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Black Number Four
Known as one of the youngest and most ambitious poker players in the country, Skyler Thorne has a reputation to uphold in Vegas this year. Her sole focus for spring semester is to perfect her game and get tournament ready – and have some fun with her sorority sisters, of course. Meeting a care-free pledge with incredible arms adds a whole new element of fun to her semester, but when a shocking discovery about his past surfaces, Skyler finds herself stuck in a game she wasn’t prepared to play.
Kip Jackson is on a mission from his father. His plan was to get in, have a little fun, and then get out – on to bigger and better things. A feisty girl with bright blue eyes wasn’t on his list of things to do, but she quickly moves her way up to the very top. When he realizes completing his dad’s mission means crushing her in the process, he must decide if his dreams are worth the risk – or if he even has the same dreams, at all.
Two secrets. Two hearts. Two hands being played in one twisted game of deceit.
When the cards are on the table, will anyone be left standing?
The perfect poker face can only hide them for so long.
Kip Jackson is on a mission from his father. His plan was to get in, have a little fun, and then get out – on to bigger and better things. A feisty girl with bright blue eyes wasn’t on his list of things to do, but she quickly moves her way up to the very top. When he realizes completing his dad’s mission means crushing her in the process, he must decide if his dreams are worth the risk – or if he even has the same dreams, at all.
Two secrets. Two hearts. Two hands being played in one twisted game of deceit.
When the cards are on the table, will anyone be left standing?
The perfect poker face can only hide them for so long.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2015
397 people are currently reading
2259 people want to read
About the author
Kandi Steiner
81 books14.8k followersKandi Steiner is a USA Today and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author living in Tennessee. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal.
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. Her love for writing started at the ripe age of 10, and in 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.”
She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a hopeless romantic and found herself bursting at the seams with love stories she was eager to tell.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, planning her next adventure, or pole dancing (yes, you read that right). She enjoys live music, traveling, hiking, yoga, spending quality time with her family (fur babies included) and soaking up the sweetness of life.
CONNECT WITH KANDI:
➜ NEWSLETTER: kandisteiner.com/newsletter
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kandisteiner
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (Kandiland): facebook.com/groups/kandilandks
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/kandisteiner
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorkandisteiner
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/authorkandisteiner
➜ WEBSITE: www.kandisteiner.com
Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:
➜ www.kandisteiner.com/events
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. Her love for writing started at the ripe age of 10, and in 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.”
She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a hopeless romantic and found herself bursting at the seams with love stories she was eager to tell.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, planning her next adventure, or pole dancing (yes, you read that right). She enjoys live music, traveling, hiking, yoga, spending quality time with her family (fur babies included) and soaking up the sweetness of life.
CONNECT WITH KANDI:
➜ NEWSLETTER: kandisteiner.com/newsletter
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kandisteiner
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (Kandiland): facebook.com/groups/kandilandks
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/kandisteiner
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorkandisteiner
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/authorkandisteiner
➜ WEBSITE: www.kandisteiner.com
Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:
➜ www.kandisteiner.com/events
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
October 6, 2016
4 stars!
Black Number Four is a NA/sports romance. If you consider poker a sport, that is. I say, if it’s on ESPN we can call it sports romance ;) Either way, I really enjoyed this story.
Skyler Thorne is a sorority girl who is also a professional poker player. She loves her sisters, has a fun time at school, and kicks ass at the poker tables. Her ultimate goal is to win the huge Vegas tournament at the end of the year, finish paying for college with the winnings and set her parents up. She has it all figured out. That’s until Kip comes in the picture.
I don’t want to say too much about Kip, but even though his intentions are a little shady at first, he is a good guy. He and Skyler have an intense connection and great chemistry. I really rooted for them, even though their circumstances weren’t the easiest.
I listened to the audio version of this book and the narration was good. I would recommend it to my lovers of NA who are looking for something a little different. It’s always nice not to read the same old-same old.
Black Number Four is a NA/sports romance. If you consider poker a sport, that is. I say, if it’s on ESPN we can call it sports romance ;) Either way, I really enjoyed this story.
Skyler Thorne is a sorority girl who is also a professional poker player. She loves her sisters, has a fun time at school, and kicks ass at the poker tables. Her ultimate goal is to win the huge Vegas tournament at the end of the year, finish paying for college with the winnings and set her parents up. She has it all figured out. That’s until Kip comes in the picture.
I don’t want to say too much about Kip, but even though his intentions are a little shady at first, he is a good guy. He and Skyler have an intense connection and great chemistry. I really rooted for them, even though their circumstances weren’t the easiest.
I listened to the audio version of this book and the narration was good. I would recommend it to my lovers of NA who are looking for something a little different. It’s always nice not to read the same old-same old.
“Love doesn’t care about the games we play. It doesn’t care about the rules or the players or what’s at stake. Love is wild and unruly and it does what it wants with our hearts without us having any say in it. It’s beautiful and paralyzing and breathtaking. And it kills us because it’s the only thing that keeps us alive. Love doesn’t play our games because love is a completely different game in and of itself. And in the game of love, when all the chips are on the table, no one emerges unscarred. No one.”
December 1, 2020
NOW LIVE
Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
In the poker world, Skyler is famous for being one of the youngest players to have a great poker skill and also for being a player that can shield her emotions and has no tell. But in college she's just another sorority girl trying to fit in the best she can. Enter Kip, a new transfer to her school and Skyler's new conquest. But things get complicated between them when an ex of Kip's gets involved, the poker world starts to take over, and when both their fears start to run each of their brains.
Black Number Four was an enjoyable NA romance that I'm happy I finally read. It was easy to immerse in the world that the author created and it kept me interested the majority of my reading experience. Kip and Skyler were both good characters and I could easily see how their emotions were having an affect on their lives. It was interesting to see them try to overcome the fears they had in order to be together.
Where the book lost me was all of the angst and drama that was involved. It seemed never ending and when one issue would be resolved another one was right there waiting to pop up. It would have been nice to just see these characters together at least some of the book where it wasn't drama that was driving them together.
Overall, a good book and one that I would recommend for all NA and angst lovers. I'm glad I found this author with her book Weightless and can't wait to read more of her work.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
In the poker world, Skyler is famous for being one of the youngest players to have a great poker skill and also for being a player that can shield her emotions and has no tell. But in college she's just another sorority girl trying to fit in the best she can. Enter Kip, a new transfer to her school and Skyler's new conquest. But things get complicated between them when an ex of Kip's gets involved, the poker world starts to take over, and when both their fears start to run each of their brains.
Black Number Four was an enjoyable NA romance that I'm happy I finally read. It was easy to immerse in the world that the author created and it kept me interested the majority of my reading experience. Kip and Skyler were both good characters and I could easily see how their emotions were having an affect on their lives. It was interesting to see them try to overcome the fears they had in order to be together.
Where the book lost me was all of the angst and drama that was involved. It seemed never ending and when one issue would be resolved another one was right there waiting to pop up. It would have been nice to just see these characters together at least some of the book where it wasn't drama that was driving them together.
Overall, a good book and one that I would recommend for all NA and angst lovers. I'm glad I found this author with her book Weightless and can't wait to read more of her work.
October 31, 2017
Review to come.
Read
December 16, 2015I am putting it on hold at 20%, as I am not quite in the mood for it. It's quite enjoyable read but I just seem to distracted with other things =)
April 7, 2018
OMG I absolutely LOVED this book! This book has got to be one of my favorites of the year, and will be one I read over and over again! I love how Kandi uses porker as the main reference for the story, I mean, isn’t love kind of like a game poker?
Skyler and Kip have an amazing chemistry between them. It’s hard to deny it’s there when they are around each other; however they have many obstacles they have to try to get around if they’re ever going to be able to make it work.
Both have a game they are forced to play, whether they like it or not. But as they grow closer and stronger feelings start to develop, how are they supposed to keep up with pretending and not get broken in the end. Kip has to decide if he continues on with his dad’s plan or if he calls it off because he’s starting to fall in love with Skyler, she isn’t anything that he was expecting. Skyler can either listen to her heart and tell her BIG (sorority sister) that she can’t go through with the plan because she loves Kip, or she can hurt Kip as much as she can and then let him run to the open arms of her BIG.
Will they let other people run their lives or will they say “SCREW THE WORLD” and do what they feel is right? Will they be able to go back to where they started once that trust is broken?
