Dress Code Disaster

Seventeen-year-old Shannon Card's attempt to start her new job as a cocktail waitress at the Collosio Casino is a disaster from the start. The uniform doesn't fit, her boss Adrienne is intimidating, and she's forced to use a fake ID to get the job, since she's underage. Shannon's motivation is clear: her family is struggling financially after her father lost his job, and she needs to make money to attend her dream college, Wellesley. The casino's glitzy exterior hides a world of stress, humiliation, and the first hints of the double life Shannon is about to lead.

Casino Secrets Unveiled

As Shannon fumbles through her first shift, she quickly realizes the casino is a world of its own, full of unwritten rules and hidden dangers. She's trained by the glamorous but tough Mackenzie, who teaches her the tricks of the trade and the importance of tips. Shannon's anxiety about being discovered as underage is ever-present, and her family's financial woes loom large. The casino's poker room, with its serious players and high stakes, becomes the backdrop for Shannon's growing desperation and the first signs that her job will lead her into deeper trouble.

Family Finances Unravel

Shannon's home life is as fraught as her work. Her father's car is repossessed, her sister Robyn is forced to attend community college, and the family's financial security is crumbling. Shannon's guilt over keeping secrets from her family grows, especially as she realizes the extent of their struggles. The pressure to provide for herself and not burden her parents intensifies, pushing her further into risky territory at the casino. The family's attempts to maintain normalcy are undercut by the constant threat of losing more than just material possessions.

The Aces Up Invitation

After a grueling shift, Shannon receives a cryptic note inviting her to a hotel room, where she meets Cole, a charismatic and enigmatic young man. Cole reveals the existence of Aces Up, a secret poker society that wants to recruit Shannon for her math skills. The offer is tempting: with her talent, she could win big and solve her financial problems. But the invitation is laced with danger, secrecy, and the promise of a life far removed from the one Shannon has known. The allure of easy money and belonging begins to outweigh her initial reluctance.

Max and Missed Kisses

At school, Shannon's complicated history with Max Heller resurfaces. Once her best friend, Max is now distant after a near-romantic moment the previous summer. Their awkward interactions are further complicated by Max's new girlfriend, Parvati, who is also Shannon's academic rival. The tension between Shannon and Max is palpable, and their unresolved feelings add another layer of complexity to Shannon's already chaotic life. The possibility of rekindling their friendship—or something more—hangs in the balance as Shannon's double life intensifies.

Double Lives Collide

Shannon's attempts to balance her job, school, and family become increasingly difficult. She struggles to keep her casino job a secret from her family and friends, while also navigating the demands of Aces Up and her growing involvement in the underground poker world. The stress of maintaining multiple identities takes its toll, leading to mistakes at work, strained relationships, and mounting guilt. Shannon's world becomes a precarious balancing act, with each lie threatening to bring everything crashing down.

Poker Lessons and Temptations

Under Cole's tutelage, Shannon learns the intricacies of poker, from calculating odds to reading opponents. Her natural aptitude for math makes her a quick study, and the thrill of winning is intoxicating. As she becomes more skilled, the line between right and wrong blurs. The money she wins offers a glimpse of the life she wants, but it comes at the cost of her integrity and safety. The seductive pull of the game, combined with Cole's charm, makes it harder for Shannon to resist the temptations of easy money at the casino.

High Stakes, Higher Risks

Shannon's involvement with Aces Up deepens as she starts playing in higher-stakes games. The risks multiply—not just financially, but legally and emotionally. She must navigate the attention of casino security, the suspicions of her coworkers, and the ever-present threat of being exposed as underage. The pressure mounts as Shannon realizes that the world of underground poker is not just about skill, but also about deception, alliances, and betrayal. The stakes are no longer just about money—they're about survival.

Cheating Hearts and Collusion

Shannon discovers that Aces Up's real goal is to fix the upcoming National Championship of Poker by colluding and signaling to each other during the tournament. The plan is elaborate and illegal, involving multiple members and a system of secret signals. Shannon is torn between her desire to win enough money for college and her growing discomfort with the group's unethical tactics. The realization that she is in over her head—and that Cole may not be as trustworthy as he seems—forces Shannon to confront the moral consequences of her actions.

