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Wicked Hearts #1
Wicked Hearts
"Oh, what a tangled web we weave..."
Reese and Hank are used to taking what they want, just because they can. They set their sights on the office geek, a painfully shy whiz kid named Jeff. Hank bets Reese he can't get the guy in bed within a week - he makes the pot very sweet with an offer of $5,000, if Reese can do the job - on tape.
Reese, usually so cocky and sure, is completely disarmed by the quiet but intense Jeff.
What begins as a cynical seduction rapidly heats into flames of dangerous desire. Reese finds himself falling, hard, but disentangling himself from Hank is even harder. Jealousy, lust and unraveling lies threaten to shatter more than one heart in this tale of love and betrayal.
Reese and Hank are used to taking what they want, just because they can. They set their sights on the office geek, a painfully shy whiz kid named Jeff. Hank bets Reese he can't get the guy in bed within a week - he makes the pot very sweet with an offer of $5,000, if Reese can do the job - on tape.
Reese, usually so cocky and sure, is completely disarmed by the quiet but intense Jeff.
What begins as a cynical seduction rapidly heats into flames of dangerous desire. Reese finds himself falling, hard, but disentangling himself from Hank is even harder. Jealousy, lust and unraveling lies threaten to shatter more than one heart in this tale of love and betrayal.
202 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2009
10 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Claire Thompson
197 books1,165 followersClaire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 85 novels. She writes BDSM romance and abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award and the Golden Flogger Award for best BDSM fiction.. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.
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https://clairethompson.net
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https://clairethompson.net
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 9, 2015
OMG! I have a new favorite Claire Thompson book! I absolutely loved this story. It touched my heart so deeply.
At first I wasn't sure I was doing to like it because it's one of those stories where the main characters meet under false pretenses. Reese accepts a bet from his rich friend that he can't get the nerdiest guy in his office to sleep with him within a week. The nerd is a guy named Jeff, one of the computer programmers. Although in the beginning Reese's interest in Jeff is strictly based upon his selfish monetary interests, he of course falls in love for real.
Okay, so yeah, we've all seen this trope before, but it's so beautifully written, and the two main characters are absolutely perfect for each other. I fell head over heels in love with Jeff. He was everything a gay guy should not be. He has no fashion sense. He's nerdy and has a bad haircut. He doesn't care about being classy and doesn't have a pretentious bone in his body.
Reese, on the other hand, is a playboy. He wears the flashy clothes and eats at the upper class restaurants. He has swag and he knows it. But he is swept right off his feet by Jeff, and his heart begins to beat again as he discovers what life and love are all about. It's such a beautiful story.
The villain is a complete asshole, but hey, isn't he supposed to be? He was so pathetic I kind of felt sorry for him. Hank is Reese's longtime friend, the one who made the original wager. He becomes insanely jealous when he discovers Reese has actually fallen in love with Jeff. He does everything in his power to destroy their relationship.
After reading so much mediocre romance, it's truly refreshing to find a story like this. Claire Thompson writes such beautiful, gripping prose. This one will definitely go into my "all time favorites" category. (My only criticism is that it needs a better cover. I hate those naked torso covers.)
At first I wasn't sure I was doing to like it because it's one of those stories where the main characters meet under false pretenses. Reese accepts a bet from his rich friend that he can't get the nerdiest guy in his office to sleep with him within a week. The nerd is a guy named Jeff, one of the computer programmers. Although in the beginning Reese's interest in Jeff is strictly based upon his selfish monetary interests, he of course falls in love for real.
Okay, so yeah, we've all seen this trope before, but it's so beautifully written, and the two main characters are absolutely perfect for each other. I fell head over heels in love with Jeff. He was everything a gay guy should not be. He has no fashion sense. He's nerdy and has a bad haircut. He doesn't care about being classy and doesn't have a pretentious bone in his body.
Reese, on the other hand, is a playboy. He wears the flashy clothes and eats at the upper class restaurants. He has swag and he knows it. But he is swept right off his feet by Jeff, and his heart begins to beat again as he discovers what life and love are all about. It's such a beautiful story.
