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Vegas Nights #1
Double-Crossed
Hit woman and thief Reed Gable works for the highest bidder, no matter where the job takes her. An orphan of circumstance, Reed knows the streets of Las Vegas better than anyone. Growing up rough has gotten her to the top of her profession, and she plans to stay there.
Accountant Brinley Myers, a recent hire at the Moroccan Casino, discovers a money laundering operation orchestrated by the New York mob and suddenly her life and the people in it become collateral damage.
Reed has Brinley in her sights and is ready to close the contract when she sees Brinley’s son in the car with her. Even hard-hearted Reed can’t kill a mother in front of her child. Before Reed can come up with a plan to finish the job, she’s double-crossed. It’ll take all her street smarts to keep herself, and her surprisingly beautiful mark, alive.
Accountant Brinley Myers, a recent hire at the Moroccan Casino, discovers a money laundering operation orchestrated by the New York mob and suddenly her life and the people in it become collateral damage.
Reed has Brinley in her sights and is ready to close the contract when she sees Brinley’s son in the car with her. Even hard-hearted Reed can’t kill a mother in front of her child. Before Reed can come up with a plan to finish the job, she’s double-crossed. It’ll take all her street smarts to keep herself, and her surprisingly beautiful mark, alive.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2019
About the author
Ali Vali
59 books462 followersAli Vali is the author of the long-running Cain Casey "Devil" series and the Genesis Clan "Forces" series, as well as numerous standalone romances including two Lambda Literary Award finalists, Calling the Dead and Love Match, and her 2017 release, Beauty and the Boss. Ali also has a novella in the collection Girls with Guns.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 20, 2019
3.75 Stars. This is a new series that takes place in the Cain universe. While Cain Casey is not in this book, her name is mentioned and other characters from her books like Remi and Dallas are in this. Even with this being in the Cain universe, you don’t have to read the Cain books before you read this. This is the first book in Vali’s Vegas Nights series so you are fine to start here.
I’m a Vali fan. I love her Cain, Remi and Sept books. I love that she writes so many books in the Cain universe since it’s like seeing old friends. And really no one writes such bad bad-guys but also such likeable morally grey criminal main characters like Vali does. This book stars Reed a fixer (assassin and thief) who completes a hit on someone and all hell breaks loose. Can she and the people she loves get out of trouble in one piece?
I do have to admit I didn’t like this as much as the Cain and Sept books. I was completely entertained the whole time but I was not as invested as I normally am. Having Remi in this book helped some but I didn’t connect to the two mains as much as I was hoping. I also found Reed to be a little more passive than I wanted. While Cain and Remi scheme like there is no tomorrow, they also get the job done themselves. Reed was relying more on others to fix the mess she was in and for a hit woman that didn’t seem badass enough. I have my fingers crossed that I will grow more attached to Reed in the next book in this series.
For your romance fans out there, there is a romance. However, it is a slow moving romance that never builds up a ton of steam. I understand why it is a slow romance, it had to be because of what happened, but I think it would have been better to let it develop more in the next book instead of rushing it at the end. There are so many moving pieces in this book, Vali always carefully constructs a web of bad guys that she always does brilliantly, but there just wasn’t enough time for the heat and chemistry between the two mains. Behind every good Vail criminal is a strong partner to support and love them so again I’m hopeful book two will help this couple get closer. I do have to mention one of the mains is named Brinley. I have to say I’m not a fan of that name. I was calling her Brinkley for all but the final two chapters when I finally noticed there was not K in her name.
I want to be clear, even with the issues I mentioned I still enjoyed this and was really entertained. I’m probably being over critical because I believe this book could have been at least 4.50 stars with some changes. If you are a Vali fan I have no real doubt that you will enjoy this. If you are new to Vali this isn’t a bad place to start, just know that there are even better books of hers out there already.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
I’m a Vali fan. I love her Cain, Remi and Sept books. I love that she writes so many books in the Cain universe since it’s like seeing old friends. And really no one writes such bad bad-guys but also such likeable morally grey criminal main characters like Vali does. This book stars Reed a fixer (assassin and thief) who completes a hit on someone and all hell breaks loose. Can she and the people she loves get out of trouble in one piece?
I do have to admit I didn’t like this as much as the Cain and Sept books. I was completely entertained the whole time but I was not as invested as I normally am. Having Remi in this book helped some but I didn’t connect to the two mains as much as I was hoping. I also found Reed to be a little more passive than I wanted. While Cain and Remi scheme like there is no tomorrow, they also get the job done themselves. Reed was relying more on others to fix the mess she was in and for a hit woman that didn’t seem badass enough. I have my fingers crossed that I will grow more attached to Reed in the next book in this series.
For your romance fans out there, there is a romance. However, it is a slow moving romance that never builds up a ton of steam. I understand why it is a slow romance, it had to be because of what happened, but I think it would have been better to let it develop more in the next book instead of rushing it at the end. There are so many moving pieces in this book, Vali always carefully constructs a web of bad guys that she always does brilliantly, but there just wasn’t enough time for the heat and chemistry between the two mains. Behind every good Vail criminal is a strong partner to support and love them so again I’m hopeful book two will help this couple get closer. I do have to mention one of the mains is named Brinley. I have to say I’m not a fan of that name. I was calling her Brinkley for all but the final two chapters when I finally noticed there was not K in her name.
I want to be clear, even with the issues I mentioned I still enjoyed this and was really entertained. I’m probably being over critical because I believe this book could have been at least 4.50 stars with some changes. If you are a Vali fan I have no real doubt that you will enjoy this. If you are new to Vali this isn’t a bad place to start, just know that there are even better books of hers out there already.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
September 7, 2019
Reed Gable is a thief and a hit woman but when her next contract would entail the death of a child, she just can’t do it. The next few days spent with the little boy and his mother lead her to rethink her life, a life she has chosen for no other reason than it allows her to survive. There’s a lot more happening (a war between Mob families, for instance, which is not surprising since the story is set in the Cain Casey universe) but you’ll need to read the book to find out. I can’t summarize without spoiling.
A few pages in, I was convinced it was time to admit that Ali Vali’s books are not for me. I’ve read a few and, apart from Carly's Sound, I haven’t been able to relate to her universe. Her writing is good, she’s great at creating complex characters, it just doesn’t work for me.
Usually.
I realized mid-way that Reed was growing on me. There are still some things I didn’t entirely enjoy but I got rather invested in Reed’s story and how she would deal with Brinley and her child. I really liked Brinley’s relationship with her mother, Reed’s path to redemption (in a twisted but believable way), Brinley’s strength despite the tears… And who wouldn’t cry when faced with the situation she found herself in?
So I guess I’m not ready to give up on Vali’s books after all. I’m already looking forward to the next one in this new series.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A few pages in, I was convinced it was time to admit that Ali Vali’s books are not for me. I’ve read a few and, apart from Carly's Sound, I haven’t been able to relate to her universe. Her writing is good, she’s great at creating complex characters, it just doesn’t work for me.
Usually.
I realized mid-way that Reed was growing on me. There are still some things I didn’t entirely enjoy but I got rather invested in Reed’s story and how she would deal with Brinley and her child. I really liked Brinley’s relationship with her mother, Reed’s path to redemption (in a twisted but believable way), Brinley’s strength despite the tears… And who wouldn’t cry when faced with the situation she found herself in?