Friendships on the Line

As the tournament approaches, Shannon's relationships with her friends and family reach a breaking point. Mackenzie feels betrayed by Shannon's secrecy, Robyn is hurt by her lies, and Max is caught in the crossfire of Shannon's double life. The pressure to choose between loyalty and self-preservation becomes unbearable. Shannon's isolation grows as she realizes that the choices she's made have put her at odds with everyone she cares about. The cost of her ambition is measured in broken trust and lost connections.

The Tournament Trap

The National Championship of Poker is the climax of Shannon's journey. Surrounded by Aces Up members, under the watchful eyes of casino security, and with her friends and sister in the audience, Shannon must decide whether to go along with the cheating or take a stand. The tension is palpable as she navigates the game, using her skills to outplay her opponents while subtly sabotaging the collusion plan. The tournament becomes a test of character as much as of skill, with Shannon's future hanging in the balance.

Betrayal and Confession

Realizing that she cannot continue down the path of deception, Shannon makes the courageous decision to turn herself in to casino authorities. She confesses her involvement in the cheating scheme, exposing Aces Up and risking her own future in the process. The fallout is immediate: Cole is arrested, Shannon faces legal consequences, and her dreams of attending Wellesley are shattered. But in choosing honesty over self-interest, Shannon reclaims her integrity and begins the process of making amends.

Facing the Consequences

Shannon must confront the repercussions of her actions: legal trouble, academic setbacks, and the disappointment of her family. She is put on probation, loses her early admission to Wellesley, and must rebuild her life from the ground up. The support of her sister, friends, and Max becomes crucial as she navigates the difficult path to redemption. Shannon's journey is marked by regret, but also by resilience and a newfound commitment to doing what is right, no matter the cost.

Sisterhood Restored

In the wake of the scandal, Shannon and Robyn repair their relationship, finding strength in their shared experiences and mutual support. The sisters become closer than ever, united by the challenges they have faced and the lessons they have learned. Their parents, though disappointed, recognize Shannon's growth and determination to make things right. The family's struggles are far from over, but they face the future together, with honesty and hope.

Lessons in Losing and Winning

Shannon's journey is one of hard-won wisdom. She learns that shortcuts and easy money come with hidden costs, and that true success is built on integrity, perseverance, and the support of loved ones. The experience of losing her dream school, facing public shame, and rebuilding her life teaches Shannon the value of resilience and self-respect. The relationships she repairs and the lessons she internalizes become the foundation for a brighter, more authentic future.

New Beginnings, Old Scars

Shannon's story ends with her applying for readmission to Wellesley, armed with a new sense of purpose and a clean record. Her relationships with her family, friends, and Max are stronger than ever, and she approaches the future with humility and determination. The scars of her past remain, but they serve as reminders of the dangers of compromise and the power of redemption. Shannon's journey is a testament to the possibility of starting over, no matter how far one has fallen.

Characters

Shannon Card

Shannon is a seventeen-year-old high school senior whose life is upended by her family's financial crisis. Driven by a fierce desire to attend Wellesley and escape her circumstances, she takes a job at a casino using a fake ID. Shannon is intelligent, especially in math, but her anxiety and tendency to overthink lead her into a web of lies and risky decisions. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with the moral consequences of her actions, the pressures of family and ambition, and the complexities of love and friendship. Shannon's development is marked by her eventual choice to do the right thing, even at great personal cost.

Cole Porter

Cole is the enigmatic leader of Aces Up, the secret poker society that recruits Shannon. With his bad-boy charm and poker prowess, he draws Shannon into the world of underground gambling. Cole is both mentor and tempter, teaching Shannon the skills of the game while pushing her toward increasingly unethical choices. His true nature is revealed as the story progresses: he is willing to use and betray anyone to achieve his goals. Cole's relationship with Shannon is a mix of attraction, manipulation, and ultimately, betrayal.

Max Heller

Max is Shannon's former best friend and potential love interest. Their relationship is complicated by a near-romantic encounter and Max's subsequent involvement with Parvati. Max is intelligent, kind, and steadfast, providing a moral anchor for Shannon as she navigates her double life. His own struggles with family and academics mirror Shannon's, and his support becomes crucial as she faces the consequences of her actions. Max's development is tied to his willingness to forgive, support, and ultimately, love Shannon despite her mistakes.

Mackenzie

Mackenzie is Shannon's coworker and eventual friend at the casino. Initially intimidating and self-absorbed, Mackenzie reveals a softer side as she helps Shannon navigate the challenges of the job and her personal life. Her own romantic dramas and struggles with self-esteem provide a counterpoint to Shannon's journey. Mackenzie's loyalty and support become vital as Shannon's world unravels, and their friendship is a source of strength and redemption.