I loved this book, and I’m finding it hard to find something to say without giving too much away. I will say this though; you HAVE to read this book! From start to finish, this book will have you wrapped up in the world that is Skyler and Kip. You will laugh, cry and fall in love right along with them! I can’t wait to see what Kandi has in store for us next!
**ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review**
Skyler and Kip have an amazing chemistry between them. It’s hard to deny it’s there when they are around each other; however they have many obstacles they have to try to get around if they’re ever going to be able to make it work.
Both have a game they are forced to play, whether they like it or not. But as they grow closer and stronger feelings start to develop, how are they supposed to keep up with pretending and not get broken in the end. Kip has to decide if he continues on with his dad’s plan or if he calls it off because he’s starting to fall in love with Skyler, she isn’t anything that he was expecting. Skyler can either listen to her heart and tell her BIG (sorority sister) that she can’t go through with the plan because she loves Kip, or she can hurt Kip as much as she can and then let him run to the open arms of her BIG.
Will they let other people run their lives or will they say “SCREW THE WORLD” and do what they feel is right? Will they be able to go back to where they started once that trust is broken?
I loved this book, and I’m finding it hard to find something to say without giving too much away. I will say this though; you HAVE to read this book! From start to finish, this book will have you wrapped up in the world that is Skyler and Kip. You will laugh, cry and fall in love right along with them! I can’t wait to see what Kandi has in store for us next!
**ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review**
September 6, 2016
DNF at 37%. I just can't. I tried, I really did. Maybe I'll come back to it some day, but the dialogue just feels so contrived.
March 23, 2015
Excuse me for a second, while my racing heart slows and my tummy stops fluttering. Black Number Four is the epitome of a new adult novel. It’s got it all, plus some. While many focus on only the angst or shock factor in the new adult genre, Steiner has written a well-rounded novel that will cover all of the emotions, from heartbreak to frustration, romance to humor, and a whole lot of excitement.
Skyler and Kip couldn’t have been more perfect for each other. They’re both so witty, so sarcastic, and they play off of each SO well. For much of the book, I had a smile on my face or found myself laughing out loud at things they would say to one another. They’re adorable, and their relationship is one of my favorites in recent history. Their connection is smoking hot, yet also so tender and loving. You can feel it and breathe it in from the very first time they meet. They just work. I do wish we had a smidge more of Skyler’s background since we do end up learning so much about Kip, but it worked as it is. The games they play and the lies that are told are frustrating (in a fabulous way), but seeing how those issues are handled is even better. You just sort of know it’ll be okay, because it’s Skyler and Kip. It has to be.
The storyline is out of this world. You know the same ole same ole where you have two broken characters who fix one another? Uh yeah, that’s not this book. While these characters do find their true selves in one another and really step back to reevaluate everything they thought they knew, the tale of Skyler and Kip is so far beyond that. At the core, it’s about two people who both discover what truly matters the most in life. And that story? It’s beautiful. It’s touching and will make you think.
But let’s talk about the OTHER part of this one, shall we? The thrill, the originality, and the unique additions that will make Black Number Four stand out amongst so many other books on your Kindle right now. The biggest being how poker plays into the story. Like it’s a BIG deal in this book. What I loved the most is that she will turn anyone into a poker enthusiast, even if only for a few hours. It’s so easy to get caught up in the game and the adrenaline will be pumping right along with the characters. I use the phrase “edge of the seat” often, but I don’t think it’s ever been truer than it is with Black Number Four. Even if you don’t think you enjoy poker, I can assure you, you will after this one.
Another part of this book is the amount of greek life included, and how it plays into the story. (Ahh, okay…Kandi, don’t hate me right now. I love you. Remember that.) In my opinion, it was too much. I understood that the very tight knit group of friends that Skyler is a part of is a major component to this story. They lift her up, they believe in her, they’re very loyal to her, and they love her. That wasn’t the issue. I felt like the sorority life and all that it entailed was mentioned too much. I felt like we could have gotten the same feel for the story and felt the same emotions amongst this group of friends by mentioning it, but not overdoing it. It also felt like for a large part of the first half, the story of Skyler and Kip took a backseat. When those two characters are together, it’s perfection. I just found myself wishing for more of them and their story. The sorority is a very large part of the book though, and things wouldn’t have flowed or ended as they did without it. So I understand, I just wish it had been a tad bit less. I also think if you aren’t familiar with greek life, I could see some people becoming confused or a bit lost. It’s not hard to keep up, but I could see the Big, Little, Grand Little, etc causing some to scratch their heads.
In the wise old words of my friend Cassie, Kandi can “write like a mother*cker.” I agree, Cass. I agree. She can and will make you feel all of those emotions that you keep all bottled up, just waiting for a story like this. She pulls them all out, but handles them with care. She writes very realistic books, if that makes sense. Every thought, every description, and every conversation seemed to be well thought out, but never seemed fake or like something out of your greatest fantasy. Her characters call each other out on being cheesy, and aren’t afraid to tell you like it is. She writes THOSE types of books, and I love her so much more for it.
Overall, this is Kandi’s best yet and my new favorite of hers. This story has so many subplots and you will never be bored. It flows smoothly, and you’ll find yourself getting lost in their story. There are a lot of words I could use to describe it but the one I keep coming back to is exhilarating. Whether it’s with the lies, the games, the poker, or the chase, there’s no doubt your heart will be racing with every page of Black Number Four.
<3 Erin
Skyler and Kip couldn’t have been more perfect for each other. They’re both so witty, so sarcastic, and they play off of each SO well. For much of the book, I had a smile on my face or found myself laughing out loud at things they would say to one another. They’re adorable, and their relationship is one of my favorites in recent history. Their connection is smoking hot, yet also so tender and loving. You can feel it and breathe it in from the very first time they meet. They just work. I do wish we had a smidge more of Skyler’s background since we do end up learning so much about Kip, but it worked as it is. The games they play and the lies that are told are frustrating (in a fabulous way), but seeing how those issues are handled is even better. You just sort of know it’ll be okay, because it’s Skyler and Kip. It has to be.
The storyline is out of this world. You know the same ole same ole where you have two broken characters who fix one another? Uh yeah, that’s not this book. While these characters do find their true selves in one another and really step back to reevaluate everything they thought they knew, the tale of Skyler and Kip is so far beyond that. At the core, it’s about two people who both discover what truly matters the most in life. And that story? It’s beautiful. It’s touching and will make you think.
But let’s talk about the OTHER part of this one, shall we? The thrill, the originality, and the unique additions that will make Black Number Four stand out amongst so many other books on your Kindle right now. The biggest being how poker plays into the story. Like it’s a BIG deal in this book. What I loved the most is that she will turn anyone into a poker enthusiast, even if only for a few hours. It’s so easy to get caught up in the game and the adrenaline will be pumping right along with the characters. I use the phrase “edge of the seat” often, but I don’t think it’s ever been truer than it is with Black Number Four. Even if you don’t think you enjoy poker, I can assure you, you will after this one.
Another part of this book is the amount of greek life included, and how it plays into the story. (Ahh, okay…Kandi, don’t hate me right now. I love you. Remember that.) In my opinion, it was too much. I understood that the very tight knit group of friends that Skyler is a part of is a major component to this story. They lift her up, they believe in her, they’re very loyal to her, and they love her. That wasn’t the issue. I felt like the sorority life and all that it entailed was mentioned too much. I felt like we could have gotten the same feel for the story and felt the same emotions amongst this group of friends by mentioning it, but not overdoing it. It also felt like for a large part of the first half, the story of Skyler and Kip took a backseat. When those two characters are together, it’s perfection. I just found myself wishing for more of them and their story. The sorority is a very large part of the book though, and things wouldn’t have flowed or ended as they did without it. So I understand, I just wish it had been a tad bit less. I also think if you aren’t familiar with greek life, I could see some people becoming confused or a bit lost. It’s not hard to keep up, but I could see the Big, Little, Grand Little, etc causing some to scratch their heads.
In the wise old words of my friend Cassie, Kandi can “write like a mother*cker.” I agree, Cass. I agree. She can and will make you feel all of those emotions that you keep all bottled up, just waiting for a story like this. She pulls them all out, but handles them with care. She writes very realistic books, if that makes sense. Every thought, every description, and every conversation seemed to be well thought out, but never seemed fake or like something out of your greatest fantasy. Her characters call each other out on being cheesy, and aren’t afraid to tell you like it is. She writes THOSE types of books, and I love her so much more for it.
