Sparkling Finale to a Sexy and Romantic Billionaire Trilogy

All good things must end and this saying sadly also applies to the Wager of Hearts series written and created by award-winning author Nancy Herkness. The question however is: how DO things end and how well?

The VIP Doubles Down is the third full length novel in the Wager of Hearts series where three male billionaires had met at one pivotal night in a prestigious private club and decided to set out to find “the one” who would complete them. Being billionaires, they put a wager around this goal, hence the “wager of hearts”.

We followed Nathan and Chloe from book one, then Luke and Miranda from book two, and now Gavin and Allie from book three and while all three novels are fully enjoyable as a stand-alone, I would not suggest it, since you’d be missing out on the fun in getting to know the characters better, and character development is one of Nancy Herkness’ super assets, aside from a beautiful writing style paired with great story telling skills.

According to the author, The VIP Doubles Down is very dear to her heart. No wonder! It features an author who made his money by not ‘only’ writing compelling books but a series that had been picked up by Hollywood and made into a franchise modelled after the James Bond or Jason Bourne success stories.

This being a true romance novel, it does end well and along the way, a few ups and downs do happen, which all makes for a joyful, sexy read. I am glad to having picked up The CEO Buys In last year already, so I could follow the story and its characters along and would recommend the whole series, and also its latest installment to everyone who is looking for something truly well written, smartly executed and with a lot of romantic and sexy sparkles thrown in!

*RECEIVED AN ADVANCE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW*

This is book three of the series centered around a group of three male friends who make bets about whether they will find true love. This is the first I’ve read of the series and it stood alone well. The bet thankfully didn’t play too much into this story – I don’t like it when there is a bet, which leads to a relationship, and the eventually the other person finds out about the bet and gets offended etc… It’s always so predictable! It happens in this book but there is much more to the story so it didn’t have that much of an impact.

Gavin is a self-made billionaire who writes a very popular action-suspense series which has been turned into blockbuster movies. But as he tries to write his next book, he can’t find any words. He has severe writer’s block and doesn’t know what to do. The pressure of getting this book finished so the movies can continue is intense. The stress of this is causing really bad neck pain, and his agent sends over a physical therapist to help him out, something Gavin doubts will cure him.

Allie is a physical therapist in need of money after her now ex-husband got her fired. Allie comes in and works her magic on the grumpy, stand-offish Gavin. And as she eases his pain, Gavin finds she also allows his words to flow. They share an attraction and Allie goes from physical therapist, to Gavin’s love interest. Allie is a huge fan of Gavin’s books and movies, and she becomes his assistant, keeping his series organized and used as a sounding board for his ideas.

It took me a little while to get into this one – like I said, I’m not a huge fan of bets placed on relationships and while we get a recap of previous characters from previous books, I wasn’t super interested in them. Gavin started very cranky and cold and I wasn’t sure if I was going to like him as a romance hero, but I’m glad I stuck with the book because he really opens up and their romance unfolds at a nice pace. It’s not too rushed, as Allie has several PT appointments with him as they get to know each other. Once they start a physical relationship, they do fall for each other pretty fast, but it felt natural for that to happen. I warmed up to Gavin and and I like how he courted Allie and wooed her. This book is quite sexy too.

Gavin has trust issues as his mother left him when he was young, he has a bad relationship with this step-mother and his father who died. Fear of commitment rears its ugly head, and it takes some pep talks from his trusted friends to bring him around. Allie is wary as well of their relationship since he is a billionaire and lives a life so different from hers. But they work it out in the end, and have some sexy scenes along the way.

Grade: B-

This is the third book in this series and can be read as a stand alone read. The characters are exceptional and the story flows really well. The author has a fab way of bringing you a well developed story with very developed characters. This author's style of writing is elegant. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

: I’ve had the pleasure of reading about the other two multi-billionaires of the series, but I’ve got to say Gavin Miller was the most interesting of all three. Perhaps it’s because he’s a writer. He has such a big writer’s block, one that has lasted for eight months. That’s one of his problems.

