Member Reviews
The epic conclusion of Dario and Bell's story had me gripping my kindle so tight, I thought I may crack the screen. This duet is in the white-knuckle-your-device category -> fair warning. Just like the first book, I couldn't put this baby down. The house could have caught fire and my ass would have stayed parked on my couch until the last page. Unless there were some cute firefighters. I may have paused to ask some inappropriate questions regarding their hoses. I loved it just as much as I loved the first one, which is rare.
Dario has made a permanent butt imprint on my book-boyfriend bench. That man is just delicious and I found myself for the very first time being jealous of a fictional character - Bell - because she gets to have him.
"Just love me through the cracks." - Dario
Dario and Bell start this book off with him sending her on the run to after the incident in the hotel room. With her emotions at a high, and doubt creeping in about the strength of their relationship, Bell arrives in Louisiana while Dario stays back to aid in the FBI investigation in Vegas.
The first book focused more on the bond that was forming between Dario and Bell, and the second book just went to show how solid they were together. The investigation was a huge focus of this book as well, and we get to see the different POV of secondary characters, that help gives us more insight into the story.
I wasn't ready for this book to end, I'm pretty sure I pouted a little when I read the word Epilogue. I wish Alessandra was the type of author who did spin-offs of her novels because I'd love to have more time in this world.
This is a pretty messed up story. :) It's dark and a little bit crazy. The whole story is sort of complex and very interesting. I will admit that I was slightly confused by the ending. I wasn't sure if I missed something, or it it was intentionally left as vague so you would have to draw you own conclusions. The characters were well-written and I especially loved Laurent. This was my first experience with an AT story and I will go back and read some others.
In this second book of the duet, Bell and Dario are already a couple, but what makes this book riveting is that they get more involved, more passionate about each other, as they deal with the aftermath of Gwen’s murder. As events occur and their union comes into danger, Dario becomes more devoted than ever to keep Bell safe.
After the murder of Gwen, Dario takes several drastic steps to protect Bell from the authorities and from his father-in-law’s wrath. He’s convinced that the proposed victim was Bell and the murderer killed Gwen by mistake because they are similar in appearance and Gwen was in Bell’s suite. He’s also convinced that his father-in-law is responsible for the actions against Bell.
There’s a real huge production of police and FBI agents, all working together to capture Gwen’s murderer. There’s a psycho killer on the loose and Dario is convinced that they may go after Bell, so he utilizes all his resources to protect her.
The action started a little slowly and mostly dealt with sorrow and guilt. As events develop, the suspense ratches up and the danger to Bell climbs up. Bell and Dario deal all through the book with the guilt that their love affair caused Gwen’s loss. Dario has to deal with the loss of his best friend, a woman he swore to protect; and now he has to protect the woman he loves from an unknown danger. Bell hovers between her typical independent spirit, and her desire to bow to Dario’s need to protect her.
This book was riveting from start to finish. I liked that it started slow and then picked up speed and suspense until I was literally biting my nails and reading. There’s a surprise at the end that didn’t make me so very happy. I felt it was inconclusive and left some plot lines open, unless there’s more related books in the future, in which case I will be a happy reader.
After a jaw dropping cliffhanger at the end of book one I was dying for book two and Alessandra did not disappoint. What a crazy intense, shocking conclusion to the All In duet. Double Down pretty much double dose on the steamy, passionate romance between Dario and Bell. The sizzling chemistry and the heated sex scenes are off the chart hot!!! Alessandra got this down!!!
All the action, drama, suspense, twists and turns continue with this book which kept me on the edge of my seat and glued to the kindle until the end. The plot is quite mind-blowing with murder, kidnap, secrets, deceit, betrayal – very unique.
Love the epilogue – lots of “I love you” but I want more. Maybe an extended epilogue / novella is in the near future?
All In duet is a romantic suspense genre – gritty, thrilling, fast-paced, combined with the author’s excellent storytelling and superb writing = one fascinating read!
This is the conclusion of our story. What a ride!
Dario and Bell are in the middle of a murder and their lives are at stake. Bell is the one that would feel the wrath of Dario's father in law unless she hides where he cannot find her. So, from Vegas to the swamps in Louisiana, Bell travels with just the clothes on her back to wait for Dario to handle the fallout.
The plotline has all the ups, downs and twists that we love from this author. Totally unexpected, thrilling, and exciting this love story is one you cannot miss if you love romantic suspense. Be prepared ... you will not want to put this book down. I read it in one sitting because I just had to know what happened next.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
Received in exchange for a honest review.