Robyn Card

Robyn is Shannon's older sister, forced to attend community college due to the family's financial troubles. She is both confidante and moral compass, challenging Shannon's choices while offering unconditional support. Robyn's own sacrifices and struggles highlight the broader impact of the family's situation. Her relationship with Shannon is tested by secrets and betrayal, but ultimately, the sisters emerge closer and more united than ever.

Adrienne

Adrienne is Shannon's boss at the casino, enforcing the rules with an iron fist. She represents the harsh realities of the adult world, where mistakes have consequences and sympathy is in short supply. Adrienne's interactions with Shannon are marked by suspicion, discipline, and a grudging respect for Shannon's determination.

Parvati Carlson

Parvati is Shannon's academic rival and Max's girlfriend. She is driven by a desire for recognition and success, often masking her insecurities with bravado and passive-aggressive behavior. Parvati's relationship with Shannon is a mix of competition and reluctant camaraderie, and her own struggles with love and achievement mirror Shannon's in unexpected ways.

The Aces Up Crew (Logan, Joe, Michelle)

The other members of Aces Up are college students who, like Cole, are willing to bend or break the rules for personal gain. They are skilled at poker and deception, but their loyalty to each other is tenuous at best. Their interactions with Shannon are marked by suspicion, rivalry, and a willingness to throw her under the bus when things go wrong.

Shannon's Parents

Shannon's parents are struggling to keep the family afloat after her father loses his job. Their attempts to shield their daughters from the worst of their financial troubles are ultimately unsuccessful, and their disappointment in Shannon's choices is tempered by love and a desire to see her succeed. Their journey is one of adaptation, resilience, and eventual reconciliation.

Leonardo

Robyn's boyfriend, Leonardo, provides moments of levity and serves as a foil to the more serious characters. His own misadventures and misunderstandings highlight the chaos of the Card family's life, and his loyalty to Robyn is a reminder of the importance of sticking together in tough times.

Plot Devices

Double Life and Secret Identity

The central device of the novel is Shannon's double life: high school student by day, underage casino waitress and poker player by night. This tension creates suspense, as Shannon must constantly navigate the risks of exposure, the demands of her various roles, and the moral compromises required to keep her secrets. The device is used to explore themes of identity, integrity, and the cost of ambition.

The Temptation of Easy Money

The allure of quick financial gain through poker serves as both plot engine and thematic core. Shannon's journey into the world of gambling mirrors her desire to escape her circumstances and achieve her dreams. The escalating stakes, both literal and figurative, force her to confront the dangers of shortcuts and the true price of success.

Collusion and Betrayal

The Aces Up scheme to fix the poker tournament introduces the device of collusion, with secret signals and coordinated plays. This plot device heightens the tension and forces Shannon to choose between complicity and integrity. The threat of betrayal—by Cole, by her friends, by herself—underscores the novel's exploration of trust and self-respect.

Foreshadowing and Suspense

From the opening scenes, the narrative is laced with foreshadowing: the risks of being underage, the dangers of gambling, the possibility of being caught. These elements create a sense of impending doom, keeping the reader engaged and heightening the impact of Shannon's eventual confession and its consequences.

Redemption and Second Chances

The novel's structure allows for a redemptive arc, as Shannon moves from deception and risk to confession and growth. The use of a transfer application essay as the closing device reinforces the theme of second chances and the belief that mistakes, while costly, do not define one's future.

Analysis

Aces Up is a sharp, witty, and emotionally resonant exploration of the pressures facing young people in a world where the odds often seem stacked against them. Lauren Barnholdt uses the high-stakes world of casino poker as a metaphor for the risks and temptations of adolescence, particularly for those navigating financial hardship and the desire for upward mobility. The novel's greatest strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of Shannon, whose intelligence and ambition are matched by her vulnerability and capacity for growth. Through her journey, the book interrogates the seductive appeal of shortcuts, the corrosive effects of secrecy, and the redemptive power of honesty and connection. In a culture obsessed with winning at any cost, Aces Up offers a timely reminder that true success is measured not by what we gain, but by what we are willing to risk—and lose—for the sake of our integrity and the people we love.

Last updated: May 1, 2025