Book Review: In the Cards by Jamie Beck

In the Cards

ISBN-10: 147782569X
ISBN-13: 978-1477825693

Lindsey Hillard has spent so much of her time doing what others want and expect her to do, that she’s never taken the time to discover what she really wants and needs to be happy. That changes when her fiance, Rob, admits he’s cheated on her and she needs to be tested for an STD. When she flees New York in search of some space so she can think clearly before deciding whether or not to take him back – which is what her very rich parents want her to do- she finds her self next-door neighbors with Levi Hardy, the handsome, tough-as-nails bartender who rejected her years ago.

Levi’s mother abandoned him when he was nine and his father has been a con-artist his entire life. Once old enough to live on his own, Levi makes a good life for himself – the legal way. Although he chooses not to follow into his father’s gambling, fraudulent footsteps, he does remember what the old man taught him about trusting others, which makes him reluctant to let anyone in.

When a car accident leaves him banged up and in need of care, Lindsey, being the caring person she naturally is, becomes his cartaker, despite his rudeness and initial claim that he can handle things on his own. His long recovery pushes them together in ways neither expected, but when he finally does heal, she’s forced to deal with the life she’s run from, leaving Levi wondering if she’ll ever truly be his.

Beck does a good job establishing background for Levi, which deflects from his difficult personality and makes him an attractive alpha-male, in more ways than just physical. I loved the neatness and cooking abilities. This character was created and developed very nicely. However, I was bothered by Lindsey’s character to the point I rolled my eyes so many times I had to put the book down for a second and gather my senses. She cried over everything, and as much as she claimed to be tired of everyone telling her what to do, she did all she could to avoid making decisions.

The climax was resolved rather quickly, but the pace was good. Although the premise sounds a little cliche – pampered rich girl falls for bad boy from wrong side of the tracks despite her parent’s objections- the story was nicely crafted and had good flow.

This charming tale of love, redemption, and self-discovery was a pleasant read, and was worth the time I spent reading it.

Rating system: Cups of coffee – the less the better

0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest; you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- it doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.

My rating: 1 cup of coffee

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