OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Holding the Wild Card" by Mareta L. Miller.]

Holding the Wild Card by Mareta L. Miller is a romantic novel that feels like a breeze. The story never overwhelms the reader with philosophies or intricate complications. Instead, it flows like a river. You enjoy the way it flows even though you know the path is already established. You enjoy the humming of the stream and the way it nudges the pebbles.

This novel tells the story of Audrey who, among other things, is a car mechanic. She is impulsive, headstrong and a bit childish. She encounters Layne who does not make a favourable first impression. However, they cannot seem to avoid each other. Somewhere along the way, they fall in love. Complications and drama ensue. Are Audrey and Layne meant to be together? Do they live happily ever after? This forms the crux of the story.

The story is set in Las Vegas, which is the author’s home. The setting adds to the cosy feeling. Many sentences reveal the author’s love for this amazing city. I quote: “Life in Vegas isn’t all glamour and glitz. It’s not bright lights and big wins all the time. Real people live here and have real struggles just like everywhere else.”

I enjoyed the steamy romantic scenes in the book. Even though many things are predictable, the author displays a unique talent for writing passionate scenes. I also appreciated the use of cards to denote chapter numbers. I did not like the impulsiveness of Audrey, but it is my personal preference and not a flaw of the book. Probably, this means I empathised with her. I scolded her when she made the wrong choices and rejoiced when she made the right ones. Other characters revolving around Audrey and Layne are equally well developed.

The only thing I disliked about the book was that there were numerous grammatical mistakes. For this reason, I give Holding the Wild Card by Mareta L. Miller 3 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading romantic novels with many steamy moments. I also recommend this to those who like impulsive and dramatic female characters. Even though there are some sensual scenes, the author has invoked romance without being graphic. Since these are not explicit, I would recommend this to readers above the age of 15. I would not recommend this book to those who love complex characters and intricately woven plots. The book is relatively predictable and feels like wearing a warm jacket during a chilly autumn night.

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Holding the Wild Card
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Like srividyag1's review? Post a comment saying so!

I like that the author makes a comment about people living in Las Vegas are just like everybody else. So often, stories set in Las Vegas tend to be about the night-life, but I like that this one is different. It is too bad about the errors, though. Thank you for the great review!

Romance isn't my genre, and this sounds fairly predictable in any case. I'm glad you enjoyed it; Las Vegas does make for a great setting. I think I'll pass, though. Thanks for the review.

This seems like a lighthearted book with the addition of romance. And that's just what I need sometimes. Particularly I like the fact that the story is set in Las Vegas!
Thank you for an amazing review!

I loved your first paragraph describing this book! The creative chapter headings are a clever addition that match the setting. Thanks for reviewing this book.

The Las Vegas setting caught my attention and now I'm interested in seeing how Audrey and Layne come together.

Stephanie Elizabeth wrote: ↑03 Jun 2019, 08:59 I like that the author makes a comment about people living in Las Vegas are just like everybody else. So often, stories set in Las Vegas tend to be about the night-life, but I like that this one is different. It is too bad about the errors, though. Thank you for the great review!

Exactly! Which is what makes this book unique I think.. Thanks for the comment!!

kandscreeley wrote: ↑03 Jun 2019, 09:27 Romance isn't my genre, and this sounds fairly predictable in any case. I'm glad you enjoyed it; Las Vegas does make for a great setting. I think I'll pass, though. Thanks for the review.

To be honest, romance isn't my favourite genre either. I usually go for fantasy, sci-fi and thrillers. This time I was overwhelmed by a profusion of psychological thrillers and I wanted a predictable cosy romance, without any surprises. This book served that purpose and I enjoyed it. Thanks for your kind words even though you don't like the genre!!

ivana7 wrote: ↑03 Jun 2019, 09:59 This seems like a lighthearted book with the addition of romance. And that's just what I need sometimes. Particularly I like the fact that the story is set in Las Vegas!
Thank you for an amazing review!

Exactly, this book popped at me at the right time, when I was looking for a no-surprises show. Thanks for stopping by to comment!!

kdstrack wrote: ↑03 Jun 2019, 10:19 I loved your first paragraph describing this book! The creative chapter headings are a clever addition that match the setting. Thanks for reviewing this book.

Thank you so much for the kind words!! I loved the colourful cards as headers.

Nisha Ward wrote: ↑03 Jun 2019, 10:25 The Las Vegas setting caught my attention and now I'm interested in seeing how Audrey and Layne come together.

It's indeed a good story Hope you would enjoy the book. Thanks for the comment!!

I like the reviewer’s metaphorical terms in describing the book. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the enjoyable review.

I believe the quote: what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, is appropriate for this read. Thank you!