Review: 3.5 Lightning bolts from Storm Goddess Book Reviews
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 05 11, 2013
Fast paced and intense, High Stakes is a new series from author Cheryl Douglass. This is from Nashville Nights, the Next Generation.It starts off with Alisa, trying to find her way after a broken engagement. She's been living the high life, but it's about time to come down to reality and prepare to the next phase in her world. That ventures leads her to Vegas, with a new dreams, and right into the arms of Liam.Their attraction is instant, and the sparks definitely fly. There are a few things that the two will have to face to be together. First off, the age difference.  Liam is about 20 years older.While I do believe in love at first sight, I felt the attraction between them at first was forced. They're talking and then the next thing you know, they want each other. It didn't feel natural to me.  I do love the sizzling tension between the pair and the conflict that was set up on the road to their HEA.I wasn't sure what to think of Alisa at first. She comes across as spoiled and fluffy, meaning not really much to her, but I realized how wrong I was as I kept reading. She had to grow on me, because I wasn't fond her her character at first.Liam is charming and fun. Of course, he's older an experienced, but I like the way he tends to Alisa. He looks out for her, is careful of her feelings, and tries hard to really understand what he feels and how to act about it. The stakes are definitely high.I've never read the Nashville Nights series, so this was my first introduction into that world. I enjoyed this story for the most part, other than how fast it seemed their lust and feelings developed for the other.  I'm intrigued and would definitely go back and read the Nashville Nights series.If you're into hot contemporary romances, try High Stakes.