So I guess I’m not ready to give up on Vali’s books after all. I’m already looking forward to the next one in this new series.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2019
Reed is a self employed assassin. Raised by an addicted and neglectful mother until removed by the Nevada State, she grew up forgotten in a foster system that spit her out at the age of eighteen. Reed ditched her previous identity and started working towards complete independence from everyone and anything. After all, no one had ever helped her in life.
Brinley Myers moved to Las Vegas with her one year old son. Her previous partner cheated on her and that made her turn to an ill advised night with a man, leaving her pregnant with Finn and hounded by the man’s family for money. Getting a fresh start away from them took her to the Moroccan Casino’s accounting department. Soon, her life is upended when her employer takes out a contract on her. Reed is in even more trouble as she struggles to eliminate an innocent person while getting caught in a war between the powerful mob families in Las Vegas.
'Double crossed' is a mob story with romance at the side. Thirty percent into the tale, and the mains had not met yet. There was a lot of mob family related dynamics that made this feel like a Joe Pesci movie. Interesting if you are into it, but not so great for romance fans. If you enjoyed the movie ‘Casino’, this will be enjoyable as well.
I have to say, this book moved me in a few different ways. It made me shake my head at how a child had to endure so much in life and get by with so little support. It also made me question what I was reading when Reed simply committed a double murder. The author even managed to evoke some sadness when Reed left an escort behind. Ms Vali did a great job of conveying feelings, whether it was anger, greed, sadness, regret or loneliness.
Reed isn't an easy to love character. There was something about her not making excuses for her choices that made her a likable character in the end. She openly admitted to Brinley how damaged she was. How she was no better than the people who hired her to eliminate other individuals. On the other side, Brinley falling in love with the person hired to kill her was crazy, but somehow Ms. Vali makes it sound credible in some twisted way. Still, the romance was lacking for me and while the ending clearly sets this as just the beginning of a series, I was not crazy about the choices the mains made. However, I will read the next book and just accept the premise of the story and enjoy it for what it is, an intrigue/thriller book.
Overall, a good mob related novel. 4 stars
ARC generously provided to me by BSB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Brinley Myers moved to Las Vegas with her one year old son. Her previous partner cheated on her and that made her turn to an ill advised night with a man, leaving her pregnant with Finn and hounded by the man’s family for money. Getting a fresh start away from them took her to the Moroccan Casino’s accounting department. Soon, her life is upended when her employer takes out a contract on her. Reed is in even more trouble as she struggles to eliminate an innocent person while getting caught in a war between the powerful mob families in Las Vegas.
'Double crossed' is a mob story with romance at the side. Thirty percent into the tale, and the mains had not met yet. There was a lot of mob family related dynamics that made this feel like a Joe Pesci movie. Interesting if you are into it, but not so great for romance fans. If you enjoyed the movie ‘Casino’, this will be enjoyable as well.
I have to say, this book moved me in a few different ways. It made me shake my head at how a child had to endure so much in life and get by with so little support. It also made me question what I was reading when Reed simply committed a double murder. The author even managed to evoke some sadness when Reed left an escort behind. Ms Vali did a great job of conveying feelings, whether it was anger, greed, sadness, regret or loneliness.
Reed isn't an easy to love character. There was something about her not making excuses for her choices that made her a likable character in the end. She openly admitted to Brinley how damaged she was. How she was no better than the people who hired her to eliminate other individuals. On the other side, Brinley falling in love with the person hired to kill her was crazy, but somehow Ms. Vali makes it sound credible in some twisted way. Still, the romance was lacking for me and while the ending clearly sets this as just the beginning of a series, I was not crazy about the choices the mains made. However, I will read the next book and just accept the premise of the story and enjoy it for what it is, an intrigue/thriller book.
Overall, a good mob related novel. 4 stars
ARC generously provided to me by BSB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2019
I am huge fan of Ali Vali, and I'm not sure if I like Sept or Cain better, but along comes another character to charm us in the form of Rebel/aka Reed. A hitwoman/thief with a heart of gold. And Brinley...the luckiest woman in Vegas!
The two of them captured me right from their first encounter, right along with Oscar.
This seems like a great beginning to another engaging series. I enjoyed Sept's tale, and Cain's, and I hope this one will be just as intense. If this first book is anything to go by, hold on to your hats!
I will say this though...this book makes the Cain Casey series look like Romper Room. There is violence, there is creative death and the streets might run with blood...wear gloves!
The two of them captured me right from their first encounter, right along with Oscar.
This seems like a great beginning to another engaging series. I enjoyed Sept's tale, and Cain's, and I hope this one will be just as intense. If this first book is anything to go by, hold on to your hats!
I will say this though...this book makes the Cain Casey series look like Romper Room. There is violence, there is creative death and the streets might run with blood...wear gloves!
August 26, 2019
Just so you know from the beginning, I am an extreme Ali Vali fan. I have loved every single book I have read of hers, and I especially love the ‘Cain Casey’ and ‘Sept Savoie’ series, so when I heard that she was starting a new series based in Las Vegas, I was over-the-moon happy. After reading Double Crossed, I am still just as happy, if not more so.
For all of us die-hard Ali Vali/Cain Casey fans, this is the beginning of a great new series. We meet Reed Gable, a woman with a horrid past. She was put in the foster care and group home system at the age of five, where she quickly learned that she could count on no one but herself. As an adult Reed became a hit woman, stealing and killing for those who hire her. She relies heavily on her sidekick and back-up, Oscar, her only friend from her childhood. She kills without mercy until the day she finally reaches the one line she will not cross. That’s the day she meets Brinley Myers, the woman she has been contracted to kill. When she sees that Brinley is the mother of a young son (who is with her at the time of their first contact), she balks, but Brinley has already seen her and realizes what she is there for. But Reed’s past might be Brinley’s only chance for a future. Thus begins a complex and compelling tale that had me on the edge from the first page to the last.
This is also the story of mobsters, several family groups loosely connected to a major New York mob, with each family group trying to capture as much Vegas territory as they can. We also get to see the Jatibon family (from the ‘Cain Casey’ series) again since they are in Vegas with their own business. Though they are secondary characters in this book, it looks like we may see more of them in this series. I hope so, anyway.
There is violence in this book, and lots of killing, but there is also romance, love, and the beginning of a great new reading adventure. I can’t wait to read more of this intriguing story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
For all of us die-hard Ali Vali/Cain Casey fans, this is the beginning of a great new series. We meet Reed Gable, a woman with a horrid past. She was put in the foster care and group home system at the age of five, where she quickly learned that she could count on no one but herself. As an adult Reed became a hit woman, stealing and killing for those who hire her. She relies heavily on her sidekick and back-up, Oscar, her only friend from her childhood. She kills without mercy until the day she finally reaches the one line she will not cross. That’s the day she meets Brinley Myers, the woman she has been contracted to kill. When she sees that Brinley is the mother of a young son (who is with her at the time of their first contact), she balks, but Brinley has already seen her and realizes what she is there for. But Reed’s past might be Brinley’s only chance for a future. Thus begins a complex and compelling tale that had me on the edge from the first page to the last.
This is also the story of mobsters, several family groups loosely connected to a major New York mob, with each family group trying to capture as much Vegas territory as they can. We also get to see the Jatibon family (from the ‘Cain Casey’ series) again since they are in Vegas with their own business. Though they are secondary characters in this book, it looks like we may see more of them in this series. I hope so, anyway.
There is violence in this book, and lots of killing, but there is also romance, love, and the beginning of a great new reading adventure. I can’t wait to read more of this intriguing story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
March 11, 2020
I love books by Ali Vali. When the reading experience is over, I'm always sad. In this case, I was sad the listening experience was over. This book is narrated by Paige McKinney and she did a great job.