The villain is a complete asshole, but hey, isn't he supposed to be? He was so pathetic I kind of felt sorry for him. Hank is Reese's longtime friend, the one who made the original wager. He becomes insanely jealous when he discovers Reese has actually fallen in love with Jeff. He does everything in his power to destroy their relationship.
After reading so much mediocre romance, it's truly refreshing to find a story like this. Claire Thompson writes such beautiful, gripping prose. This one will definitely go into my "all time favorites" category. (My only criticism is that it needs a better cover. I hate those naked torso covers.)
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November 13, 2010The starting point of the story is a classical cliche: two men bet on the chance one of them has to seduce someone else in a week. And obviously the one doing the bet falls in love for the intended victim.
Reese and Hank have an odd relationship. Reese was a troubled guy, changing foster home with foster home for all his teen years. When he was 17 years old he met Hank, the misfit of the high school; where Reese was tagged "bad boy" for his poor origins, Hank was another type, he was the spoiled brat son of two uncaring and too rich parents. Reese was also struggling with the new found discovery that he was gay and Hank was willing and experienced enough to help him through that knowledge. Even if Reese is apparently a strong and independent man, he is really someone who prefers to be lead by a stronger partner, and he was like that also as a teenager. Hank fulfilled that need, and it was a perfect relationship since on the other hand, Hank needed to be the leader. Where Reese had not a supporting family and strong parents figures to take example from, Hank had not them either, since even if his parents were present, they were almost non existent. Reese and Hank together built an odd family to replace the one they hadn't, and for many years it was a good substitute. But as children do, Reese grew up confident and even if later than other boys, he has now realized that he needs something more and different in his life, and if he sticks with Hank he will never find it.
When Reese accepts one more of the twisted bet he usually does with Hank, in a way it is to add a step more far from him: the money he will gain will serve to pay his way out from Hank's clutches. The man they choose, Jeff, is apparently a shy geek tech guy who works in the same firm of Reese. Even if Reese starts to feel guilty for his actions, he thinks that, if Jeff doesn't know of the bet, no one will suffer from it. But during their night together, Jeff reveals a strong will, a domineering attitude, that pulls some hidden strings inside Reese. Reese realizes that he has probably found the right man for him.
Jeff is a bit of a contradiction: he is apparently shy and nerd type, but he is stronger than expected. Actually he himself doesn't know how strong he is. Jeff's origins are average, not big trauma in his youth other than his stuttering problem that maybe made him shier than the other boy his own age. Then college and a bad relationship that didn't do good to his self-esteem. But again, the hidden strength of Jeff made his first appearance, he moved to another city and to a new life. That same strength serves him right during his first encounter with Reese, since it's this attitude of Jeff that makes him someone special, someone who is able to break the strings that bound Reese to Hank.
With some up and down, the story between Jeff and Reese is good for both of them, they complete each other. Even if I'm happy for them, something inside me prevented to be fully satisfied, since I really felt for Hank. True, he behaves like a spoiled brat to whom someone stole his favorite toy, but there is a moment, when he realized that he was losing Reese for good, that I understood that he was scared. I really hope that the author will take him again for another story, this time the story where also Hank will find the right man for him.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/144866926X/?...
Reese and Hank have an odd relationship. Reese was a troubled guy, changing foster home with foster home for all his teen years. When he was 17 years old he met Hank, the misfit of the high school; where Reese was tagged "bad boy" for his poor origins, Hank was another type, he was the spoiled brat son of two uncaring and too rich parents. Reese was also struggling with the new found discovery that he was gay and Hank was willing and experienced enough to help him through that knowledge. Even if Reese is apparently a strong and independent man, he is really someone who prefers to be lead by a stronger partner, and he was like that also as a teenager. Hank fulfilled that need, and it was a perfect relationship since on the other hand, Hank needed to be the leader. Where Reese had not a supporting family and strong parents figures to take example from, Hank had not them either, since even if his parents were present, they were almost non existent. Reese and Hank together built an odd family to replace the one they hadn't, and for many years it was a good substitute. But as children do, Reese grew up confident and even if later than other boys, he has now realized that he needs something more and different in his life, and if he sticks with Hank he will never find it.
