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Wilde Love #3

Betting On Us

She’s the daughter of an Irish mob boss. He’s the archenemy’s youngest son. Will they choose love or loyalty? 

When Kirsten O’Leary became a veterinarian, the last thing she thought she’d end up doing is patching up gangsters in her backroom. In spite of her best efforts, she can’t seem to leave her father’s world behind. When she’s framed in an elaborate drug deal, she turns to the last person she should for help.

Rafe Wilde, Nevada’s sexiest new lawyer thought he could leave the past in the past, but when the girl he could never forget needs him, he gets sucked back into a world of danger and lies. Possibly most risky of all is the undeniable longing he has for Kirsten. 

Will these two find a way out together or will their family loyalty crush their dreams of happily ever after?

Scroll up and buy for a sure bet book.

206 pages, ebook

First published January 3, 2019

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About the author

Kelly Collins

220 books1,101 followers
Kelly Collins is a bestselling, award-winning author of feel-good small-town romance filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters. Her books are perfect for readers who crave heartwarming contemporary love stories, sassy heroines, and slow-burn romances with cinnamon roll heroes you’ll wish were real.

With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.

Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.

Visit www.authorkellycollins.com to grab a free book and discover your next favorite escape.

Click “Follow” to get updates on new releases, special deals, and exclusive content.

You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.

VISIT MY LINKS and Get a FREE BOOK!
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5 stars
124 (53%)
4 stars
73 (31%)
3 stars
28 (12%)
2 stars
5 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,369 reviews1,788 followers
January 5, 2019
My Rating:

4.5

Favorite Quotes:

Ugh, don’t remind me that I’m nearly thirty! That was such a low blow. Age to women is like Kryptonite to Superman.

Never in my life would I have imagined a wedding like this. It was like housing cats and dogs in the same cage. It was doable but dangerous.

I was only going to say one day big butts will be in style and you can tell everyone you’ve had yours forever.

“He’s a good man, and he knows I’ll kill him if he ever makes you cry.” I kissed my father on the cheek as we all lined up and waited for the music to play. “You won’t have to kill him, Da. I can neuter him while he sleeps.”

The priest performed the ceremony and ended it with an Irish blessing. May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand. Father O’Connor looked out at the attendees before he leaned forward and whispered, “And may you leave quickly before all hell breaks loose.”


My Review:

The mystery and intrigue were strong throughout the storylines of this romantic suspense mob series set in modern day Las Vegas. This installment tied in the characters from the previous books in a pleasing and entertaining manner yet this volume could easily standalone with a strong story of its own. The featured coupled were likable and endearing, and had been childhood friends from rival mob families and despite obvious attraction and deep feelings, had not been allowed to take their relationship further. The mystery was well-crafted, menacing, and unpredictable.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews66 followers
January 14, 2019
I’m wracking my brain trying to think of TV series or movies that I can compare this book to in order to explain what I thought of it, but nothing’s fitting right. So far, I’m up to about a dozen that have traits I can point to and say “it’s sort of like that”. I can’t even say it’s a cross between THIS and THAT because this story wasn’t anywhere close to being that simple. If I had to narrow it down, take Romeo and Juliette, add a pinch of Matlock, a dash of Criminal Minds, a whole lot of Las Vegas, and round it out with a bit of Casino – for the local color. I loved watching Rafe and Kirsten try to fight their feelings. And them trying to do so, gave some of the best scenes in the book. Though nothing tops the closing scenes for best, most quotable lines. Now, how much begging would be involved to see stories for the three O’Leary men?
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
1,239 reviews12 followers
January 27, 2019
This is book three of this great series and with each book, it keeps getting more and more intriguing. This book is about the third and youngest Wilde brother who is the one that is so desperate to stay out of the mob Mafia world in which his late father was the king of. It is sad to see this series come to an end but as there is only three brother I am guessing it was inevitable to read the last one. This one was just as action packed as the last two and with a forbidden childhood love we find the conclusion of all the Wilde brother come together in this wonderful and entertaining read.

The relationship between Kirsten O’Leary and Raphael Wilde has grown since they were children, but they were never allowed to take this friendship any further since they were from two different Mafia families. This didn’t stop Rafe and Ian, Kirsten older brother from being great friends when they went to college together.

Kirsten is a veterinarian and loves her job but hates the family business and would love to remove herself from Vagas and the mob. She is the second daughter of the Irish mob leader to which they had just discovered a half-sister who was born into the Russian mob family. But she loves her job and the clinic in which she works in and the friends she has made there. With a new sister to get to know she does not want to live all this behind.