The plot of this book is, per usual for Vali, exquisite. It's not simple, you've got to keep your whits because again: there is a big sideshow in this book. There are characters from another series of Vali. I love those cross overs. If you're not familiar with those characters that isn't a problem. Vali writes them in a way that you'll get to know them if you're not familiar yet.
Both Reed and Brinley are great characters. Both background stories have a good narrative and contribute to the book. Brinley is starting somewhere new far away from her (now in jail) ex and his mother and Reed had had a childhood in the System. Her partner in crime is from that history in the system and they work together in their missions. I loved reading about the modus operandi of Reed and how she handled her being double-crossed.
Where in other books that Vali writes there is lots of fierce love, in this book the romance comes second. There is romance in this book, but it is a very slow-burn and doesn't ignite fully in the end. I love it that - again - Vali makes me love a person who chose one of the most appalling occupations there is.
I'm very curious about how this series is going to develop and can't wait to read the next book!
The plot of this book is, per usual for Vali, exquisite. It's not simple, you've got to keep your whits because again: there is a big sideshow in this book. There are characters from another series of Vali. I love those cross overs. If you're not familiar with those characters that isn't a problem. Vali writes them in a way that you'll get to know them if you're not familiar yet.
Both Reed and Brinley are great characters. Both background stories have a good narrative and contribute to the book. Brinley is starting somewhere new far away from her (now in jail) ex and his mother and Reed had had a childhood in the System. Her partner in crime is from that history in the system and they work together in their missions. I loved reading about the modus operandi of Reed and how she handled her being double-crossed.
Where in other books that Vali writes there is lots of fierce love, in this book the romance comes second. There is romance in this book, but it is a very slow-burn and doesn't ignite fully in the end. I love it that - again - Vali makes me love a person who chose one of the most appalling occupations there is.
I'm very curious about how this series is going to develop and can't wait to read the next book!
August 20, 2019
2.75 stars - I have to say this missed the mark for me. I had never read anything by this author before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I supposed it's my own fault for only skimming through the summary. When my brain registered "assassin" I automatically expected Reed to be kinda like Black Widow, and well. Let's be honest, those expectations were unrealistic.
Reed, a hit woman and thief, is hired to kill Brinley, an accountant working for the Moroccan Casino in Las Vegas. Refusing to shoot an innocent woman in front of her child, Reed fakes their deaths and keeps them safe until she can be sure nobody’s going to come finish the job Reed was hired to do.
The thing is, I really enjoyed the storyline and the writing is good. It could have been a really fun, action-packed novel, but there were so many characters with detailed backstories and all related to different mob families, that I kept zoning out. Halfway through, I starting skim-reading whenever Reed/Brinley wasn't in the scenes. Maybe that's because I wasn't familiar with the universe this book is set in, but it definitely impacted my enjoyment of this novel.
I have to mention, if you don't want to read about m/f and m/m sexual activities, I'd definitely skip this one.
I was given an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest opinion.
Reed, a hit woman and thief, is hired to kill Brinley, an accountant working for the Moroccan Casino in Las Vegas. Refusing to shoot an innocent woman in front of her child, Reed fakes their deaths and keeps them safe until she can be sure nobody’s going to come finish the job Reed was hired to do.
The thing is, I really enjoyed the storyline and the writing is good. It could have been a really fun, action-packed novel, but there were so many characters with detailed backstories and all related to different mob families, that I kept zoning out. Halfway through, I starting skim-reading whenever Reed/Brinley wasn't in the scenes. Maybe that's because I wasn't familiar with the universe this book is set in, but it definitely impacted my enjoyment of this novel.
I have to mention, if you don't want to read about m/f and m/m sexual activities, I'd definitely skip this one.
I was given an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 27, 2019
Bad girl falls for damsel and her toddler in distress, with lots of violence and heavy action. I am a Cain Casey fan and this series is definitely in line to be just as enthralling with a large cast of characters and some character carryover. Brinley Myers, a strong women and protective parent. I like how she evolved as the story unfolded. Reed Gable, hit women and thief. She does what she needs to do to survive. But is it the only way. The bad girl with an unsettling childhood presented in such a way that it is difficult to not cheer for her. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley with thanks.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley with thanks.
February 14, 2021
Welcome back, Ms. Vali. I've missed you.
I haven't had a lot of luck with Vali's recent books and have struggled to finish them for a number of reasons. It bothered me to no end as I really enjoy the Cain series and some of her earlier contemporary romances. With Double-Crossed, I'm back in the Vali fold and found myself devouring the book over less than 24 hours (the dog was not happy to have her morning dog park visit delayed to an afternoon visit because I wanted to finish the book). Is the book perfect - no. Did I enjoy the heck out of reading it - hell yeah.
In Double-Crossed, Vali is back to what I think she does best - bad girls. This is more of a suspense/crime novel than a romance; although, there is a romance that is kind of inevitable but doesn't have the sweeping intensity of the Cain/Emma pairing. As the title suggests, this is a book full of conspiracy and double crossings. So much so that at times, I found it a bit exhausting to keep up with all the shenanigans - who was plotting what with who and planning to screw over which family for what reason. There were a ton of mobsters and their families in this one and I think if the plot and characters were tightened a bit more, this would have hit a five star rating for me - as it was, things got a bit convoluted as I tried to keep too many characters who kept popping up and their motivations and end games straight.
Reed Gable, a thief and contract killer, is hired to dispose of a philandering husband in as humiliating a way as possible by his angry wife (and mob daughter). From this point on, a number of seemingly unrelated events involving money laundering, corrupt casino managers and several mob families conspire to put Reed onto another contract to dispose of an auditor who may have dug a little too deep into the books. Faced with the task of having to kill a young mother, Brinley Myers, and her one-year old son, what's a hardened contract killer to do?
Vali seems to have a particular talent in making bad girls into heroes - Reed is a great example. Unlike Cain, who inherits the top spot of a crime family (and manages to expand it through some pretty ruthless tactics), Reed has a pretty shitty past and is more of a self-made woman that gets the job done just as ruthlessly. She's good at what she does and doesn't regret the choices that she's made - and despite what she does at the start of the novel with the cheating husband and his girlfriend, she does have a limit which is lucky for Brinley. Brinley, is a pretty resourceful person in her own right - she's made some bad decisions but has moved on, making the best of things. There's just the right amount of backstory for both Reed and Brinley - Vali doesn't go for over the top angst as she gives a bit of rationale for Reed's actions and decisions and even Brinley's character doesn't dwell obsessively over the past. I liked them both. The romance is almost secondary to everything else that is going on - it could easily be put down to Stockholm Syndrome as Reed has Brinley stashed away in a hideout while she tries to sort out the mess, but I think there's enough there to make the relationship believable (or maybe there's just so much other shit going on that you are desperate to latch onto anything that doesn't have corruption and greed at the heart of it).
Remi and Mano Jatibon make an appearance - which makes sense as one of their assets is the Gemini casino in Vegas. They seemed to be the only rational mobsters in the city. It was nice to see them out from under the shadow of Cain and working on their own business dealings and I'm kind of hoping that we more of them and Reed and Brinley.