The other is he’s part of a wager with Luke Archer, now retired quarterback, and Nathan Trainor, the CEO of Trainor Electronics. Those two have found their true love within the year set by the wager, therefore were able to keep their precious wagered items. But poor Gavin, hasn’t found her yet—he’s in five months, only seven more to go. He’s in a terrible funk. Grouchy with remarks which should put anyone off. But his friends rally round trying to help him.

Gavin’s bigger issue is his work. The people who’ve made movies from his book series, Julian Best, are talking ghostwriters to continue the story. The man is in such pain, muscles coiled so tight he’s starting to walk awkwardly. His agent, Janet, decides to get him a physical therapist. In walks Allie Nichols, a woman of strong character, equally dedicated to her profession.

Allie recently is divorced. She isn’t interested in men, just her career. Her ex can’t seem to let go, however. She has a restraining order against him. It doesn’t matter as he keeps showing up talking to her about his own career, acting. He’s lost her one wonderful job, will he make her lose another?

Allie’s grown up since her first marriage, and doesn’t want to get involved. When she gets the job to help Gavin with his physical difficulties, he has other ideas. He doesn’t need PT, he needs a muse. She needs a job and doesn't need another entanglement with another artistic man.

This story is full of wit, quick banter between Gavin and Allie and hot, steamy scenes between the two. Author Herkness shows the vulnerability of being a writer. No matter how wealthy one is, they still need caring friends. Gavin, a complex character is full of surprises, even surprising himself. If you are so unfortunate not to have a billion dollars at your disposal, Herkness will take you into their world. I loved it. And I loved the series in its entirety!

Copy provided by NetGalley with the request for an honest review.

RATING: BUY IT

“A CEO, a quarterback, and a writer walked into a bar . . . And they came out better men.”

And therein lies the simple—and simply fantastic—premise of Nancy Herkness' Wager of Hearts series.

After three books (and a fabulous Christmas novella), The VIP Doubles Down brings the series to a spectacular, rewarding close. It is everything I hoped it would be, everything I would have expected of the darkly charming, sarcastic and—sadly—blocked writer, Gavin Miller.

Everything being smart and witty, playful and sexy, emotional and… ah, I want to say grown-up. Which sounds like 'adult situations' (to be fair, there are some very nice adult situations between Gavin + Allie, if you KWIM), but that’s not what I mean.

Perhaps mature would be a better description, given that this book doesn’t languish in miscommunication or overwrought drama. Despite—or perhaps because of—something of a slow burn that verily simmered with tension, The VIP Doubles Down flows like water. For me, it felt like everything happened exactly how and when it was supposed to, and in doing so, allowed Gavin + Allie to steal my heart. They were well matched; from his wry, warped take on… pretty much everything, to her more pragmatic, scrupulous approach, they bantered, flirted and loved, each giving the other something to play off, allowing me, as the reader, to feel like I was in on their secret.

And I simply loved that feeling—like being a member of a club as exclusive as the Bellwether Club where this series began. I'm tempted to proclaim it my favorite of the series, though I've enjoyed adored each one. Like The CEO Buys In and The All-Star Antes Up before it, The VIP Doubles Down is a classic billionaire romance, with an extra punch. A hidden depth. A story that explores trust, need, betrayal and closure deftly, and in a way that made it damn near impossible to put down. Add in the joy of cameos from Nathan + Chloe, Luke + Miranda, and even Liam + Frankie, and you have a book (and series) that is absolutely on my must read, don’t delay list.

“So you think I have more willpower than you do?”
“I think you have more scruples than I do. Because I have none.”

All three books in this series, along with a wonderful novella, were so well written and enjoyable. The stories flowed, the characters were well developed and this last one brought the series to a satisfying and rewarding close. And you get to re-visit the couples from the other 2 books as well which brought it all full circle! I'd be hard pressed to name my favorite among these books -- Nathan, Luke and Gavin are all perfect in their own right! Don't hesitate to buy this series -- it's well worth it!

