Sunday, June 23, 2019

Review - All In

Title: All In
Author:  Shelley Shepard Gray
Series:  Bridgeport Social Club #2
Genre:  Romance
Publisher:  Blackstone Publishing
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of pages: 286
Published:  Blacktone Publishing
My Rating:  4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:


Meredith Hunt is content with her solo life. She owns and runs a successful Pilates studio, volunteers at the high school every week, and recently bought a house. She can take care of herself, which is good because she has a hard time relying on other people. When she's mugged and a handsome man comes to her rescue, she doesn't know how to accept his help-or how to stop staring into his chocolate-brown eyes.

Ace Vance moved to Bridgeport to offer his fifteen-year-old son, Finn, a better life. Here, Finn has a chance to play football for a good team and maybe even earn a college scholarship. And Ace scored a job at a top-notch garage, where he gets to fix up classic cars. Plus, they could both use some distance from Finn's toxic mom. The last thing on his mind is falling in love, but he can't help offering assistance to a gorgeous redhead in need.

Thrown together by a careless criminal, Meredith and Ace can't deny their attraction. But can they open their hearts-and their lives-to make room for love?

Shelley Shepard Gray's Bridgeport Social Club series explores how communities can come together to support each other, whether it's around a poker table, in a Pilates studio, or anywhere in between. Get ready to fall in love with a group of men and women who, even when they feel lost, refuse to lose hope. 

MY THOUGHTS: 

Meredith Hunt has carefully orchestrated her life. She had a bank job she hated so she quit it and eventually opened a Pilates studio. In addition, she volunteers at the local high school, and this brings her even more fulfillment in life. However, one day while jogging, she is mugged and is slightly injured in the process. Ace Vance and his teen son Finn see her fall and quickly come to her rescue.

Meredith wants to just get up and take care of herself, but Ace insists on accompanying her to get checked out - and he never leaves her life after that. Meredith begins to learn what it is like to depend on others, and that includes new friendships that she is forming.

Ace recently moved to Bridgeport with Finn to give him better opportunities, and this includes the fifteen-year-old having the chance to play varsity football for the high school team. This just might give Finn the  opportunity to earn a scholarship for college. Ace would move mountains for Finn, especially as Finn was raised by his mother, who was not good for Finn in his life, ever.

As Ace and Meredith begin to spend time together, they realize that, despite the fact that neither of them have time for love in their lives, feelings do begin to bloom. When Meredith experiences problems at her house, Ace really steps up.

There were many things I loved about this book. For starters, Ace's relationship with Finn. I was really moved by some of their conversations. Then when it came to friends and family in this book, I was even more affected.

Whether it is poker, Pilates, the slow burn of the romance developing, this second book in the Bridgeport Social Club series is quite a wonderful read. The trio of friends that formed the social club are finding love, and that is always rewarding. I definitely recommend this touching story.

Many thanks to Blackstone Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


I grew up in Houston, Texas, went to Colorado for college, and after living in Arizona, Dallas, and Denver, we moved to southern Ohio about ten years ago.

I’ve always thought of myself as a very hard worker, but not ‘great’ at anything. I’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree…but I never was a gifted student. I took years of ballet and dance, but I never was anywhere near the star of any recital. I love to cook, but I’m certainly not close to being gourmet…and finally I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.


Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.


Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.


I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular. likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.


Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed.





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