When Reese accepts one more of the twisted bet he usually does with Hank, in a way it is to add a step more far from him: the money he will gain will serve to pay his way out from Hank's clutches. The man they choose, Jeff, is apparently a shy geek tech guy who works in the same firm of Reese. Even if Reese starts to feel guilty for his actions, he thinks that, if Jeff doesn't know of the bet, no one will suffer from it. But during their night together, Jeff reveals a strong will, a domineering attitude, that pulls some hidden strings inside Reese. Reese realizes that he has probably found the right man for him.
Jeff is a bit of a contradiction: he is apparently shy and nerd type, but he is stronger than expected. Actually he himself doesn't know how strong he is. Jeff's origins are average, not big trauma in his youth other than his stuttering problem that maybe made him shier than the other boy his own age. Then college and a bad relationship that didn't do good to his self-esteem. But again, the hidden strength of Jeff made his first appearance, he moved to another city and to a new life. That same strength serves him right during his first encounter with Reese, since it's this attitude of Jeff that makes him someone special, someone who is able to break the strings that bound Reese to Hank.
With some up and down, the story between Jeff and Reese is good for both of them, they complete each other. Even if I'm happy for them, something inside me prevented to be fully satisfied, since I really felt for Hank. True, he behaves like a spoiled brat to whom someone stole his favorite toy, but there is a moment, when he realized that he was losing Reese for good, that I understood that he was scared. I really hope that the author will take him again for another story, this time the story where also Hank will find the right man for him.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/144866926X/?...
September 9, 2009
I really enjoyed this book! Honestly. All my other goodreads wins were....not great and reviewing them took a masterful hand at fiction to write, but I actually did like this one.
Maybe because I'm a perv and love slash?
First off, I want to thank the author who was so cool to autograph the book for me with my stupid Terminator joke (that made my inner fanboy squee).
Now, for the story. Jeff was adorable. I just adore geeky characters and not only that, but he had a stutter and that gets the book into my favorite shelf; the disfigured/crippled/insane shelf. I appreciated the fact that through the book Jeff didn't have to become LESS nerdy to be more in control of his life or feelings. He was nerdy all the way through.
Reese was a great character that I enjoyed getting to know more and more as the book went on. He had a great romantic lead aspect but also an interesting transgressive side that I wont spoil by explaining. The whole situation wasn't over done or contrived and came off as believable.
Even Hank was likable. I know he was an asshole and you were suppose to hate him, but I can't help but think a great sequel would be to have HIM fall face first into reality and find love.
Anyway, I could write a review as long as the book itself, but I'll spare you. If you like slash, happy endings, and solid writing, I can't see how you wouldn't enjoy this book.
Maybe because I'm a perv and love slash?
First off, I want to thank the author who was so cool to autograph the book for me with my stupid Terminator joke (that made my inner fanboy squee).
Now, for the story. Jeff was adorable. I just adore geeky characters and not only that, but he had a stutter and that gets the book into my favorite shelf; the disfigured/crippled/insane shelf. I appreciated the fact that through the book Jeff didn't have to become LESS nerdy to be more in control of his life or feelings. He was nerdy all the way through.
Reese was a great character that I enjoyed getting to know more and more as the book went on. He had a great romantic lead aspect but also an interesting transgressive side that I wont spoil by explaining. The whole situation wasn't over done or contrived and came off as believable.
Even Hank was likable. I know he was an asshole and you were suppose to hate him, but I can't help but think a great sequel would be to have HIM fall face first into reality and find love.
Anyway, I could write a review as long as the book itself, but I'll spare you. If you like slash, happy endings, and solid writing, I can't see how you wouldn't enjoy this book.
July 25, 2010
This was a fascinating book. It is the story of Reece freeing himself from a toxic entanglement with his friend and sometimes lover of 12 years.
Reece doesn't believe in love - or so he thinks. This book describes how one of the bets he occasionally makes with his friend Hank goes awfully wrong when Reece realizes that he may have feelings for Jeff, the "object" of the bet. The description of Reece's emotional dependency on Hank and how hard he has to fight to become his own man again was fascinating. This is not an easy book to read because the issues are so real and the characters make so many mistakes. I think that only makes the book better though.
