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Poker Face

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Forbidden fruit never tasted so good… He's my professor. I'm his student. I shouldn’t want him, but I do. He shouldn’t want me, but he does. How are we meant to stay away from one another? The answer is, we aren’t. And as much as what we are doing is wrong, I don’t care. I live my life on the edge, never shying away or bowing down to anyone. My world is dangerous, deadly. I love the thrill, the excitement, the power of knowing that everywhere I go, people know where I come from. I believe in love. I believe in power. I believe in status, and I intend to be at the top of the chain… with him by my side. We just have to wait, bide our time, choose the right moment to come out of the shadows. Is he ready to be a part of my world? Is he ready to forget everything he’s ever known? And will he be able to handle the heat when the time comes for everyone to know about us? Or will it all come crashing down around me when I finally let him into my heart? I am Natalie Valentine, and this is my story… Poker Face is a stand-alone age-gap forbidden romance within the world of Checkmate.**Each title in the Games we Play series can be read as a stand-alone novel and is intended for readers 18 years and over.There are cameos from each of the characters throughout the series. You don't have to read every book to enjoy, but it may enhance your reading experience if you do.***

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2021

36 people are currently reading
277 people want to read

About the author

Lindsey Powell

33 books511 followers
Author also writes under Esther Clare

Mad about books.

I love to read, and I love to write.
My preferred genre is romance as I love an alpha male, but I am open to reading anything, especially if a book has been recommended to me.

My books can be purchased at amazon.


Find me on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/lindseypowellperfect

Find me on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/Lindsey_Perfect

Find me on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/lindseypowellperfect

My amazon author page:
www.amazon.com/author/lindseypowell

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5 stars
50 (49%)
4 stars
26 (25%)
3 stars
13 (12%)
2 stars
7 (6%)
1 star
5 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Nikki J Summers.
Author 19 books1,549 followers
April 27, 2021
I devoured this book in a day! It was that good.

Jesse & Natalie were one hot read & one hot couple.

I loved this forbidden story of fighting for what you want & fight they did. They were each other’s ride or die.

As always, Lindsey included a whole load of plot twists that kept me glued to the pages & there were some surprises in there too (no spoilers here, you’ve gotta read it to get it)
I am hoping for a Sophia & Marshall spin off. Pretty please??!!??

Five stars all the way
Profile Image for Ana | SheSaidYestoBooks.
2,008 reviews156 followers
April 14, 2021
Now I’m upset that I did not have Professor Jesse as my professor when I was in college. Come to think of it, none of my college professors were hot either. You know, I demand a refund!

I’m a big fan of forbidden romance novels and this story did not disappoint. It was hot Hot HOT! It was sexy and totally unethical and taboo, just how I like it!
Profile Image for Katja.
477 reviews
April 27, 2021
This book was so good and it was hard to put down. Natalie was so great character and I loved her. I love when heroine knows what she wants and goes after it. Natalie wanted Jesse and she didn't care that he was her professor. He was also older than she but she didn't let it bother her. They were so great together. Now I need to read Natalie's parents book someday but you can read this one as standalone book.


An ARC was provided in exhange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Brittany.
16 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2021
Well I didn’t get much accomplished today. Well except this book. Ok. I am becoming a fast Powell fan! I loved this book. I love the characters. Checkmate was hard to beat. Honestly I didn’t think the author could get me again. Yet she did! I will be looking for more reads!
Profile Image for Enticed by Romance.
256 reviews34 followers
April 27, 2021
I haven’t read a forbidden romance in such a long time so when I started reading Poker Face by Lindsey Powell I had high expectations and she did not let me down!!

This book was so good that I was unable to put it down. The chemistry between the two main characters certainly raised this readers blood pressure and may have left me wanting an ice cold shower.

Having read Checkmake, which is another book of Lindseys, and learning that our female heroine Natalie was the child of those two main characters I knew she was going to be a formidable character. Just like her mother she is a strong willed character who has the strength and will to go after exactly what she wants regardless of the consequences.

As we have come to expect from Lindsey’s characters our hero of the story is just as strong as our leading lady. Jesse, shows so much resilience when knowing that giving into the chemistry that he and Natalie experience will have have consequences based on his position, I don’t know how he was able to keep so strong. Ultimately when he realises that his heart wants Natalie he knows that he must accept that his heart will always win.

I throughly enjoyed reading Poker Face and would highly recommend this amazing forbidden love! The chemistry between the characters was off the charts and the revisiting of a power couple that I loved gave me that instant connection to Natalie!