Rafe is a qualified lawyer and wants to keep out of the family business he has recently returned home and joined a firm called McAlister and Associates. He is sick of defending the scum of the earth clients the firm makes him take on board and he was just wishing for one innocent client but the person was not supposed to be Kirsten.

“The kid I befriended before I truly understood why we couldn’t be friends. The girl I fell in Love with. The woman I cannot have.”

The lines of the Mafia family have been blurred recently and when Kirsten is framed for a crime she did not do her family had no other chose but to ask Rafe to defend her.

Can he save the woman he loves from going to jail for a crime she did not commit or will he fail her?

Will the lines of the Irish, the Italian and the Russian mobs finally work together for the better good?

“Ugh, don’t remind me that I’m nearly thirty! That was such a low blow. Age to women is like Kryptonite to Superman.”

“He’s a good man, and he knows I’ll kill him if he ever makes you cry.” I kissed my father on the cheek as we all lined up and waited for the music to play. “You won’t have to kill him, Da. I can neuter him while he sleeps.”

Can these two work around their families and the law to find something together or will the mob finally rip them apart of good. I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review after reading it.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,667 reviews394 followers
January 12, 2019
Betting on Us #3 - Every book of this series has been interesting and intriguing. Don't expect a lot of Mafia activity graphic described, like with Puzo, but the human side and emotions. A romance between two people who grew up together but weren't allowed to take their childhood friendship further since they were from two different Mafia families. There's good suspense with a veterinarian being setup for drug crimes and the other being her lawyer. The intrigue, the emotions and sexual tensions are strong, but don't expect that stupid formula of constantly thinking of sex, either other's body parts and how everyone is hot and beautiful and acting stupid instead of professional.

The dynamics of the three Mafia families are actually funny with the blending of the Irish, the Italian and the Russian mobs. There are no clear boundaries and this is the third set of mob kids given a chance at a love that's existed for years. An interesting romance with a substantial mystery and intelligent characters. I contacted the author to review her books and received this book through Booksprout. 5*

Betting On Him #1 - What a trip! I had so much fun reading this story filled with great characters and good storylines. The chemistry between he and she was great; there was explicit sex but I skipped that boring trash. Both had personalities that were bold and honest; plus some of the support characters were great in their roles, too. The story is fast paced, intriguing and had uspense, plenty of everything to the reader immersed in the pages. The violence isn't graphic. The romance and finding solutions is the focus. It's been decades since I've enjoyed a Mafia story along these lines, but I can recommend this entertaining yarn. 5*

Betting On Her #2 - Lucky for me I could chain read both books. BOHim left me riding a high, so it was only natural to continue the ride with BOHer. This book is just as entertaining as the first and there's actually a third book in the series, three Wilde brothers, but of course. There are the same great characters with a few new ones added to the mix. Good chemistry again, with explicit sex, which I skipped since I find written sex boring. This story is also fast paced, intriguing and humorous. The storylines are well thought out and there's a twist and kink here and there that will surprise some of the other characters, but makes the reader belly laugh. Again, hard to put down and don't expect an explicit violence, just romance and problem solving. 5*
Profile Image for Texas.
1,667 reviews394 followers
January 12, 2019
Betting on Us #3 - Every book of this series has been interesting and intriguing. Don't expect a lot of Mafia activity graphic described, like with Puzo, but the human side and emotions. A romance between two people who grew up together but weren't allowed to take their childhood friendship further since they were from two different Mafia families. There's good suspense with a veterinarian being setup for drug crimes and the other being her lawyer. The intrigue, the emotions and sexual tensions are strong, but don't expect that stupid formula of constantly thinking of sex, either other's body parts and how everyone is hot and beautiful and acting stupid instead of professional.

The dynamics of the three Mafia families are actually funny with the blending of the Irish, the Italian and the Russian mobs. There are no clear boundaries and this is the third set of mob kids given a chance at a love that's existed for years. An interesting romance with a substantial mystery and intelligent characters. I contacted the author to review her books and received this book through Booksprout. 5*

Betting On Him #1 - What a trip! I had so much fun reading this story filled with great characters and good storylines. The chemistry between he and she was great; there was explicit sex but I skipped that boring trash. Both had personalities that were bold and honest; plus some of the support characters were great in their roles, too. The story is fast paced, intriguing and had suspense, plenty of everything to the reader immersed in the pages. The violence isn't graphic. The romance and finding solutions is the focus. It's been decades since I've enjoyed a Mafia story along these lines, but I can recommend this entertaining yarn. 5*

