Not in the Cards

Not in the CardsBeaufort Poker ClubMaggie Gates

Dec 24

Written By Ally Talley

Beaufort Poker Club #5

By Maggie Gates

*Can be read as a standalone BUT sets up for another story in the next book*

*Recommend reading this one prior to Betting Man (Beaufort Poker Club #6)*

TheStory

Childhood friends Mel and Jason reconnect after twenty years apart when he comes into Mel’s hospital for a small injury sustained in a surfing accident. After realizing the two have harbored feelings for each other from their childhood through the years, Jason convinces Mel to give them a real shot.

While their relationship grows, Mel is harboring a secret that might just ruin everything.

TheReview

This book is a rollercoaster. It’s interesting because it is really a set up to Bridget’s story coming up in the next book. Mel is deeply involved in what is going on with Bridget. Unfortunately for Mel, Bridget’s secrets are big and horrible but Mel is sworn to secrecy.

So this book really reads like a set up for Betting Man, the next and last book in the series.

It’s crazy because Mel is just trying to do the right thing but there really isn’t one. The “right thing” would depend on who you ask. So when the secrets are revealed, it really does throw everything into upheaval. Personally, I think it was crappy of Bridget to ask Mel to keep the secret, but I understand her state of mind, so it’s hard to say, really.

Mel was a really dynamic character. She’s trying to help but can only do so much. She’s trying to keep a secret but also wants to do the right thing. She’s trying to be honest to Jason but also wants to stay loyal to her friend. She thinks she should talk but is worried for Bridget’s safety. She was in a really tough position, but I liked the way she handled it and how she was still conflicted. It felt really real.

The last 10% of this book is… wow. Bridget finally gets everything she needs to fix her life, Jason comes into play, and everything just explodes. Wild wild wild.

Overall, It was a really good read! It has the great relationship with Mel and Jason and the drama with Bridget. So it gives a good amount of love and drama without the drama having to be the main characters. And really this book is a set up for the next one. Do not start this book without having the next one queued up to read. It ends on a major cliffhanger.