Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

High Stakes #3

Deuces Wild

Rate this book
Alicia "Ace" Miller has always had a somewhat contentious, arms-length relationship with Las Vegas Detective Cree Bradley. She likes their level of engagement exactly where it is - non-existent, never any occasion to cross paths.

Until she needs his help.

Only the most powerful of emotions - paired with fractured memories and the unshakeable feeling that something is missing - can make Alicia seek assistance from a man whose very presence puts her on edge. However, with lives at stake, her family on the line, and a chance at filling in the blanks of her past on the verge of slipping through her fingers, her choices are limited.

He's the perfect person to have by her side.

Cree Bradley takes his job seriously - protect and serve. Somewhere along the way, he's realized that for many of his peers, those lines have been blurred to the point of no return... destroying his own ability to walk the straight and narrow.

Sometimes, that means walking the wrong way to do the right thing.

This time?

It means stepping through the looking glass, out of the bright lights of the strip and into a world where you don't know who to trust, danger lurks around every corner, and long-buried secrets are alive and well.

Every twist, every turn, everyone is... a wild card, in a game where the price of losing might be death, and the only way to win... is to show each other their hands.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2018

434 people are currently reading
536 people want to read

About the author

Christina C. Jones

120 books4,458 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,027 (60%)
4 stars
497 (29%)
3 stars
152 (8%)
2 stars
14 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,189 reviews414 followers
June 22, 2022
I'm a little disappointed in Ace's story. I didn't enjoy Deuces Wild as much as I thought I would. It didn't really grab my attention as quickly as Ante Up and it took me a while to get into it. I think my problem with this book is, I didn't care enough about Ace's character to want to know her backstory. This book was all over the place. A lot of things that happened didn't make sense and was down right unrealistic. And, I just rolled my eyes at that issue with Ace, Lauren, and Cree. That just pissed me off. After getting to know Ace's character in book one, you wouldn't think she would put up with a situation like that. Honestly, I would've preferred they put Camille and Jackson's story on audio and put Ace and Cree's story in King of Hearts. Deuces Wild was kind of a let down for me.
Profile Image for Jessica .
2,637 reviews16k followers
May 13, 2021
3.5 Stars

Lately, romances I've been picking up have started out SO GOOD and engaging, but then they kind of lose my interest by the end. The same thing happened with this book. In the beginning, I was so into this story. Alicia is an ex-assassin and still has missing memories from her time as part of that organization. Alicia ends up finding a few people from that same organization and ends up turning to Cree, a detective, for help. Alicia and Cree have undeniable chemistry and find themselves unable to resist each other. I really enjoyed the beginning and how Alicia was trying to figure out her tie to these women she found herself stumbling upon, but about halfway through this book I was losing interest in the story. There was a lot of talk about people and who was involved with what. I got lost in all the names and connections and didn't find myself invested in that mystery. There was also this side-plot of Cree and another woman that felt very random and wasn't something I really loved. While the beginning was action-packed and so intriguing, I wasn't a fan of the pacing and end of this book. I preferred book one over this book, but I still recommend checking this series out!
Profile Image for LaShaun’s Literary Lounge.
77 reviews46 followers
May 16, 2022
Since Ace’s story is the origin to the Roses and Thorns series, I’m shocked I didn’t like Deuces Wild as much as I thought I would. And, I actually loved the Roses and Thorns series. Honestly, the plot about The Garden seemed far fetched and unrealistic. It just didn’t work for me. And, that whole situation with Ace, Cree, and Lauren didn’t sit right with me as well. Given how Ace is portrayed, I just didn’t see her being okay with that situation. Deuces Wild didn’t wet my whistle like I thought it would but, I’m still a huge fan of this series.
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,404 reviews157 followers
February 1, 2023
Complicated love

Well this was an unconventional love story.
I mean drama on top of drama and I think this may be a little much for some, but I was here for it. Ace aka Alicia had been through so much and her safe place was being a bad as$ protector who showed no feelings. Having been abducted and had her memories stripped from her, she really didn't remember the good times of her childhood.

In the previous books there was some obvious tension between Alicia and Officer Cree and in this book they finally act on it. Cree was enthralled with her and Alicia felt safe with him. Then there was a serious plot twist that at first I was like hell nah, but then I realized although unorthodox this was Alicia's chance at family. Sure she deserved a better situation, but Cree loved her for who she was. The drama was a LOT, and it required you to really pay attention.