Overall, this is Kandi’s best yet and my new favorite of hers. This story has so many subplots and you will never be bored. It flows smoothly, and you’ll find yourself getting lost in their story. There are a lot of words I could use to describe it but the one I keep coming back to is exhilarating. Whether it’s with the lies, the games, the poker, or the chase, there’s no doubt your heart will be racing with every page of Black Number Four.
<3 Erin
August 28, 2015
I was lucky to win a copy of Black Number Four before its release and it's EASILY a favorite of mine for 2015! It's a fabulous combination of smart, sexy and sassy but gives you all the feels that a romance should. Kandi gets you in the game with Skyler and Kip-their romance was a definite rollercoaster ride but most of all, I felt that their relationship was relatable. Throw them into the world of poker and you just have to go "all in" with this story! Kandi does an excellent job of weaving the subplot and her characters are well-developed. I truly got a sense of friendship and loyalty with them. There were many moments when I laughed right out loud-the one-liners were so hilarious. This is where Kandi's personality really shines through. Being a member of Kandi's Chasers, I can say that the girls and the antics are the real deal. Kandi is the real deal!!!
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July 26, 2020
Loved reading this beautiful story! I want more of Skyler and Kip! Gosh, those two are gorgeous!
April 23, 2015
Skyler is a young hot up and coming professional poker player. She is also a regular college student trying to decide on a major and actively participate in her sorority. She meets Kip Jackson, a sexy transfer student during pledge week and their attraction to one another is quick. Unfortunately, both have secrets and both have people in their lives who are complicating any chance of them having a normal relationship.
This book was a pleasant surprise for me. Once I started reading this, I became quickly engaged and didn't stop reading it until the book was finished. Skyler is an easy character to enjoy spending time with. She has a lot of confidence in herself and her abilities, but she still has a lot of underlying insecurity from her high school days. Kip is a fun and sexy character, and it is tough to know how to feel because he is so genuine and likable, but is also carrying around a secret that will definitely cause some pain. There is a lot of drama in this story and some pretty outlandish situations, but I was totally hooked and rode out the emotional roller coaster with these characters. I love poker, but couldn't directly relate to some of the other things that were really important to these characters (namely the huge importance of sorority/Greek life). I found that was no problem as I was totally engrossed in the story and characters and what was going to happen next. The chemistry between Skyler and Kip was sexy and undeniable. I will gladly read more by this author in the future.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
This book was a pleasant surprise for me. Once I started reading this, I became quickly engaged and didn't stop reading it until the book was finished. Skyler is an easy character to enjoy spending time with. She has a lot of confidence in herself and her abilities, but she still has a lot of underlying insecurity from her high school days. Kip is a fun and sexy character, and it is tough to know how to feel because he is so genuine and likable, but is also carrying around a secret that will definitely cause some pain. There is a lot of drama in this story and some pretty outlandish situations, but I was totally hooked and rode out the emotional roller coaster with these characters. I love poker, but couldn't directly relate to some of the other things that were really important to these characters (namely the huge importance of sorority/Greek life). I found that was no problem as I was totally engrossed in the story and characters and what was going to happen next. The chemistry between Skyler and Kip was sexy and undeniable. I will gladly read more by this author in the future.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
July 28, 2020
*warning, this is kind of a rant review
Black Number Four by Kandi Steiner is about Skylar and Kip, two characters from the Palm South University series, and follows the same timeline as Legacy, book 4 in the series. This can be read as a standalone, or you can read it with Legacy. I read it with Legacy (there're notes in Legacy on which chapters of BNF to read before each episode). This was possibly the most annoying and unrealistic college romance I have ever read. I love Skylar, however, and for some reason I can't help but want more of the Palm South U crew. Skylar is a poker player and she's entering a big tournament in May, which could end all of her and her family's financial trouble. It's spring semester at college, and she meets Kip, a transfer student who rushes. Skylar's Big and president of their sorority Kappa Kappa Beta, Erin, tells their friend group that she has a childhood love that she learned is a transfer and that she wants to be with him again. Then she says it's Kip. Erin then comes up with a plan to get said boy back, which involves Skylar, since she has one of the best poker faces. Skylar is going to woo Kip and get him to love/be with her, only for Skylar to dump him. Then Erin will sweep in and get Kip to see how she's changed and still wants him. Skylar can't upset Erin, what with her being her Big and with Erin holding the presidency over her head. She and Kip start to hang out, and the more time they spend together, the more she starts to fall for him. But she knows she can't because she's destined to get their hearts broken. Kip has transferred to Palm South and is on a mission to figure out how Skylar Thorne, up and coming poker player, plays the game. His father has put pressure on him to do this so that come May, he can play against her and possibly win. Kip's dad could never live out his dream, so he lives through Kip. The deal is that if Kip does this, his dad will pay for UCLA and Kip can live out his dream. But he doesn't realize Skylar Thorne is the girl he meets during rush, the one he has a connection to. Soon, both Kip and Skylar are keeping secrets from each other, while trying desperately not to fall for the other.
My biggest issue with this book was Kip. He supposedly is good enough at poker to enter the biggest poker tournament, but then you read that it's not really his thing, that he isn't that good, and he's worried he'll disappoint his dad. He never practices poker in the entirety of the novel, he just says he does in one sentence at the end. And the whole reason for this scheme is so that his dad can live through him. His dad sucks a**. I mean seriously, his dad just wants this win for him, his dad is selfish, and he even asks Kip if he's been a good dad. And his dad was basically a stalker, especially with the file full of info on Skylar. It was creepy and weird for him to randomly target her. There were major issues with Kip and his dad's relationship which were never actually addressed. They had one heart to heart talk and then it was over and everything was right for Kip. Ugh. I hated the entire storyline. Skylar also made mistakes, but she definitely paid for them. She ended up throwing the poker game to Kip, because Kip STILL enters and actually MAKES IT TO THE END. Skylar realizes that she can have second place and be okay financially, but Kip needs the win for his dad (for some reason, his dad can't just be happy with his son being happy and doing what he wants). Skylar has worked hard to get to this moment, and if you've read the Palm South U series, you actually see her making her way up the ranks. So that was even more frustrating. She deserved the win more than Kip did. Kip needed to make a gesture, have some kind of action, that proved he really did love Skylar, and that never happened. It was the most frustrating thing. And Erin was a real a**hole with the entire plan she forced Skylar into. And there wasn't much groveling on Erin's end either. Kip's dad ended up getting cancer, and that was the whole reason for why Kip decided not to quit the tournament. Such BS. Overall, I really didn't enjoy Kip in the end. I kept holding out hope that he'd realize that Skylar was his focus, his #1, but it was always his father. Skylar, on the other hand, proves that Kip is her #1. I recommend reading this along with Legacy, it helped with my anger over everything. I tried to see this entire thing in Kip's shoes, I really did, but I think that if your father really loves you, he won't force you to do something you're not comfortable with and he won't make you feel like you're a disappointment. He shouldn't have used the tournament and poker as leverage against his son. They should've worked out their differences. I liked Skylar and Kip together when I thought he was actually good. I will say that Skylar and Kip had a great relationship if you took out the whole poker situation. They were cute together and the scenes they were in were all great. I liked it better when I didn't know how things would turn out.
Black Number Four by Kandi Steiner is about Skylar and Kip, two characters from the Palm South University series, and follows the same timeline as Legacy, book 4 in the series. This can be read as a standalone, or you can read it with Legacy. I read it with Legacy (there're notes in Legacy on which chapters of BNF to read before each episode). This was possibly the most annoying and unrealistic college romance I have ever read. I love Skylar, however, and for some reason I can't help but want more of the Palm South U crew. Skylar is a poker player and she's entering a big tournament in May, which could end all of her and her family's financial trouble. It's spring semester at college, and she meets Kip, a transfer student who rushes. Skylar's Big and president of their sorority Kappa Kappa Beta, Erin, tells their friend group that she has a childhood love that she learned is a transfer and that she wants to be with him again. Then she says it's Kip. Erin then comes up with a plan to get said boy back, which involves Skylar, since she has one of the best poker faces. Skylar is going to woo Kip and get him to love/be with her, only for Skylar to dump him. Then Erin will sweep in and get Kip to see how she's changed and still wants him. Skylar can't upset Erin, what with her being her Big and with Erin holding the presidency over her head. She and Kip start to hang out, and the more time they spend together, the more she starts to fall for him. But she knows she can't because she's destined to get their hearts broken. Kip has transferred to Palm South and is on a mission to figure out how Skylar Thorne, up and coming poker player, plays the game. His father has put pressure on him to do this so that come May, he can play against her and possibly win. Kip's dad could never live out his dream, so he lives through Kip. The deal is that if Kip does this, his dad will pay for UCLA and Kip can live out his dream. But he doesn't realize Skylar Thorne is the girl he meets during rush, the one he has a connection to. Soon, both Kip and Skylar are keeping secrets from each other, while trying desperately not to fall for the other.
