - it totally made them adorable. The chemistry was spot on. I quite enjoyed Finn's character and think he would make a great hero in his own title one day. The rest was somewhat cliche and predictable.
The book had elements beyond the romance with some stubbornness, family relationships, and learning to lean on friends. I was expecting a fairly clean book (think classic Christian novel), and while there wasn't anything explicit, I was surprised by the innuendos, was not a fan of the words used to disparage or describe the main male lead's ex, and was disappointed in the ending. I feel the book as a whole fell short in the inspiration department.
Not a favourite, but I didn't hate it - 2 stars for a Goodreads "it was okay" rating. Note, this is the second title in a series, but reading the first novel (Take a Chance) was not necessary to understand what's going on. Perfectly fine as a standalone.
I was provided with a copy of this book from the author and/or publisher, via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own, with thanks for the opportunity to preview the title.
The book had elements beyond the romance with some stubbornness, family relationships, and learning to lean on friends. I was expecting a fairly clean book (think classic Christian novel), and while there wasn't anything explicit, I was surprised by the innuendos, was not a fan of the words used to disparage or describe the main male lead's ex, and was disappointed in the ending. I feel the book as a whole fell short in the inspiration department.
Not a favourite, but I didn't hate it - 2 stars for a Goodreads "it was okay" rating. Note, this is the second title in a series, but reading the first novel (Take a Chance) was not necessary to understand what's going on. Perfectly fine as a standalone.
I was provided with a copy of this book from the author and/or publisher, via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own, with thanks for the opportunity to preview the title.
June 14, 2019
All In is the secondenduring story written by Shelley Shepard Gray in her series The Bridgeport Social Club. I am enjoying this series and the amazing characters the author has created to tell her story. The story moves along at a great pace keeping the readers interest to the end. The author touches on several topics that pretain to everyday life and does it with style.
The characters mainly involved in this story come together quite by accident but has their story evolves it makes you wonder about being in the right place at the right time. Ace, Meredith, and Finn are three lonely people but haven't really figured that out but the more they are thrown together they start to figure things out. Their story is one based on friendship and helping each other. The author has done an excellent job telling this story and I truly enjoyed it.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Shelley Shepard Gray on writing another amazing story for her readers enjoyment. I look forward to the next book in this series.
The characters mainly involved in this story come together quite by accident but has their story evolves it makes you wonder about being in the right place at the right time. Ace, Meredith, and Finn are three lonely people but haven't really figured that out but the more they are thrown together they start to figure things out. Their story is one based on friendship and helping each other. The author has done an excellent job telling this story and I truly enjoyed it.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Shelley Shepard Gray on writing another amazing story for her readers enjoyment. I look forward to the next book in this series.
January 26, 2019
This book was received as an ARC from Blackstone Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
We have the first installment of the Bridgeport Social Club series and it is one of our popular Romance novels that gets circulated among our adult patrons. So, when the next book in the series All In was available as an ARC, I had to jump at the chance. While reading this book, I could not help but think that this will not be your typical love story and it will be more drama than any other romance novel I have read and it definitely delivered. The characters are easily relatable and how they cross in eachothers lives is not what anyone will expect. Even though it is a romance novel, there are some thrilling aspects that just add more drama to the story that really left me on the edge of my seat and I know our readers will definitely enjoy that. A mindbogglingly romance novel that will keep you in anticipation of Book 3.
We will consider adding this title to our Romance collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
We have the first installment of the Bridgeport Social Club series and it is one of our popular Romance novels that gets circulated among our adult patrons. So, when the next book in the series All In was available as an ARC, I had to jump at the chance. While reading this book, I could not help but think that this will not be your typical love story and it will be more drama than any other romance novel I have read and it definitely delivered. The characters are easily relatable and how they cross in eachothers lives is not what anyone will expect. Even though it is a romance novel, there are some thrilling aspects that just add more drama to the story that really left me on the edge of my seat and I know our readers will definitely enjoy that. A mindbogglingly romance novel that will keep you in anticipation of Book 3.
We will consider adding this title to our Romance collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
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