Betting On Her #2 - Lucky for me I could chain read both books. BOHim left me riding a high, so it was only natural to continue the ride with BOHer. This book is just as entertaining as the first and there's actually a third book in the series, three Wilde brothers, but of course. There are the same great characters with a few new ones added to the mix. Good chemistry again, with explicit sex, which I skipped since I find written sex boring. This story is also fast paced, intriguing and humorous. The storylines are well thought out and there's a twist and kink here and there that will surprise some of the other characters, but makes the reader belly laugh. Again, hard to put down and don't expect an explicit violence, just romance and problem solving. 5*
Profile Image for Jessica CW.
1,097 reviews12 followers
January 22, 2019
Rafe is a lawyer and his late father was the leader of the Italian mob, but like his brothers he wasn't in the family business well except for defending scum. He wished he was more out and even more so that the one women he loved wasn't on the opposing side, making him ignore her for 4 years now.

Kirsten is the daughter of the Irish mob leader, younger sister to two brothers and older sister to a recent half sister discovered. She's also a vet that patches up animals and the wounded mob members of all factions. Too bad someone with a grudge against the mob is taking it out on her and forcing her rekindling with Rafe in the wrong way. She wants to just love him, not have him defend her legally.

This was the first story of the 3 part series about brothers that I read. I hadn't a clue but it worked as a standalone with only me needing a quick read of the blurbs of the previous books to know more. I loved the intensity, the chemistry and the adventure of this book. Fast paced, detailed and interesting. I really want to go back now and read books 1 and 2.

I would also love to read and find out Dean's story, and see both Patrick and Ian find love. Plus Sergei needs a HEA too.
Finished this story within a day once I started. Couldn't put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chanel.
1,833 reviews
January 18, 2019
This was another engaging read in this dynamic series. This time the youngest Wilde brother, Rafe, is the leading man. After years in law school, he is finally a practicing law in Las Vegas. He is trying his best to avoid any connections to his family's past relationship with the Italian Mob. It is quite a turn of events, that brings him center stage into the life of his first and only love, Katya O'Leary. As the daughter of the Irish Mob boss, a real relationship with Kirsten has never been possible, but things have changed. When it comes to love, Rafe is determined to follow his heart, just like his older brothers.
I was a little disappointed Alex Wilde and Faye weren't really included in this book. I would have thought as the oldest Wilde brother, Alex would have at least given Rafe some advise on his relationship with Kirsten. I was glad Matt and his bride, Katya, were included. The scenes between the newly discovered sisters, Katya and Kirsten, were fun. One thing that bugged me and I never quite figured out, was how Kirsten could say she wasn't part of the family business when she was known as the "Mob Doctor". Over-all, there was a good balance of romance, danger, and action to keep the story interesting.
2,719 reviews44 followers
January 15, 2019
Loved it! A wonderful wrap up to the Wilde series. Rafe has always done his best to stay away from anything dealing with the mob due to his father’s involvement. Now that his father is gone, he and his two brothers are cutting all ties with the mob…well almost. He has loved Kirsten O’Leary since childhood, but knows there can never be anything between them due to her families’ mob connections. Rafe is a lawyer with a prestigious firm, but still finds himself defending those who he knows are guilty. Kirsten is a dedicated veterinarian who also tries to avoid anything dealing with the mob, but occasionally she has had to treat two-legged individuals who show up, after hours, needing medical care. The only advantage is that she knows she is safe in Las Vegas as her services are needed by all factions…or is she? Suddenly she is charged with a crime she did not commit and knows that someone is setting her up. Why would anyone in the mob be after her? Will Rafe take her case and defend her? Will he be able to keep her safe? This is a must-read series by one of my favorite authors. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,579 reviews89 followers
January 17, 2019
Entertaining, dramatic and suspenseful with a healthy dose of romance, the third book in this series does not disappoint. Kirsten and Rafe were childhood friends, but as they moved into adulthood the dynamics of their relationship changed. The only problem was their warring families. Treading a thin line in the world of gangsters, both Rafe and Kirsten wanted to be as far away as possible from the lives they knew. However, a very real threat to Kirsten brings unlikely alliances as they race to solve the mystery and ultimately rescue her. The plot of this story kept my interest all the way as it is both well written and suspenseful. I loved the main couple and enjoyed my reunion with characters from previous books in the series. Although this novel is part of a set, it is nevertheless a standalone and comes to a humorous and happy conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
6,801 reviews27 followers
January 17, 2019
This is a wonderful addition to the Wilde love series and here we have RAfe 's story

