Deadly Odds

This is a first time read for me by this author and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

Deadly Odds kept me hooked the entire way through. I liked the Vegas and casino setting, and I thought the author did a great job of creating a believable environment for the characters. It was clear she'd done her research. I will admit not everything was explained well at times, especially when using technical terms. I'm not sure if there are different names for cons and such in the US, but I know quite a bit about sleight of hand and couldn't always imagine what was going on. Small complaint though.

For the most part I really enjoyed the story. I thought the plot was great, the characters were strong, and there was definitely a spark between Ross and Kate. The book was paced well and the relationships and events moved at a good speed. It wasn't too quick, and it didn't drag either. I also liked the banter between Ross, Don, and Marcia. Don put a smile on my face more than once. It added a little humour to the book.

Even if the cheat was kind of obvious, I still enjoyed this book. I'd definitely recommend it and will more than likely look out for this author in the future.

Wow, I kinda knew who done it about 25% in. I didn't want to be right though. Kate, gotta love Kate. She doesn't take anything from the guys without giving 100% back. She calls them on their attitude every time. Ross needs to take time to slow down before a good thing passes him by. When he finally does, he practically screws it up. Not the quite Vegas life style, a more laid back version makes this a different kind of Casino novel. I rather like the difference.

I almost stayed away from this book, because I was pretty sure I knew what it was about: a rich, domineering alpha casino boss in a gritty, tough business who gets off on ordering around a sexy lady, which isn’t a bad thing but isn’t always my cuppa. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised to a get a really funny, sweet, and exciting story with a cast of characters I just plain loved reading about.

Kate Daniels is a security consultant hired to help the new Fortuna casino outside Las Vegas tighten up their security in light of recent troubles at other casinos. She has to work with casino manager Ross Cooper, who is majorly attracted to her but doesn’t particularly appreciate his boss bringing in outside help. Kate and Ross immediately start circling each other but know it’s not good idea to mix business and pleasure. Plus, catching the cheater becomes even more important when it looks like the Fortuna is getting hit as well.

I was madly in love with both Kate and Ross. Both of them are scary good at their jobs, and I appreciate a hero and heroine who have skills and enjoy their careers. Ross is, as Kate puts it, a “glad-hander”. He is amazing at working the extremely wealthy high rollers the casino caters to, and he is equally skilled at managing the complex beast that is a casino. He’s shot to the top of his profession and landed his dream job in his early 30s--they don’t call him the golden boy for nothing. But best of all, he’s not a jerk! He genuinely cares about his employees and the people around him, and while he is a bit of a player, he is honest with and respectful of the women he dates. It’s so rare to read about a hero who’s uber-successful in business that is NOT an alphahole. Don’t get me wrong, he’s definitely bossy and cocky, but he’s still a regular, decent guy. However, it was also fun to see Kate knock him down a peg or two. He has to work for her, as it should be!

Kate is also ridiculously smart and good at her job. She can pick out the slightest detail and understands how to read people, which is why she’s so good at spotting cheaters. The two of them together were great, too. Up until the last part of the book, they do a great job of communicating with each other and being honest about their feelings. They are both kind of surprised and freaked out by not only their attraction but how much they genuinely enjoy each other’s company, and it’s so cute to see them just baffled by what is happening. I would read a whole series about Kate and Ross catching casino cheats because I adored them.

There is a small but delightful cast of side characters too, especially Don, the Fortuna’s very old school head of security who is a laugh riot. The dialog between all the characters is funny and sharp, and the casino lingo and insider glimpses really brought the setting to life. Plus, the mystery isn’t half bad. I had an inkling of who might be involved early on, but the whole thing was more complex than I assumed at the start. This isn’t a dark or gritty book, nor is it particularly action packed, but that gives Kate and Ross time to get to know each other.

I did get a little frustrated by the conflict that drives the lovers apart near the end. Ross gets (unjustly) upset over something Kate does, which seemed out of character for the smart, cautious business man he was. Kate too flies off the handle and runs away too fast. It seemed more inflated than it had to be, and it put just a tiny damper on my enjoyment.

Still, it’s a minor complaint. I thought this book was fantastic, and as it looks like this is the start of a new series, I’ll definitely be looking forward to more.

Grade: 4.5 out of 5

Deadly Odds by Adrienne Giordano shows an inside view of the gaming industry in Las Vegas that few tourists get to see. The novel is action packed with some wonderful romance between former FBI turned security consultant and Ross the VP of Casino Fortuna.

There are casino skimmers to be caught, a colorful supporting cast of characters, danger, threats and romance to be had making this a rip roaring read. Kate makes an excellent investigator; independent, capable and determined. While Ross is the tough attractive business man, I like Kate’s ability to handle herself and any situation. You go, girl. Not your mama’s romantic suspense but better. Deadly Odds sure is fine, please be the start of a series.