This is the final instalment of the Wager of Hearts series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series from start to finish, as these characters will really get under your skin and burrow into your heart.

Gavin Millar cannot overcome his writer's block and with pressure mounting from all sides, his mental anguish is showing itself in a physical way too with severe back pain, but he feels it is no less than he deserves. Against his wishes, he agrees to see a physical therapist recommended by his agent and while Allie eases his physical pain, she also starts to work her way under his surly attitude and helps to free his creative spirit too. Allie is trying to make a fresh start with her life after her recent divorce to her childhood sweetheart, and she really needs her freelance business to be a success. But she did not bet on the instant attraction to the brooding Mr. Millar. The more they get to know each other, the more Allie wants to do whatever she can to ease Gavin's burdens, but she has learned from the past that she cannot give everything for nothing in return. As their unbelievable chemistry explodes, Gavin will do whatever he can to keep her by his side, but as the pain from his past collides with his present, will is fear of trust destroy everything? And then there is the matter of the wager...

With excellent characters that you will instantly care about, enchanting settings, and vivid descriptions that pull you into the story, THE VIP DOUBLES DOWN by Nancy Herkness, has everything you want and more from a romance novel. Allie is one of my favourite characters from the series as she is so caring and selfless, but yet strong enough to stand up for herself when she has too. Gavin is the epitome of the brooding writer, who doesn't want to face the demons from his past that are eating him up from the inside out. The development of the relationship between Allie and Gavin was so enjoyable to watch, and their heat together will leave you blushing!!! THE VIP DOUBLES DOWN by Nancy Herkness, like all of her other stories, is essential reading for romance fans and I cannot wait to see what is next!!

I first have to say I love this series, Nathan and Luke I love them. Saying that I have been waiting patiently for Gavin's story; I knew out of the three he was the darkest and the one that is full of mystery and I am so happy to say that Nancy Herkness did not disappoint in the least.

Since the beginning of the series Gavin Miller has had major writers block, its what drove him to make the bet with Nathan and Luke in the first place. The tension he feels on a day to day basis since he hasn't been able to write has shown not only in his poor disposition but the pain he feels in his body. His agent trying to find ways to help the grumpy author sets him up with a physical therapist, someone she hopes will help his body and ultimately his writing. When Allie shows up on Gavin's doorstep he knows he doesn't want or need anyone's help; that is until she shocks him literally. Now Gavin is starting to feel like his old self and its all because of Allie; if he can just trust her to not leave him he may be able to get his life back and hopefully with her permanently in it.

Allie knows when she shows up at Gavin Millers home she is in over her head. Needing a job desperately she does everything she can to convince Gavin he needs her at least for a little while until she can secure more clients. The problem is the more time she spends with him the more she falls for him and being from 2 totally different worlds she knows if anything happens it will be short lived. The problem is the more she is in is world the more she knows she wants the man not the money or power - now if they can just learn to trust one another.

I love Ms Herkness's writing style - she does a fantastic job setting up her world and as a reader you feel like you are a part of it. The dialog she writes between her characters is fluid and authentic - things I feel people would really say to one another. I love the relationship the men of the series have with one another it has certainly evolved since book one - so its perfect that we get to have Luke, Nathan and Gavin back together again. The ending didn't feel rushed and I loved the payoff with Allie and Gavin. We also get to see a few familiar faces from Ms Herkness other series which was an added treat.

If you are looking for a great series that can be read as standalones with great characters and a fabulous story line please dont look any further than Wager of the Hearts. You will not be disappointed.

This is book three of this series and while it technically could stand alone, you really should read the first books of this series to get a better idea of what this bet is about, and a better feel for Gavin's character. The technical stuff: There is cursing and a lot of explicit-but-not-kinky sex in this book, so if that doesn't appeal to you, this might not be the book for you. This cover is gorgeous. All of the books in this series have beautiful covers but this one might be my favorite.

