Tammy Reed thought she was through with her a**hole ex. But when he brings trouble knocking at her door, she doesn't call her brother, mega movie star Nathan Reed. She calls his friend Jake Carter, the sexy PI who'd fixed her troubles once before.
Only things are a bit different this time.
And in between a bar brawl, surveillance snacks, and a little drive-thru flirting, Jake has no trouble showing Tammy exactly how different they are.
As a former navy SEAL, Jake specializes in securing the odds, and the stakes for him have never been higher. He's done waiting for Tammy. It's time for him to lay claim to what's his.
And failure is not an option.
This novella is part of the Gamblers series but can be read as a standalone.
Due to sex and language, it is recommended for persons over 18. **HEA**
Sarah Curtis is a writer of all things romance. She loves nothing more than a sexy alpha male who falls hard for their heroine, almost always in spite of themselves!
A life-long resident of Southern California, Sarah shares her writing den with her childhood sweetheart and very own alpha male. When she’s not writing or dreaming up plotlines you can find her wrangling her plethora of very spoiled felines—she currently has five, yes you read that correctly, furry companions. Sarah is a reader before anything else, and her TBR mountain is higher than Everest. She’s also addicted to watching cooking competitions, especially involving baking! Of her own admission, she rarely cooks, but she’s up for the occasional birthday cake for her children as long as it involves the opening of a box.
If you like romance in all its forms along with some healthy debates with a side of games and puzzles then head over to her Facebook group, Sarah Curtis's Alpha Overload, for fun chats and to discover your next BBF. https://www.facebook.com/groups/20646...
Securing the Odds is book #3.5 in The Gamblers series by Sarah Curtis. Sarah continues to amaze me with every book she writes. She always manages to make me fall in love with her bossy, protective, amazing heroes. Which is exactly what happened when I met Jake. This can definitely be read as a stand alone, but Jake was first introduced in the previous book in this series, Full House.
Jake Carter is an ex-Navy Seal turned private investigator. His office is in San Diego. His best friend is the mega movie star Nathan Reed. Two years ago, Nathan called Jake to help his sister get her money back from her horrible ex-husband. Jake was immediately smitten with her but he knew she wasn’t in any kind of place for a relationship. So he would be patient. He would wait. Because when the time was right, he would be there.
Tammy Reed is a middle school teacher. It’s been two years since she’s had to deal with her low life ex husband. But out of the blue, his trouble finds its way back into her life. Tammy didn’t even consider calling her brother for help. Her first instinct was to call Jake.
“Her time was up. No more waiting. He was making her his.”
Jake isn’t glad that Tammy’s ex is causing her trouble again. But he is glad that the opportunity to be back in her life has presented itself. It’s been two long years. Tammy is about to find out that she will never be alone again.
“Are you saying you’re my fate, Jake Carter?” “I’d sure like to be.”
As these two re-establish the lines of their relationship, at the same time, they are dealing with Tammy’s problem. They were so adorable. Tammy has a mind of her own and of course, doesn’t listen to a thing that Jake says. She sort of jumps in first, then thinks later.
This was fun, sexy, sweet, and suspenseful! Jake was my perfect kind of hero, all bossy and alpha. But soft and mushy for the woman he has decided will be his. I couldn’t stop reading this. The epilogue was perfect. It was a short book but there was so much within its pages. I can honestly say that anything Sarah writes, I will read. I can’t wait to find out what is next!
What better two worlds to collide than the Special Forces: Operation Alpha and The Gamblers? Both authors are queens in the Romantic Suspense world. This novella had a great mix of both series with the kind of Alpha hero I search for.
I swooned for Jake when I found out he waited for Tammy for two years. Two years. When he first meets her, he helps her get out of a very ugly mess her ex-husband got her into. The fact that he knew she wasn't ready for him the first time and patiently waited for her, just shows what an awesome guy Jake is. This second time around, her stupid ex is back at it again and this time Jake will make sure she is ready for him while saving her from the ex for the last time.
I enjoyed this couple. Jake is the take charge, don't mess with me Alpha who is still very much a gentleman to Tammy. Tammy is the sweet heroine who has learned from her past mistakes and is more self aware. I love that she didn't hesitate when Jake makes his first move. She knows he's a good thing. This was a fun, quick read!
Oh my gosh!!! This is fun and cute and sexy. The perfect feel good read! This is classic Sarah Curtis except more lighthearted and fun!
Two years ago Tammy had hired Jake to help her with an issue regarding her ex-husband. Now, she’s got a problem stemming from that ex that has her shaken and the only one she can even imagine calling for help is Jake. They may not have had a lot of interaction in the past, but that didn’t keep him from riding forefront in her mind throughout the past couple of years. She never dreamed that Jake might have been thinking about her as well.
Jake’s kept an eye on Tammy since he helped her with her problem. He’s concerned about the danger at hand, but can’t help but be glad for an excuse to finally make contact with her again. Two years ago, she wasn’t ready for a new relationship. She needed to heal and to find her footing again even as she gained confidence in herself. But with this open door, he’s making his move and staking his claim.
I’m not sure if there is another book by this author that has two such wonderful characters as far as fun and sexy go. Jake is the perfect freaking alpha hero without any jerk qualities to go along with it. He’s protective and possessive and this story highlights some wonderful jealous moments that fed my alpha loving heart.
Tammy is a heroine I’m going to love forever. She felt so much, but she was also able to laugh at herself and life in general. She was so cute. Even as she locked up Jake’s heart, she completely stole mine. With the perfect combination of maturity and a laid back attitude, I felt like I personally knew her. She’s the type of character that I want to have as a best friend.
While this definitely has a bit of danger and some trouble that has to be taken care of, it also has some great laugh out loud moments. The smexy times were like being blast by an inferno and some of the things Jake says and does are panty-melting good. This is one of those books that you can curl up with without a worry. No cheating, no triggers, plenty of steam, lots of smiles and an epilogue that made my little epi loving heart sing!
I know I can always count on Sarah Curtis to deliver the goods when I'm looking for a bossy Alpha who knows what he wants and will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Well, this author did not disappoint with Securing the Odds. Jake is exactly the kind of man who does not disappoint when it comes to being a bossy Alpha. In regards to doing whatever it takes, well, in this case, it was being patient...VERY, VERY PATIENT.
Jake has waited two years for the love of his life to be ready for him.
Tammy has an ex-husband who is greedy, manipulative and just plain no good. When she receives a threatening text message saying she must pay his debts or pay the consequences, she knows she's going to need help. Nate, her famous brother was the first person she called last time when her ex-douchewaffle hassled her, but this time, she's going straight to the fixer-upperer.
Jake can't believe his luck when Tammy calls him to ask for help. This is just the opportunity he's been looking for to see if Tammy's ready for him. When he finds out it's her ex giving her trouble AGAIN, it also gives him a chance to remove her biggest obstacle to their happiness. What could go wrong???
I really enjoyed stepping back into Ms Curtis' The Gamblers world. Her characters are fun, sweet and very sexy. This is a very short story but it did pack a punch and I was left extremely satisfied in the end. There's action, adventure (including surveillance snacks) and plenty of sexy times to keep me satisfied. I enjoyed catching up with old friends and meeting new ones too.
If you're looking for a quick and satisfying sexy read, I highly recommend giving Securing the Odds a go.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that this author not only had a novella in Susan Stoker’s world, but that she managed to so seamlessly mesh it with her own world. Tammy and Jake gave us a sweet, fast-paced story that was far from predictable, and then a beautiful HEA in their epilogue. It wasn’t so much insta-love as it was “I’ve been waiting two years for you” love and I loved how quickly Jake jumped to action when Tammy found herself in a situation where the first person she thought of to call was him. He didn’t rush Tammy, but Tammy also didn’t play the doormat and let him be the only one to decide how their relationship would progress.
I haven’t loved every novella in Stoker’s world, but I’d say that this one is a solid gold read. We don’t have the obvious characters inserted into the story, which I enjoyed, because Gumby definitely deserved a friend of his own outside of his world. Add in some Gamblers world men (and mentalities) and you’ve got a sure bet for entertainment, some drama, and action. I’d love to see Sarah write another novella in this world, just to see what she comes up with to keep readers on their toes.
What a hot, action-packed little bundle of fun. Jake was all the yummy Alpha-goodness you expect from this author. The opening scene literally gave me shivers and that was just the beginning.
This novella fits perfectly into the Gamblers world, with appearances by a few favorite characters. My only complaint is that I want MORE.
4 stars. This was a good book! Securing the Odds is Tammy and Jake's book. A few years ago, Tammy escaped from a terrible marriage to her criminal ex, with the help of Jake and his private investigation firm. Now, she is finally happy on her own and over her past, when back it comes to threaten her happiness. She turns once again to Jake for help and protection. He was secretly smitten by Tammy from the moment he met her and now he finally sees his chance to start a relationship with her. Jake will stop at nothing to keep her safe. This time neither of them will let the chance at love pass them by.
This book was a really cute, sweet, sexy and easy read with a dash of suspense. The romance between Tammy and Jake ramps up very quickly and it took me a little bit to feel the burn and chemistry between them. But I really enjoyed the book once I got into it. Tammy and Jake were both great characters. I definitely felt the love between them. The story was fast paced and entertaining.
Overall, this was a really fun, enjoyable read. Tammy and Jake got the HEA they deserved. I was glad to see this series continue and I look forward to more from Ms. Curtis in the future!
***ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review*** Jake helped Tammy out once about 2 years ago. He's been patiently waiting for her to be ready for a relationship. Now she's contacted him for help because connections to her ex are causing trouble for her. The former Navy SEAL does not hesitate to take her case. Their attraction is undeniable and Jake is determined to help her out and make a claim for her heart. He's a hot, protective, alpha male and Tammy is a smart, beautiful woman who compliments him emotionally and physically. She's a middle school teacher who has some lessons to teach Jake along the way. She assures him that snacks are necessary for any surveillance mission. Jake and Tammy are good together. This was an enjoyable read. It is an extension of the Gamblers series, but can be read as standalone. But do yourself a favor and read the entire series. You won't be disappointed.
SECURING THE ODDS is a sweet, heartwarming, leave-you-with-a-smile, and like all Sarah Curtis books, Jake and Tammy's story is a must read. There's romance, there's suspense, there's some butt-kicking action, and there's a HOT ALPHA who is completely devoted to the heroine.
Jake is strong, silent, and protective. Tammy is courageous, kind, sassy, and a woman getting back on her feet after a failed marriage. Together, they are perfect!
I will say, my heart went all pitter-patter and there was some sighing knowing Jake waited for Tammy. That even when they weren’t together, he was committed to her from the moment they first met in FULL HOUSE (Tammy's brother's story).
Though SECURING THE ODDS is part of Susan Stoker’s Operation Alpha world and a crossover with Sarah Curtis’s Gambler series, it can be read as a standalone novella. However, I do recommend one-clicking all the books because they are binge-reading worthy!
I had no idea what Susan Stoker’s Special Forces world was all about for I had never read a book by her.
(I know, I know. 🙈🙉🙊 But I’ve seen the light! In fact, I already have Decker’s book waiting on my Kindle. But back to my review...)
I am a fan of how Sarah Curtis tells a story. I love how her heroes are yummilicious Alpha protective men. I love how her heroines are strong yet sweet. Jake and Tammy are exactly that.
***
”And I’m a good thing?”
“No, baby. You’re the best thing.”
And then he got something even better.
Her smile.
Awwwwww. Swoon. I mean, come on! ❤️❤️❤️
***
I didn’t feel short-changed like I usually do with novellas. I thought this was a very entertaining story full of feels and that it had great pace. I loved it.
OMG! So fun and heartwarming. Tammy and Jake have great, witty banter. There are laugh out loud moments. Full of action and suspense. Great to see Gumby and Victoria and Nate. The epilogues are epic and have your tissues handy!
Loved the newest by one of my go-to authors! Securing the Odds is a novella but still has all the goods. I absolutely loved Jake’s protective stance towards Tammy. Tammy receives a threatening message and the first person she thinks to call is Jake. He had helped her out a few years prior so she knew he can help her. Jake basically drops everything and rushes to her side. He has been waiting for 2 years for his chance with her and with this newest predicament involving her a-hole ex-husband again he was not going to pass it up.
Even if this was a really quick read, it gave me all the tingles and a few laughs and I loved it all so much! Their story was fast-paced, had such great chemistry, a bit of drama that brought out the alpha in Jake, a whole lot of steam and a wonderful happily ever after. It was such an awesome read, 5-stars all the way!
A crossover between one of Stoker's series and Curtis' Gambler series, the book can stand on its own just fine without reading any of the prior books.
I LOVED Jake, and how he waited 2 years for Tammy, having helped her out at a really bad point in her life prior while she was married to a complete ahole. Tammy was a great heroine that had only one moment where I questioned her decision making skills.
A fast paced read with just the right amount of action and relationship development, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Oh my gosh I loved it! I loved loved loved Tammy and Jake. I loved the chemistry between the characters. I absolutely adored the dialogue and banter. So freaking good. This novel grabbed me from the very first page and held on to the very last. I did not want it to end. I love when a novel can check all my boxes. This novel did that for me. I love when a novel can make me laugh out loud and leaves me with a smile on my face and a happy heart. This novel did all of these things for me I loved it!
Loved Tammy and Jake together and I'm so glad that they got their happy ending because both of them deserved it :) I also loved seeing Nate and his Victoria (their story is Full House) make appearance here, it truly was amazing seeing these two in this novella (Tammy is Nate's sister and I loved how protective he was but saw the same intense devotion from Jake towards his sister and they understood each other even more after that :) The ending was everything! I loved it and you will too! :)
Securing the Odds by Sarah Curtis is both in Susan Stoker’s Special Forces World and The Gambler Series by Sarah! This is a great Novella where we get a steamy romantic suspense quick read, plus we get to catch up with some of our favorite characters from our past reads!