My biggest issue with this book was Kip. He supposedly is good enough at poker to enter the biggest poker tournament, but then you read that it's not really his thing, that he isn't that good, and he's worried he'll disappoint his dad. He never practices poker in the entirety of the novel, he just says he does in one sentence at the end. And the whole reason for this scheme is so that his dad can live through him. His dad sucks a**. I mean seriously, his dad just wants this win for him, his dad is selfish, and he even asks Kip if he's been a good dad. And his dad was basically a stalker, especially with the file full of info on Skylar. It was creepy and weird for him to randomly target her. There were major issues with Kip and his dad's relationship which were never actually addressed. They had one heart to heart talk and then it was over and everything was right for Kip. Ugh. I hated the entire storyline. Skylar also made mistakes, but she definitely paid for them. She ended up throwing the poker game to Kip, because Kip STILL enters and actually MAKES IT TO THE END. Skylar realizes that she can have second place and be okay financially, but Kip needs the win for his dad (for some reason, his dad can't just be happy with his son being happy and doing what he wants). Skylar has worked hard to get to this moment, and if you've read the Palm South U series, you actually see her making her way up the ranks. So that was even more frustrating. She deserved the win more than Kip did. Kip needed to make a gesture, have some kind of action, that proved he really did love Skylar, and that never happened. It was the most frustrating thing. And Erin was a real a**hole with the entire plan she forced Skylar into. And there wasn't much groveling on Erin's end either. Kip's dad ended up getting cancer, and that was the whole reason for why Kip decided not to quit the tournament. Such BS. Overall, I really didn't enjoy Kip in the end. I kept holding out hope that he'd realize that Skylar was his focus, his #1, but it was always his father. Skylar, on the other hand, proves that Kip is her #1. I recommend reading this along with Legacy, it helped with my anger over everything. I tried to see this entire thing in Kip's shoes, I really did, but I think that if your father really loves you, he won't force you to do something you're not comfortable with and he won't make you feel like you're a disappointment. He shouldn't have used the tournament and poker as leverage against his son. They should've worked out their differences. I liked Skylar and Kip together when I thought he was actually good. I will say that Skylar and Kip had a great relationship if you took out the whole poker situation. They were cute together and the scenes they were in were all great. I liked it better when I didn't know how things would turn out.
February 23, 2015
I absolutely love Kandi and everything she writes. The woman can do NO wrong. I know as soon as I sit down to read her books, I won't be disappointed. And Black Number Four was no exception.
I have been waiting for this book for a very long time. And let me tell you, I was insanely impatient. But, Kandi Steiner did not disappoint. Not only was she able to twine a story about poker (which, I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of) and love, and it was unforgettable. I adored Kip and Skylar's story. It was intriguing and powerful and all things amazing. My connection with these characters is one I'll have a hard time getting over.
Let's talk about Skylar and her gaggle of amazing friends. Not only was a character named after me (badass, right?!) and four of mine and Kandi's closest friends, but they are all fantastic, sarcastic, lovable side characters that I hope to see again one day. It's not easy to write a story where a reader genuinely cares for each and every character. The story wasn't JUST about Skye and Kip, it was about the relationships within the story and it was beautiful. I think what I loved most about this book was the connections that were made.
Now, Skye is a bit of a question mark for me. I didn't love her at first. In fact, she sort of annoyed me. She thought very highly of herself and didn't mind making it known. And to top it off, everyone was fairly obsessed with her. I like to see character more humble. But about half way through the book, I began to understand her. I totally just GOT her. And I couldn't imagine her being any different. Sometimes the imperfections that I see in a character is what makes the character so great. And Skylar is pretty damn great. As a matter of fact, by the end of the book, she had become one of my favorite girl book characters. She wasn't always the popular girl and I think that had a big impact on her current college life. The story begins with Skye being at the top of her poker game and at school, she's a badass and she knows it. She embraces her coolness and runs with it, and I have to admire her for it. She knows what she wants and takes it. But then on the flip side of that, she also has an immense need to please others. So much that I almost wanted to wring her neck a few times. I wanted to reach through my Kindle and give her a good talking to. And that is one of the many reasons why Black Number Four is such a great story. Skylar Thorne grows so much from page one to "the end," and I had a great time watching her become a woman and finding herself in the process.
And Kip...oh, sex on the beach, Kip. I love him. First of all, who can resist a man who looks like him AND wears hot glasses? I mean--I'm all about the nerdy jock type. He's smart, funny, a tad nerdy, strong, opinionated and downright panty-melting worthy. The. Guy. Is. Hot. And his heart? Oh God...it's in the right place, and without giving too much away, he is a lot like Skylar in that aspect. I wanted to give him a slapping, as well. But, you can't hate a guy for wanting to do right by his family.
I found myself laughing so many times throughout the book. The one liners were what made this book. And, we can't forget the swoon factor. Oh, sweet geebus, the tension and sex is HAWT. Sizzling, even, and I couldn't get enough. Kip, as we'd expect is the perfect charmer and sweet talker. He could charm the panties off of any girl he came into contact with. Me included. Sign me up for a piece of that!
There is also LOTS of drama. LOTS, and I loved it. Just when you think Kandi is finally going to give us a happy ending and let Skye and Kip be, you realize you still have 150 pages left. BAM! Kandi smacks you in the face with another obstacle that the characters have to go though. I'd like to tell you that BN4 is an easy read. It isn't. It requires you to put your whole heart and soul in to reading. You can't half ass yourself and just read to read, you need to read and experience it. Embrace it. Kandi has a way of forcing you to invest in the story. She wants to to feel what her characters feel, and I'm going to be honest, she'll strip you raw before putting you back together. But you'll be so happy and fulfilled when she does.
Black Number Four is a phenomenal read. Bravo, Kandi! I'm so very proud of you!
I have been waiting for this book for a very long time. And let me tell you, I was insanely impatient. But, Kandi Steiner did not disappoint. Not only was she able to twine a story about poker (which, I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of) and love, and it was unforgettable. I adored Kip and Skylar's story. It was intriguing and powerful and all things amazing. My connection with these characters is one I'll have a hard time getting over.
Let's talk about Skylar and her gaggle of amazing friends. Not only was a character named after me (badass, right?!) and four of mine and Kandi's closest friends, but they are all fantastic, sarcastic, lovable side characters that I hope to see again one day. It's not easy to write a story where a reader genuinely cares for each and every character. The story wasn't JUST about Skye and Kip, it was about the relationships within the story and it was beautiful. I think what I loved most about this book was the connections that were made.
Now, Skye is a bit of a question mark for me. I didn't love her at first. In fact, she sort of annoyed me. She thought very highly of herself and didn't mind making it known. And to top it off, everyone was fairly obsessed with her. I like to see character more humble. But about half way through the book, I began to understand her. I totally just GOT her. And I couldn't imagine her being any different. Sometimes the imperfections that I see in a character is what makes the character so great. And Skylar is pretty damn great. As a matter of fact, by the end of the book, she had become one of my favorite girl book characters. She wasn't always the popular girl and I think that had a big impact on her current college life. The story begins with Skye being at the top of her poker game and at school, she's a badass and she knows it. She embraces her coolness and runs with it, and I have to admire her for it. She knows what she wants and takes it. But then on the flip side of that, she also has an immense need to please others. So much that I almost wanted to wring her neck a few times. I wanted to reach through my Kindle and give her a good talking to. And that is one of the many reasons why Black Number Four is such a great story. Skylar Thorne grows so much from page one to "the end," and I had a great time watching her become a woman and finding herself in the process.
And Kip...oh, sex on the beach, Kip. I love him. First of all, who can resist a man who looks like him AND wears hot glasses? I mean--I'm all about the nerdy jock type. He's smart, funny, a tad nerdy, strong, opinionated and downright panty-melting worthy. The. Guy. Is. Hot. And his heart? Oh God...it's in the right place, and without giving too much away, he is a lot like Skylar in that aspect. I wanted to give him a slapping, as well. But, you can't hate a guy for wanting to do right by his family.