He and Kristen O'Leary knew one another as children but seeing they belonged to different mob families she was Irish mob he was mafia they never had a lot to do with one another. They possible could have loved one another but where not allowed to see where it would go. Rafe has become a high priced lawyer and he and his brother are working their way away from mafia connection. Kristen is now a veterinarian and she also stays away from the mob as much as possible but someone is setting her up to take a fall and the only person who might be able to save her is Rafe if he will take her case. Will he be able to save the woman he is falling for and who is trying to destroy her This is a wonderful story that is mainly about falling in love and staying in love no matter the outside pressures
Profile Image for Lenna  Wright.
3,528 reviews35 followers
January 18, 2019
A clean romance between Rafe (son of the formal Italian Mafia Dom) and Kristen (daughter of the Irish mafia Dom), they knew each other since they were very younger but were told they could never be anything to the other. Rafe is a lawyer he hoped for honest clients not sleeve bags of Vegas. Kristen newly graduated vet that takes care of animals day and after closing she takes care of the men in all fractions of the mafia, Irish, Italian, Russian and some Columbians. Not sure is this is the first book of a series or not since it feels like there should be more about the other couples and how Kristen discovered her younger Russian half sister (same father, since her mother died a few hours after she was born)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,476 reviews20 followers
January 16, 2019
Kristen and Rafe had been friends since childhood but knew that there was no chance for a future together since their families were rivals in Las Vegas mafia. Kristen qualified as a vet while Rafe become a Lawyer for the mob. When Kristen was framed for a crime she did not commit, the only lawyer she trusted to represent her was Rafe. I loved this story, the emotional conflict facing these two lovers, the risk of prison, it made my heart bleed for them. The story was exciting with both drama and danger culminating in Kristen's kidnapping, but ending happily in marriage for the two lovers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed this book.
673 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2019
A captivating friends to lovers story filled with danger, heartache, secrets, mob bosses, and love. Kirsten is a vet, daughter of Irish mob boss Liam O'Leary, and secretly in love with Rafe Wilde. Rafe is a criminal lawyer and has been in love with Kirsten O'Leary since they were kids. Neither acts on their feelings because of mob family rivalries until Kirsten is framed on drug charges and Rafe is hired to represent her. A fantastic well written story that . will have readers riveted from beginning to end. Readers will fall in love with the Wilde brothers, the strong women they love, and the friends and family they will go to bat for. A great book that I absolutely fell in love with.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maria.
892 reviews8 followers
January 3, 2019
Kirsten is from a mobster family but she stays out of it, working as a veterinarian. Her hole life she had a crush on Rafe also from a mobster family, because of that they wasn't allowed to be friends but the love between them has always been strong. Rafe is a lawyer now and for the last couple of years they have been avoided each other. But then Kirsten is beeing set up for a drug deal and Rafe is the only one that can help her. Can he keep her safe and is there hope for the two of them? Another fantastic book in the series. It was so exciting and was well written. I really loved the characters funny and loving. I can definitely recommend it
Profile Image for Sharyn.
520 reviews
January 8, 2019
Another of Kelly Collins' mob stories, this time it was about Kirsten and Rafe who have had a connection since they were young. Both now grown up and qualified in their chosen careers the attraction is still strong. But ignored. Or is it? Coming from two different mob families makes for difficulties and disagreements. Kelly has woven a good story around these characters and their problems and I enjoyed this book. Having been disappointed with the middle of the three 'Betting' books this one was right back there for me. A solid four stars.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,247 reviews
January 13, 2019
What a great intense story. Details that describe living on the fringes of the mob lifestyle that it could almost be real, amazing suspense that you cant put the book down, the electricity of forbidden love. I didn't read the first two books, but this could be read as a stand alone although now I'm really interested in the other brothers stories. Loved the characters very well rounded and personable, the story came to life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,720 reviews41 followers
January 13, 2019
I enjoyed the first book in this series about Katya the second book features Kirsten Katya’s half-sister and Rafe. Rafe a lawyer who has turned from his family they are part of the mob in Vegas is the one time love of Kristen. Like all love stories, this has some major issues and a rocky road for Kristen and Rafe. The author has written a book where you keep your figures cross for them. Wonderful suspense that will keep you entertained it was a good book. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it
Profile Image for Victoria.
5,341 reviews
January 15, 2019
This is book three in the series and in my opinion it makes better reading to read them in order so not only do things make more sense but also you get to appreciate the changes that happen to so many of the characters featured in book one that appear in books 2 and 3.