This series was a winner from the moment these rich, drunken sad sacks sat down together and made a ridiculous bet that should have made them look like jerks but instead it actually made them all incredibly likable. If the premise of these books puts you off, don't let it – none of the men look at or use the women as a means to 'winning' the bet, the bet is more of a side-note in their romance stories.

Gavin was the gruffest character in the first two books, and the least likable at times, but then a sweet little moment would happen that would shine a light on who he really was behind his wall of grouchiness. His emotional walls are described perfectly in this book and I won't quote it but I bookmarked and highlighter his description for his emotional fortress, I loved it that much. Allie was the perfect match for Gavin. I loved that she knew how to handle his special brand of grouchiness from the start, and that she didn't let him run her off, even when he tried hard to do so. Ms. Herkness couldn't have written a better woman for him.

I have to confess that there was so much sex in this book that I wound up skimming the sex scenes after about the fourth one. Don't get me wrong, Ms. Herkness writes a really hot sex scene and I'm sure that Gavin's fingers are indeed magical and that Allie does taste like heaven and that they can have sex three dozen times in a week without needing a break, but the amount of sex in this one took away from the story enough to cost the book a star. I really wish there had been more focus on their personal strife and their emotional connection rather than so many sex scenes. It felt like resolving their very serious personal issues (which I am being vague about but loved so much) was kind of an after-thought, and that was really too bad because that story line could have been fantastic instead of feeling anti-climactic and very quickly tied up. I got teary-eyed for Gavin during the big reveal and later when that issue came to a head (again, being vague to avoid spoilers), but I just wish that there had been more of that and less of Gavin's “magic fingers”.

I requested and was granted an ARC of this book via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to write this review, I did so voluntarily.

This is the third and final installment in this series. Three billionaires meet in an ultra exclusive club for people who have earned their money the hard way, not born into it. Drunk and feeling sorry for themselves, they make a bet to find true love within a year. Luke and Nathan have met the loves of their lives. Now it’s Gabe’s turn.

Gabe is a famous writer who has had writer’s block for the last year. He is desperate to write, but nothing is coming and nothing is inspiring him. He comes across as a bit of a curmudgeon but underneath has a really big caring heart for his friends.

Allie is a physical therapist who recently lost her job because her ex-husband showed up drunk to her place of business and harassed her clients - twice. Desperate for income, she takes a job to help out a writer whose writers block is causing physical symptoms. Just so happens she is his biggest fan and knows the details of all his books very well. Allie’s spunk is a good match for Gabe’s snarly and snarky attitude.

There is instant attraction but Allie is determined to keep it professional. When Gabe fires her as his PT and hires her as his assistant, suddenly it’s ok for her to sleep with him. Hmm, didn’t buy that but let’s go with it.

Gabe has an ex-girlfriend who is an actress. This actress and Allie’s ex cause drama for both of them. We also see Gabe’s past catch up with him. He deals with his father’s death and his mother’s absenteeism. Gabe is one of those characters who surprises you with his growth when we see his hidden depths and what has been driving him in the past. Gabe and Allie are good together. She loosens him up and brings light into his world. He shows her how to have fun and open up to love again.

SPOILER:
I had a problem with the pool love scene. It was a lovely thought but not realistic. On the side of the pool, on stairs, sure. But her floating? No way would she have stayed afloat during all that action. I kept waiting for her to go under. Totally ruined the scene for me.

Not sure how the title relates to the book other than a brief reference to Gavin trying to increase his donation amount from the original bet. It just didn’t relate to the rest of the story at all.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley.

This is the third and final in a 3 book standalone series. You do not have to read previous books to enjoy this one, but it does have the couples from previous books.

We met Gavin in books 1 & 2 and to be honest, I didn't really like his character. He was bitter and sometimes mean. We also got to see a good side to him when he tried helping Luke and Amanda in their book. I always wonder how an author is going to turn an unlikeable side character into a likeable main character, I should have more faith. Nancy Herkness did a great job of changing my opinion of Gavin.

