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Fight #3
Game
To save her life, I had to win the fight. To keep her alive, I'll have to get her pregnant.
The second I see Shayna, I know she doesn’t deserve to be mixed up in this world.
Innocent, beautiful... being used as a prize.
She’s looking for answers in all the wrong places and I have to get her out of there.
So I do what I do best: I fight and I win.
When I take my prize home, my boss is waiting for me and gives me an ultimatum: get Shayna pregnant. If I don't, we both die. If I do it, he's going to snatch the baby away to replace his own lost grandchild.
We aren’t supposed to fall for each other . . . but our time together becomes something more powerful than I could ever imagine.
And when Shayna tells me she’s pregnant, I know one thing for sure . . . no one's taking our child away.
The second I see Shayna, I know she doesn’t deserve to be mixed up in this world.
Innocent, beautiful... being used as a prize.
She’s looking for answers in all the wrong places and I have to get her out of there.
So I do what I do best: I fight and I win.
When I take my prize home, my boss is waiting for me and gives me an ultimatum: get Shayna pregnant. If I don't, we both die. If I do it, he's going to snatch the baby away to replace his own lost grandchild.
We aren’t supposed to fall for each other . . . but our time together becomes something more powerful than I could ever imagine.
And when Shayna tells me she’s pregnant, I know one thing for sure . . . no one's taking our child away.
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2016
21 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
May 1, 2016
3,75 "The greatest game ever, sweetie" stars
This was my first read from this author and i really liked it.
The writing was good and the story was intriguing, intense, capturing and fast pacing and it had twists in every corner. I liked that i didn't know what to expect next. That was really refreshing, nothing predictable in this story.
As for the characters i think they were really nice and the chemistry between Finn and Shayna was terrific. I liked how their emotions and feelings for each other were build up and their background stories were satisfying for me as well. And i really really liked how the strong heart of Finn melted for Shayna...
I'm not really in to the mob stories (I think that was my only problem), but on the other hand i like fighters very much, so it was a pleasant read for me.
There were times that i really didn't know how the heroes will be able to escape from all this hell, but we got our happy ending and I'm happy about it.
So if you like fighters, mob stories and a hot dose of romance, then i recommend this one.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
July 20, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
This book was very fast paced. Sometimes I felt like it was kind of rushed, but I was still entertained by the story.
Finn and Shayna first see each other at an underground fight club. After a whole lot of misunderstandings, they are thrown together and are expected to do things they are reluctant to do in order to save their lives. Finn and Shayna are both associated with dangerous people, so it wasn’t surprising that they were in a colossal mess.
Overall, this was a nice short read.
This book was very fast paced. Sometimes I felt like it was kind of rushed, but I was still entertained by the story.
Finn and Shayna first see each other at an underground fight club. After a whole lot of misunderstandings, they are thrown together and are expected to do things they are reluctant to do in order to save their lives. Finn and Shayna are both associated with dangerous people, so it wasn’t surprising that they were in a colossal mess.
Overall, this was a nice short read.
April 24, 2016
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
This is my first book by these authors and I enjoyed it.
It was short, although a bit too fast paced for my taste, and packed with romance, action and drama.
I have a weak spot for mafia and fighter romance, and this book had both. Winning combo!
Both main characters, MMA fighter Finn and Shayna live in a violent and dangerous "mafia" world. From the every beginning we see them as two wounded souls. Even though they both have inner motives, they are somehow stuck and unable to cut loose the ties that bond them to mafia underground. I guess you could say that they found themselves at wrong place at the wrong time. Basically, they are both blackmailed by the head of mafia family... I won't tell you any specific details because that would be revealing too much, but let's just say it gets interesting from that point on. Their relationship at times looked so, so complicated I had no idea how the book will end. There was a lot of twist and turns, but you I was not disappointed with the ending we got.
If you like suspenseful MMA romance, this one is for you!
This is my first book by these authors and I enjoyed it.
It was short, although a bit too fast paced for my taste, and packed with romance, action and drama.
I have a weak spot for mafia and fighter romance, and this book had both. Winning combo!
Both main characters, MMA fighter Finn and Shayna live in a violent and dangerous "mafia" world. From the every beginning we see them as two wounded souls. Even though they both have inner motives, they are somehow stuck and unable to cut loose the ties that bond them to mafia underground. I guess you could say that they found themselves at wrong place at the wrong time. Basically, they are both blackmailed by the head of mafia family... I won't tell you any specific details because that would be revealing too much, but let's just say it gets interesting from that point on. Their relationship at times looked so, so complicated I had no idea how the book will end. There was a lot of twist and turns, but you I was not disappointed with the ending we got.
If you like suspenseful MMA romance, this one is for you!
May 2, 2016
VERY ENTERTAINING!!!
Title: Game
Author: London Casey
Designation: Standalone MMA Bad Boy Romantic Suspense, NO Cliffhanger
Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: FOUR ENTERTAINING STARS****
I became a London Casey/Karolyn James fan several months ago after reading several of her Back Down Devil MC Romance Novels and always look forward to her new releases. I've always been more attracted to Contemporary Bad Boy MC Romance rather than Contemporary Bad Boy MMA/Boxing Romance but I'm always willing to try something new, especially if I'm already familiar with the author's writing style so I decided to at least give this book a chance. Fortunately, there wasn't much actual fighting in this book and the fighting aspect is not the primary focus of the storyline. The male protagonist is a former Irish MMA fighter and now member of an illegal underground fighting ring who works for a dangerous Italian mob boss. The female protagonist is portrayed as the unwilling girlfriend/fiance of a rival Irish mob boss who has her own hidden agenda. Naturally the two mob bosses are supposed sworn enemies, each with their own fighters and turf. And never the two should ever cross! But all is not as it seems, it rarely ever is.
Like some of the other reviewers, I also had mixed emotions about this book and I will attempt to explain why. When rating a book, I ask myself several questions, the first being: What did I like about this story. My answer is: I very much liked the way the book began. The first chapter immediately drew me into the story. I was intrigued by the possibilities and wanted to know more. I also liked that the narrative was written in the first person with alternating his and her points of view. I really love having a perspective from both the male and female protagonist enabling me to always know their feelings and motivations. I enjoyed the raw, snappy dialogue which was well executed and flowed effortlessly. The entire story was well crafted and edited which is always a big plus for me. I enjoyed the elements of suspense woven into the story as well as the way it was written with several surprising twists that totally shocked me. This book had most of the components I truly enjoy in a good book including danger, drama, action, suspense angst, romance and sex.
The second question I ask myself is: What didn't I like about this story. Sometimes that can be a loaded question since I don't believe in openly criticizing an author's work but in order to give the reasons for my rating, I must attempt to explain my feelings as honestly as possible. One thing in particular which has always been a pet peeve of mine - the characters. In every book I read, the connection I make to the story is always through the characters. If I can't identify with the characters and their plight, then I can't connect with their story and in this case, it just didn't happen. I have a difficult time becoming involved in a story if I don't know the full names of the two primary characters. I pose this question: If you really want to know someone, remember them and become involved in their life, don't you want to know their first and last names? I always do. I'm a voracious reader and probably read 10 to 20 books a week. Surprisingly, I remember the majority of them but only if I make that special connection and truly enjoy what I've read. And in order to do that, I need a first and last name for at least the two protagonists of the story. Without being able to identify them, I can't identify with them. If the author can't be bothered enough to invest in a first and last name for the primary characters, then why should I be vested in them or their life? That's how I truly know that I love a story - when the players become real and the story comes to life. I empathize with them, hurt with them, feel sad for them, cry for them and cheer for them to somehow, against all odds, find their happy ending. Sadly, I found I didn't really like Finn, the male protagonist and supposed hero of this story. He was portrayed as self centered, self serving, arrogant, cocky and rather cruel through the entire first half of the book. There were no redeeming qualities or actual detailed reasons for his unfeeling behavior revealed until the last half of the book. Regrettably, the revelation for Finn and his character development didn't happen until the last 30% of the book which was already a little too late for me to love him as the hero. Is this a dark story? Yes, and I love delicious dark romance and dangerous dark heroes but I need some indication that the hero is seeking absolution. Had a glimmer of redemption peeked through earlier, it would have made all the difference in the world. I did manage to form a better connection with Shayna, the heroine of the story. It was revealed early in the story why she was involved, her motivations and what she hoped to discover. She was much more likeable and relatable as a primary player in this story.
The third question I ask is: Would I recommend this book? Yes I would, but only for adult readers since it does contain explicit language, graphic violence and steamy dreamy love scenes. It's a good read but not as good as it could have been. I would liked to have seen more character development earlier in the story, especially for Finn. I liked this book but I didn't love it. As in everything, this is just my humble opinion and everyone is entitled to their own, therefore I encourage each person to give this book a chance and make up their own minds. It was an enjoyable read. I don't regret one single minute I spent reading it.
And finally: Will I read this author again: Absolutely! I look forward to reading many more books by this author. I did enjoy this book but it just didn't resonate with me. I read this book using the Kindle Unlimited borrow program but I won't be purchasing it as a permanent addition to my library.