Reece doesn't believe in love - or so he thinks. This book describes how one of the bets he occasionally makes with his friend Hank goes awfully wrong when Reece realizes that he may have feelings for Jeff, the "object" of the bet. The description of Reece's emotional dependency on Hank and how hard he has to fight to become his own man again was fascinating. This is not an easy book to read because the issues are so real and the characters make so many mistakes. I think that only makes the book better though.
January 11, 2010
Good m/m romance about a guy who's basically been under his nasty best friend's thumb for years. Things do not go smoothly as he tries to put more distance between himself and his friend.
July 8, 2010
I just read Ann Sommerville's not-so-complimentary review and honestly can't say I disagree with her. But for some unknown reason, I did like Reese and so this book worked for me. Not the greatest book I've ever read, but I enjoyed the romance, far-fetched as it may be.
October 5, 2009
The book is like a train wreck. You know what is coming and still you keep on reading.
March 1, 2018
Ohhh, mean and sexy but not really (it actually makes sense if you read the books). 2 MC's (1 for each book in the series, this one and "Safe in His Arms") who were raised without love so don't believe in it, of course, meet their love.
March 19, 2022
It was refreshing to have a main character who is indeed deeply flawed. It was difficult for me to understand why the two got along. The bottom line is I don't feel like the main character does enough to be truly redeemed. However it's always nice to get diversity of main characters.
July 14, 2015
Just finished reading and while I truly enjoyed it I found myself debating whether to score it a 3 or a 4. Would have given it a 3.5 if it were possible. P
Upon reflection I wonder if my somewhat low rating is due in part to the notably cliche plot...I believe I saw the film and it was called cruel intentions...but then realize it was also due to the anticlimactic ending where the antagonist character is revealed to be powerless to deliver on his threat of retribution for the main protagonist breaking free of his negative influence.
While it is universally true we often "make mountains out of mole hills" through our fear and anxiety; the story till the end enlarged the influence of the antagonist Hank and the damage his money and spite could wield. Moreover, there was foreshadowing of potential slander that never came to fruition and therefore felt, for me at least, incomplete...
Still an entertaining read I feel I could recommend withing this genre.
Upon reflection I wonder if my somewhat low rating is due in part to the notably cliche plot...I believe I saw the film and it was called cruel intentions...but then realize it was also due to the anticlimactic ending where the antagonist character is revealed to be powerless to deliver on his threat of retribution for the main protagonist breaking free of his negative influence.
While it is universally true we often "make mountains out of mole hills" through our fear and anxiety; the story till the end enlarged the influence of the antagonist Hank and the damage his money and spite could wield. Moreover, there was foreshadowing of potential slander that never came to fruition and therefore felt, for me at least, incomplete...
Still an entertaining read I feel I could recommend withing this genre.
August 4, 2015
I'm surprised I liked this as much as I did. I feel as if I've read variations (or watched movies and tv shows) of this plot numerous times, but I still ended up enjoying it. The final showdown with the villain of the story was somewhat lacking, though. I really was expecting something huge with the way he had been built up. No way was he going to give up without a fight. Definitely some violence. And yet he just kinda blustered in anger and then was gone. Love conquers all and all that.... Anyway. Two small things bothered me I guess because I'm such a details kind of guy. Early on it's said that Reese and Hank get into the back seat of Hank's SL65 AMG and Hank's driver drives them around. Mercedes SL's are two-seat convertibles with no back seat. And Reese's house is described as a white one-story with red shutters and a red door......yet later Reese is in his bedroom and goes downstairs to get the door. Huh? Yes, I'm nit picky. But I still gave it four stars!
January 18, 2010
Modern day Dangerous Liaisons. I think the story has more potential than the finished product. There's more to explore in characters like Reese and his partner in crime that I would like to know more. And the geek, even with a valid backstory, seems a bit bland to me, it's hard to see how Reese would get the "enlightenment" through him, even when he's already on the verge of changing. I needed more surprises from that character but that didn't happen.