I liked this story even though it wasn't the BDE, dominant intense love I'm used to. I appreciated the complex person that Ace was and the story followed. Idk that all of it was realistic like at all, but I enjoyed this different world of fiction that led to a lot of love.
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
535 reviews112 followers
August 19, 2022
Rereading this suspenseful love story made me remember how wild the Garden situation was.ace finding love in Cree and actually taking down the Garden was an amazing ride! I still felt like I was on the edge of my seat like it was my first time reading the book. Lot bumps in the road for this couple but I’m so glad they didn’t let any of that stop them from! This is a 5 star and guaranteed recommend from me!
Profile Image for Whit.
3,643 reviews51 followers
March 13, 2023
An exciting, adventurous ride!

Alicia works as a bodyguard after surviving a sex traffic cult. But memories are bringing back knowledge of her little sister who is still a prisoner of these evil people.

Plenty of action, betrayal, dangerous secrets and really, really bad guys! However, the laugh out loud craziness between Alicia and Detective Cree is worth the read.
Profile Image for Bernadette Mercado.
76 reviews5 followers
February 22, 2021
Ace is the shit!!! I waited way too long to listen to this book and once I did, I could not put it down! CCJ gives you action, suspense, struggle and love all in one book! My feels were all over the place...trying to focus on all the details and detective work, to laughing out loud and then to shock at some of the revelations! Ace and Cree's story kept me hooked from beginning to end. Narration was by Wesleigh Siobhan and Jakobi Diem...enough said! Best narrators out there! But Wesleigh as Ace...man! She did that! Ace was such a bad ass and Wesleigh did a great job portraying that. I highly recommend this book...read it...but if you can listen to it, do it!
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,114 followers
March 26, 2022
As usual I enjoyed Ace and Cree’s story. It wasn’t your typical lusts, hot, steamy, intoxicating love story by CCJ. I loved the in depth background story that we got about Ace. It’s a wonder she had any emotions left after all she went through. I loved the updates we got about Asha and King 🥰🥰 and I loved the way Cree rode for Ace. Lauren was something else. I loved her boldness and while I don’t think I could have been as understanding and open to their unconventional relationship dynamic but I’m glad she got her happy ending. I wouldn’t mind a part two or a short story seeing their love development into something deeper.
Profile Image for Sheronda H.
491 reviews4 followers
March 21, 2025
This book was just okay. It was a lot going on and didn’t keep my attention. I didn’t care for Ace’s story. Wasn’t a fan of this book.
Profile Image for Keesha.
581 reviews20 followers
November 11, 2024
This book is so good! The High Stakes series is a good series and Deuces Wild is an excellent conclusion. This book is action packed! It is has a little bit of everything. Alicia “Ace” Miller is interesting from the moment we meet her in Ante Up and the book about her life does not disappoint. She and Cree have a smoldering chemistry that erupts in Deuces Wild. I audibly gasped, yelled and laughed out loud multiple times while reading this book. Just read it!
Profile Image for Maria.
1,308 reviews14 followers
February 20, 2025
Man, I don't even like romantic suspense, so I'm not sure why I'm over here swooning and worrying about these two dummies as they get themselves in increasingly dangerous situations. But here we are. We met both Ace and Cree in the first book, and the writing was on the wall. When two characters spark that aggressively, you just know an HEA is coming down the line whether they want it or not.

The world building is just right here. It's more than I usually like in a romance, but to take everything seriously and to truly understand these two, you really need it. But it never drew focus or attention away from the romance. Rather, both components support and lift each other up. Christina did a wonderful job balancing the structure of this book, and I'm so glad I found the series.

This is an example of the kind of police officer character energy I'm looking for too. Cree works for the LVPD, but he is quick to question the decisions of his fellow officers, and is constantly evaluating the pros and cons of staying in the force. This is no blind hero worship that ignores reality. The author confronts reality, throws in some nuance, and shows us a hero who is willing to sacrifice his job to do what's right. I love it.

I am obsessed with Ace, have been since the first time she hit the page in book one, and no one deserves a happy ending as much as her. I was all in with her, and Cree showed up for her over and over, not getting in her way, but backing her up and showing her that she deserves nice soft things too. Her backstory plus the plot broke my heart a few times, but I have nothing but respect for her and the decisions she had to make.

I'm so glad I found this series, and I'm definitely going to seek out more from Christina.
Profile Image for Niv.
55 reviews
November 16, 2021
In this third installment of the High Stakes series, we're finally taken behind the curtains and given a peek at the personal life of Alicia a.k.a "Ace", Kingston's secretive and elusive bodyguard. Despite her attempts to resist her attraction, Ace finds herself in romantic entanglement with Cree, a cop. When remnants of her complicated past come back to haunt them both, the cop and the criminal are forced to put more trust in each other than they ever intended to, with suspenseful - and steamy - results.