At one point I had a sinking feeling (and a little bit of anticipation) that this was going to be an ongoing series - I was horrified that I'd come up the end with a massive cliffhanger, but also really happy to anticipate more of Reed and Brinley and the goings on in Las Vegas. Happily, the book buttons up most of the loose ends and can stand on its own - no cliffhanger that will have me waiting a year or more to find out what comes next. Even more happily, I can easily see Vali writing another book with either these characters or at least set in Vegas. It will make a nice counterpoint to the New Orleans based series, give Remi and Mano a chance to stretch their influence and give readers a new setting and great new cast of characters.
This is a good crime and suspense story with a little bit of romance to offset things. There's a pretty gritty undertone and there's no shortage of violence, corruption and greed (and stupidity when it comes to greed). By the end of the book, there's a pretty high body count and one of the protagonists is a contract killer with a fair bit of blood on her hands. Despite that (or maybe because of that) it was a fun read and a very welcome addition to Ms. Vali's bad girl oeuvre.
Recommended especially if you liked the Cain series
I haven't had a lot of luck with Vali's recent books and have struggled to finish them for a number of reasons. It bothered me to no end as I really enjoy the Cain series and some of her earlier contemporary romances. With Double-Crossed, I'm back in the Vali fold and found myself devouring the book over less than 24 hours (the dog was not happy to have her morning dog park visit delayed to an afternoon visit because I wanted to finish the book). Is the book perfect - no. Did I enjoy the heck out of reading it - hell yeah.
In Double-Crossed, Vali is back to what I think she does best - bad girls. This is more of a suspense/crime novel than a romance; although, there is a romance that is kind of inevitable but doesn't have the sweeping intensity of the Cain/Emma pairing. As the title suggests, this is a book full of conspiracy and double crossings. So much so that at times, I found it a bit exhausting to keep up with all the shenanigans - who was plotting what with who and planning to screw over which family for what reason. There were a ton of mobsters and their families in this one and I think if the plot and characters were tightened a bit more, this would have hit a five star rating for me - as it was, things got a bit convoluted as I tried to keep too many characters who kept popping up and their motivations and end games straight.
Reed Gable, a thief and contract killer, is hired to dispose of a philandering husband in as humiliating a way as possible by his angry wife (and mob daughter). From this point on, a number of seemingly unrelated events involving money laundering, corrupt casino managers and several mob families conspire to put Reed onto another contract to dispose of an auditor who may have dug a little too deep into the books. Faced with the task of having to kill a young mother, Brinley Myers, and her one-year old son, what's a hardened contract killer to do?
Vali seems to have a particular talent in making bad girls into heroes - Reed is a great example. Unlike Cain, who inherits the top spot of a crime family (and manages to expand it through some pretty ruthless tactics), Reed has a pretty shitty past and is more of a self-made woman that gets the job done just as ruthlessly. She's good at what she does and doesn't regret the choices that she's made - and despite what she does at the start of the novel with the cheating husband and his girlfriend, she does have a limit which is lucky for Brinley. Brinley, is a pretty resourceful person in her own right - she's made some bad decisions but has moved on, making the best of things. There's just the right amount of backstory for both Reed and Brinley - Vali doesn't go for over the top angst as she gives a bit of rationale for Reed's actions and decisions and even Brinley's character doesn't dwell obsessively over the past. I liked them both. The romance is almost secondary to everything else that is going on - it could easily be put down to Stockholm Syndrome as Reed has Brinley stashed away in a hideout while she tries to sort out the mess, but I think there's enough there to make the relationship believable (or maybe there's just so much other shit going on that you are desperate to latch onto anything that doesn't have corruption and greed at the heart of it).
Remi and Mano Jatibon make an appearance - which makes sense as one of their assets is the Gemini casino in Vegas. They seemed to be the only rational mobsters in the city. It was nice to see them out from under the shadow of Cain and working on their own business dealings and I'm kind of hoping that we more of them and Reed and Brinley.
At one point I had a sinking feeling (and a little bit of anticipation) that this was going to be an ongoing series - I was horrified that I'd come up the end with a massive cliffhanger, but also really happy to anticipate more of Reed and Brinley and the goings on in Las Vegas. Happily, the book buttons up most of the loose ends and can stand on its own - no cliffhanger that will have me waiting a year or more to find out what comes next. Even more happily, I can easily see Vali writing another book with either these characters or at least set in Vegas. It will make a nice counterpoint to the New Orleans based series, give Remi and Mano a chance to stretch their influence and give readers a new setting and great new cast of characters.
This is a good crime and suspense story with a little bit of romance to offset things. There's a pretty gritty undertone and there's no shortage of violence, corruption and greed (and stupidity when it comes to greed). By the end of the book, there's a pretty high body count and one of the protagonists is a contract killer with a fair bit of blood on her hands. Despite that (or maybe because of that) it was a fun read and a very welcome addition to Ms. Vali's bad girl oeuvre.
Recommended especially if you liked the Cain series
August 6, 2019
Ali Vali used to be one of my go-to authors but I've been pretty disappointed with the last few I read. I got burned out on Cain, never connected to Remi, loved Sept but the romance part of Calling the Dead didn't do it for me. And my last venture at a stand-alone romance, The Romance Vote left me unsatisfied with the rushed ending. But I can't seem to stay away from Vali's work and thought Double-Crossed sounded interesting.
I got into it pretty quickly and there was definitely the feel of early Cain Casey with the tough woman who seems to melt only for a beautiful damsel in distress - and if there's a small child involved, all the better. I was happy and rolling along with the murdery goodness but not too far in, began feeling overwhelmed with so many characters. I didn't realize this was going to be a series set in the same universe as Casey and the Jatibons. Honestly, I probably would have taken a pass had I known. One of the reasons I tend to stay away from long series/large ensemble universes is because it takes the attention off of the characters I'm trying to focus on and connect with and tries to give me snippets and updates on other couples that aren't supposed to be front and center in the current book. I know this isn't a problem for many other folks but it is for me and I felt my interest waning as the cast of characters and family intrigues began to mount.
There were some aspects that I loved about Double-Crossed: Vali is great with creating the feel of the gangster life though the language she uses. There were quite a few lines of dialogue that made me stop just to admire them. She also knows how to crank up the sexual heat. And speaking of sex, I was surprised to find some m/m action in this book. I certainly don't mind it but I thought it was risky since I've seen plenty of upset from lesfic readers whenever a penis is introduced into a f/f romance. I'm not the biggest reader of f/f romance anymore but this was a first for me.
I think if you're a die-hard Ali Vali/Cane Casey fan and read every book, you'll be incredibly happy with this one and will be thrilled to find a new series to follow in the same universe. And if you're like me and have taken a break from the author's series books but are intrigued about this one, it's well worth your time. I definitely liked Reed and Brinley. (I can't not comment on Ms. Vali's always interesting character name choices. Never a boring name for a main character.)
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this one.
I got into it pretty quickly and there was definitely the feel of early Cain Casey with the tough woman who seems to melt only for a beautiful damsel in distress - and if there's a small child involved, all the better. I was happy and rolling along with the murdery goodness but not too far in, began feeling overwhelmed with so many characters. I didn't realize this was going to be a series set in the same universe as Casey and the Jatibons. Honestly, I probably would have taken a pass had I known. One of the reasons I tend to stay away from long series/large ensemble universes is because it takes the attention off of the characters I'm trying to focus on and connect with and tries to give me snippets and updates on other couples that aren't supposed to be front and center in the current book. I know this isn't a problem for many other folks but it is for me and I felt my interest waning as the cast of characters and family intrigues began to mount.
