There’s something inherently sexy about poker. Unlike many forms of gambling,
poker requires skill, knowledge, and instinct. You need confidence to pull it
off, and confidence is always a turn-on.
Levi Hardy, the hero of IN THE CARDS, uses his poker skills to change his life. His
con artist father introduced him to the game in grade school. Then, while living
on the run with his dad, time and practice honed Levi’s skills. Good thing, too,
since his father’s lifestyle robbed him of a proper education. But Levi
ultimately uses his intelligence, discipline, and determination to break away
from his dad and build a stable life for himself.
How? Poker tournaments, of course. If that sounds far-fetched, consider the fact
that twenty-eight-year-old Andrew Robl’s lifetime poker earnings are already
approaching four million dollars, while forty-year-old Daniel Negreanu has
earned thirty million at the tables.
Luckily, like those real players, Levi is exceptional. Once he banks a few
million dollars, he leaves Vegas and moves to Malibu, which is where he runs
into Lindsey for the second time in his life. Then the girl with a big heart
melts his cynical one, and falling in love teaches him a thing or two about high
stakes.
Of course, Levi isn’t the only fictional poker player plenty of women could
love. The list might not be long, but it certainly is distinguished.
For those who like classic good looks and old-fashioned appeal, you need only
think of Henry Gondorff (played by Paul Newman) in The Sting, or Jack
Weil (played by Robert Redford) in Havanna.
Looking for a more contemporary poker hero? How about Mike McDermott (played by
Matt Damon) in Rounders, or Huck Cheever (played by Eric Bana) in
Lucky You?
Lethal bad boy more your type? Who better than James Bond (played by Daniel
Craig) in Casino Royale?
If fictional players don’t satisfy you, what about real life poker studs?
Hollywood hottie Ben Affleck has won several hundred grand at the poker tables.
And although there are other celebrity players, let’s not overlook a few
hardcore tournament players who have a unique brand of sex appeal.
For example, Canadian Daniel Negreanu’s talent is sexy, as are his friendly
smile and eyes. Finland’s Patrick Antonius has Hollywood good looks, while
Sweden’s Martin Jacobson probably intrigues those who appreciate a kind of nerdy
sex appeal (especially one with sensual lips). Then we have American Phil Ivy’s
gigantic smile, which is typically one of my favorite features of any man.
Do you play poker, or know of any sexy players I’ve failed to mention? If so,
please share!
About IN THE CARDS
Lindsey Hilliard flees her charmed life in New York, searching for answers after
her fiancé’s betrayal fills her with self-doubt. Unfortunately, her rented
Malibu home is next door to Levi Hardy, the sexy but insufferable man who
humiliated her years ago.
Hardened by a grim past he keeps concealed, Levi prefers maintaining a
comfortable distance from folks, especially a nosy princess like Lindsey. But
then a motorcycle collision brings him to his knees, forcing him to accept her
assistance with his recovery. Sparks begin to fly when the woman who doesn’t
believe in herself teaches the cynic how to have faith in others. Levi realizes
his body will recover, but his heart won’t if Lindsey returns to the ex who
wants her back.
In the biggest gamble of his life, Levi teaches her to trust her own voice, and
hopes she’ll use it to say good-bye to her past and hello to a future with him.
About Jamie Beck
Jamie
Beck is a former attorney with a passion for inventing stories about love
and redemption. In addition to writing novels, she also pens articles on behalf
of a local nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and
strengthening families. Fortunately, when she isn’t tapping away at the
keyboard, she is a grateful wife and mother to a very patient, supportive family.
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3 comments posted.
Thanks, Miranda. Yes, Ben Affleck is a decent player. It is amazing how much money these guys can win. My friend's husband is a Wall St. financier by day, but can win $30-$90K at a weekend poker tournament at the CT casinos in a snap. Personally, I'm a horrible card player, so I'd lose my shirt!
(Jamie Beck 12:06pm January 28, 2015)