I found myself laughing so many times throughout the book. The one liners were what made this book. And, we can't forget the swoon factor. Oh, sweet geebus, the tension and sex is HAWT. Sizzling, even, and I couldn't get enough. Kip, as we'd expect is the perfect charmer and sweet talker. He could charm the panties off of any girl he came into contact with. Me included. Sign me up for a piece of that!
There is also LOTS of drama. LOTS, and I loved it. Just when you think Kandi is finally going to give us a happy ending and let Skye and Kip be, you realize you still have 150 pages left. BAM! Kandi smacks you in the face with another obstacle that the characters have to go though. I'd like to tell you that BN4 is an easy read. It isn't. It requires you to put your whole heart and soul in to reading. You can't half ass yourself and just read to read, you need to read and experience it. Embrace it. Kandi has a way of forcing you to invest in the story. She wants to to feel what her characters feel, and I'm going to be honest, she'll strip you raw before putting you back together. But you'll be so happy and fulfilled when she does.
Black Number Four is a phenomenal read. Bravo, Kandi! I'm so very proud of you!
April 14, 2015
* A review copy was provided by the author for the Blog Tour *
~ 4 Poker Face Stars ~
Black Number Four was an interesting story in the New Adult Genre. In some aspects it was very similar to other books out there, but Kandi was able to put a spin on the storyline which made it a story all of it's own.
This is the third book I have read by Kandi and I have to say that I truly enjoy each and every one of her books. I have enjoyed watching her writing improve with each book she writes. She has a great ability of creating characters that are fun and easy to relate to, which helps make the story believable. This story was easy for me to connect with because I was in a Sorority when I was in college, so this book brought back very fond memories for me. I am also a HUGE poker fan, so knowing this book was going to revolve around playing poker, totally sucked me in.
This book truly did have it all. You will run through every emotion your body has while reading it. It will make you laugh, smile, swoon, blush, yell and want to pull your hair out, but this journey is so worth the risk. This book has many subplots to the story also, that it will keep you intrigued all the way through and you will want to turn the pages quickly to see how it all turns out. I thought the story flowed smoothly and was able to suck me in. My only real complaint was the over usage of the sorority language, when describing the Big/Little sisters. Being that I was in a sorority I felt it was over done. We never really called our Big or Little sisters, Big or Little. We used their names. But with that said it didn't change my overall enjoyment of the book. I just think some who aren't familiar with Greek life might find it confusing and over done.
In this story we meet Kip and Skyler. These two characters were so well matched that it made you want to root for them throughout the whole book. I truly loved watching their friendship grow into something more. I also loved how these two characters learned to open themselves up and become the people they were truly meant to be. I have to say it didn't hurt that their chemistry was off the charts. These two definitely knew how to bring on the steam ;) Now that isn't to say they didn't have their share of troubles….they surely did. Their path to happiness was not an easy one.
We also met some great secondary characters, each had their own special spin on this story. I loved how Kandi showed the great friendships that can be built in college and through Greek life. To this day I still call many of my sorority sisters friends and I was left with some wonderful memories.
I would definitely recommend this book. It was a book that was fun, sweet, but also very intriguing. This book is a stand alone with a happy ending and is one I know I will read again in the future.
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~ 4 Poker Face Stars ~
Black Number Four was an interesting story in the New Adult Genre. In some aspects it was very similar to other books out there, but Kandi was able to put a spin on the storyline which made it a story all of it's own.
This is the third book I have read by Kandi and I have to say that I truly enjoy each and every one of her books. I have enjoyed watching her writing improve with each book she writes. She has a great ability of creating characters that are fun and easy to relate to, which helps make the story believable. This story was easy for me to connect with because I was in a Sorority when I was in college, so this book brought back very fond memories for me. I am also a HUGE poker fan, so knowing this book was going to revolve around playing poker, totally sucked me in.
This book truly did have it all. You will run through every emotion your body has while reading it. It will make you laugh, smile, swoon, blush, yell and want to pull your hair out, but this journey is so worth the risk. This book has many subplots to the story also, that it will keep you intrigued all the way through and you will want to turn the pages quickly to see how it all turns out. I thought the story flowed smoothly and was able to suck me in. My only real complaint was the over usage of the sorority language, when describing the Big/Little sisters. Being that I was in a sorority I felt it was over done. We never really called our Big or Little sisters, Big or Little. We used their names. But with that said it didn't change my overall enjoyment of the book. I just think some who aren't familiar with Greek life might find it confusing and over done.
In this story we meet Kip and Skyler. These two characters were so well matched that it made you want to root for them throughout the whole book. I truly loved watching their friendship grow into something more. I also loved how these two characters learned to open themselves up and become the people they were truly meant to be. I have to say it didn't hurt that their chemistry was off the charts. These two definitely knew how to bring on the steam ;) Now that isn't to say they didn't have their share of troubles….they surely did. Their path to happiness was not an easy one.
We also met some great secondary characters, each had their own special spin on this story. I loved how Kandi showed the great friendships that can be built in college and through Greek life. To this day I still call many of my sorority sisters friends and I was left with some wonderful memories.
I would definitely recommend this book. It was a book that was fun, sweet, but also very intriguing. This book is a stand alone with a happy ending and is one I know I will read again in the future.
Follow Us at :: Book Bitches Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Tsu
April 11, 2016
Can someone explain to me why it took me so long to read this book, or any book by Kandi Steiner?
Anyone?
Okay, that means I am just an idiot.
This book, these characters are fantastically amazing with a dash of HOT!
Kip... words fail me when it comes to Kip. He's smart, sexy (he knows it too, but it's not the stuck up sexy), funny... did I say hot? No, I didn't well he's BEYOND hot! Definitely on a list of my top book boyfriends.
Skyler, she's feisty, sassy and so oblivious to the fact that she's amazingly beautiful. She's on a mission to help herself and her family, live a better life. So, she's been entering poker tournaments to pay for her college and to help her parents.
She has a plan, a way out of all the tournaments, that will finally allow her to follow her dream and take care of her parents... that was until Kip stepped into her life. Their chemistry is on point, it's fiery, intense and runs deep, even if each is on a mission to destroy the other.
Will their intensifying feelings derail their plans or will they go all in for love?
Wow! This book was flat out amazing. It had me laughing at parts, wanting to strangle people at others and the whole time I was cheering for Sky and Kip. The supporting characters added so much to the storyline with their banter, support of their friends and adding their own drama.
I am now delving into the rest of Kandi's books!
Anyone?
Okay, that means I am just an idiot.
This book, these characters are fantastically amazing with a dash of HOT!
Kip... words fail me when it comes to Kip. He's smart, sexy (he knows it too, but it's not the stuck up sexy), funny... did I say hot? No, I didn't well he's BEYOND hot! Definitely on a list of my top book boyfriends.
Skyler, she's feisty, sassy and so oblivious to the fact that she's amazingly beautiful. She's on a mission to help herself and her family, live a better life. So, she's been entering poker tournaments to pay for her college and to help her parents.
She has a plan, a way out of all the tournaments, that will finally allow her to follow her dream and take care of her parents... that was until Kip stepped into her life. Their chemistry is on point, it's fiery, intense and runs deep, even if each is on a mission to destroy the other.
Will their intensifying feelings derail their plans or will they go all in for love?
Wow! This book was flat out amazing. It had me laughing at parts, wanting to strangle people at others and the whole time I was cheering for Sky and Kip. The supporting characters added so much to the storyline with their banter, support of their friends and adding their own drama.
I am now delving into the rest of Kandi's books!
April 19, 2015
Ahhh! This book is my favorite of all of Kandi' s books. These characters are written so well that you would swear you are in the book with them. The H and h are two people who you can relate too and you fall in love with them. This read has so many emotions in it. At one point I could of thrown my Kindle but in the end my heart is very Happy. Great characters, great flow! I would highly recommend this book for any fiction reader.
June 4, 2020
Black Number Four was a fun read about a group of college kids in Florida. Skyler and Kip, while holding huge secrets from each other, find themselves pulled together. This book finds these two college juniors reaching out to find themselves and what they really want to do with life and each other. I look forward to more from this crew!