Gavin's worst feature in previous books became his best feature in his own book. His bitter snarkyness matched up well to Allie's sass. I really enjoyed these two bantering. Of course, Allie's sass brought out a better Gavin. He even admits to purposely provoking her because he loved to see her riled up. It made for great chemistry in the book.

He still has a few douche worthy moments but the author displayed growth in his character as he and Allie grow closer together. This was a fun series to read. ARC provided by NetGalley.

A good well-rounded plot. Excellent writing. Enjoyed this romance a lot.

This is the final book in the Wager of Hearts series and we finally get the story behind the snarky writer Gavin.We read about him in the previous books and I was impatiently awaiting the release of this book,but I have to say this was not ultimately my favorite.What I admired in this story is that the conflict, when it came, was a little more convoluted and involved than we are familiar with in this genre.Gavin is a well known and celebrated author who has had a movie made from one of his books, and is now in a funk because of writers block.He has so internalized this issue that he is experiencing physical discomfort, and this is where physiotherapist Allie comes in. I admired her spunk and her angst over the ethical dilemma certain situations present, though predictably, other more basal emotions override her decisions. Each character was presented well, making them three-dimensional with really interesting back stories.My only issues, and this may just be personal and why I gave this four stars, was that some parts of the dialogue failed to keep my attention.I also felt the frequent alluding to sex was a little overdone and was a distraction from the heart of the story. Enjoyed reading about the characters from the previous books, seeing where they were at in their lives and how the bet was concluded .As usual, Ms. Herkness did not disappoint overall and I am still an avid fan and appreciate the privilege of rendering my review on this free copy provided by Netgalley..

I've read the others in this series and I think this is my favourite. The characters are well drawn and although their situation felt contrived initially, that soon wore off.
An entertaining, enjoyable book.

Awesome story! I really enjoyed this one. I think it may be my favorite of the series. These characters are all so memorable and Gavin and Allie are no exception. The entire series is well written and completely entertaining.

Gavin is the last of the three billionaires from the Bellwether Club to find true love and fulfill the crazy wager they made. Love is the last thing on Gavin's mind though. He has far bigger issues to deal with. He may have written several bestsellers but he hasn't written a word in over a year. His muse has completely abandoned him and the stress he is dealing with is now starting to affect him physically. The tightness in his neck, shoulders, and back are becoming hard to deal with so he's not surprised when his agent sends him a physical therapist to deal with those issues. What does surprise him is how much he likes the therapist. Not only likes but is drawn to her. She's a huge fan of his books and as they discuss them his creativity comes to life. Is it possible he's found a new muse and quite possibly the love of his life?

Don't miss this one, I recommend it.

The VIP doubles down is the third and last book in the wager of hearts series, the first two were wonderful but this one I felt was an even better story even though I didn't think the other could be beaten! Gavin an extremely rich and successful author has severe writers block and is suffering from neck and back problems causing much pain. His agent hires Allie a physical therapist to help ease his pain hoping that will help to get him writing again. So develops an extremely 'hot' relationship between them, the dialogue is sparkling and witty and at times past wrongs come back to haunt them leading to some very emotional scenes.
A great book that kept me thoroughly entertained, this book will be loved by all readers. Thanks to net galley and publisher for opportunity to review this book.

excellent read

I just loved everything about this book, excellent characters, superior storyline filled with heart and heat. I wold give this book ten stars if it were possible. Nancy is such an excellent writer and knows how to capture the emotions of these characters in such a way the reader is completely immersed in the story. This book is a excellent way to wrap up this series. There is just so many amazing things about this book, it is a must read! My favorite part about this book was that Allie had her own career going into this relationship, she was not just in the right place and the right time but she is strong, fierce and doesn't take crap from anyone. I love that she knew of his works so well that she was able to speak about his writing intelligently and that she was not afraid to speak up for herself. Allie rocked in this book!! Excellent book!!!