This story has likeable characters who you are willing to not only find a way to be together but also find a way out of the life they no longer want. It is full of drama, mystery, crime, love, hate, friendships and family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
11.3k reviews27 followers
January 17, 2019
This is an intense, romantic suspense between Kirsten a Veterinarian and Rafe a lawyer. Growing up they had crushed on each other but could never act on it because they come from different mobster families. Now they are older and she needs help and Rafe is the only one who can help her. Love both Kirsten and Rafe and how determined they are to get out of the mob world that’s full of danger and lies. This is an intriguing, suspenseful, story with believable characters and twists that kept me turning the pages. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
440 reviews7 followers
January 4, 2019
Kirsten and Rafe, what a great couple they made.
I so wanted Rafe to have his happy ending and with Kirsten he had the perfect woman for him.
I loved them together. As in true mob family fashion they have to fight through some hurdles and twists and turns. But they grew up with this endless longing and are now both ready to fight for what they want and deserve.
Great story again by Kelly Collins.
Profile Image for Katy Battisti.
597 reviews15 followers
January 14, 2019
Betting on Us was a good mob love story. This book follows Rafe Wilde the youngest of the Wilde brothers and Kirsten O’ Leary the only daughter of the leader Irish mob. After Kirsten gets in trouble with the cops, Rafe tries to clear her name. After a lifetime of forbidden love, can they finally get accepted as a couple? This was so good, the storyline was great and loved the characters. It was great to see some of the characters from the other books! Recommend this book and the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Lady M..
1,464 reviews12 followers
January 16, 2019
This may be my favorite of the three books. There wasn't as much of Faye and Alex from the first book that I would have liked, but there was a fair amount of Katya and Matt from book two that helped to make up for it. Unfortunately it seems like this series is over with just the three books, just when we were really getting to know and like everyone! Luckily there are still other books by this author that have still have to read
Profile Image for Sabrina Medina.
87 reviews
July 23, 2021
Go Rafe!

This third book of the Wilde series does not disappoint. We learn about the sorta quiet in the background Rafe Wilde. A boy born into the mafia family who never wanted any part of it at all. His eagerness to stay out of the family business drives him to conclusions and realizations that he never expected.
Read and follow this love story of Rafe and Katherine and their forbidden “Romeo and Juliet” romance..
Profile Image for Bella.
693 reviews31 followers
January 9, 2019
I just love this series so much; the writing is exceptional, the characters are fantastic and are brought to life, and the plot lines are just on the right side of unbelievable (as you would expect of a mafia romantic suspense novel!). This one was a particularly enjoyable story; just love how vividly I experienced the romantic thread.
3,219 reviews21 followers
January 10, 2019
If you haven’t read any of this authors work
before grab this one as it takes you on a journey
as you watch the relationship between Kirsten and Rafe
Turn from friendship to love.
There’s plenty of action of all sorts in this one to keep the
pages turning. Definitely has a fantastic plot and real believable characters.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,722 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2019
Betting On Us

Rafe and Kirsten, members of rival mob families, yet does nothing to the heart. Heart knows no boundaries, so they know their families won't want together. Yet, when unplanned events hit, Rafe is there! This is a story you absolutely want to read, awesome beautiful, human element, loved it.❤️
Profile Image for LaGina.
2,081 reviews42 followers
January 26, 2019
Kelly Collins is one of my top authors to read whatever they put it because I just love how she can come up with a story that can grab me and drag me into a story without any problems. We get to see how Rafe's another Wilde brother story are works out. Kristen was a nice strong female lead that I was happy to read about and didnt take no crap. I cant wait to see what comes next from this author.
Profile Image for Janet Simmons.
740 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2021
This is book 3 of the 3 book series of The Wildes. This is the story of Rafe Wilde the youngest son in the Italian Mob family and Kirstan O'Leary the second child of the Irish Mob family. They have been crushing on each other from afar since they were kids but knew it could never be. You need to read the first two books before this one to know what's going on. I loved this book. It ties up all the loose ends and explains everything.
Profile Image for Marie.
376 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2019
Rafe and Kristen’s history as teens effect the way the Irish look at a relationship evolving.
But when a blast from the past teams up with the Russians to frame Kristen- Rafe steps up to the plate and knocks it out of the park
​
17.6k reviews201 followers
January 17, 2019
She is the daughter of his sworn enemy but they fall for each other. Life is not going to be easy for them. Will they choose love? Will they choose loyalty to their families? See how and what they will choose

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews