I have to be honest: I almost DNF'd this book a few times. The main reason is that I really disliked the male lead, Luca Larson. He immediately came across as a despicable human being, and he didn't make much of an effort to hide it, either. He was definitely a womanizer, which didn't stop even after he began his pursuit of best friend Alexxa Ward because of a bet he made with his roommate, Warren. There were times later in the story when Luca started to show glimpses of decency, particularly in relation to his efforts to help kids by getting them involved in sports. His behavior was also somewhat explained (though not excused) by the neglectful way his father treated him when he was growing up. However, I never got past my initial impression of Luca as a jerk, and I truly didn't understand how Alexxa could forgive him after everything he did. Even his "grand gesture" in the end felt like a manipulation to me, and what's worse, he didn't even do it himself, he sent Warren to plead for forgiveness on his behalf.
The other big thing that bothered me about this book was the writing style, which involved characters speaking directly to the reader. There is a warning at the front of the book so I was at least somewhat prepared for it, and some of the information the characters "tell" the reader directly is actually helpful in understanding them. That said, I was not expecting there to be quite so much of this style of narration, and the problem was that it often took me out of the story because it seemed unnecessary or unrelated to the events that were taking place. The result was a story that dragged in places and IMO was much longer than it needed to be overall.
The other big thing that bothered me about this book was the writing style, which involved characters speaking directly to the reader. There is a warning at the front of the book so I was at least somewhat prepared for it, and some of the information the characters "tell" the reader directly is actually helpful in understanding them. That said, I was not expecting there to be quite so much of this style of narration, and the problem was that it often took me out of the story because it seemed unnecessary or unrelated to the events that were taking place. The result was a story that dragged in places and IMO was much longer than it needed to be overall.
Bottom line: I've read and enjoyed other books by Xavier Neal in the past, but unfortunately, this one didn't really work for me. However, fans of alpha-hole heroes and/or redeemed rogues might well enjoy it.
*Review copy provided by the author via DS PR Services. All opinions expressed are my own.
About "The Gamble"
3 friends. 2 players. 1 bet.
When Luca Larson makes an expensive wager, guaranteeing the bedding of his only real female friend, he's expecting the situation to go as smoothly as sleeping with any other woman would.
It doesn't take long before he realizes his usual plays won't work. She knows them too well. She knows HIM too well. If Luca wants to win, he'll have to do things he's never done before. Friendships will be challenged. Hearts will be broken. Lives will be inevitably changed. But one question will remain. Was it all worth the gamble?
** This is a re-written, updated version of "The Gamble." There is additional content and several changes; however, the plot line remains the same. **
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