Raising the Stakes: What Happens in Vegas...Can Kill You

Book 2, DC Bad Boys

By: Sandy Loyd

Narrated by: Carol Dines

Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Las Vegas bound for a destination wedding, Terry and Des have promised to be friends thanks to their relationships with the bride and the groom.

The ex-lovers certainly never thought they'd be embroiled into a fast-paced mystery where the stakes are high. Yet, when they unwittingly stumble near a murder scene, their gambling getaway takes an unexpected turn into dangerous territory. And when Terry gains a stalker and is almost kidnapped, the stakes rise even higher. Terry and Des are forced to run. Their mutual animosity creates enough fireworks to add to the already glitzy Vegas skyline.

Can they stay alive long enough to figure out the mystery even as a romance percolates? More importantly, can these two work through their differences in order to become true friends... or go a step further and realize they still care for one another?

©2014 Sandy Loyd (P)2015 Sandy Loyd

Loyd Knows How to Raise the Stakes

This is a great addition to Sandy Loyd's romantic suspense series, DC Bad Boys. The first book, The Sin Factor, was my introduction to this very talented author. This was Des and Terry's story, which takes place in Las Vegas where the whole gang goes for Sin and Avery's wedding. I love when an author takes a fairly unlikeable character from one book and turns them around in the next book by showing their point of view. Loyd does this with Terry, Avery's sister from The Sin Factor. Of course, I loved Des in the first book. Loyd writes suspense and mystery very well, but I missed the interplay between the secondary characters that was such a big part of the first book, especially between Des and Scotty. I hope Scotty gets his own book (hint, hint). This one focused much more on the hero and heroine, and the other characters weren't in it quite as much. Loyd writers terrific characters, giving lots of detail and quirkiness to the minor characters. Like the first book, Raising the Stakes had twists and turns that kept me guessing.

Carol Dines did a good job narrating. I especially like the voice she used for Des.

Book 2 --what happens in Vegas...is dangerous!

I loved book #1(Sin Factor) but this one was even better! This fast paced romantic suspense kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. While it can be read as a stand alone novel, it definitely helps having the background from the first book. Terri and Des have incredible chemistry, you just want to push them together the whole time. And Des' protective streak makes you feel all warm inside.

The suspense part of the story kept me listening, wanting to know if Las Vegas dirty cops would find Terri, would Des get there in time, would Scottie and Eric play a role in helping keep them safe...so many unanswered questions as the book progressed. I really enjoyed having Terri be a strong, confident, self reliant woman with a definite soft side. Her tenacity and quick answers and emotions made her very real.

Carol Dines is a wonderful narrator bringing this story to life, I enjoy her portrayals.

--I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

If Book 1 was a C; Book 2 is an A- much improved

Sandy Lloyd did exactly what I wished her to do in my review of Book One in the series. It focused on one set of problems, it was half as long and every moment felt like a commitment by Lloyd to her readers, nothing seemed wasted..

Carol Dines' Performance seemed improved as well. Perhaps because the above mentioned reasons. 4 stars!
***********************************SPOILER ALERT**********

Des N Terry are "Sin" and Avery's [the main characters from book 1] best friends/sibling. They have arrived in Las Vegas for A destination wedding for the pair. However, before any celebration can commence Terry finds herself in a situation. Much to her chagrin she must ask Des , her ex-fling, for help. From that point on, it is nonstop action!

Based on this installment I recommend this book without hesitation.I am actually looking forward to the third installment in the series.

This is definitely a bit spicier and it begins right away.

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