August 13, 2015
Kandi Steiner, you are amazing! I loved this book so much. The chemistry between Kip and Skyler was more electrifying than John and Olivia...lol. Seriously though, if you are looking for a book that you will not want to put down then go ahead and grab it. :-)
Want to read
April 4, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/4/2020)! 🎁
May 30, 2022
Overall this was a solid read! I read it alongside Legacy (Book 4 in the PSU series) since the events of these books happen during the same time. Skyler and Kip definitely put each other through it but I’m happy it worked out for them in the end! They had their reasons but they deserved happiness and brought out the best in each other 💙
October 10, 2022
DNF. From the start, I couldn't stand it. It just comes off almost as too immature. I couldn't with all the attempted playful banter and flirting, Gah! Nope I just noped out of it real quick. Sorry not sorry.
April 13, 2015
From the mouth of my 9 year old , a little joke she heard -
How do you wake up Lady Gaga ??
Poker Face...get it poke-her-face , IDK thought it went with the book !!
Ok so my hubby just got some candy skull designed cards tattooed on his hand , no lie , so obviously poker is a household thing for my family and I loved reading about it in a book. Reading as much as I do it is nice to have a different kind of SPORT/HOBBY !!
You had me with the cover
I was intrigued by the synop ( which explains a lot so I am not adding those deets to my review)
I was hooked by 3%
I was drooling and devoted by the body shot
I was blown away by the time Kip has THAT convo with his dad
And all this happens before we really get into it all !!
I may not be a fan of insta-love BUT this INSTA-HEAT , INSTA-DESIRE , INSTA-LUST is something I can get on board with !! Skyler and Kip have that from that first touch , lick , kiss !! Damn that scene was hot !! This story takes place in the heat of college and fraternity/sorority excitement. I admit I never went away to college so I have no clue what the desire is for all of this STUFF but I do have a great understanding of it after reading this book. It is a huge time commitment and seems to be not worth all the drama it can bring BUT the whole go to college right of passage etc etc makes sense that someone like Skyler who never fit in as a kid would embrace the feelings of security it brings her. Skyler is on the verge of becoming President and her BIG-Erin , has some plans for her that of course coincide with Skyler's plan for the new pledge she shared a tequila treat with. Skyler's whole life is about playing games , so of course she is up to the challenge but it quickly proves to be difficult when feelings get in the way. Kip is also on a mission and I was shocked to find out what it was. Immediately he is unhappy but attempts to follow through without making it known who he is and what he is doing. Kip and Skyler have more in common than they know and their new found friendship/relationship is quick , easy and fun to read. At times you forget what they are both suppose to be doing and at times I wanted to switch their course so I could just relax and enjoy more of them enjoying each other !! There is a lot of frat/sorority events and parties, we get to know the friends and let loose at times. Erin has this elaborate scheme to get back the one who got away. Throwing Skyler in the middle of this sets the tone for much of the drama involved. The struggle between Kip and Skyler is REAL , the emotions , the secrets , the lies. They are perfect for each other and you want to fight for them BUT the things they are attempting to achieve are driving them to be the people they do not want to be. Once they both reach the point where they want to be truthful secrets blow up in their faces one after another. There is no comfort for these two and it is heartbreaking and sadly not something that resolves quickly. Rest assured there is a great ending and I am betting many will enjoy this story and see its uniqueness and embrace the underlying story of love. I loved the stories of Skyler's mom teaching her poker and her fathers methods for finding your lucky number !! Such a great added bonus , obviously tying in with the title. Sadly for Kip his family story is there in detail but ends up suffering a severe loss. There are so many pieces to this story , so many emotions. It is well rounded and will leave you satisfied , then again I could never get enough KIP !!
How do you wake up Lady Gaga ??
Poker Face...get it poke-her-face , IDK thought it went with the book !!
Ok so my hubby just got some candy skull designed cards tattooed on his hand , no lie , so obviously poker is a household thing for my family and I loved reading about it in a book. Reading as much as I do it is nice to have a different kind of SPORT/HOBBY !!
You had me with the cover
I was intrigued by the synop ( which explains a lot so I am not adding those deets to my review)
I was hooked by 3%
I was drooling and devoted by the body shot
I was blown away by the time Kip has THAT convo with his dad
And all this happens before we really get into it all !!
I may not be a fan of insta-love BUT this INSTA-HEAT , INSTA-DESIRE , INSTA-LUST is something I can get on board with !! Skyler and Kip have that from that first touch , lick , kiss !! Damn that scene was hot !! This story takes place in the heat of college and fraternity/sorority excitement. I admit I never went away to college so I have no clue what the desire is for all of this STUFF but I do have a great understanding of it after reading this book. It is a huge time commitment and seems to be not worth all the drama it can bring BUT the whole go to college right of passage etc etc makes sense that someone like Skyler who never fit in as a kid would embrace the feelings of security it brings her. Skyler is on the verge of becoming President and her BIG-Erin , has some plans for her that of course coincide with Skyler's plan for the new pledge she shared a tequila treat with. Skyler's whole life is about playing games , so of course she is up to the challenge but it quickly proves to be difficult when feelings get in the way. Kip is also on a mission and I was shocked to find out what it was. Immediately he is unhappy but attempts to follow through without making it known who he is and what he is doing. Kip and Skyler have more in common than they know and their new found friendship/relationship is quick , easy and fun to read. At times you forget what they are both suppose to be doing and at times I wanted to switch their course so I could just relax and enjoy more of them enjoying each other !! There is a lot of frat/sorority events and parties, we get to know the friends and let loose at times. Erin has this elaborate scheme to get back the one who got away. Throwing Skyler in the middle of this sets the tone for much of the drama involved. The struggle between Kip and Skyler is REAL , the emotions , the secrets , the lies. They are perfect for each other and you want to fight for them BUT the things they are attempting to achieve are driving them to be the people they do not want to be. Once they both reach the point where they want to be truthful secrets blow up in their faces one after another. There is no comfort for these two and it is heartbreaking and sadly not something that resolves quickly. Rest assured there is a great ending and I am betting many will enjoy this story and see its uniqueness and embrace the underlying story of love. I loved the stories of Skyler's mom teaching her poker and her fathers methods for finding your lucky number !! Such a great added bonus , obviously tying in with the title. Sadly for Kip his family story is there in detail but ends up suffering a severe loss. There are so many pieces to this story , so many emotions. It is well rounded and will leave you satisfied , then again I could never get enough KIP !!
October 14, 2015
5 out of 5 stars!!!
I LOVED this book more than anything I’ve read recently. Skylar and Kip are two characters that I wish I could read more and more about. They developed into friends thru the course of the book and I’m so happy that I got to meet them!
I’ve only read one other book by Ms Steiner (Tag Chaser) and I liked it well enough, but this one just really spoke to me. I’m not a poker player, but my boys love to try. As I was reading, I was thinking about them growing up to be like Kip…and how that wouldn’t be such a bad thing!
Both Skylar and Kip are playing games with each other in the beginning. They both want something from the other, but what they discover is that what the wanted to begin with isn’t what they truly wanted.
Skylar is in line to be the next president of her sorority. Kip is a transfer student from Kansas trying to get into his dream school to work on screenplays. Skylar is consumed with what other people think of her and how to make them happy. Kip just wants to do this one last favor for his dad so he can get into his dream college - UCLA.
The twists and turns that they went thru made me cry. I was so pulling for them and I knew they would be great together, but they had to pull their heads out of their butts in order to see what everyone else clearly saw.
The way that Ms Steiner wrote about the characters really made me believe their relationship and their thoughts. There were so many times when the girls were hanging out talking that I wanted to be one of them. They were funny (like the discussion with nicknames for the vagina) and they were soulfull (like when they nursed Skylar back after a breakup). They were exactly like the friends I would want to have.
Then the guys were great, too. Bear was obviously someone I wanted to know much more about. He seemed like the best guy friend. Adam hung on to Skylar a little too long and Kade was just the best comic relief!
There are passages where the characters just felt real - the first time that Kip joined Skylar at a poker tournament he described all the other players and the best was what he had to say about the last four -- he compared them to dads. I totally got the idea better than if he’d went into great detail. They were easy to picture because that’s how I would describe some people, too.
Of course, there was also some sexy time and the first time that Skylar pleasured Kip I loved the way that Ms Steiner made her thoughts come out:
If there’s one thing I do better than poker, it’s blow jobs -- and judging by the sounds coming from Kip right now, I’ve still got it.
And then there were the words coming out of Kip’s mouth -- he was so darn hot!!!
“I’m going to take you, Skylar. But I need you to know that once I do, I’m going to own you. you’re going to be mine. This game between us? The rules are going to change.”