Tammy was divorced 2 years ago from her asshole of an ex and is also completely oblivious to Jake’s feelings for her. Jake is a take charge alpha, having once risked his own life for the sake of his country he knows what he wants and has been biding his time since Tammy’s divorce knowing that she needs time before she’s ready to start anything new. When trouble arises for Tammy thanks to her ex Jake is more than happy to step in and be the man that both protects Tammy while also showing her just how amazing they can be together.
This was a fun, steamy, romantic and at times laugh out loud book! It’s perfect for an end of summer read or when you just need to escape for a few hours after your kiddos are back in school! I loved getting to catch up with some of our old favorites while falling in love with Jake and Tammy!
Securing the Odds A Gamblers Crossover by Sarah Curtis *~*~*~* 𝕊𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕖: Two years ago Private Investigator and former SEAL, Jake Carter helped Tammy Reed retrieve money her loser ex husband tried to steal from her, during their divorce. For those two years Jake gave Tammy the space she needed to grow from that experience before he made his move. As fate would have it, Tammy needs him again when she receives a threatening message, demanding money. He swoops in, keeping her safe and finally keeping her his. *~*~*~* 𝕊𝕖𝕩 𝕊𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕤: Gotta love a novella with an alpha male. They get to the point, quickly and thoroughly. 🔥🔥🔥🔥/5! *~*~*~* 【$】: Free for KU!
Re-read August 2025: Such a ‘full’ story for a novella. Of course it moves fast…but I love that! ♥️
Original review: A wonderful little novella to add to the series! We met Tammy and Jake briefly in Nate’s book, and I’m glad they got their own story. This had a big instalove feel to it (and I love that!), some suspense, sweet romance and some scorching heat! Jake is a swoony alpha badass and Tammy a sassy, brave woman. The story felt quite full for such a short story, loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Safety: - No OW/OM - No cheating - No separation (MCs met two years prior, both have been celibate since then), no third act break up
I loved Tammy and Jake together❤️😍. Tammy is Nathan Reed’s sister. Full House was Nathan/Victoria’s book . All the books can be read as standalones.
Jake was a great J/P hero who was devoted to Tammy. He was the typical hot, confident and sweet hero we have come to love from this author. Tammy was his perfect match. She was courageous but not TSTL. She was sassy without being annoying.
No triggers A little drama Steamy love scenes Great Epilogue
A wonderful light addition to the Gambler’s series!!
Jake has waited for Tammy for two years and when she came to him this second time he knew that this time she’s ready for him and he is claiming her. Love this novella. Fast paced and it was so good. I’ve read it in one sitting. Jake was Alphalicious and Tammy was an awesome heroine. With a little bit of suspense, it was an awesome read.
What a great short story! How could you not love total alpha, protector, Jake? And then there's Tammy, she's silly and has her own protective side. These two are so perfect for each other, loved every page
Just like the other stories that I have read of the writer Sarah Curtis, I enjoyed this story very much. ‘Securing the odds’ is a well-written novella length story, perfect if you’re looking for something good and quick to read. Although the story is part of ‘The Gamblers’ series, it can perfectly be read as a standalone. You get both POV’s in the story.
Although the story was only a novella, it had everything in it that I liked. There was a strong attraction between the main characters Tammy and Jake. Tammy’s a teacher and sister of a famous Hollywood actor (her brother has his own story in this series) and Jake’s a PI (private investigator) and also a friend of Tammy’s brother. The build of the story was good. Tammy and Jake first met two years ago but Tammy was just divorced and was not in a good place to start a new relationship. Jake understood this so he waited patiently for her to find her inner strength again. I liked his patience and even more that in those two years his focus was only on her and not on other women (even though they weren’t in a relationship yet!). But once Tammy was ready for a relationship, Jake left no doubt that Tammy was his! And I liked that too!! Jake was a great character, patient when needed, intelligent, protective and sexy (he’s an ex-SEAL). Tammy was great too. Yes, she made a big mistake marrying her first husband but she’s intelligent, strong and caring. She and Jake were a great couple. There were a few hot and sex scenes in the story and there was a little suspense too but very light. Another thing that I loved about this story was that the writer gave us an epilogue. I love those! The main characters were in their thirties.
‘Securing the odds’ was a great, novella length story. I really enjoyed it.
My first read I finished this year was great. I have had a rough time finding time to physically read in 2019. I mostly had audio books. Sarah started this year off great.
I loved the sexy sweetness of this sassy yet suspenseful read. Tammy and Jake met 2 yrs prior and he's never forgotten her. When she is in trouble he steps in and there's no going back. This is one really enjoyable read that is smooth reading, no angst from the relationship and a perfect hero.
To say I loved this book would be a gross understatement. It has everything. From sexy and sweet alpha goodness that is Jake to a kick butt funny and likes me h like Tammy! It has action and so much heat. I’ve never read much in susans world but have loved everything from Sarah and this one makes me wanna go pick up more from this world. It was well written, kept me interested from the get go, and had a sweet HEA. What more can you ask for?