I liked Double Down more than Even Money. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed Even Money but in that book we were establishing the attraction between Dario and Bell. Alessandra Torre was building the story and creating the pulse of the duet. She was showing us the animal magnetism that Dario and Bell had that no matter what the danger to them and those around them they couldn’t fight that urge and now have consequences to their love. Consequences neither really thought would occur. Even Dario who knew how cruel Richard Hawk could be didn’t expect to see happen. That was the first book it was filled with sexual tension, sensual intimacy and acting on the forbidden. In this book we are still feeling the attraction and love but it is more. The sensual intimacy isn’t in the forefront of their minds. They aren’t as intimate in that way in this book as much as Even Money. We are now in the meat of the plot. This took that climax of an ending in Even Money and continues that pulse beating and danger defying moments. Double Down has the heat of the chase and trying to outsmart the cruel one. Of finding the other responsible while keeping the one you love safe no matter what. Even if it means being apart to do that. We begin where Even Money left off.
Dario has taken control of the situation and is now putting Bell out of harm’s way. Or as far as he can out of the way. Bell is questioning things and feeling guilty. She is also wondering what is going on. She for a moment questions Dario but looks in her heart to find the truth. Now she is confused and hurt but doing as told because of fear.
As she is away, Dario brings the spotlight to himself as he works to catch the devil behind the hell he is in. He has lost his best friend in Gwen and feels he didn’t keep his promise to protect her. He has the love of his life tucked away and feels guilty about this and the situation she is in but he vows to keep her out of the fray. He puts himself at risk to stop the madness that started the night he first met Gwen and we see so many twists to the heart and story coming around the bend. Dario does give a command performance when he sees Hawk but is it enough? Only now it isn’t just Hawk to take down but the mystery person who did Hawk’s bidding.
Claudia is now on the run feeling fear and anger. She feels that if Dario didn’t mess with Hawk and the family none of the events would happen. She is fascinating for there is justification to all her actions and never her own fault. She doesn’t own her actions but give them excuses and says they are not hers but Dario’s for it was his love of another that precipitated the events and her actions. She is just as wonky as Hawk. The padawan has gone beyond the master in the case of Claudia. She takes her cruelty and ability to create a no fault attitude to a whole new level. And when the turn of events bring a twist to the tale she becomes more unhinged and seeing red. Her plan was executed flawlessly and man is she a creepy lady.
It is this twist that has us see how much Dario will do for Bell but also for the memory of Gwen and all those that Hawk has harmed over the years. This story shows this as well. You are caught in the web of danger and intrigue that is happening as the story unfolds.
Our story is in Bell’s, Dario’sand Claudia’s view. We see a little of Hawk’s but his isn’t as intriguing as Claudia’s. Her mind is like Hannibal Lecter creepy. Really draws you in just out of the pure audacity she has and all the justifications. You see just how much she is like Hawk but also takes it to a new level and her thoughts blow your mind. A great insight into a twisted character.
Dario shows us his strength and guilt. Shows us his capacity to love as well and what he will do for that love. Also how much he we do to keep a promise even if the one the promise was made to no longer is there. He is vowing to protect others when he begins the wheels to take down Hawk and his henchman. We see his past and how he has clawed his way out but also the pain he has gone through. We see his honesty and caring nature but he is uber protective for sure. His view gives us a look at the complexity of this man and the love he has for Bell and Gwen.
Bell shows us that she still has some insecurity in her relationship with Dario but her heart helps her through it. So does her mind. She sees him as the man that was devastated by the events. She sees a man putting himself out there to right wrongs and catch those who put them on this path. She sees him own up to his guilt but also show her love and kindness as well. Bell finds her strength in him but also in herself and grows as well.
The story is one that has you on the edge of your seat with a tension of danger that really ratchets up the story. We get more depth seen in Dario and Bell’s relationship that really helps us see the love, trust and faith they have in one another. There is some sexual intimacy but it doesn’t overwhelm the story but enhances the intimacy that Dario and Bell have. Their intimacy grows in trust and faith in one another. They see that even apart they are together in spirit and faith.That apart they still have their love to help give them strength and support from one another. We get twists and turns and some danger that has you on the edge wondering what is next. Alessandra Torre has written a book with grit, meat, romance and a ending that has you wondering about what is next even though it seems things are nicely wrapped up or are they??? A truly great book that really keeps you in the story to the end and than some.
4.5 stars
Double Down is the second book in the All In series and cannot be read without having read Even Money so if you haven’t read that one yet, stop reading this now and go check it out first!
Now, on to Double Down. This one picks up right after Even Money’s HUGE cliffhanger and will keep you guessing from start to finish.
It is practically impossible to talk about this book without giving plot points away so I will just say it was very well written and kept me on the edge of my seat. These characters were great and a few new ones are introduced as well.
