Scan barcode
A review by vrstal
Gambler's Conceit by Raissa Phoenix, Adara Wolf
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
5/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Content Warnings for book: Child abuse and CSA (not on page), noncon, dubcon, self-harm, suicidal ideation, mentions of domestic violence, unprotected sex, survival sex work, anxiety, panic attacks, power imbalance, guns, violence, death, attempted cheating, slut shaming, unsafe breath play
Kink: Unnegotiated D/s, daddy kink, pain play, impact play, voyeurism, breathplay, dacryphilia, Master/sir, group sex
I loved this!
So I haven’t read a lot of dark romance lately — horror, yes, but there’s a difference. Anyway, it’s been awhile since I’ve been able to dig into one and thoroughly enjoy it. Gambler’s Conceit is a great first of the year read!
We have polyamory, platonic connections between Caleb, Havoc, and Vortex along with Seven getting all the protectors he could handle.
Phoenix and Wolf are adept at making it so we are able to tell who’s POV it is, being unique from each other despite the fact they are men who share some similar traits (a desire for Seven and generally strong and domineering). If I had to pick a favorite, I am a sucker for Havoc — he is like a guard dog for Seven. Very cute (don’t tell him I said that!)
Vortex the Daddy has the most “soft” energy, and then Caleb is the head of this group with his domineering sadism, sharp wit and most of all wanting everyone to get their enjoyment. While it’s still building up slowly in this book, I can easily see how all four of these men slot together even if they’re not all equally romantically in love with one another. Seven is the hinge that connect their lives.
The last 30% had a lot of tension but it came out okay — I was almost sure it’d be a cliffhanger lol. It is a HFN with the story going to continue soon, and I’m excited to see how it goes with the problems this group will be facing!
Also, yeah, the sex scenes are pretty hot.
Content Warnings for book: Child abuse and CSA (not on page), noncon, dubcon, self-harm, suicidal ideation, mentions of domestic violence, unprotected sex, survival sex work, anxiety, panic attacks, power imbalance, guns, violence, death, attempted cheating, slut shaming, unsafe breath play
Kink: Unnegotiated D/s, daddy kink, pain play, impact play, voyeurism, breathplay, dacryphilia, Master/sir, group sex
I loved this!
So I haven’t read a lot of dark romance lately — horror, yes, but there’s a difference. Anyway, it’s been awhile since I’ve been able to dig into one and thoroughly enjoy it. Gambler’s Conceit is a great first of the year read!
We have polyamory, platonic connections between Caleb, Havoc, and Vortex along with Seven getting all the protectors he could handle.
Phoenix and Wolf are adept at making it so we are able to tell who’s POV it is, being unique from each other despite the fact they are men who share some similar traits (a desire for Seven and generally strong and domineering). If I had to pick a favorite, I am a sucker for Havoc — he is like a guard dog for Seven. Very cute (don’t tell him I said that!)
Vortex the Daddy has the most “soft” energy, and then Caleb is the head of this group with his domineering sadism, sharp wit and most of all wanting everyone to get their enjoyment. While it’s still building up slowly in this book, I can easily see how all four of these men slot together even if they’re not all equally romantically in love with one another. Seven is the hinge that connect their lives.
The last 30% had a lot of tension but it came out okay — I was almost sure it’d be a cliffhanger lol. It is a HFN with the story going to continue soon, and I’m excited to see how it goes with the problems this group will be facing!
Also, yeah, the sex scenes are pretty hot.