A Chip and a Chair

Seven of Spades, Book 5

By: Cordelia Kingsbridge

Narrated by: Wyatt Baker

Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

It's time to lay all the cards on the table.

Detective Levi Abrams and PI Dominic Russo are reunited and more committed to each other than ever, but they can’t truly move forward with their lives until the serial killer who’s been tormenting them is behind bars. When a secret burial site is discovered in the desert with the remains of the Seven of Spades’s earliest victims, that goal finally seems within reach.

But just as the net is tightening, the neo-Nazi militia Utopia launches their master plan with a devastating act of terror that changes the landscape of Las Vegas forever. As Levi and Dominic scramble to prevent the city’s destruction, they’re opposed by treacherous forces that propel them toward catastrophe. In the end, Levi’s fate may rest in the hands of the very killer he’s been hunting.

The race to save Sin City is on, and these players are going for broke. No matter how hopeless things seem, as long as they’re together and they’ve got a chip to play and a chair to sit in, they’re still in the game.

©2019 Cordelia Kingsbridge (P)2019 Riptide Publishing

Great Series

Really enjoyed this series. Although I guessed the killer in book 1. I still enjoyed the story! I also thought the narrator did an excellent job. I loved how he voiced both Levi and Dominic.

Love it

One of my all time favorite series. Levi and Dom are so perfect for each other

Great story. Great narration.

Exciting end to an interesting story. This series had a little bit of all my favorites: unique characters, twisty plot, mystery, suspense, a serial killer, angst filled romance, intense action, and good writing.

The end

This journey and this series has sadly come to an end. On the one hand I’m kind of glad as things really did spin out of control there in the last few books and some things were hard to swallow. However, on the other hand I’ve loved spending time with Dominic and Levi and the rest of the gang, and not to forget Rebel. Mostly Dominic and Levi though. I loved their relationship and them as people. They felt real to me, human. They bled, they stumbled, held grudges and faltered – just like everyone else. They weren’t über menches or superheroes. I loved them for that.

I also loved how their relationship developed throughout the books. From that first book you knew they had something real. We watched them fight for it and grow into it. Then they hit a major rough patch and realized that sometimes love is not enough, and that in order to not drown yourself, sometimes you have to let go. And now finally we see them together again. On solid ground and loving each other as much as they ever did. Their love might not be the focal point for most of the book, but underneath the terror and urgency it’s there and it’s strong. I know that if any couple that I’ve read about for the past I don’t want to count many years, has what it takes to really make it in the long run, Dominic and Levi are it.

Wyatt Baker has done a great job with this book and series. He has brought each character to life, each moment. This book was intense to say the least, so he had to bring out all the stops. Not to mention the final reveal/s of the Seven of Spade’s identity. The shock for our two guys was clear in his voice. It’s not flawless, he still mispronounces words that I kind of wish he’d learned to pronounce by now. Still I’m happy with what we got. My favourite part of the book was the epilogue – or well the part where Dominic and Levi could finally relax and just be, heal. It was sweet and well-deserved and I loved to see them happy.

I’ve loved the time that I’ve spend with Dominic and Levi, and I’m sad to leave them, but as they say all good things must come to an end, but maybe we’ll met again someday.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review for Love Bytes.

Amazing ending to a beautiful story

wow I don't even know what to say. This has probably been one of the best series I have ever read. It is just so good and hits on so many human flaws and emotions and characters. Its deep and complicated and full of twists and turns. The characters and their battle to prevail against all odds. Full of nonstop action and intrigue around the serial killer serial killer. Dominic and Levi are so perfect for each other and the stuff that they go through and the way they counterbalance each other in a relationship is just so fascinating to read it sucks you in from the very beginning.

solid conclusion

Would I listen to it again: yes
Did the story keep me engaged: yes
Was I invested in the characters: yes

📖 Story comment: Good pace, likeable characters, a solid conclusion to what has been an action packed series.

I've really enjoyed this series, and will go back and listen to it again (I clearly suck at being a detective because I had no idea of the identity of the Seven of Spades!). I enjoyed the twists and turns of this final story, loads of action, emotion and a crazy race against time.

I've loved the way the relationship between Eli and Dom developed throughout this series, the battles they have had to fight, both internally and externally to give them the solid foundation they've built have felt real because there have been no easy fixes and required work.

🎧 Narrator comment: I enjoyed Wyatt Bakers narration, he has good timing, and it's easy to tell the characters apart, builds the tension in the right places, captures the connection between the character and brings the story to life. Overall I enjoyed it and would happily listen to it again.

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📌 Where does it fall on my personal scale? 8
• 1 not my thing • 2 didn't like the narration • 3 didn't keep my attention • 4 was good, but once was enough • 5 enjoyed it • 6 will listen again if i'm in the mood for the narrator [4⭐] • 7 goes on the "re-listen" list [4⭐] • 8 kept me up past bed-time [4.5⭐] • 9 recommended to family/friends [4.75⭐] • 10 own it in all formats [5⭐] • 11 keep a copy with me at all times [5⭐]

Excellent Series

I’ve read many (and listened) to many m/m series and this one is by far in my top 3. The twist was very cool and the conclusion to the larger mystery was also well orchestrated. The narration is top notch throughout and each character has a distinct voice. I was thoroughly engrossed from beginning to end.

Solid ending!

I’ve enjoyed this whole series. A seat of your pants thriller on so many occasions, I’ve grown to love both men. They aren’t perfect - far from. But they overcome and they love. The narration brought this to life in an amazing way as well.

OMG! what a fantastic finish to a great series

OMG! the second half of this book was just brutal and I was absolutely stunned by who the Seven of Spades was. No spoilers here. The action was fast paced and intense. I just love how Dominic knew his Levi, when to stand by him, behind him and when to hold him back. The second to last chapter was incredibly emotional at the funeral of Jonas Gibbs. The epilogue was classic Levi and Dominic and perfect. I highly recommend this series.

A Must Read/Listen

WOW!!!
I must admit that I definitely didn’t see that coming. From book one I kept trying to figure out just who the Seven of Spades was/is. I’m usually pretty good at figuring it out but I failed miserably, lol.
I love series where we get to follow one couple through their ups and downs. Levi and Dominic both have their hang ups and issues but manage to make it anyway.
The supporting cast of characters all managed to bring their own strengths and weaknesses to the party as well.
Well planned out and well written I can only imagine what else is out there by Cordelia Kingsbridge. Wyatt Baker was also a great narrator for this series.
I very highly recommend this series, and I promise you will NOT be sorry.
Happy reading…