A Mafia Hand: Juno

High Stakes #1

by Shilo West

I’m being hunted…

But I can’t think about that right now. This tournament has no room for distractions. This tournament is my prison break. My ticket out of a life I never meant to have. Unfortunately, in a spit second, things took a bad turn…I saw Mitchell’s men.

Mitchell Byron, known to the world as the mysterious inventor, entrepreneur, and tech billionaire XK3M has been hunting me since the day I left. And he’s a lot more dangerous than betting big bucks on some high stakes poker game.

My only escape is with the help of the mysterious man sitting across from me at the poker table…Monk.

He has a keen eye and also notices Mitchell’s men. When I make my move to escape the scouting men, he grabs me by the arm and tries to lead me to safety. I try desperately to warn him, I’m trouble, but he won’t take no for an answer…

I have no choice, there’s no time to explain what he’s just gotten himself into. But knowing Mitchell, he will find out soon enough.

Genres: Contemporary

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2023

Reviews

[Aղցela W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read that I wanted more out of. Juno is a professional card player who is also on the run from her ex when she spots his men at a poker game she knows she needs to make her escape. Her opponent Monk helps her escape but you know what they say you can't run from your past no matter what it catches up with you but what she least expects is the attraction she has for Monk. I guess I was looking for more action. The book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. This book ended on a cliffhanger.

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of all the mafia books that I have read. This one is not like the rest. I love the chemistry between the two proganist. I also love the fact that the author showed a good side of the mafia. That not all mafia men have to be mean and bad. I can't wait for book two to come out.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I loved this book it was awesome, the story was written well and the characters were sensational. This was about Juno and Monk, Juno has been playing cards at the tables for years her mum taught her everything she needed to know. Monk had been watching her closely he had never played against her before she intrigued him, when he noticed that she had gone only because security was talking to Mitchell and his men were heading towards them. Monk went looking for her and found her and helped her escape, he took her to a place know one would think to look for her there. The chemistry was hot and steamy, and yet she could not understand why he would help her until he couldn't. This book has a cliffhanger and I can't wait to read it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story packed quite the exciting punch, and I'm definitely excited for more. Juno & Monk's story is heart racing goodness on top of the sparks flying between them from the jump. See Juno has a man hunting her, and with the power that man wields, it's only a matter of time before he finds her again. That leads to her having to rely on a stranger in a pinch, and now her path is on a new course. Monk & Juno are perfect for each other, however, obviously things are complicated to the extreme with her past catching up to her, but luckily, he's not deterred by the danger she represents which made for an exciting story filled with twists, action, heat, and just an all around good time. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. This had a different twist to a mafia read. Juno was a professional card player and wasn’t a shy, timid or inexperienced young woman. She had strength and determination. Playing in a tournament in Vegas, she is determined to win the tournament and escape her present life and her ex, Mitchell. When she notices Mitchell’s men in the casino, she makes her escape with the help of Monk, who was also playing at her table. There’s a definite attraction between these two and Monk is determined to keep her safe. There’s plenty of suspense, danger, lighter moments and chemistry between these two. It does end on a cliffhanger and a HRN. Looking forward to more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman on the run who earns money at high stakes poker games finds herself attracted Monk the cockey, very attractive man at her poker table tonight. Mitchell Bryon is a mysterious man very few know, he’s known as XK3M and he’s after Juno and her only escape from his men at the casino is a stranger playing at her card table. Monk is quite intrigued by the lady gambler. Monk and Juno are perfect together, and when her past catches up with her he tries to keep her safe at all costs. A fast paced story as the two get to know each other and trying to keep Juno safe from Mitchell and his thugs. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ash Juillet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this book.

I have to be honest here: I was expecting an actual mafia romance because of the title (I did not know what a mafia hand was until I read the book). Despite that, this book was really interesting and the plot had me invested in learning more about both Juno and Monk. Juno and Monk's chemistry felt friendly most of the time, except when they were having sex obviously, so I wasn't expecting any love declarations - and I was right. Their banter back and forth throughout the book felt natural and not at all forced.

Looking forward to seeing what the next book brings.

[Katherine Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read this author before, but I enjoyed the story a great deal. Juno is hiding out from an abusive man and Monk wants to help. Monk takes Juno on what seems a never-ending date in Las Vegas in which there are shenanigans abounding. The bad guys keep finding her, so they go to his hometown where things are great for awhile until she is found. Mitchell threatens everything she has built so she must go with him she has a plan to ruin him, but it takes time. The only thing is that in the end it is implied Mitchell is gone but not said right out. I really enjoyed it and wonder if there will be more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juno is a professional card player and is running from her ex. She spots Mitchell's men and knows it time for her to leave. Monk happens to help her with her escape. I loved the dynamics between Juno and Monk. What's going to happen when Juno's past catches up with them? The story ends with an HFN and a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read what happen to Juno and Monk. Great story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BJKa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shilo West has written a book full of danger, intrigue and mystery. This is not your typical Mafia story but is one that will capture your attention and keep you guessing as romance unfolds, sacrifice is made and courage wins out. While you might consider there is a HEA since this was book 1, I can only hope the story continues.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Happyscribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much did I love this book? SO MUCH! One of the best elements was the lack of immediate violence - yet the tension of the threats Juno is facing/running from/experiencing keeps you reading at an increasing pace with each chapter. The whole "Someone to watch over me" vibe was played perfectly throughout and even though the ending is a Cliffy - I am 100% here for the conclusion.
No spoilers - just high praise!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Swetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a lucky man. But I’d like you to make me a happy man

Juno and Monk's story was a little hard to get in. But once u get the flow u are a goner! Interesting story. Abusive ex-boyfriend, free-spirited woman Juno, meets the love of her life in a gamble. The story goes on with different characters and flashbacks of Juno. HEA is not guaranteed.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ljamison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Juno is a professional card player who was in the middle of a game when someone who was looking for her turned up. Juno is on the run from her ex, Mitchell so when she spots his men while playing poker she knows she needs to leave. One of her opponents, Monk is completely fascinated by her and was constantly trying to get her attention during the game. After he realizes she needs to escape he decides to help her. Great book. Loved the characters and their interactions.

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good. I was captivated from beginning to end and I love Juno & Monk they have amazing chemistry together. This book has a lot happening in it and I love that. I am a big fan of cliff hangers but this one wasn't terrible and I am really looking forward to the next book. Great plot, great characters great story!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do so like Juno and Monk, that the ideal couple you want as neighbours. This is a great story, mafia type that keeps you enthralled from beginning to end. Although I kept thinking in the last few chapters that Juno’s life was going to go upside down but heigh go on to the next one. Highly recommended.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juno is a professional card player who is also on the run from her ex, when she spots his men at a poker game she knows she needs to make her escape. Her opponent, Monk helps her escape what will happen when sparks fly between them? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steamy chemistry. I liked it.

[Marie’s Book Barn Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great start to a great new series, this book does end on a cliffhanger but I can't wait for it to continue in book 2. It is a great dark mafia, suspenseful romance, it was a great begining of Juno and Mitchell. Highly recommend. 10/10.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maite · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's definitely a book you can put down. I love the chemistry between Juno and Monk (certainly unic names), it was hot and steamy. Don't get carried away with the title, there's no mafia in the book, just poker, danger, and sex.

It's a great start and I can't wait for book 2.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tournament is my prison break. My ticket out of a life I never meant to have. Unfortunately, in a spit second, things took a bad turn…I saw Mitchell’s men. Mitchell Byron, known to the world as the mysterious inventor, entrepreneur, and tech billionaire XK3M has been hunting me since the day I left. It was an interesting read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juno is a professional poker player but she's on the run and when she spots her ex's people she needs to move. Monk notices and grabs her to help her make her escape. She tries to warn him, but he's way more than she expected. Great romance, lots of action and a good woman on the run story. Liked the characters a lot. Cliffhanger but great read and I will read the next one.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mafia Hand

Juno is a poker player and very good at it. She is on the run from an ex who is out to bring her back to him, she knows to much.it One evening she almost got caught but Monk intervened, who she played poker with earlier. Go on their little journey. It is a TBC story.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Juno and Monk’s story. This is a good story which has chemistry, action, suspense, danger, intrigue, romance, and is an enjoyable story which ends in a cliffhanger.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mafia Hand: Juno by Shilo West is the First book in High Stakes Series. This starts the story of Juno and Monk. This a page turning read for me. I enjoyed reading the build up of Juno and Monk. This book does end setting us up for the next installment. I can't wait for that book.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heart pounding story that pulls us into the lives of Juno and Monk. The story keeps us turning the pages with danger, action and steam.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alex Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Shilo West novel, and I wasn't disappointed. Deliciously dark and sinful. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend. Cannot wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juno and Monk have an interesting story. It was a page turning read with action, danger and heat. The dynamics between Juno and Monk have sparks flying. And their banter was an amazing flow. This is an excellent start to the series and I can't wait to read more.

[Mickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

She just wants to escape. He wants to help her, and of course meet the challenge of beating her.

I enjoyed this book a lot. At times it felt disjointed, but overall the story flowed well and kept me intrigued.

[Tarsha Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boudicca

Strength when you feel at your lowest and weakest is found when you’re backed into a corner feeling you way through the hollow point of return of “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small Things with Great Love.”

[Simone Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the dynamic between Juno and Monk. There's a lot of moving parts to the plot which held my attention. I look forward to book 2!

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this new series of High Stakes