All In by Shelley Shepard Gray is a sweet contemporary romance. Although this latest release is the second installment in The Bridgeport Social Club series, it can be read as a standalone.

Meredith Hunt is a successful business owner who finds it difficult to ask for help or trust other people. Her childhood is at the root of her issues but she is still in contact with her mother . Their relationship suffers because of her mom's continued disappointment over her daughter's life choices. Meredith has not been in a relationship for over a year and she is in no hurry to meet anyone. However, when she is mugged, her chance encounter with Ace Vance and his son, Finn, has the potential to be life altering.

Ace and Finn have recently relocated to Bridgeport in an attempt to escape his son's indifferent mother, Liz. Ace plans to concentrate on rebuilding his career working on classic cars and improving his relationship with Finn. Although he has always been involved in Finn's life, he has never been his son's primary caregiver. Despite his son's somewhat dysfunctional relationship with Liz, he is a good kid who does not get into any trouble. Since Finn does not object to his father dating, Ace is willing to let their fledgling relationship develop its full potential.

The romance between Ace and Meredith is low-key and without conflict. Meredith already knows Finn a little through her volunteering at the high school so he is more than happy to support his dad's unexpected relationship. Finn has a fairly extensive support network in place so he fully understands the importance of asking for and accepting help when he needs it. Meredith, on the other hand, has never had anyone she can count on, so she is working to lower her defenses and let people in. She feels somewhat alone despite the fact that she has more friends than she realizes. Recognizing she has a strong circle of friends in turn leads to Meredith becoming more open to her burgeoning relationship with Ace.

All In is a heartwarming novel of love, friendship and family. The characters are multi-dimensional and easy to like. The dialogue is realistic and the heartfelt discussions between Ace and Finn are quite endearing. Ace and Meredith take the time to get to know each other which makes their romance more believable. The Bridgeport Social Club series is a pleasant change of pace from Shelley Shepard Gray's faith-based fiction that old and new fans are sure to enjoy. ( )

Meredith Hunt has carefully orchestrated her life. She had a bank job she hated so she quit it and eventually opened a Pilates studio. In addition, she volunteers at the local high school, and this brings her even more fulfillment in life. However, one day while jogging, she is mugged and is slightly injured in the process. Ace Vance and his teen son Finn see her fall and quickly come to her rescue.

Meredith wants to just get up and take care of herself, but Ace insists on accompanying her to get checked out - and he never leaves her life after that. Meredith begins to learn what it is like to depend on others, and that includes new friendships that she is forming.

Ace recently moved to Bridgeport with Finn to give him better opportunities, and this includes the fifteen-year-old having the chance to play varsity football for the high school team. This just might give Finn the opportunity to earn a scholarship for college. Ace would move mountains for Finn, especially as Finn was raised by his mother, who was not good for Finn in his life, ever.

As Ace and Meredith begin to spend time together, they realize that, despite the fact that neither of them have time for love in their lives, feelings do begin to bloom. When Meredith experiences problems at her house, Ace really steps up.

There were many things I loved about this book. For starters, Ace's relationship with Finn. I was really moved by some of their conversations. Then when it came to friends and family in this book, I was even more affected.

Whether it is poker, Pilates, the slow burn of the romance developing, this second book in the Bridgeport Social Club series is quite a wonderful read. The trio of friends that formed the social club are finding love, and that is always rewarding. I definitely recommend this touching story.

Many thanks to Blackstone Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )

A hard shove brings three hurting souls together, at least in that moment. A father who has finally stepped up and moved his fifteen-year-old son away from his neglectful mother, and a young woman who is making it on her own despite a disapproving mother and an absent father.
We follow these three a life’s curves and lessons are thrown their way, and we walk in each of their shoes, and hopefully learn with them.
Now this is the second book in this series, but enough information is given that it can be read alone, but I loved that the previous characters are here and play bit parts.
There are also offered tips on Pilates and Poker!

I received this book through Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review ( )