The only thing I didn’t like was there were a few questions left unanswered and one plot point left open...I am guessing there may be another book at some point in the future?
My thoughts:
POV: switches between multiple characters
Quick hook or slow starter? 5 (I was hooked from the first chapter)
Character development: 4
Level of Romance between characters: 4
Passion/Heat level: 4.5 (the sex is hot and steamy throughout)
Angst/Heartbreak: 4.5 (Lots of drama...that’s all I am going to say)
Cliffhanger?: Not really, but as I said above I would have like a little more on a couple of things.
Overall, while I didn’t love this one as much as the first book, I still thought it was excellent and highly recommend this series to those who like some drama and suspense with their romance.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
What an amazing wrap-up of Bell and Dario’s complicated story. I thought book one was a wild ride, book two certainly kept the roller coaster going. The All in Duet will be in my keeper section. A five star read!
Often when I read a duet I find that I absolutely love the first book and am disappointed by the second. I’m happy to say that wasn’t the case with this duet. Suspense, action and drama packed, the follow up to Even Money was just as fantastic, a gripping storyline that has you both itching to read as fast as you can to see what happens next, as well as wanting to read slower, draw it out and make it last longer. This epic conclusion to Dario and Bell’s story is a page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat for the entire book.
Wow, that is all I can say! This was a great continuation of the story and at the same time I fill left with so many questions! My mind has been spinning since I finished reading this last night! Absolutely recommend this duet!
Even Money, book one in this diet left me twisted up in knots and jonesing for book two. Double Down definitely did not disappoint. Holy smokes, what a twisty, topsy turvy rollercoaster ride!
Alessandra Torre is a master of her craft. This story had me biting my nails and squirming in my seat. Not only is this masterfully written with killer suspense, but the love scenes are off the freaking charts! Thank God I had my air conditioner on full blast because I was starting to sweat. They were that good!
No spoilers from this gal, but if you're looking for something that will keep you guessing and engaged I highly recommend this duet. Wow! This author surprises me time and time again.
5 Stars
WOW!!! What an amazing, dramatic, roller coaster of a ride!! Alessandra has written a brilliant romantic, suspenseful, love story. There are so many twist and turns in the conclusion. A few times I thought "Holy crap I never saw that coming"!!! There were certain parts my eyes keep reading father ahead of me, I had to know what was coming, the suspense was killing me!
This story had me on the edge of my seat so many times. Dario and Bell's story was completely entertaining. Alessandra is on of those authors that can write any story and grab you, shock you, and most of all give you everything she has in a her words.
The final pieces of the puzzle all come into place in Double Down. Everything you need to know will be revealed. So hold tight, set aside some alone time and open the adventure.
Loved it!!! You can read books that are just so-so or you can read books that are awesome and well written and justly done. Alessandra has this writing thing down pat! She lures you in and takes you on a ride that is so nerve wracking and exciting. You see where the ride is taking you then BAM there is a totally different direction that you go. You "think" you see it coming, but you really don't see it at ALL. This book was a good one. I enjoyed the story and the romance and the love you feel between Dario and Belle. You see the crazy in Claudia and I am stuck wondering that it doesn't end with this book right?? I am not the only one thinking that right? Surely there is more? Maybe Laurent gets his own book and Lance too?? Well, it was definitely worth the read! Enjoyed it tremendously!!
I received this ARC from the publisher at my request via Net Galley for my honest review. Thank you Net Galley!!!
An explosive ending to this duology! Bell and Dario were an amazing couple who had to overcome their problems both emotional and with the enemies around them. I really won't spoil but I can't help but become emersed in Torre's writing!
In Vegas, there was one man who was off limits. One man… and I fell for him.I knew there were risks. Still, I played the game. When Dario Capece called, I answered. When he beckoned, I came. When he broke all my rules, I looked the other way.I knew there were risks. I just never realized they included death.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Alessandra Torre is magnifysent writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this books.
Double Down is a great conclusion to Even Money! I enjoyed Dario and Bell’s intense love story. The writing style was unique to anything I have read before. The multiple POVs were interesting and gave a different perspective from each character and added so much to the storyline. While this is the end to this duet, there is a little part of me left unsettled after reading chapter 29. I'm so nervous! I think readers will find it quite intriguing and want more. I know I do!
Double Down is a trilling, sexy read uniquely written and full of passion and suspense. I highly recommend!
♥ Review by Lys
Double Down is the gripping conclusion to the All in Duet. The story picks up right where it left off in
Even Money. It was intense and the twists and turns kept me so engaged, that I couldn't put it down. I needed to know what was going to happen to Bell and Dario. The characters were so in love with eachother. I liked them. Secondary characters were good too. I enjoyed reading this duet.
Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse
A curious title which meant nothing to me until Torre’s narrative put me in the picture, and then it made a lot of sense. You double your original bet on a good card well-knowing the next one to come could make it or break it, and that is exactly what her protagonists did. A risky move when one is already in danger of losing it all. The story takes off exactly where it left us; on a cliffy so desperately huge it left my heart racing and had me counting the days for the release of Double Down. Fortunately for those who had read Even Money, the wait for the gripping conclusion in the All In Duet was only a couple of weeks.
Dario and Bell’s relationship is a torment in itself. They question themselves, guilt of one kind or another consumes their very souls and being truthful with each other when they’re up against someone totally lacking in humanity is a crucial point I had to take into consideration. Loving like they’d never loved before, in their eyes it was what had to be. Mine too! However, not everyone was of the same opinion.
Torre’s writing is extremely visual and easily imagined on the big screen. All the involvement from different sources; the doubts sowed and accusations presented, make for a real page-turner. No-one is exempt until the truth is revealed; well, someone might be but I’m saying no more! What I would have liked more of though is the culprit. I thought their ending or comeuppance for a better word, a tad rushed and even wondered if just maybe, Torre would consider writing a spin-off throwing more light on this individual’s future plans. Plans which certainly leave food for thought and left me reeling not from shock, but hanging in suspense.
There are new characters in this story who I liked a hell of a lot. At times I had to reread Laurent’s jargon, but I adored him just as much as Rick and Lance who I’d had the pleasure of meeting in Even Money. Loved their leg pulling, their crazy nerdy ways and their devotion to Bell that never wavered for a minute.
How loss and self-reproach is dealt with so elegantly, how two people try to overcome an ordeal such as is theirs is without a doubt, worthy of reading. The story told in first and third person from different points of view is exceptionally well done. And the perfectly measured pace kept this reader glued to the pages from the very beginning to an exploding finale of emotions. Ooh, and I haven’t mentioned their abounding passion…one-click and you’ll see for yourselves how Dario and Belle steam up your screens. You’ll either be grabbing for your fan or putting the aircon on high! Bravo Torres!
At the beginning of Alessandra Torre’s All In Duet, even though they were living drastically different lives, Dario Capece and Bell Hartley were on equal footing, at least when it came to their mutual attraction. Bell had all of the power because she could choose to give into her desire for Dario or continue to use her head, understanding the consequences that came with starting a relationship with a powerful and married man, knowing that they would never be a ‘normal’ couple. But at the end of Even Money and heading into Double Down, Bell is led completely by her heart, which means that despite the risks…despite the radio silence that has to occur between her and Dario…despite her guilt, insecurity, and jealousy, Bell remains steadfast and never gives up on what she has with Dario; in fact, she risks everything to be with him, raising the stakes for them both.
Alessandra Torre illustrates the conflicted feelings that both Dario and Bell feel as they try to cope with the loss of Gwen and the subsequent events that occur because of Gwen’s death. Neither of them are safe, which means that as Dario works to bring down his father-in-law, he needs to watch his and Bell’s backs as well as work to secure the chance that he desperately wants when it comes to his love for Bell.
The varying perspectives present in the story allow readers to understand the full impact of the plot’s events, concretely illustrating how one act is the spark…the catalyst for other actions occurring in the book, and as insight is provided, readers are able to see what Dario and Bell are truly up against, which is much more dangerous and deadly then they even seem to realize.
Love each other ‘through the cracks.’ That’s what Double Down is all about…Dario needs Bell to stand by his side, even when circumstances feel too overwhelming, even when it feels like there’s no way back to what they had due to everything that has occurred. What Dario and Bell are experiencing is a life or death situation, so Bell must decide if love is worth dying for, and as Torre crafts the climax of Dario and Bell’s story taking them towards a resolution, they both need to decide if they’re ready to fold or raise the stakes, risking everything for love.
4 Poison Apples
This book was a great follow up to Even Money. It filled in some of the missing pieces from the Even Money book and the characters were stronger in this story and less wishy washy. Robert Hawk was an awful man in these books and the only redeeming quality was how got taken out! I loved that Nick showed up and shot the jerk. Perfect! Claudia thought she was getting her way and made an epic mistake and it was glorious to read how she tried to get revenge but failed miserable in the end. Dario is such a strong, alpha male character and he seems to have this air about him of being powerful and all knowing but when Bell captures his heart he is powerless to her love. I love that they spend the night at Bell's apartment with all her roommates and it is such a cluster that you can't help but laugh at the all powerful Dario having to sleep on a queen size bed and in a house full of women.