this was a unique take on a romance novel, I had a lot of enjoyment out of reading this. The characters were great and I enjoyed the romance element in the book.

should be a 3.5 but i rounded it up! this book was both original and compelling. the relationship between both characters is thought out and complex, which i enjoyed seeing. has some steamy moments but nothing too over the top. not an all time favorite but i still enjoyed it and would read more by the author!

I received a complimentary copy of High Stakes in exchange for an honest review. Disclaimer, this book is part of a series which is not a standalone novel. If you need a conclusion then skip this book. As a reader this always frustrates me, and my review may me skewed because of this. Likes: The storyline was captivating and I enjoyed the references to Italy. I also liked the relationship that developed between Kate and billionaire Owen. Dislikes: The gangster angel and being on the run with two kids, The story was also long winded and I found myself skimming several sections without feeling like I missed anything.

I love how different Nick and Kate are when it comes to acting upon their instincts. Kate would ask questions and explore every option and Nick would jump on it, like when he knows he's being tracked by hired assassins who may also want to kidnap the two kids that Kate is currently babysitting.
It's a fun read with a not so even pace, I'll admit.
The twists and turns and incorporation of the Italian culture makes this an interesting read.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.