The Reading Bud

Book Blog by Heena Rathore-Pardeshi

Book Review: Going All In by Stephanie C. Lyons-Keeley and Wayne J. Keeley

Author: Stephanie C. Lyons-Keeley & Wayne J. Keeley
Release Date: 17th October 2017
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Adult, Light Erotica
Edition: Ebook
Pages: 359
Publisher: Melange Books

Blurb:

Three mismatched suburban couples, Steve and Katie, Marty and Erin, and Scarlett and C. Thomas, have been neighbors and friends for years. During a pummeling Connecticut Nor’Easter, the members of the bored triptych engage in a friendly game of Texas Hold’em in front of a fire and over more than a few bottles of Merlot. The impromptu get-together eventually leads to the institution of alcohol-driven, bi-weekly poker nights.
One evening on a lark, someone suggests an alternate payout – instead of pocket change, the winner may choose a player (other than his or her spouse) with whom to spend the night. The proposition takes shape, but complications arise as these things will.
All too quickly, friendships are strained and relationships begin to crumble. Lies are told, truths are exposed, and feelings are hurt. In the end, can anyone bear the weight of this wanton self-indulgence? They are six fully consenting adults, and after all, it’s only a game. Or is it?

Review

★★★★+1/2

Going All In by Stephanie C. Lyons-Keeley & Wayne J. Keeley is a contemporary fiction (bordering on erotic fiction) written very well by the husband-wife author duo and rich with authentic characterization.

When I read the blurb of this book, I was quite intrigued yet a little sceptic, but having read the authors’ previous book Deadraiser, I accepted the book knowing how the writing would be. And to my utter pleasure, the book turned out to be really good!

I loved the way the story was told as the easy flow of the writing made reading this book not only easy but also very quick. There was a use of different POVs which helped me in relating to most of the characters. But the best part about this book was the characterization. The characters were so realistic that it was hard to imagine that it wasn’t a true story. All the characters were unique and had qualities that made them real and relatable. I was really vouching for Steve and Katie’s relationship but I must say that the end was nothing short of satisfying given what he did.

In this book, the authors beautifully experiments and bring us face to face with different human tendencies that anyone can or would exhibit. I’m sure that about eighty percent of the people I know are like Steve; they know what they really want but always try to do the right thing and not think about anything else really.

I’d recommend this book to all the contemporary readers and Poker lovers (you’d love the book just for the kicks alone.)

PS: The book is not outright erotica but it does have some pretty explicit scenes.

Bookstagram

https://www.instagram.com/p/BatoU9rDDgw/


Goodreads and Amazon

One response to “Book Review: Going All In by Stephanie C. Lyons-Keeley and Wayne J. Keeley”

I love reading your comments, so please go ahead…

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

I’m Heena

Welcome to The Reading Bud, my cosy corner of the internet dedicated to all things books and authors. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of discovering under-represented books, independent and small press authors, and all things book with a touch of love and loud purrs. Let’s get Reading!

Book of the Month

Read this captivating story on the adventures and hardships of Frank Knightlite, a man who strives to illuminate darkness with his lantern in search of answers to life’s questions.
You can get it here.
October 2017
M T W T F S S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  

Reading is like breathing to me.

Recent Posts

  • Excerpt Reveal: Loving & Leaving by Jack Lucci

    Welcome to TRB Lounge! We’re thrilled to host author Jack Lucci today, who will be unveiling a tantalising excerpt from their newest masterpiece, Loving & Leaving. Dive in and get an exclusive sneak peek into the…

  • Book Review: Ten Assholes and a Curmudgeon by Bruce Wayne Workman

    Book Details: Author: Bruce Wayne WorkmanRelease Date: September 30, 2023Series:Genre: SatireFormat: E-book Pages: 139 pagesPublisher: Blurb:About the Author Bruce Wayne Workman is a retired rubber chemist with a BS in Information Technology. He is a jack of many trades…

  • Book Review: La Finca: Love, Loss, and Laundry on a Tiny Puerto Rican Island by Corky Parker

    Book Details: Author: Corky Parker Release Date: January 26, 2023Series:Genre: MemoirFormat: E-book Pages: 208 pagesPublisher: Trinity University PressBlurb:At age forty, Parker surrendered to her Swept Away meets Swiss Family Robinson fantasy of running an inn far from her home in…

  • Book Review: TOX by Harken Void

    Book Details: Author:  Harken Void Release Date: May 29, 2023Series:Genre: Science-FictionFormat: E-book Pages: 123 pagesPublisher: Blurb:The world is dead, suffocated by the greed and neglect of the very children it gave birth to, and humankind itself is dancing on…

  • Book Review: The Dreamer: The Girl Who Dreamed the War Over by Julie G Fox and Tzuri King

    Book Details: Author: Julie G Fox and Tzuri KingRelease Date: 8th March 2023Series:Genre: Children’s FictionFormat: E-book Pages: 36 pagesPublisher: Blurb:In “The Dreamer: The Girl Who Dreamed the War Over,” readers are transported to a small town in Ukraine where…