I really felt all of this novel. I think I experienced every emotion while I read - I was laughing, I was crying, I was angry, and I was anxious. Truly, this novel had everything I love in a book! Every character brought something to the book and every page left me wanting more. The way she wrapped it up was also amazing. This book is definitely a five star read!!
I LOVED this book more than anything I’ve read recently. Skylar and Kip are two characters that I wish I could read more and more about. They developed into friends thru the course of the book and I’m so happy that I got to meet them!
I’ve only read one other book by Ms Steiner (Tag Chaser) and I liked it well enough, but this one just really spoke to me. I’m not a poker player, but my boys love to try. As I was reading, I was thinking about them growing up to be like Kip…and how that wouldn’t be such a bad thing!
Both Skylar and Kip are playing games with each other in the beginning. They both want something from the other, but what they discover is that what the wanted to begin with isn’t what they truly wanted.
Skylar is in line to be the next president of her sorority. Kip is a transfer student from Kansas trying to get into his dream school to work on screenplays. Skylar is consumed with what other people think of her and how to make them happy. Kip just wants to do this one last favor for his dad so he can get into his dream college - UCLA.
The twists and turns that they went thru made me cry. I was so pulling for them and I knew they would be great together, but they had to pull their heads out of their butts in order to see what everyone else clearly saw.
The way that Ms Steiner wrote about the characters really made me believe their relationship and their thoughts. There were so many times when the girls were hanging out talking that I wanted to be one of them. They were funny (like the discussion with nicknames for the vagina) and they were soulfull (like when they nursed Skylar back after a breakup). They were exactly like the friends I would want to have.
Then the guys were great, too. Bear was obviously someone I wanted to know much more about. He seemed like the best guy friend. Adam hung on to Skylar a little too long and Kade was just the best comic relief!
There are passages where the characters just felt real - the first time that Kip joined Skylar at a poker tournament he described all the other players and the best was what he had to say about the last four -- he compared them to dads. I totally got the idea better than if he’d went into great detail. They were easy to picture because that’s how I would describe some people, too.
Of course, there was also some sexy time and the first time that Skylar pleasured Kip I loved the way that Ms Steiner made her thoughts come out:
If there’s one thing I do better than poker, it’s blow jobs -- and judging by the sounds coming from Kip right now, I’ve still got it.
And then there were the words coming out of Kip’s mouth -- he was so darn hot!!!
“I’m going to take you, Skylar. But I need you to know that once I do, I’m going to own you. you’re going to be mine. This game between us? The rules are going to change.”
I really felt all of this novel. I think I experienced every emotion while I read - I was laughing, I was crying, I was angry, and I was anxious. Truly, this novel had everything I love in a book! Every character brought something to the book and every page left me wanting more. The way she wrapped it up was also amazing. This book is definitely a five star read!!
February 24, 2015
“Love doesn’t play our games because love is a completely different game in and of itself. And in the game of love, when all the chips are on the table, no one emerges unscarred. No one. But sometimes our scars are the most beautiful story tellers.”
I told Kandi that I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to put my feelings in to words. I’m not a writing so finding the words to describe how much I adored this book is difficult for me.
But here goes nothing.
I’ve been reading this book for a few months now. Mostly in small chunks of 2-3 chapters at a time. Every time I finished I would beg for more. It was a constant need to know the rest of the conversation, the rest of the scene, the rest of the story. I felt a connection to the characters and their lives. I need to know what happened. That’s how Kandi writes though, she writes such strong connections that you can’t help but want more.
I found myself thinking about these characters after I read about them. I would listen to music that made me think of them. They just stick with you. They begin to own you. And I’m not just talking about the main characters, I’m talking all of them. Skyler’s friends, (names whom have been based off our close group of friends), have such strong personalities of their own. They were funny, so sarcastic and all around amazing. Not many authors can write side characters with as much personality as their main ones. Kip’s friends were no exception. They were a group of guys I would want to hang out with and get to know.
Sky and her friends in the simplest terms are each:
The Queen Bee
The Thinker
The Peacemaker
The Mastermind
The Social Butterfly
“There are moments in our lives, tiny specks of time, when everything changes. Moments when everything we though mattered turn out to be the last things we care about, replaced entirely by something, or someone, we never saw coming.”
That quote sums up exactly how I feel about this book. “…something we never saw coming.” It’s rare to find a book that makes you evoke a different emotion every time you turn the page. This book did that for me. I was on the edge of my seat most of the book. Black Number Four is an incredible story of love and heartbreak, lots of laughter and most of all friendship.
I told Kandi that I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to put my feelings in to words. I’m not a writing so finding the words to describe how much I adored this book is difficult for me.
But here goes nothing.
I’ve been reading this book for a few months now. Mostly in small chunks of 2-3 chapters at a time. Every time I finished I would beg for more. It was a constant need to know the rest of the conversation, the rest of the scene, the rest of the story. I felt a connection to the characters and their lives. I need to know what happened. That’s how Kandi writes though, she writes such strong connections that you can’t help but want more.
I found myself thinking about these characters after I read about them. I would listen to music that made me think of them. They just stick with you. They begin to own you. And I’m not just talking about the main characters, I’m talking all of them. Skyler’s friends, (names whom have been based off our close group of friends), have such strong personalities of their own. They were funny, so sarcastic and all around amazing. Not many authors can write side characters with as much personality as their main ones. Kip’s friends were no exception. They were a group of guys I would want to hang out with and get to know.
Sky and her friends in the simplest terms are each:
The Queen Bee
The Thinker
The Peacemaker
The Mastermind
The Social Butterfly
“There are moments in our lives, tiny specks of time, when everything changes. Moments when everything we though mattered turn out to be the last things we care about, replaced entirely by something, or someone, we never saw coming.”
That quote sums up exactly how I feel about this book. “…something we never saw coming.” It’s rare to find a book that makes you evoke a different emotion every time you turn the page. This book did that for me. I was on the edge of my seat most of the book. Black Number Four is an incredible story of love and heartbreak, lots of laughter and most of all friendship.
April 18, 2015
4.5 Stars!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet love story about finding yourself, being true to yourself, and learning to live for yourself regardless of consequences. This book was a bit longer than most romance novels on the market but no less intriguing. Right from the beginning, the author pulls you into a web that you have to slowly untangle yourself from before you are free.
This is Sky and Kip's story. Sky is a professional poker player, college student, and sorority sister. She has a purpose in life and is surrounded by people who like her so this makes her happy... or so she thinks. Kip is a young man trying to live his dream but first he must help his father to finally obtain what he wants.... or so he thinks. What starts out as games and deals for Kip and Sky quickly turns into more. As both have secrets they are keeping, both are playing a dangerous game. What happens when everything shifts and you have to go all in? Kip and Sky are in the for game on their lives as they face obstacles and challenges at every turn.
I liked Kip and Sky. She was a super strong heroine with quite a witty personality. And Kip was amazing and had me swooning many times. I felt for both of them because they were just puppets in their masters games really. I loved the banter between these two. They had me laughing and maybe snorting a time or two. And chemistry... from their first meeting, they had that spark that only grew as they spent time together. I was rooting for these two even when the obstacles seemed to much to bare. No worries, this book is a standalone and does have a happy ending for Kip and Sky!
I recommend this book and this author!
Blog Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet love story about finding yourself, being true to yourself, and learning to live for yourself regardless of consequences. This book was a bit longer than most romance novels on the market but no less intriguing. Right from the beginning, the author pulls you into a web that you have to slowly untangle yourself from before you are free.
This is Sky and Kip's story. Sky is a professional poker player, college student, and sorority sister. She has a purpose in life and is surrounded by people who like her so this makes her happy... or so she thinks. Kip is a young man trying to live his dream but first he must help his father to finally obtain what he wants.... or so he thinks. What starts out as games and deals for Kip and Sky quickly turns into more. As both have secrets they are keeping, both are playing a dangerous game. What happens when everything shifts and you have to go all in? Kip and Sky are in the for game on their lives as they face obstacles and challenges at every turn.
I liked Kip and Sky. She was a super strong heroine with quite a witty personality. And Kip was amazing and had me swooning many times. I felt for both of them because they were just puppets in their masters games really. I loved the banter between these two. They had me laughing and maybe snorting a time or two. And chemistry... from their first meeting, they had that spark that only grew as they spent time together. I was rooting for these two even when the obstacles seemed to much to bare. No worries, this book is a standalone and does have a happy ending for Kip and Sky!
I recommend this book and this author!