Christina C. Jones always does a great job unraveling the romantic lives of her characters. We're familiar with the mysterious Ace from the previous novels, but only in her role as a fighter and protector. In this book we learn that despite her infamous violent streak, she's much more compassionate and complicated than she seems on the surface. Cree comes into her life and peels back the protective layers; the deeper their romance goes, the deeper the layers that are revealed.

This is another solid, sexy and exciting read from CJC, and while it does help to read all of the High Stakes books in order, it isn't necessary. It's still an easy to follow and entertaining storyline that, as usual, keeps the reader wanting more.
4 reviews
January 1, 2024
This book was better than Ante Up! I wanted to know Ace’s back story and this book did not disappoint. Ace is Black Widow! The fight scenes were better than the sex scenes. The levels of trauma were addressed nicely. I felt and understood every character’s pain/turmoil. From beginning to end there was life and death it was a great book. Definitely enjoyed the series.
Profile Image for Jessika Sartin.
78 reviews22 followers
March 24, 2022
In Ante Up and especially in Deuces Wild Ace reminded me so much of a mix of Natasha from The Avengers movies and Maze from the show Lucifer.
Profile Image for Mariah Sherley.
116 reviews5 followers
March 11, 2023
Ace is that girl. She’s such a bad ass. She doesn’t let what she’s been through break her. Gotta get it by any means. ‼️💯
Profile Image for Samaiyah Faison.
157 reviews
January 1, 2024
4.5 rounded up 5. what a ride!!!! Such a well written plot and development of a story. Ace and Cree’s story was hands down the best.
Profile Image for Meelana.
48 reviews
January 31, 2025
i’ve expected more out of ace book, tbh the story was still compelling so i’ll give it an even 4.0
Profile Image for Jordan.
448 reviews29 followers
January 26, 2020
So many emotions

I have to watch my mouth...Amazon wants me to be family friendly even if I'm not reviewing a family friendly book. Whatever.

This book had everything. I loved Alicia. Watching her soften as the story progressed was really enjoyable. Seeing Cree just be so patient with her because he really got her...*sigh. These two were my favorite.

Now, the suspenseful plot was just as prevalent as the romantic plot, which I did not prefer, but it was very complicated, so it had to be. There was a lot to unravel. Honestly, I'm still not sure I completely get what happened. I think the woman tried to kill her daughter and stepdaughter once she found out they weren't already dead, in order to retain a seat at the table that belonged to her husband, their father, so that the Cartel she was head of would thrive. I still don't know why they wanted Sebastian dead...he wasn't elite enough to even be considered. I guess he was going to try and go through Paloma by using her daughter as bait, not knowing she didn't want her for any reason but to kill her, and she was gonna kill him? Whatever. I only really cared about Alicia, so not fully understanding the plot didn't really bother me.

I thought the way Cree, Loren, and Alicia blended their family was interesting. Idk how that shit is gonna work. A baby for me is a deal breaker, regardless of whether he knew she was pregnant. But I have kids so maybe that's different. Plus Loren and Alicia are friends.

Anyway, I enjoyed this one the most of all of Christina C Jones books. Alicia is my favorite character. So far...I'm still bingeing.
Profile Image for Malaika.
870 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2023
Whew!

Christina did her good writing with this here story, you hear me?! I was not expecting it to be so intense but as a follow up to Ante Up, why shouldn’t I have? I have loved Ace since the beginning and knew her and Cree would get together. The twists and turns were too much at some points but I’m glad I pushed through. I wasn’t exactly happy about the baby mama situation and I still think she’s a bit ‘different’ but it works for them. As long as she doesn’t stop my Cree and Ace from being together, we are cool. LOL
Profile Image for Torri (BlackRomanceConnoisseur).
176 reviews312 followers
February 14, 2022
Catching Up In the CCJ Multiverse

How could I not give this book 5 Stars!? This was a cinematic experience. I’ve been intrigued by Ace since reading Ante Up. & The Author’s request had the beginning was an easy one to oblige because the characters were so interesting & the was no shortage of suspense or action in this book. I’m mad that I didn’t read this sooner. Reading now so I can know what’s going on in “No Longer Afraid”.
Profile Image for Teresa Mcmillian.
448 reviews11 followers
May 20, 2018
Perfect Ending

I am a loss for words as this book comes to an end. Each time I read a CCJ book, I am amazed at her talent. She just continues to grow as an author, and it shows with each new release. This book was was, suspenseful, and romantic all rolled into one and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
322 reviews4 followers
June 3, 2018
When her past invades her present, Ace has to find a way to put the pieces of her life together. She enlists the help of smooth talking, Cree. Though she seems unaffected by his charms, Ace has found that attraction isn't a crime and when the going gets tough, Cree is just who she needs in her corner when the stacks get too high.

I am in love with this series: it's the total opposite of Jones' lovey dovey side. Here, she ventures into a different end of the spectrum and showcases how multifaceted she is. The grit of the drama and the rawness of the characters gives this read an edge. I seriously believe she can write in any genre and just make it all so seamless.

Ace was shown as a harda** in the previous books but here, we see a totally different side to her which showed great character development. Cree is an alpha in his own right; he knows when to play the back to Ace and also when to get her as Alicia in check. Their bond was fitting and their chemistry palpable. I'm not into cop books, but I was digging this one.
And I have to mention the flaws that made them all the more relatable. Lort, when I say there were some questionable moments I didn't think these two would make it. Whether, in relationship woes or fighting to stay alive, Cree and Ace had me rooting for them.

Jones throws in some highly imaginative concepts that she totally made believable. The timeline was well paced and very suspenseful! I feel the conclusion was satisfying and suitable as well. Though not unicorns and butterflies, I didn't expect anything else. As this was not your normal couple, no normal ending would do!
Profile Image for Simply_YoYo.
452 reviews9 followers
December 1, 2025
4.5 stars!

Alicia “Ace” Miller is A force. She’s a strong, sharp FMC who stays ten steps ahead and holds her own from beginning to end. And Cree Bradley… listen. That detective is such a good guy — steady, observant, and the perfect balance to Ace’s intensity.

The connection each of them had with Loren had me sitting there like whoa, because only CCJ could make this love triangle OK!
The way CCJ blends humor with danger? Chef’s kiss. The romantic comedy moments slid so naturally into the suspense, keeping the story fun even when things got serious.

I will say, it’s a 4.5 for me only because the ending felt a little abrupt. Plus, I definitely felt like I should’ve read The Roses and Thorn’s series first to catch every little detail.

But overall? This was such a great, fast-paced, engaging read. CCJ did what she always does — gave us heart, heat, humor, and a whole world that keeps you wanting more. 💕♠️
Profile Image for Kristina Birch.
775 reviews26 followers
July 31, 2021
Wild Ride!

Alicia (Ace) is a badass bodyguard with a past straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster and now that past has caught up to her. Cree is a cop who is no longer sure he can trust anyone except the badass beauty who seems to view the law as a suggestion.

CCJ is at another level with this one! Starting with the background of Alicia and Cree in Ante Up she builds a world of intrigue, crime, brainwashed assassins, and family that will have you turning the pages and gasping in shock, laughter, fear, and sentiment.

If you like romantic suspense I HIGHLY recommend this one (you don’t have to read Ante Up first it will just give you a more detailed glimpse of some of the side characters) as it’s got amazing pacing, some really awful villains, and a hero and heroine who are as hot for each other as they are for justice!
Profile Image for Shelby.
662 reviews40 followers
June 7, 2024
Wow this book was so action-packed I was on the edge of my seat. Alicia is an ex-assassin working as a bodyguard and friend for King from book 1 of this series. Suddenly a woman with a similar rose tattoo as hers winds up dead as well as Alicia finding a teenager with another rose tattoo and keeping her safe. This prompts Alicia to start looking into her past especially when old memories she had forgotten start resurfacing. Cree is a detective working on these cases and entangles himself with Alicia to figure out what is going on. I really enjoyed the suspense of this one! It reminded me of a crime drama movie; I didn’t know what was going to happen next and I was hooked. I really liked Alicia and Cree’s relationship too and how Alicia slowly began to trust him. This is definitely a darker book and dealt with some heavier topics so check TW before diving in!
Profile Image for Better off Read.
26 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2025
“Alicia… I know this isn’t the case for very many people in the world, but let’s make something clear – I’m not fucking scared of you.” what man says that to a known killer?! Cre!!!!! 😮‍💨 That’s my man!!!

One thing CCJ does exceptionally well is spicy espionage. The If You Can Series has been my favorite for a while now but I’m gonna have to do some soul searching because the High Stakes series is giving it a run for its money! 🤩

I fell in love with MC, Ace, in Ante Up and was excited to see book 3 to dive into the tension between her and Cre and boy did it deliver! 😏

Ace is a bad ass and Cre’s energy matched hers perfectly! When she pushed he pulled and it was perfection 🤌🏾🤌🏾
Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.