Profile Image for Emily Kurosawa.
357 reviews18 followers
April 26, 2021
Poker face is an age gap, forbidden and student professor romance. And wow! I was aware that this was going to an intriguing read, but I didn't expect to escalate from the very first page! It definitely started off with a big bang! The heroine, Natalie is definitely a feisty character. Natalie knows what she wants and won't stop until she gets it, in this case her professor, Jesse. She's confident and sassy. It was definitely refreshing to see a female leading character pursuing her love interest. And Jesse, I liked that no matter what hurdles were thrown their way, he never gave up on Natalie. The chemistry between them is very, very steamy. Natalie is totally a badass character!!  This is my first by Lindsey Powell, and I cannot wait to read more of her work. Poker Face might not be your cup of tea, but I really enjoyed reading this one. It's certainly a fast paced read.


Natalie Valentine's parents were notoriously known as the king and queen of the "underworld". They may have stepped down from their throne, however, they still have ties to the criminal world. Ever since she started university, Natalie was attracted to her professor, Jesse Marks. As Natalie and Jesse try to keep their relationship hidden,  an unexpected threat will expose them. And Natalie will do everything in her power to eliminate that threat.

** I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
Profile Image for Carly Wilson.
614 reviews39 followers
April 27, 2021
Poker Face is the new forbidden romance by Lindsey Powell, a new to me author, and I was kept thoroughly entertained by this book.

I have to admit, I’m not usually one for age-gap or professor/student romances, but I was pleasantly surprised and found myself really getting into this story and wanting to know more.

Natalie is very much flirtatious, and determined to be with Jesse her professor. They have this spark of connection which is undeniable, but she doesn’t want to be just some cliche student teacher relationship, she wants him. Jesse equally as taken with Natalie also wants to fight for their relationship, both of them determined to be together no matter the cost. But with Natalie’s father being well-known and a formidable power, and Jesse being a member of the faculty, they know they are playing with fire but don’t care if they get burned.

A hot fiery romance which had lots of drama and unexpected twists. It was a perfect read to wind down with and I found myself page-turning easily to know more.

Ideal for readers who do love forbidden romances and those who love the added drama of an age-gap.
Profile Image for Ren || Reading What I Want.
1,946 reviews155 followers
May 4, 2021



It's been a while since I've used that rating. But this one was, honestly, a decent sized disappointment.

What I liked? Quite a few scenes cracked me up. The sexy times were pretty damn good. And I LOVED how the FMC's family acted. Hilarious.

What I didn't like? Editing, plot holes, generic drama, no build-up, bland action. It just didn't flow well. Quite a few typos, grammar mistakes...enough to be memorable. 🙈 The whole middle of the book reminded me of the really geeky kid who tried to listen to rap and be cool but looked foolish (and I'm not judging, I was once that kid). The plot was there, the romance was there, it just felt like the author struggled to fill in around it. The story was too easy, too predictable, and too cut/paste. Then add in what her parents do to the MMC? Seemed way overboard. I may have rolled my eyes.

I was hoping to be blown away but it didn't quite get there. If you read, make sure you hit me up and tell me if I overanalyzed this whole thing.
Profile Image for reader_dreamer_4life.
939 reviews30 followers
April 11, 2021
Prepare a cold shower and your Poker Face (especially if you plan to read this book in public) because Lindsey Powell is coming in damn HOT with this professor/student forbidden romance.
Lindsey takes us back to the Checkmate world and holy heck not only is daddy aka 'Joey' Valentine damn hot but Natalie Valentine takes after her mum Paige and is a total badass.
Natalie and her professor Jesse share an instant connection and sizzling chemistry that neither can deny or fight. Their journey to a HEA was fast-paced, sexy, steamy, sweet, a little suspenseful, and had just the right amount of action.
As I devoured their story it had me hot and bothered, on edge with anticipation, swooning, and seriously wanting to become the Louise to Natalie's Thelma because that girl is a serious Valentine badass and underworld leader in the making.
I love this world Lindsey Powell has created and with underlying stories and secondary characters that pull you in I can't wait for more!!!!
264 reviews7 followers
March 31, 2021
Welcome back to the Checkmate universe through the heir to the original Valentine dynasty where Natalie, Joey and Paige’s daughter has started a torrid affair with her professor, Jesse Marks, that starts a dangerous chain of events. In one very steamy ride we see Natalie and Jesse fall fast and realize just as quickly how much her parents will be opposed to their love. But it’s the threat they don’t see coming that almost ends it and them. Will their insta love withstand the test? And will the villain get theirs? Both questions I asked as I tore through the pages. Let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed. ;)
Profile Image for Bookstagram3172.
315 reviews21 followers
April 19, 2021
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

