Woo Skin - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$3.99 with 75 percent savings
Print List Price: $15.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Sarah Curtis
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Bad Beat: The Gamblers Book Two Kindle Edition

by Sarah Curtis (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 171 ratings
Bad Beat: A hand in which a player with strong cards is unexpectedly beaten by a lucky draw. Nico Conti has never regretted joining the family business. Through hard work, loyalty, ruthlessness, and dedication, he earned his rank as Capo and his army of soldiers. With the life he leads, a good woman is not in the cards—until one comes along and turns his world upside down. Olivia Miller’s childhood was anything but conventional. Raised in a brothel, her mother protected Olivia from that life until she became sick. Now Olivia must be the protector. Taken as collateral by Nico Conti in a business dispute between families, Olivia is desperate to get home—until Nico makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Or can she? Because to save the one she loves most, Olivia will need to ignore the sacrifices made for her and barter herself to the man who holds her future in his hands. Author's note: This is a full-length, steamy, contemporary romance novel without a cliffhanger. It is part of a series, but each book is a stand-alone centering on new main characters. Due to sex, language, and violence it is recommended for persons over 18.*** HEA ***
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 2 of 3
    The Gamblers
  2. Print length
    309 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    August 8, 2017
  5. File size
    766 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  2. Braxton (The Rangers)
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  4. Before Dawn (Nightwind Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  10. Vines (The Killers Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $6.99
  11. FIRE
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  16. Kings of the Castle
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  17. VAS
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  20. Styx
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  22. The Playbook of Emma (The Killers Next Generation)
    Just released
    Kindle Edition
    $6.99
  26. Until July (Until Her Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  28. With Us
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
Next page
Loading...

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B074NX4W2P
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Jeanine Grasso (August 8, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 8, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 766 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 309 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 171 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Sarah Curtis

Sarah Curtis

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Sarah Curtis is a writer of all things romance. She loves nothing more than a sexy alpha male who falls hard for their heroine, almost always in spite of themselves!

A life-long resident of Southern California, Sarah shares her writing den with her childhood sweetheart and very own alpha male. When she’s not writing or dreaming up plotlines you can find her wrangling her plethora of very spoiled felines—she currently has five, yes you read that correctly, furry companions. Sarah is a reader before anything else, and her TBR mountain is higher than Everest. She’s also addicted to watching cooking competitions, especially involving baking! Of her own admission, she rarely cooks, but she’s up for the occasional birthday cake for her children as long as it involves the opening of a box.

If you like romance in all its forms along with some healthy debates with a side of games and puzzles then head over to her Facebook group, Sarah Curtis's Alpha Overload, for fun chats and to discover your next BBF. https://www.facebook.com/groups/206466086495297/

Or visit Sarah's website and sign up for her newsletter to receive a free copy of Alluring Honeymoon — https://sarahcurtisauthor.wixsite.com/sarahcurtisauthor

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
171 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this book to be a wonderful read with a romantic suspense plot, and one customer notes it's told in both points of view. They appreciate the character development, with one review highlighting the well-developed plot and characters. Customers describe the book as protective and steamy, with one review specifically mentioning the panty-melting scenes.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a wonderful read, describing it as sweet and enjoyable, with one customer noting it makes them smile.

"...with just the right amount of humor, plenty of scenes that will make you smile, oh so much steamy goodness and even some suspense...." Read more

"...’ is the second book in ‘The gamblers’ series but it can perfectly be read as a standalone...." Read more

"...Nico could be such a sweet and protective alpha and he was also surprisingly funny, I loved his take on brussel sprouts, he finds them cowardly!!..." Read more

"...This is one delicious swoon-worthy, panty-melting, tear-jerking, breath-stealing book!!! SO why aren't you reading this already?!?!?" Read more

9 customers mention "Romance"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, with one describing it as an ultimate romantic suspense with plenty of scenes, while another appreciates how the story is told in both points of view.

"...Sprinkled with just the right amount of humor, plenty of scenes that will make you smile, oh so much steamy goodness and even some suspense...." Read more

"...Let me start by saying that I enjoyed the story, although the story itself was a bit of a contradiction...." Read more

"...All in all a great read. And again the epilogue was just awesome!!" Read more

"I really liked the story , but i lost a big part of the book , because of how abruptly the paragraphs were cut off and then continuing with single..." Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one review highlighting the well-developed plot and characters, while another notes the strong, possessive alpha heroes.

"I absolutely loved this book! Sarah Curtis knows how to do strong possessive alpha heroes and her latest book Bad Beat has one of the best alphas I..." Read more

"...I think part of that was because of Olivia’s sweet, caring character and the gentle way that Nico treated her...." Read more

"...The plot and characters are well developed and you even end up falling in love with a few secondary characters that I hope get their own stories..." Read more

"...I can't wait to see what this author writes next. I loved the chemistry between the characters." Read more

4 customers mention "Protectiveness"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the hero's protective nature, with one noting his strength.

"...man who hid a good heart beneath his hard exterior, he was loyal, very protective and gentle to her but he also had a ruthless side, he did ‘bad’..." Read more

"...Nico could be such a sweet and protective alpha and he was also surprisingly funny, I loved his take on brussel sprouts, he finds them cowardly!!..." Read more

"One of my favorite mafia romances. H is hot, h is strong. A tiny bit insta love but not in an offputting way. Suspenseful, romantic, erotic." Read more

"The perfect possessive, protective alpha hero..." Read more

4 customers mention "Steamy content"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the steamy content of the book, with one describing it as panty-melting.

"...of humor, plenty of scenes that will make you smile, oh so much steamy goodness and even some suspense...." Read more

"...This is one delicious swoon-worthy, panty-melting, tear-jerking, breath-stealing book!!! SO why aren't you reading this already?!?!?" Read more

"...it cannot be over yet !!!! I want more..... It has everything...hot sex, action and a big bad dude too...." Read more

"One of my favorite mafia romances. H is hot, h is strong. A tiny bit insta love but not in an offputting way. Suspenseful, romantic, erotic." Read more

3 customers mention "Male sex content"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the male sex content in the book, with one mentioning it features a perfect alpha male character.

"...Definitely my favorite Sarah Curtis MC to date, a damn near perfect Alpha...." Read more

"...Sarah delivered the perfect alpha boyfriend and now he is the one to beat. Bad Beat is the ultimate in romantic suspense...." Read more

"...He was the ultimate hero, possessive, swoon worthy, and an alpha male. I loved Nico and Olivia's story...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • carvanz
    5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect possessive, protective alpha hero
    Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely loved this book! Sarah Curtis knows how to do strong possessive alpha heroes and her latest book Bad Beat has one of the best alphas I’ve read.

    description

    In the process of following a lead to someone who is doing business in his family’s territory, Nico finds Olivia. She has had a different kind of upbringing and is in the wrong place at the right time. Nico decides she fits into his plan to hold those who injured his friend’s woman accountable. He has no intention of becoming involved with her. She is a pawn, that’s all.

    Olivia just wants to help her mother in any way that is necessary. The price of doing so is not a consideration. When Nico assures her he will keep her and her mother safe, she gives in.

    description

    This wonderful book takes you through so many steps of this couple’s relationship as it grows. It’s not something you get a chance to experience often and it was refreshing and unique. I really loved reading how they grew together and eventually were able to embrace the L word.

    description

    This is a fast paced read with some incredible secondary characters that I’d love to read more about. Sprinkled with just the right amount of humor, plenty of scenes that will make you smile, oh so much steamy goodness and even some suspense.

    It doesn’t get any better than this!

    Dual POV
    Safe
    No apparent triggers
    Can standalone
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Peggy M
    4.0 out of 5 stars If you're in the mood for a 'light' mafia romance book, try this one
    Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    ‘Bad beat’ is the second book in ‘The gamblers’ series but it can perfectly be read as a standalone. However, the readers who have read the first book ‘All in’ will recognize the main male character Nico because he was also a secondary character in that story. And even as a secondary character he made a big impression on me, so I couldn’t wait to read his story.

    Let me start by saying that I enjoyed the story, although the story itself was a bit of a contradiction. Because although this was a mafia story, it wasn’t a dark one, quite the opposite, the word ‘sweet’ even comes to mind. Don’t get me wrong, Nico was 100% an alpha mafia guy, he went very far in protecting his mafia family and Olivia. He killed for them. But there was also a sweet, soft undertone to the story. I think part of that was because of Olivia’s sweet, caring character and the gentle way that Nico treated her. I really loved how their relationship was. After he discovered that she was an innocent, he treated her with care and he loved spoiling her.

    Although Nico and Olivia were total opposite in character (Nico was cold, dominant, arrogant and Olivia was innocent, warm and friendly) but they had one thing in common. They both had an unusual upbringing. Nico because of his mafia family and Olivia because she was brought up in a brothel (her mother worked there). And even though Olivia’s mother protected her as much as she could, Olivia was still aware what was happening in her surroundings. This made that Olivia was very mature in some ways (even though she was young) but in other ways she was also very innocent.

    But this made Olivia and Nico perfect for each other. Just like Olivia’s mother, Nico protected Olivia against the hard world, he became her protector and Olivia accepted Nico just like he was. A man who hid a good heart beneath his hard exterior, he was loyal, very protective and gentle to her but he also had a ruthless side, he did ‘bad’ things, things that were better not to talk about. Olivia had learned that lesson in her childhood. Deep down they were just two people looking for love and they found that and more with each other.
    The story is told in both POV’s, the sex scenes were steamy. There was no cheating in the book.

    I enjoyed this story and I will definitely read the next book in the series.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Mindy Lou
    5.0 out of 5 stars A mafia story that'll make you swoon!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Despite not wanting to sound like a tween, I have to say it. OMG! Let's see if I can do this book justice. First, let me just say I turned into a total sap when I finished the epilogue. I actually sighed like a lovesick fool. I love that Sarah Curtis went a bit edgy with this story. I'm a sucker for the unemotional Hero and Nico was above and beyond my expectations.

    After getting a look into what caused the rift between Nico and Alec, this book started off where "All In" ended. We got Nico's POV of the motel scene when he came to Alec's aid to save his girl, River. That scene led to Nico following the trail of what got Royal, River's brother, into the trouble that pulled River in. This is where it all begins for Nico.

    One look at Olivia and Nico was a goner. Except he doesn't know it. He's a rational man. He's only taking her to stop the thugs from moving in on his territory, right? It can't be because she actually means something. He's gotta keep her a bit longer than planned. It's smart business. It's not because he can't let her go, Right? Oh Nico. *Shakes head*

    Nico is the son of a mob boss. The empire will be his someday and he has trained since he was 18 to show no emotions, to be strong, patient and deadly. He's been this way for so long, he doesn't even know what emotions are sometimes. Until Olivia. Sweet Olivia. The daughter of a prostitute who sheltered her so she could have a better life.

    I absolutely loved how the author gave such a sweet, slow burn love. We got to see in actions instead of words how these two become more to each other than they possibly could have expected.

    The book was all about them as a couple learning each other and facing obstacles together. Such a refreshing change. The way Nico treated Olivia is every woman's dream come true. The fact that he was so good to her even when he was clueless to his feelings made it even more special.

    I don't know how the author can top this one. Love it! ARC provided by author.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Jeany
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoy
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is the first time I have read this author, but is will not be the last.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report