4.13 AVERAGE

hopeful inspiring fast-paced
adventurous challenging hopeful inspiring reflective fast-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
emotional tense medium-paced
challenging dark emotional sad fast-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
emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
emotional funny fast-paced

Maggie Gates has delivered yet another absolute winner with Not in the Cards! This book is packed with second chances, small town charm, and just the right amount of tension to keep you hooked. Melissa and Jason’s story is an emotional, heart melting rollercoaster that I never wanted to end.

Melissa was so easy to root for—smart, independent, and completely over the modern dating disaster. But just when she’s ready to throw in the towel on love, Jason walks back into her life like a dream come true. And Jason? A former Navy fighter pilot with a heart of gold? Say no more. The way he sets his sights on Melissa and refuses to let her slip away again? Swoon. 😍

Their chemistry is undeniable, and the sister’s best friend dynamic adds just the right amount of tension. Throw in a few secrets, some small town meddling, and moments so hot they’ll melt your Kindle, and you’ve got a book that’s impossible to put down. But beyond the spice, this story has so much heart—Jason’s journey home, Melissa’s fears of opening up, and the way they fight for their happily ever after made this book unforgettable.

If you’ve been reading The Beaufort Poker Club series, you need to pick this one up. Read them in order! If you haven’t started yet, grab Poker Face and thank me later. Not in the Cards is a beautifully written, deeply emotional, and seriously swoony addition to the series, and I loved every second of it!
adventurous emotional hopeful 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: No
challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Bridget’s story was the only reason I didn’t dnf😂