If you love a good taboo read then this is it! Student/Professor romance which was hot, hot, hot from page 1!
Natalie and Jesse’s chemistry was off the charts. They really did have an intense relationship that when they were found out they had no idea what would happen.
There were a few twists to this book which left it unpredictable but needed me to keep turning the pages.
Not having read Checkmate, I still understood about Natalies parents and what they used to do. I really liked all the characters and I think that Marshall and Sophias story is just begging to be written. He has such a story to tell I’m sure.
Profile Image for Nicola.
159 reviews6 followers
April 27, 2021
Poker Face
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved this age gap forbidden romance that had an element of dark Mafia romance. It was Full of action right from the start.
Poor Jesse didn’t have a chance Natalie knew what she wanted and wasn’t taking no for an answer the chemistry between these pair was off the charts leading to lots of steamy sense to get you hot under the collar 🥵

I loved the element of Mafia and would have liked to seen a bit more especially Marshal🔥🔥 (sat here hoping for his book soon)
I haven’t read checkmate but didn’t feel lost by the characters and I will definitely be picking up Joey and Paige’s story


Profile Image for Robyn G.
Author 1 book48 followers
February 26, 2021
Jesse and Natalie!
I'm abit of a sucker for a student/Teacher romance already.. but added with age gap and then sprinkle about of bada*sery from the Checkmate world was a goner.
When i first found out we was getting more from the Checkmate world i may have let out a little high pitch squeal!
I love Jesse and Natalie together, i loved the insta attraction, the jumping right into the action it was all very fast paced but absolutely needed if that makes sense?
I couldn't imagaine Natalie taking the scenic route with this!
I'm looking forward to more from Lindsey!!
Profile Image for L.G. G Campbell.
Author 25 books266 followers
March 1, 2021
So firstly couldn't put it down! Secondly it's hot hell! I think I'm pregnant, this is one smoking hot book. The sexual chemistry is off the charts. I want a Jesse!

And finally I loved the story, I loved seeing these characters grow, ruling the world they belong.

And of course not forgetting Paige and Joey! Love them.
But just saying there better be a spin-off from this book I want Marshall's story!

If you love like strong kick ass women, little bit of underground violence and some seriously hot professor & student action then go and read this book because you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Raja.
Author 26 books359 followers
April 26, 2021
Dammit, Lindsey has done it again!!!

I was taken on what I thought was going to be an emotional rollercoaster, but boy was I in for a treat!

I’m not letting anything slip besides the fact that Natalie was a damn BEAST!!! She was the real deal and I loved how she took charge. Plain and simple, she was bada$$!

Jesse would do anything for her and I loved that about him! His love fore her was just OMG!!!! Jesse, get your sexy behind over here to me NOW lol!

Do yourself a favor and pick up this book!!!
Profile Image for Fay (Funkybooklover78) Moore.
268 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2021
Okay I loved this book.
Steamy AF
I loved checkmate so I knew I’d love poker face ...

Jesse gets seduced big style ...
I don’t think even the strongest man could turn down Natalie 🔥

Did some one say girl crush!!!
😂😂

But Jesse isn’t no average joe, yes he’s her professor and he’s older but there’s something dark and deadly that comes to the surface when Natalie gets threatened..

Absolutely loved it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Natalie All I Read Is Love Blog.
63 reviews
April 26, 2021
Well, this story was hot from the very first line! Poker Face is a forbidden student teacher romance, which is one of my favourite tropes. And I'm happy to say it lived up to my hopes! Natalie is our fiesty heroine, Jesse is our swoony hero and together they are fire🔥! I love that this is set within the Checkmate universe, which is my favourite book from Lindsey. It was so great catching up with Joey and Paige again. Filled with steam, action and intrigue, Poker Face is a fab five star read.
100 reviews
May 4, 2021
Well I have just finished Poker face by Lindsey Powell and loved it.Yes it's another age gap proffesor student story but this book is a bit different. This story is set in a crime family and it's the daughter Natalie who has fallen for her proffesor Jessie.natalies parents are former rulers of the crime underground and they are fabulous characters who have their own book.This book was so good and you just know that there's more to come from this family x
Profile Image for The Literary Vixen.
614 reviews22 followers
June 12, 2021
Oh my hotness!!

The story starts off with a bang! Seriously. Nice touch there Miss Powell! I definitely wanted more! The electricity between Natalie and Jess was off the charts. Forbidden love made it even hotter! Between the action and the danger to the steamy scenes, I was hooked. I found it hard to put this book down. Who needs sleep? This story is sensual, erotic mixed with that dangerous factor. This entertaining story will leave you wanting more. I give this 5 stars.
Profile Image for Liz (LoverOfBooks80).
923 reviews15 followers
April 27, 2021
HOT HOT HOT 🔥🔥🔥

This is everything and more that you need in a forbidden romance. Smokin hot scenes, strong sassy heroine and an adorable alpha book boyfriend!

Love a woman who knows what she wants and takes it, love how the alpha falls.

And OMG Joey and Paige as parents - love ❤️❤️

You need this devour-able book
Profile Image for Batwoman.
534 reviews6 followers
April 27, 2021
STEAMY!!! Very steamy! This is my first Lindsey Powell book and I will definitely be reading more of her books. One of the best teacher-student romance I’ve read. Love how we get both Jesse and Natalie’s points of view. Like getting to know what both of them are thinkings. Highly recommend this book! Definitely can’t wait to read Natalie’s cousin, Marshall’s story! Highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Carrie Lansberry.
150 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2021
This book is just another steamy notch in the Valentine family. It starts off hot and just keeps getting better as you go along. Everyone should have them a ride or die like Natalie and Jesse! I am also super excited to learn more about Marshall!
Profile Image for books_n_ink217 Elizabeth Welch.
371 reviews21 followers
April 16, 2021
This book dove right into the naughtiness from chapter one. College professor Jesse Marks struggles with the temptation from his student Natalie Valentine. Decent sex scenes and fast moving..this was a good read.
Profile Image for Bookslover09.
854 reviews68 followers
April 26, 2021
I couldn’t put it down!! Jesse and Natalie were a hot couple, holly shit; I have to take a cold shower after this book. Warning don’t read this in front of other people 😉 highly recommend it.
619 reviews12 followers
May 1, 2021
My favorite trope ever!! And this book did not disappoint.
It was steamy, the characters where amazing and their chemistry was off the charts.
I enjoyed their banter!

Definitely a good read!
Profile Image for Judy .
180 reviews5 followers
May 3, 2021
Wow loved this!!! Read it in a day... loved Jesse’s love for Natalie and what he would do for her. Can’t wait for the next chapter where they take over the underworld..... ❤️❤️🙂✔️✔️✔️✔️
19 reviews
August 28, 2021
Addictive

Couldn’t put the book down. Read it all in 1 night. Page Turner, May have shed a tear, loved every character. Natalie is amazing and 100% her parents child. Can’t wait to read book 3
Profile Image for Farrell Manley.
32 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2021
Bad arse Female lead!!!

Lindsey has done it again, after reading checkmate i preorder’d poker face and it’s amazing, i wasnt expecting that story, im glad we got to see Paige and Joey again and i loved it.. patiently waiting for Marshall and Sophias story...??❤️
Profile Image for Lea.
139 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2021
Poker Face is a standalone Age Gap Romance in the world of Checkmate so let's start this the same way I started my Checkmate review...... YASSSSSS QUEEN! 👸🏼

Poker Face takes off on the steamy train at full speed from the very off! 🔥 And its clear early on that Natalie is the proverbial apple not falling far from the tree. She is just as badass as her Mumma Paige, different in some ways, yet with an inner strength, resilience and confidence that she gets from her parents.

Jesse is Natalie's older university professor, hot, intelligent and seemingly unattainable. But Jesse is drawn to Natalie as much as she is him. Like a moth to a flame. There's only so much resistance one man can have.

Again Lindsey brings me a strong female lead of dreams, but Jesse is no wilting flower and knows his own mind. Once he has set his heart on what he wants he will not let anything or anyone get in the way!

The forbidden nature of their relationship of course causes drama to unfold, but this is still such a quick and easy read filled with steam, sass and badass empowerment.

Natalie lives in a dangerous world and though Jesse is aware of it, can he really survive the adversity they face about their love as well as the nature of her life? And can Natalie keep her head held high, her heart strong and face the consequences.....you'll have to read it to find out 😘

Another 5 star read from Lindsey ❤ #RideOrDie

𝑰 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌.
Profile Image for Samantha Hickey.
1,982 reviews48 followers
April 29, 2021
All I can say is GO READ this right now!!!! This book is HOT!!! The characters are amazing and their love story isnt always easy but they work hard for their HEA!! It was awesome getting to see certain characters back in this book too!! you killed it once again Lindsey!!! I can't wait to read more of your books 😘😘😘
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