But still, it's a good read and flows easily and quickly.
But still, it's a good read and flows easily and quickly.
March 8, 2011
Hmmmm, I do love those shy nerdy boys! And Jeff pushes those buttons. He might seem like he's a pushover, but he so isn't. He's strong enough to resist what he really wants (at least at first), but strong enough to give it another chance when it doesn't work out the first time.
I had a hard time with Hank in this story, and because of that, I haven't started the second book of this series. I can see what his motivation is, but to use and manipulate someone you care so much about the way he did? He deserves far more than what he god, and I'm not sure I want to read about him having an HEA.
I had a hard time with Hank in this story, and because of that, I haven't started the second book of this series. I can see what his motivation is, but to use and manipulate someone you care so much about the way he did? He deserves far more than what he god, and I'm not sure I want to read about him having an HEA.
December 12, 2009
Won on first reads. As the world lost a great lady when my wonderful friend, Ramona, just passed away, this review will serve for her. She will be dearly missed and cancer will be cursed for taking her from us so young.
Very interesting book. The relationships can relate to many relationships. The bet was interesting and led to an interesting competition. I could see this happening not only for men but in any combination of couples.
Very interesting book. The relationships can relate to many relationships. The bet was interesting and led to an interesting competition. I could see this happening not only for men but in any combination of couples.
July 8, 2013
This was a true 3, there was a plot and it was well set up. I liked Jeff quite a bit and I liked Reese as well. I did feel he really was trying to get away from Hank and so when this new relationship came up it wasn't that surprising he wanted to see where it would go. But while the story told us why the characters acted as they did it just didn't feel totally organic or fully developed. I see there is a sequel with Hank's story and I am interested in reading that.
March 8, 2016
Well I'm not sure what to make of this one. The story was ok, the characters too but nothing over the top. I couldn't connect to them and feel them. Hank was really the spoiled asshole and the games they played were just stupid. I get the trauma and dark past which I usually like but here was just an excuse for being a dick. I guess the point is that money can't buy everything.
July 5, 2012
I love Claire Thompson but just didn't feel the chemistry between these characters. It just felt forced and unbelievable. I couldn't even force myself to wait until the deception was revealed. 55% was all I could take.
February 27, 2015
The book was enjoyable but pretty predictable. That being said it was still well written and I can see why a lot of people enjoyed it. I liked Jeff but was pretty meh about Reese. At least he was better then Hank. Average read, I don't think I will be reading the next book.
December 29, 2012
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed the characters a lot, liked the story line, too, but for me there was something missing that made me hang on with my heart pounding from start to finish. I would still recommend this book, if you enjoy m/m relationships. Great book, but I didn't 'love' it.
I enjoyed the characters a lot, liked the story line, too, but for me there was something missing that made me hang on with my heart pounding from start to finish. I would still recommend this book, if you enjoy m/m relationships. Great book, but I didn't 'love' it.
Want to read
December 12, 2009I won this on first-reads. Please check my friend Melissa Murphy's review for this book.
February 2, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. Reece cleans up his act and is rewarded with Jeff. Hank is not at all pleased and causes all sorts of trouble. Really enjoyed it.
February 5, 2013
Disappointing. Thompson is usually good for a decent read but this was a miss.
August 23, 2016
What a story line
I didn't know by reading the title or the synopsis that this book was what it is. But once I started reading it really didn't matter. Amazing storyline
I didn't know by reading the title or the synopsis that this book was what it is. But once I started reading it really didn't matter. Amazing storyline
August 28, 2016
3.5 stars MM drama/romance.
September 5, 2016
This book was okay but I wasn't crazy about it. Not sure yet if I will read the next one.
The writing was good, I just had a hard time connecting with Reese.
The writing was good, I just had a hard time connecting with Reese.
March 31, 2016
3.5 stars
April 24, 2017
★★☆☆☆ ~ 2 Stars
On of those m/m books that feel like m/f in disguise. Way too much angst.
On of those m/m books that feel like m/f in disguise. Way too much angst.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews