Terry had promised her sister that she would behave and make nice with Des while in Vegas for her sisters destination wedding, but she isn't happy. Not long ago they had been lovers, but somehow it all fell apart and now they can't stand each other. Little does she know that this trip will be RAISING THE STAKES in all kinds of ways.

Des is going to Vegas to stand up for his buddy Sin when he marries Avery and for nothing else. Unfortunately it doesn't take long for the stakes to change and suddenly he finds himself embroiled in a mystery when Terry drags him to a dog rescue and they stumble onto a murder scene. Now Terry has a stalker, has almost been kidnapped and they are forced to run. The animosity they feel for each other only creates additional fireworks ... because the spark they once felt is still there. Now if they can only stay alive long enough to figure out what went wrong.

RAISING THE STAKES is a fantastic, hot, tension filled story with a number of plot twists that the reader won't see coming. If you have read Sin Factor (the story of Sin and Avery) then you know Des and Terry are not strangers, but even if you have not read that book this one is a stand alone.

As you read you will see the tension between them and will be curious as to why they broke up ... and when you do you might want to smack a couple of people. I also felt that she forgave a little too quickly but that aside RAISING THE STAKES will be one you won't want to put down. Author Sandy Loyd has a unique ability to give you a clear picture of what is happening without being overly wordy. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what else Ms. Loyd comes up with.