There were some aspects that I loved about Double-Crossed: Vali is great with creating the feel of the gangster life though the language she uses. There were quite a few lines of dialogue that made me stop just to admire them. She also knows how to crank up the sexual heat. And speaking of sex, I was surprised to find some m/m action in this book. I certainly don't mind it but I thought it was risky since I've seen plenty of upset from lesfic readers whenever a penis is introduced into a f/f romance. I'm not the biggest reader of f/f romance anymore but this was a first for me.
I think if you're a die-hard Ali Vali/Cane Casey fan and read every book, you'll be incredibly happy with this one and will be thrilled to find a new series to follow in the same universe. And if you're like me and have taken a break from the author's series books but are intrigued about this one, it's well worth your time. I definitely liked Reed and Brinley. (I can't not comment on Ms. Vali's always interesting character name choices. Never a boring name for a main character.)
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this one.
March 1, 2026
Story: 4 ⭐️
Narration: 5 ⭐️
So all about: 4 - 4,5 ⭐️
Narration: 5 ⭐️
So all about: 4 - 4,5 ⭐️
March 29, 2026
For whatever reason, Ali Vali has been an author I’ve always enjoyed, but not one that I’ve gone out of my way to buy (at least the back catalog). I’ve read 10 books by them (including this one) and one short story. Except for one book I rated 3 stars, and one I DNF’d (heh, I’d thought I’d stopped that one because of the formatting, but looking at it again just now, I see I stopped that one because the melodramatic babbling got on my last nerve and I stopped reading at 34.24%), I’ve mostly rated everything between 4 and 5 stars. This book here is not an exception – another solid four star book.
Two point of view book. Brinley Myers is a single mother who has taken a new job in a new city at the Moroccan Casino as an accountant. She got her kid out of her one time with a man, I think, at least, it was worded that way. And the kid does play a largish role in the book, but more as a ‘she has a kid’ than as an individual character. Unfortunately for her, her very first day at her new job put her on the path to death, or at least into the path of a contract killer. Her immediate boss has pulled her and her co-worker, another single-mother, into doing an internal audit. Unluckily for her, the audit is of the ‘real’ books. The owner of the casino wanted to do an audit for reasons explained in the book. He intended Dean, Brinley’s boss, to do the audit, though, not others. So, obviously, they need to die – the two women doing the audit on the real financial statements/numbers.
Which leads to the other main character and how the two characters meet. Though that character, Reed Gable, had already been in the book doing stuff. Stuff like killing people. She’s one of those elite killers, even though 1) she is an independent contractor type (not a member of any specific crime ‘family’; 2) her main job is being a thief not assassin. One thing leads to another and . . . oops, the one without much problems killing, just couldn’t get themselves to kill a kid and his mother. And so the book unfolds from there – attempting to figure out how to ‘fix’ the situation, and stuff. Meanwhile, the two women grow close, though one believes the other should ‘stay away’ for their own good, since they, Reed, are ‘damaged’.
Good solid book. Quite interesting and well-written. For those who care about such things: yes, Cain Casey was mentioned in the book, but more in passing. Several people from that series, though, do play important roles in this book. Specifically Mano, his sister (and her partner Dallas), and the rest of their crime family – who are partners with Cain Casey’s crime family. Mano runs a casino in Los Vegas, and Dallas and sister pay a visit (the sister is more important to the Casey series, but I’m drawing a blank on her name – it’s something like Remi? Remi Jatibon?). You do not need to read the Casey series, the side short story, nor the side series before reading this book here. Though you might get more out of this book if you do read them first. Not needed to understand this book, though.
Rating: 4.35
November 8 2019
Two point of view book. Brinley Myers is a single mother who has taken a new job in a new city at the Moroccan Casino as an accountant. She got her kid out of her one time with a man, I think, at least, it was worded that way. And the kid does play a largish role in the book, but more as a ‘she has a kid’ than as an individual character. Unfortunately for her, her very first day at her new job put her on the path to death, or at least into the path of a contract killer. Her immediate boss has pulled her and her co-worker, another single-mother, into doing an internal audit. Unluckily for her, the audit is of the ‘real’ books. The owner of the casino wanted to do an audit for reasons explained in the book. He intended Dean, Brinley’s boss, to do the audit, though, not others. So, obviously, they need to die – the two women doing the audit on the real financial statements/numbers.
Which leads to the other main character and how the two characters meet. Though that character, Reed Gable, had already been in the book doing stuff. Stuff like killing people. She’s one of those elite killers, even though 1) she is an independent contractor type (not a member of any specific crime ‘family’; 2) her main job is being a thief not assassin. One thing leads to another and . . . oops, the one without much problems killing, just couldn’t get themselves to kill a kid and his mother. And so the book unfolds from there – attempting to figure out how to ‘fix’ the situation, and stuff. Meanwhile, the two women grow close, though one believes the other should ‘stay away’ for their own good, since they, Reed, are ‘damaged’.
Good solid book. Quite interesting and well-written. For those who care about such things: yes, Cain Casey was mentioned in the book, but more in passing. Several people from that series, though, do play important roles in this book. Specifically Mano, his sister (and her partner Dallas), and the rest of their crime family – who are partners with Cain Casey’s crime family. Mano runs a casino in Los Vegas, and Dallas and sister pay a visit (the sister is more important to the Casey series, but I’m drawing a blank on her name – it’s something like Remi? Remi Jatibon?). You do not need to read the Casey series, the side short story, nor the side series before reading this book here. Though you might get more out of this book if you do read them first. Not needed to understand this book, though.
Rating: 4.35
November 8 2019
June 4, 2021
Reed is a hit woman who refuses to let emotions get in the way of doing the job. She grew up an orphan. Her only friend is Oscar. They work together and are on the top of the profession. But, when Brinley Myers and her son Finn become her next mark, something in Reed changes. She won’t kill a mother in front of her child. Reed becomes Brinley and Finn’s only hope for survival. Reed vows to find away to make it safe for them once more. I can’t wait for the next book. I want to know more of Reed and Brinley. It was amazing to see Remi and Dallas again as well. I hope there will be more of them as well in the upcoming books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
I was really into this story but then it fell flat to me I get that you had to get the main characters to meet.
Reed had a tough childhood but it gave her the means of survival along with her friend Oscar she became a hit woman and thief.
Brinley is accountant with a one year old son name Finn she came to Vegas to get away from her ex when she get a job at Moroccan Casino where she and her employee Naomi finds out that something not right with the books and learn there a money laundering operation going on that put her and those she loves in danger.
Reed just finish a job when she is hire to kill Brinley when she about to pull the trigger see Brinley child with her even though she is a killer she can't kill a mother in front of her child but before she can figure out what to do she is double crossed.
Ok this is where I like the story I didn't mind that Reed and Brinley fell for each other quickly even though Reed try to push Brinley away. I didn't mind that there were to many characters even when you lose who hire who. What fell flat to me is I just didn't get why they had to kill Brinley and her child they coulda threaten her into submission to where she wouldn't have talk because in my opinion what she found shouldn't had put a contract on her head yeah she was going to quit because she didn't want to get in the middle of whatever was going on and it sad that Naomi and her daughter got killed to me for nothing.
I love this author got mostly all her books I'm giving it 4 stars because I did like the characters and the plot was good it just what I thought it be.
I was really into this story but then it fell flat to me I get that you had to get the main characters to meet.
Reed had a tough childhood but it gave her the means of survival along with her friend Oscar she became a hit woman and thief.
Brinley is accountant with a one year old son name Finn she came to Vegas to get away from her ex when she get a job at Moroccan Casino where she and her employee Naomi finds out that something not right with the books and learn there a money laundering operation going on that put her and those she loves in danger.
Reed just finish a job when she is hire to kill Brinley when she about to pull the trigger see Brinley child with her even though she is a killer she can't kill a mother in front of her child but before she can figure out what to do she is double crossed.
Ok this is where I like the story I didn't mind that Reed and Brinley fell for each other quickly even though Reed try to push Brinley away. I didn't mind that there were to many characters even when you lose who hire who. What fell flat to me is I just didn't get why they had to kill Brinley and her child they coulda threaten her into submission to where she wouldn't have talk because in my opinion what she found shouldn't had put a contract on her head yeah she was going to quit because she didn't want to get in the middle of whatever was going on and it sad that Naomi and her daughter got killed to me for nothing.
I love this author got mostly all her books I'm giving it 4 stars because I did like the characters and the plot was good it just what I thought it be.
September 11, 2019
2 Stars. This book was just okay, it dragged a lot. This book is about Reed Gable, a woman who works as a thief and assassin for the highest bidder in Las Vegas. When she is sent to kill Brinley Myers, an accountant for a casino, she cannot complete the task. Reed cannot kill a mother and decides to go against her employer and protect Brinley and find out why she was sent to kill her. They work together to try and take down the people trying to destroy her.
I found this book a little confusing. There were a lot of names and people to keep straight related to the mob and the casino heads. There was a lot of information thrown at you and I did not always care to keep it straight. The romance between Reed and Brinley seemed a little forced and weird and I never really believed it at all. It seemed to happen all of a sudden towards the end of the book and did not seem to hit towards it at all. This book was not well written, in my opinion, and I could have done without reading it. At first, the mystery surrounding the casinos seemed interesting and fun to read, but then it just got convoluted and confusing. I would not recommend this book, skip it and read a better lesbian romance.
I found this book a little confusing. There were a lot of names and people to keep straight related to the mob and the casino heads. There was a lot of information thrown at you and I did not always care to keep it straight. The romance between Reed and Brinley seemed a little forced and weird and I never really believed it at all. It seemed to happen all of a sudden towards the end of the book and did not seem to hit towards it at all. This book was not well written, in my opinion, and I could have done without reading it. At first, the mystery surrounding the casinos seemed interesting and fun to read, but then it just got convoluted and confusing. I would not recommend this book, skip it and read a better lesbian romance.
October 4, 2019
Woohoo! Ali Vali does it again! She has crafted another mind-blowing and captivating novel that has the perfect blend of new and beloved characters from her other books and I'm already a huge fan of the Vegas Nights series. By now, I'm pretty sure that everyone had to know this was coming but if you didn't, well here's my confession—I'm completely smitten with Reed and I feel as though I've cheated on the one and only, Cain Casey. Just when I thought that I would never have another fictional wife, here comes Reed but Brinley has her heart and I envy her. I'm a huge sucker for any story that features the bad girl with a soft heart when it comes to little children and this book didn't disappoint because I felt as though this story was written just for me. I don't think there's anything better than pulling a reading marathon with this book because there's enough murder, mayhem, tested loyalties and heartfelt moments to keep you wide awake into the wee hours of the morning and demanding the sequel the next day!
October 5, 2024
I am 99% deep into wanting to read the Cain Casey series again because of this book and hopefully to whatever is mighty there will be more books in that series: but this year, I want to try things in the reading life... so I will try to reduce that need, but oh Lord, I am so tempted.
I liked this one. of course, it goes without saying. I didn't know it was connected to Cain Casey Universe until I read the review on The Lesbian Review website... And they never disappoint. Whenever I am not sure about a book, that's where I turn, though not all books are there. This one was here and here we are, and I enjoyed it. Apart from the gory scenes but the action was so enticing.
I liked this one. of course, it goes without saying. I didn't know it was connected to Cain Casey Universe until I read the review on The Lesbian Review website... And they never disappoint. Whenever I am not sure about a book, that's where I turn, though not all books are there. This one was here and here we are, and I enjoyed it. Apart from the gory scenes but the action was so enticing.
February 3, 2021
Ali Vali could well be crowned the Mario Puzo of lesfic since she has a special affinity to Mob/Mafia series and admittedly does them really well. This one is the first of a new series.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
September 9, 2019
This one took me a while to read, which surprised me a bit. It doesn't really focus a lot on thief and hitman for hire, Reed, and her mark, Brinley. Instead Vali works hard to set up the movers and shakers of the Vegas underground, before a ton of action actually goes down. Of course, Reed's actions on a job sets off a domino effect that has the Mob families in charge of Las Vegas reeling. We see what the heads of families are doing in reaction to the killing of a prominent mobster, and the scheming that goes along with it. It really does highlight that any innocent person can get caught in the cross hairs when someone messes up, but lucky for Brinley finds odd numbers at her new accounting job for a casino and is face to face with Reed, she is saved by Reed's unwillingness to get an innocent person involved.
There are some issues here, one being that Vali tries a little too hard to be gritty and dark and there are some weird way that manifests. There's a surprising amount of sex that doesn't involve the leads, and sometimes the sex does lead to some interesting deaths. There's also the focus on the mobsters, as opposed to Reed and Brinley. Reed does make it clear that Brinley may still be on borrowed time, but the tone of their scenes together doesn't suggest any type of urgency. It doesn't feel like Brinley and Reed are in much danger at all. It also loses the focus on the interesting character of Reed (because she does display some real awkwardness that you don't really see in a character like hers) and I wish we had more time with her.
Overall, though, there aren't too many lesfic books like Double-Crossed and it is refreshing to see an author like Vali continue to churn out books like these. Excellent crime thriller, recommended for those who like these types of books.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
There are some issues here, one being that Vali tries a little too hard to be gritty and dark and there are some weird way that manifests. There's a surprising amount of sex that doesn't involve the leads, and sometimes the sex does lead to some interesting deaths. There's also the focus on the mobsters, as opposed to Reed and Brinley. Reed does make it clear that Brinley may still be on borrowed time, but the tone of their scenes together doesn't suggest any type of urgency. It doesn't feel like Brinley and Reed are in much danger at all. It also loses the focus on the interesting character of Reed (because she does display some real awkwardness that you don't really see in a character like hers) and I wish we had more time with her.
Overall, though, there aren't too many lesfic books like Double-Crossed and it is refreshing to see an author like Vali continue to churn out books like these. Excellent crime thriller, recommended for those who like these types of books.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 17, 2019
3 Stars
This is the first book in the Vegas Nights series by Ali Vali.
This book was pretty complex in reality. The whole money laundering storyline was top notch. It was the back and forth between the families as they put out hits on each other in retaliation which made this book sing. You can tell this book is female focuses since a lot of the important positions in it were filled by women instead of men. I could totally buy that scenario but what I found lacking was the whole lesbian romance.
This is marketed as a female-female romance but I didn’t really find that to be the case here. Yes, there was an eventual relationship between the two leads Reed Gable the hit woman and Brinley her mark. But this story was more about the whole Vegas casino life and mob connections than their eventual hookup. The relationship is sprinkled here and there throughout the book but nothing really grabbed me and pushed me through the book to see if they would remain together.
Reed is a thief who occasionally supplements her income by doing hits. She has a screwed up and complicated past. The fact that she doesn’t kill Brinley is fascinating but I never really bought the whole connection between the two. There was a scene of momentary release in the middle section but there wasn’t much build up to it so I felt it fell a bit flat.
I have read a lot of romance lately and wanted this to be just as good but I came away feeling blah. This book did the whole mob/casino/money laundering storyline much better. I feel like you could have left out the entire female-female romance and this book would have been just as good.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the first book in the Vegas Nights series by Ali Vali.
This book was pretty complex in reality. The whole money laundering storyline was top notch. It was the back and forth between the families as they put out hits on each other in retaliation which made this book sing. You can tell this book is female focuses since a lot of the important positions in it were filled by women instead of men. I could totally buy that scenario but what I found lacking was the whole lesbian romance.
This is marketed as a female-female romance but I didn’t really find that to be the case here. Yes, there was an eventual relationship between the two leads Reed Gable the hit woman and Brinley her mark. But this story was more about the whole Vegas casino life and mob connections than their eventual hookup. The relationship is sprinkled here and there throughout the book but nothing really grabbed me and pushed me through the book to see if they would remain together.
Reed is a thief who occasionally supplements her income by doing hits. She has a screwed up and complicated past. The fact that she doesn’t kill Brinley is fascinating but I never really bought the whole connection between the two. There was a scene of momentary release in the middle section but there wasn’t much build up to it so I felt it fell a bit flat.
I have read a lot of romance lately and wanted this to be just as good but I came away feeling blah. This book did the whole mob/casino/money laundering storyline much better. I feel like you could have left out the entire female-female romance and this book would have been just as good.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
September 10, 2019
Double Crossed by Ali Vali
Las Vegas Nights #1
Reed Gamble and her friend Oscar had a hard childhood. They have stayed together through it all and established a lucrative business taking things. Sometimes those things are the lives of people but usually take things instead of lives. One day Reed’s moral compass is tweaked and she makes a decision she then needs to deal with. What was that decision? Not to fulfill the contract to kill…
Brinley Myers….
Brinley is a single mother who has just moved from Louisiana to Las Vegas hoping to make more of her life while getting away from the biological father of her son. Landing in a plummy job that will provide well for her and Flynn she settles in and begins an audit for the casino she just started working for. Little did she know that the job, the audit or something else would put her in the cross hairs of…
Reed Gamble…
This was an intense action-packed story that might have some questioning what Reed and Brinley could possibly have in common or find to admire in one another. And yet, I could see how the two might gravitate to one another. Reed was a person true to her friends and evidently had hard boundaries she learned about in this story.
This book had more than one mafia family, plenty of intrigue, a succession of murders and eventually a HEA for Brinley and Reed. I now wonder if Oscar or someone else will star in book two of the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Las Vegas Nights #1
Reed Gamble and her friend Oscar had a hard childhood. They have stayed together through it all and established a lucrative business taking things. Sometimes those things are the lives of people but usually take things instead of lives. One day Reed’s moral compass is tweaked and she makes a decision she then needs to deal with. What was that decision? Not to fulfill the contract to kill…
Brinley Myers….
Brinley is a single mother who has just moved from Louisiana to Las Vegas hoping to make more of her life while getting away from the biological father of her son. Landing in a plummy job that will provide well for her and Flynn she settles in and begins an audit for the casino she just started working for. Little did she know that the job, the audit or something else would put her in the cross hairs of…
Reed Gamble…
This was an intense action-packed story that might have some questioning what Reed and Brinley could possibly have in common or find to admire in one another. And yet, I could see how the two might gravitate to one another. Reed was a person true to her friends and evidently had hard boundaries she learned about in this story.
This book had more than one mafia family, plenty of intrigue, a succession of murders and eventually a HEA for Brinley and Reed. I now wonder if Oscar or someone else will star in book two of the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
September 17, 2019
I enjoyed this a lot and learning about Reed's past had me aching for the little girl. Poor kid.
I love Ali Vali's books so I was excited to get my hands on this, but I kinda wish it was a little longer to develop more insight into the relationships that were made, both personal and professional, but knowing there are more books to come made that easier to deal with.
I always like seeing Remi and Cain's plans unfold and blindsiding the bad guys... and this was a doozy, with so many players making moves here and there, it was hard to see IF anything would work out for Brinley and Reed.
And I like the ending best... with Reed and Oscar gaining a family in the Jatibon's.
I love Ali Vali's books so I was excited to get my hands on this, but I kinda wish it was a little longer to develop more insight into the relationships that were made, both personal and professional, but knowing there are more books to come made that easier to deal with.
I always like seeing Remi and Cain's plans unfold and blindsiding the bad guys... and this was a doozy, with so many players making moves here and there, it was hard to see IF anything would work out for Brinley and Reed.
And I like the ending best... with Reed and Oscar gaining a family in the Jatibon's.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2019
This book isn’t quite what the publicity blurb promises, it is really a vicious ‘Mob Soap Opera’ and the described relationship between Reed and Brinley is only a small part of the book. There is a tenuous tie-in with the Cain Casey books, but the Las Vegas gangsters aren’t nearly as interesting.
There is an intriguing, but difficult start to the book. During the first two chapters the author introduces what will be the two main characters, but she also mentions dozens of other people, there are just too many to keep track of, added to that are numerous half finished conversations that make little sense. I’m afraid I found it quite difficult to keep track of all the different gangsters and the farcical way they seemed to believe the only way to solve problems was to kill everybody in sight.
Overall this was a decent read, I could have done with less of the Mob and more of Reed Oscar and Brinley, but it was certainly worth three stars.
There is an intriguing, but difficult start to the book. During the first two chapters the author introduces what will be the two main characters, but she also mentions dozens of other people, there are just too many to keep track of, added to that are numerous half finished conversations that make little sense. I’m afraid I found it quite difficult to keep track of all the different gangsters and the farcical way they seemed to believe the only way to solve problems was to kill everybody in sight.
Overall this was a decent read, I could have done with less of the Mob and more of Reed Oscar and Brinley, but it was certainly worth three stars.
August 4, 2025
I finally read an Ali Vali book and liked it! Woohoo.
A lot of heavy cameos from the Devil series, so I'm going to swing back and read that next. It was pretty hard keeping up with the intricate web of mob players and all the loyalties, betrayals, and motivations, but I just stopped trying to understand 100% of it and settled for 80% comprehension lmao. Still a good time.
A lot of heavy cameos from the Devil series, so I'm going to swing back and read that next. It was pretty hard keeping up with the intricate web of mob players and all the loyalties, betrayals, and motivations, but I just stopped trying to understand 100% of it and settled for 80% comprehension lmao. Still a good time.
August 12, 2019
Reed Gable, thief and hit woman, is contracted to take out Brinley Myers, who happens to have just started a new life in Vegas to get away from from the druggie father of her one year old son. Brinley has been employed as an accountant at one the casinos when her manager asks her and her fellow colleague to audit the books, this leads them to discovering some anomalies in the ledgers and now that they've had access to the books potentially uncovered the casino's money laundering business, Brinley and her colleague needs to be disposed of. Reed has her gun directed at Brinley's head but once she considers she'll be taking out Brinley in front of her son, Reed needs to make a choice, to kill or not to kill.
This read is definitely more of crime thriller with a bit of romance thrown in. There were a lot of characters that all played their parts in this web of a story that I almost felt I needed a whiteboard to show where they all fitted in and that I could reference back to as the story swung from one mob family to the next. I did like the characters of Reed and Brinley but was surprised how quickly Brinley fell for Reed considering their circumstances. It took me a while to get into this book but I felt it picked up the pace as I got into it. Not necessarily my style of writing but not a bad read.
