When I started reading this book, my first thought was, “That is some seriously whacked premise for a book, even an erotica book.” Erotic poker game? Partnering with a complete stranger? You can’t be serious. But I should have known. Cybill Cain doesn’t do blazing hot reads without evoking a wealth of feeling and emotion in the reader and revealing a great deal of depth and insight into matters of the heart. And the outrageous premise set up Brandon and Camille for a story that was as sweet, tender and humorous as it was hot. These two characters are night and day, in every way possible, but their need for the other and the connection they shared secured them a place in my heart, captivated my attention and filled me full of all the best kinds of emotions. I loved them, delighted in their story, adored their texts, and definitely recommend this book for a spicy, heartfelt, phenomenal read.

This is the first book I ever read by Cybill Cain. And because I've spent time reading other author's books in the wrong order, I thought I'd start this series off right and begin at the beginning, sort of (you'll find out I messed that up with the second book I read, but if you know me, you'll know I don't care, they're all good). I was surprised, and pleased, by Cybill's writing.

This story started with Camille working in a real dump of a hotel and having to deal with a slimy co-worker who eventually does something that will get her fired. But that's the good news, because Camille has met Thomas Meehan previously and he gave her a business card and promised her that she would be paid well for her time. Meehan has something to do with the secretive Chimera Club, but that's all anyone knows. And don't be surprised if your reaction to him is that he's a bully and quite mean. You'll change your mind, but you'll have to read the other books in the series. ;-) And then there's Brandon. I think Brandon's background could have been developed a bit more, but I can tell you that you'll learn more about him farther on in the series. I think a reader knows enough about him to enjoy his character before he and Camille get past Chapter 3. This is a story about one arranged meeting and one meeting by happenstance. The fact that the same people are meeting at both is the crux of the book. Its a wonderful story about love, and how, in this case, the attraction between Camille and Brandon would have happened regardless of how or where they met. And it is a story of Fate. And yes, there's a poker game involved and a backstory going on, but in reality, in this book, you are only going to care about Brandon and Camille while they navigate their attraction.

This is one of those books that made me smile, fan myself, wipe the Kindle down because it was steaming up, laugh out loud (ho, ho), and go check to see if my teeth were rotting because of the sweetness. The author managed to bring me into the conversation (and no, no spoilers here except to say there's some interesting texting dialogue) and hold me there. I read a lot and once in a long while I find a book that can bring me into the characters enough that I can hear the words. Brandon and Camille did that for me. I could also hear the music and see the steam. I didn't read the book in one sitting, but I found things I wanted to write down, words that were worthy. I highly recommend that, if you are a lover of sweet, hot romance combined with VERY hot and steamy scenes, you should take a chance on this book. I like my romances spicy and this one had that in spades. Cybill, you made me want to go find my one and only and keep him occupied all night long.