agmaynard's review against another edition
Sets up a fraught premise and strong, capable protagonist. Read about 50 pages, looked through the rest, and added to the high school recommendation shelf.
punkgremlin's review
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
maryam162424's review
4.0
*3.75 stars* this just wasn't a 4 in my eyes for some reason!! The mystery was amazing and I totally didn't see the ending coming, I just think this book wasn't MY cup of tea. I did like Nikki's character and the plot was interesting as well! I think some people will really enjoy it, i was just a bit detached I guess! Still a good read.
zeeeniiia's review
3.0
I dont know if I liked this book or did'nt, but it was'nt bad. Full of suspense, but ending was not my favourite.
lazygal's review
2.0
Just didn't buy much of the premise: not denying the mob isn't involved in Vegas casinos, or that a teen can't be great at poker but there are moments here, particularly those involving The Big Secret that just felt too forced. Nikki was a good character but the others were fairly one-dimensional, which isn't unusual in a mystery/adventure but this would have been far stronger with more character development.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
azagee's review
4.0
Don't read if you're looking for solid romance or character study. Absolutely do read if you're looking for fiercely intelligent women, the mad gambits of organized crime, and a hazy noir version of Vegas.
steel_city_peach's review against another edition
4.0
Gritty
This story was packed full of drama. It was a lot to take in. At times, the storyline got really dark. I loved how strong and fearless Nikki was throughout the book. I don’t know how believable her heroics were, but it made for an interesting read. The suspense was thick. I was racing to see how it would all unfold. I liked that there wasn’t a fairytale ending. There was a fair and just ending. Lamar Giles is an amazing storyteller. I have become such a big fan of his work.
This story was packed full of drama. It was a lot to take in. At times, the storyline got really dark. I loved how strong and fearless Nikki was throughout the book. I don’t know how believable her heroics were, but it made for an interesting read. The suspense was thick. I was racing to see how it would all unfold. I liked that there wasn’t a fairytale ending. There was a fair and just ending. Lamar Giles is an amazing storyteller. I have become such a big fan of his work.
kalena_reads's review
3.0
This book was actually pretty interesting. I read this in 2017 but it was a very well thought out book. I normally don't read books that have to do with urban things, but this one overturned (haha get it) a new leaf for me.
This book is about a girl who her father runs a casino and she has to deal with all the repercussions that this causes. She has also learned to gamble, watching her father do it over and over despite her father telling her not to.
When bad things start to happen to her family she has to try and gamble her way out of it, all the while watching her back from the gangs wandering around her neighborhood.
This book is about a girl who her father runs a casino and she has to deal with all the repercussions that this causes. She has also learned to gamble, watching her father do it over and over despite her father telling her not to.
When bad things start to happen to her family she has to try and gamble her way out of it, all the while watching her back from the gangs wandering around her neighborhood.