REVIEW: Rolling in the Deep by Rebecca Rogers Maher

In Rolling in the Deep by Rebecca Rogers Maher, Holly Ward is barely earning enough money to make ends meet. So when Ray Lopez, the gorgeous guy that has just joined the team at the local superstore where she works, convinces her to go halves in a lottery ticket, she decides to go for it. But what starts off as Holly taking a chance, leads to so much more. She never expected to get lucky in more ways than one.

What a cute read Ms. Maher has penned with this book about two people taking a chance by buying a lottery ticket. Although it felt a little predictable whether they’d win, their journey after the numbers were drawn definitely kept me interested with its intense dialogue. As both main characters struggle to cope with the decisions that need to be made and the kind of attention winning brings their way, which was worse for Holly because the attention had certain ramifications that could cause her to lose custody of her son. Yet, it also provided light, playful moments between Ray and Holly. This scene where Ray is trying to convince Holly to split the cost of a lottery ticket sets the fast-pace of the story.

“Yeah,” I say. “Let’s definitely play the lottery. Because that’s not rigged at all. We’ll totally win.”
He edges his cart closer to mine. “Why not? You never know.”
“Seriously? You don’t play, do you?”
“Sure I do. Don’t you? Can’t win if you don’t play and all that.”
“Yeah, but it’s like a zillion-to-one-chance.” I cross my arms over my chest, and then drop them when Ray’s gaze almost imperceptibly follows the resulting pushing-up of my boobs. He looks back to my face so quickly you’d barely know he wavered. Except for the slight color in his cheeks. I press on to rescue both of us. “It’s a waste of money.”
“Maybe. But it’s only two dollars. I spend two dollars on a soda if I’m real thirsty. Don’t mind wasting that much for the sake of a little dreaming.”
I tilt my head at him. “You make it sound reasonable. When in fact it’s completely insane and illogical.”
He smiles. “With my rakish and unerring man-logic. Right here in the candy aisle I lay my trap. First it’s a little light gambling. And then before you know it, it’s the drinkin’. And the druggin’.

I liked both characters, but Holly frustrated me a few times throughout. She seemed so brave for leaving her ex-husband, so that he no longer made her feel inadequate with his spiteful attitude towards her. And yet, when she finally has the opportunity to stand up for herself to fight for her son, she doesn’t take it. Instead, she continues to take the verbal abuse thrown her way. But at least she gains an ally in her ex-husband’s wife when the woman learns the truth about how bad things between Holly and her ex were and still are. How horrible it must have been for Holly to be on the receiving end of such unkindness. While Ray, he’s honorable, hard-working, and he’s good for Holly. He shows her that she can trust him by just being so honorable in his actions towards the money, and the fact that he wants to see through the promise he made to his mom.

Hot sex scenes added spice to the story, and reveal the good chemistry these two have from the very beginning. The first one is just perfect where it was in the story because for the first time in a long time, Holly acts impulsively. She really likes Ray, although she hasn’t known him for very long. He makes her feel good about herself, and he treats her right. Something she hasn’t experienced in ages because her ex-husband made it hard for her to trust a man.

Overall, I liked this book, which ended wonderfully with the surprise Holly receives from Ray, and being able to take her son on a much needed vacation to keep his spirits up after the fallout between his dad and stepmom. If you enjoy reading Jill Shalvis and Molly O’Keefe, then Rolling in the Deep by Rebecca Rogers Maher is just for you.

Book Info:

Publication: November 10th, 2015 | Loveswept |

In this raw, moving novel for readers of Jill Shalvis, Molly O’Keefe, and Karina Halle, two kindred spirits share a winning lottery ticket—and discover what it really means to get lucky.

Holly Ward is stretched to the breaking point, raising her young son alone and working long hours for minimum wage at a local superstore. Sure, she’s noticed the new guy with the easy grin and warm brown eyes, but she’s learned the hard way that relationships aren’t worth the pain. Still, when he invites her to split a lottery ticket, she figures a little innocent fun couldn’t hurt. The last thing she expects is to score big, which is exactly what happens . . . in more ways than one.

From the moment he meets Holly, Ray Lopez is drawn to her quiet dignity and openhearted beauty. And when they hit the jackpot together, he’s thrilled that the single mom can give her kid a better life. The only problem is the chaos surrounding them: lawyers and reporters swarming, friends and family angling to get their cut. In all the chaos, Ray discovers an oasis of calm and passion in Holly. But with the stakes higher than ever, winning her trust could cost him everything.