This read is definitely more of crime thriller with a bit of romance thrown in. There were a lot of characters that all played their parts in this web of a story that I almost felt I needed a whiteboard to show where they all fitted in and that I could reference back to as the story swung from one mob family to the next. I did like the characters of Reed and Brinley but was surprised how quickly Brinley fell for Reed considering their circumstances. It took me a while to get into this book but I felt it picked up the pace as I got into it. Not necessarily my style of writing but not a bad read.
August 15, 2019
Mixed feelings about this one, I loved the early books in her Cain Casey series. But the last 2 or so I haven't even read cause I lost interest. I cannot even tell you why cause the storyline is interesting and I have a connection to the Cain and Emma, but maybe it was the over-exposure of other characters?
Which is also what put me off in this one as well...I expected to get a nice romance between bad girl hired contractor Reed and unsuspecting innocent single mom Brinley, but I got a story about a lot of different mob figures and the fall out after a murder Reed got hired to do. And oh yes, there did develop a romance.which almost felt as a side note to the story and didn't live up to my expectations. Nevertheless I love the way the writer gets you to care about the bad girl and even condone what she does, it's what she has done in several other books of hers. I also enjoyed seeing Remi and Mano Jabiton on their own handling business.
If you pick this one up and not expect it to be focused on a big romance like the one between Cain and Emma, but more a story about the mob in Vegas, their activities and how scores are settled with seeing some familiar faces then you have another solid book in your hands and most probably the start of a new series.
Which is also what put me off in this one as well...I expected to get a nice romance between bad girl hired contractor Reed and unsuspecting innocent single mom Brinley, but I got a story about a lot of different mob figures and the fall out after a murder Reed got hired to do. And oh yes, there did develop a romance.which almost felt as a side note to the story and didn't live up to my expectations. Nevertheless I love the way the writer gets you to care about the bad girl and even condone what she does, it's what she has done in several other books of hers. I also enjoyed seeing Remi and Mano Jabiton on their own handling business.
If you pick this one up and not expect it to be focused on a big romance like the one between Cain and Emma, but more a story about the mob in Vegas, their activities and how scores are settled with seeing some familiar faces then you have another solid book in your hands and most probably the start of a new series.
August 28, 2019
Gambling, drugs and a hit woman sounds like a pretty big novel, and Ali Vali does well in delivering an interesting story.
Reed is the best hit woman in Vegas, but is this latest contract too much? Brinley is a brand new accountant thrown into the dirty books of a casino and finds herself in a tonne of trouble. Double crossing is just a part of a regular day.
What I liked was the attraction between Reed and Brinley. It seemed genuine but a bit light in developing the relationship.
As a con, it was a bit challenging to follow all of the characters in the novel.
Reed is the best hit woman in Vegas, but is this latest contract too much? Brinley is a brand new accountant thrown into the dirty books of a casino and finds herself in a tonne of trouble. Double crossing is just a part of a regular day.
What I liked was the attraction between Reed and Brinley. It seemed genuine but a bit light in developing the relationship.
As a con, it was a bit challenging to follow all of the characters in the novel.
October 21, 2019
Hit woman and thief Reed Gable works for the highest bidder, no matter where the job takes her. An orphan of circumstance, Reed knows the streets of Las Vegas better than anyone. Growing up rough has gotten her to the top of her profession, and she plans to stay there.
Accountant Brinley Myers, a recent hire at the Moroccan Casino, discovers a money laundering operation orchestrated by the New York mob and suddenly her life, and those in it, become collateral damage.
Reed has Brinley in her sights and is ready to close the contract when she sees Brinley's son in the car with her. Even hard-hearted Reed can’t kill a mother in front of her child. Before Reed can come up with a plan to finish the job, she’s double crossed. It’ll take all her street-smarts to keep both her, and her surprisingly beautiful mark, alive.
This is a fantastic read from Ali Vali, providing a new twist on 'Godfather' genre. With sexy protagonists in Reed and Brinley, this is a must read for those that like their lesbians hot and their crime fiction authentically real. If you are a fan of Vali's Cain Casey series you will definitely like this book. In fact this is a much better read. The villains are more authentically drawn and the plot more twisty than the Casey series. Highly recommended if you prefer lesfic with a bid of substance than a straight (pardon the pun!) love story. Enjoy your read!
Accountant Brinley Myers, a recent hire at the Moroccan Casino, discovers a money laundering operation orchestrated by the New York mob and suddenly her life, and those in it, become collateral damage.
Reed has Brinley in her sights and is ready to close the contract when she sees Brinley's son in the car with her. Even hard-hearted Reed can’t kill a mother in front of her child. Before Reed can come up with a plan to finish the job, she’s double crossed. It’ll take all her street-smarts to keep both her, and her surprisingly beautiful mark, alive.
This is a fantastic read from Ali Vali, providing a new twist on 'Godfather' genre. With sexy protagonists in Reed and Brinley, this is a must read for those that like their lesbians hot and their crime fiction authentically real. If you are a fan of Vali's Cain Casey series you will definitely like this book. In fact this is a much better read. The villains are more authentically drawn and the plot more twisty than the Casey series. Highly recommended if you prefer lesfic with a bid of substance than a straight (pardon the pun!) love story. Enjoy your read!
May 28, 2022
This is the first of a new series by Ali Vali, who writes criminals and bad girls like no one else. I don’t ever root for the crooks and killers, but Vali makes me have a soft spot for bad girls, starting with Cain to Remi and now to Reed. Reed is the contract killer and thief with a soft spot that makes her save the lives or her target Brinley and Brinley’s small son.
Vali goes deep into the heart of the mob world of Las Vegas, from the casinos to the double-dealing and the killings. There were lots of pages introducing readers to the players on the seedy side of Vegas and their relationships, backstabbing and deals. Since this is the first in a new series, that was probably to build the world that Reed and Brinley will inhabit.
There is a romance but it’s slow and somewhat implausible, but this is fiction. After Reed brings Brinley to a safe house, Brinley starts to feel some attraction to Reed. It felt a little weird that her feelings came so quickly for a woman who was hired to kill her.
Overall, this was an entertaining mystery/suspense novel with a small side of romance. I hope the installment won’t be too far off from now.
Vali goes deep into the heart of the mob world of Las Vegas, from the casinos to the double-dealing and the killings. There were lots of pages introducing readers to the players on the seedy side of Vegas and their relationships, backstabbing and deals. Since this is the first in a new series, that was probably to build the world that Reed and Brinley will inhabit.
There is a romance but it’s slow and somewhat implausible, but this is fiction. After Reed brings Brinley to a safe house, Brinley starts to feel some attraction to Reed. It felt a little weird that her feelings came so quickly for a woman who was hired to kill her.
Overall, this was an entertaining mystery/suspense novel with a small side of romance. I hope the installment won’t be too far off from now.
September 5, 2019
Killing a cheating husband, you can agree with (in fiction), but the 19 year old, I found that hard to get past. This made it difficult to engage with one of the main characters of the book. I know it was integral to the plot development and the whole point of a contract killer is not being nice, but still it held be back from enjoying the story and the burgeoning romance. Likewise with the other character, starting an affair with a killer didn’t feel like a proper reaction to a death threat, especially after the other death. Having said that, it’s a good read and as always with this writer very well written. Lots of detail about how the crime families interact and the way Vegas operates, which is fascinating and gripping. Also I can never get enough of Remi Jatibon. So nice to revisit such a great previous player from the Cain Casey books. Looks like this may be a new series. I hope so as Ms Vali is one of my favourites and in general the whole falling for the mobster usually works well.
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