Blog Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
November 2, 2015
*** 4 Cranky Stars ***
I am not a big fan of college romance stories, but I actually enjoyed this one! I found it an unique read and a great step outside of a traditional female lead. Skyler is a female poker player and although I love poker, don't be fooled by the synopsis. This story is not centered around poker.
Skyler and Kip play games with one another from the very beginning and I loved it. They have such hot chemistry throughout the entire story.
Some of my favorite aspects of this book was the secondary characters. Their friendships were amazing. I also loved to see the transformation of Skyler from the college girl who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders to the very responsible poker player.
This has sexy-hotness, amazing chemistry, many laughs and just the right amount of drama.
This was a fun and intriguing story!
I highly suggest you roll the dice and give this one a shot.
I am not a big fan of college romance stories, but I actually enjoyed this one! I found it an unique read and a great step outside of a traditional female lead. Skyler is a female poker player and although I love poker, don't be fooled by the synopsis. This story is not centered around poker.
Skyler and Kip play games with one another from the very beginning and I loved it. They have such hot chemistry throughout the entire story.
Some of my favorite aspects of this book was the secondary characters. Their friendships were amazing. I also loved to see the transformation of Skyler from the college girl who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders to the very responsible poker player.
This has sexy-hotness, amazing chemistry, many laughs and just the right amount of drama.
This was a fun and intriguing story!
I highly suggest you roll the dice and give this one a shot.
January 15, 2020
Black Number Four by Kandi Steiner is a contemporary, new adult romance told in first person, dual POV.
When college junior and poker star, Skyler Thorne, meets transfer student, Kip Jackson, at a rush party they instantly hit it off. They have a class together and Sky is looking forward to spending more time with him. But that's all before she finds out about Kip's past with Erin, her sorority Big Sister. Erin wants him back and has a scheme that involves Skyler playing a vital role and she'd do just about anything for her Big Sister. But Kip has secrets of his own and ulterior motives for spending time with Sky - a mission that could ruin everything she's been working towards.
What will happen between Kip and Skyler as feelings develop? Will it interfere with their plans? Will Sky be able to play her part and give Kip up for Erin? Will Kip follow through with his secret mission? Will they work things out and find a way to be together? Or will one or both end up brokenhearted? Read the book to find out.
I loved Kip and Skyler's story! I loved them both as characters. They had great chemistry, and I enjoyed their witty banter. This story was so fun with all the secrets and twists as both played the games they were forced to play. It was sweet, sexy, humorous, and heartbreaking. I loved it and highly recommend it!
When college junior and poker star, Skyler Thorne, meets transfer student, Kip Jackson, at a rush party they instantly hit it off. They have a class together and Sky is looking forward to spending more time with him. But that's all before she finds out about Kip's past with Erin, her sorority Big Sister. Erin wants him back and has a scheme that involves Skyler playing a vital role and she'd do just about anything for her Big Sister. But Kip has secrets of his own and ulterior motives for spending time with Sky - a mission that could ruin everything she's been working towards.
What will happen between Kip and Skyler as feelings develop? Will it interfere with their plans? Will Sky be able to play her part and give Kip up for Erin? Will Kip follow through with his secret mission? Will they work things out and find a way to be together? Or will one or both end up brokenhearted? Read the book to find out.
I loved Kip and Skyler's story! I loved them both as characters. They had great chemistry, and I enjoyed their witty banter. This story was so fun with all the secrets and twists as both played the games they were forced to play. It was sweet, sexy, humorous, and heartbreaking. I loved it and highly recommend it!
August 20, 2015
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Royal Flush
Black Number Four has had me excited to read since the moment Kandi starting talking about it. I was one of the lucky ones who got the chance to read the story before it was released. Not only that but I was lucky enough to get a signed copy of the book for my library.
A roller coaster of emotions I think would be an under statement for what this book truly encompasses. To paraphrase Forest Gump "This book is like a box of chocolates you never know what you are gonna get with each page turn".
Skyler and Kip are one of those dynamic couples who can make fireworks fly but also can evoke gut wrenching heart break. Watching the journey of their relationship had be on pens and needles. Both people wanting what they think is best for the people around them they try and avoid their true feelings. But once they figure out what they want their determination to fight for their love no matter the circumstance is a breath taking moment to watch.
As much as I have loved all of Kandi's work before this book I must say that this hands down the best writing and work she has ever done. Bravo my dear friend I can't wait to see what the rest of the world thinks about Black Number Four.
Black Number Four has had me excited to read since the moment Kandi starting talking about it. I was one of the lucky ones who got the chance to read the story before it was released. Not only that but I was lucky enough to get a signed copy of the book for my library.
A roller coaster of emotions I think would be an under statement for what this book truly encompasses. To paraphrase Forest Gump "This book is like a box of chocolates you never know what you are gonna get with each page turn".
Skyler and Kip are one of those dynamic couples who can make fireworks fly but also can evoke gut wrenching heart break. Watching the journey of their relationship had be on pens and needles. Both people wanting what they think is best for the people around them they try and avoid their true feelings. But once they figure out what they want their determination to fight for their love no matter the circumstance is a breath taking moment to watch.
As much as I have loved all of Kandi's work before this book I must say that this hands down the best writing and work she has ever done. Bravo my dear friend I can't wait to see what the rest of the world thinks about Black Number Four.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2015
Well, it's time for me to bite the big one. I have been putting off this review, not because I hate this book, but because, I fell absolutely in love with it. How do you review something you love?! Just imagine me, Tom Cruise style jumping and waving my hands around. I love Kandi Steiner. I love Black Number Four. Read it or else!!!
This is my third Kandi Steiner book and it won't be my last. She hooked me in with the Chaser series and she sunk me like the Titantic in this one. Her writing will draw you in and you will find yourself completely immersed in the story. Kandi's writing was great in the Chaser series, but you can feel and see the growth in this story. She has found her mojo and will knock your socks off.
Her words are smooth, flawless, and flow across the pages. You find yourself highlighting it. You find your favorite quotes. You will definitely read it more than once. I have! :)
The characters.. oh the characters.. you will meet five girls who you could imagine as your friends. The men are drool worthy..
The intense game that Kip and Skylar are in.. whoa.. total hotness and fire. You will feel like a part of the KKB. You will feel the tension, the emotions, and the love. You will laugh. You will swoon and you may shed some tears. It's more than a love story...
This is my third Kandi Steiner book and it won't be my last. She hooked me in with the Chaser series and she sunk me like the Titantic in this one. Her writing will draw you in and you will find yourself completely immersed in the story. Kandi's writing was great in the Chaser series, but you can feel and see the growth in this story. She has found her mojo and will knock your socks off.
Her words are smooth, flawless, and flow across the pages. You find yourself highlighting it. You find your favorite quotes. You will definitely read it more than once. I have! :)
The characters.. oh the characters.. you will meet five girls who you could imagine as your friends. The men are drool worthy..
The intense game that Kip and Skylar are in.. whoa.. total hotness and fire. You will feel like a part of the KKB. You will feel the tension, the emotions, and the love. You will laugh. You will swoon and you may shed some tears. It's more than a love story...
April 13, 2015
Skylar and Kip are hawt. In an OMG! CALL 911!, type of hawt. The couch scene…oh holy! OH FREAKIN’ HOLY! But couch scene aside, they are wonderful characters and driven together even when they should be further from each other than ever. I can’t say enough good things about this book. I was introduced to Kandi Steiner during her read along of Song Chaser. And her heroes and heroines are flawed and sweet and tough and sassy. Oh are they sassy. I love her books. I wished I could say more, but it would give away some plot points.
Ms. Steiner makes poker and Greek life tantalizing. She makes me want to learn poker, though I’d be like a children’s board book, I’d be so easy to read. I positively loved Tanner from Song Chaser. I wasn’t sure a hero of a story could be so loveable and uncool, and oh holy moly hawt all at the same time. But I will say that Kip rivals him. So, as if you couldn’t tell already by this review, would I recommend...(https://textuallove.wordpress.com/201...) Read the rest of the review behind the link.
Ms. Steiner makes poker and Greek life tantalizing. She makes me want to learn poker, though I’d be like a children’s board book, I’d be so easy to read. I positively loved Tanner from Song Chaser. I wasn’t sure a hero of a story could be so loveable and uncool, and oh holy moly hawt all at the same time. But I will say that Kip rivals him. So, as if you couldn’t tell already by this review, would I recommend...(https://textuallove.wordpress.com/201...) Read the rest of the review behind the link.
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