Title: Game
Author: London Casey
Designation: Standalone MMA Bad Boy Romantic Suspense, NO Cliffhanger
Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: FOUR ENTERTAINING STARS****
I became a London Casey/Karolyn James fan several months ago after reading several of her Back Down Devil MC Romance Novels and always look forward to her new releases. I've always been more attracted to Contemporary Bad Boy MC Romance rather than Contemporary Bad Boy MMA/Boxing Romance but I'm always willing to try something new, especially if I'm already familiar with the author's writing style so I decided to at least give this book a chance. Fortunately, there wasn't much actual fighting in this book and the fighting aspect is not the primary focus of the storyline. The male protagonist is a former Irish MMA fighter and now member of an illegal underground fighting ring who works for a dangerous Italian mob boss. The female protagonist is portrayed as the unwilling girlfriend/fiance of a rival Irish mob boss who has her own hidden agenda. Naturally the two mob bosses are supposed sworn enemies, each with their own fighters and turf. And never the two should ever cross! But all is not as it seems, it rarely ever is.
Like some of the other reviewers, I also had mixed emotions about this book and I will attempt to explain why. When rating a book, I ask myself several questions, the first being: What did I like about this story. My answer is: I very much liked the way the book began. The first chapter immediately drew me into the story. I was intrigued by the possibilities and wanted to know more. I also liked that the narrative was written in the first person with alternating his and her points of view. I really love having a perspective from both the male and female protagonist enabling me to always know their feelings and motivations. I enjoyed the raw, snappy dialogue which was well executed and flowed effortlessly. The entire story was well crafted and edited which is always a big plus for me. I enjoyed the elements of suspense woven into the story as well as the way it was written with several surprising twists that totally shocked me. This book had most of the components I truly enjoy in a good book including danger, drama, action, suspense angst, romance and sex.
The second question I ask myself is: What didn't I like about this story. Sometimes that can be a loaded question since I don't believe in openly criticizing an author's work but in order to give the reasons for my rating, I must attempt to explain my feelings as honestly as possible. One thing in particular which has always been a pet peeve of mine - the characters. In every book I read, the connection I make to the story is always through the characters. If I can't identify with the characters and their plight, then I can't connect with their story and in this case, it just didn't happen. I have a difficult time becoming involved in a story if I don't know the full names of the two primary characters. I pose this question: If you really want to know someone, remember them and become involved in their life, don't you want to know their first and last names? I always do. I'm a voracious reader and probably read 10 to 20 books a week. Surprisingly, I remember the majority of them but only if I make that special connection and truly enjoy what I've read. And in order to do that, I need a first and last name for at least the two protagonists of the story. Without being able to identify them, I can't identify with them. If the author can't be bothered enough to invest in a first and last name for the primary characters, then why should I be vested in them or their life? That's how I truly know that I love a story - when the players become real and the story comes to life. I empathize with them, hurt with them, feel sad for them, cry for them and cheer for them to somehow, against all odds, find their happy ending. Sadly, I found I didn't really like Finn, the male protagonist and supposed hero of this story. He was portrayed as self centered, self serving, arrogant, cocky and rather cruel through the entire first half of the book. There were no redeeming qualities or actual detailed reasons for his unfeeling behavior revealed until the last half of the book. Regrettably, the revelation for Finn and his character development didn't happen until the last 30% of the book which was already a little too late for me to love him as the hero. Is this a dark story? Yes, and I love delicious dark romance and dangerous dark heroes but I need some indication that the hero is seeking absolution. Had a glimmer of redemption peeked through earlier, it would have made all the difference in the world. I did manage to form a better connection with Shayna, the heroine of the story. It was revealed early in the story why she was involved, her motivations and what she hoped to discover. She was much more likeable and relatable as a primary player in this story.
The third question I ask is: Would I recommend this book? Yes I would, but only for adult readers since it does contain explicit language, graphic violence and steamy dreamy love scenes. It's a good read but not as good as it could have been. I would liked to have seen more character development earlier in the story, especially for Finn. I liked this book but I didn't love it. As in everything, this is just my humble opinion and everyone is entitled to their own, therefore I encourage each person to give this book a chance and make up their own minds. It was an enjoyable read. I don't regret one single minute I spent reading it.
And finally: Will I read this author again: Absolutely! I look forward to reading many more books by this author. I did enjoy this book but it just didn't resonate with me. I read this book using the Kindle Unlimited borrow program but I won't be purchasing it as a permanent addition to my library.
May 5, 2016
*** 3.5 Stars ***
I am new to both London Casey and Ana Fawkes and I love to read new authors. Add that on top of a fighter book and I'm a sucker to jump right in.
This is a gritty story where two people who are caught up in the dark underground world are forced together under dire circumstances. The demands made of them will alter their world, no matter what they choose.
Shayna is on the arm of a notorious mob boss. Although we eventually find out how she got thrown into this darkness, all we see at the beginning is someone who wants to get out. Finn is an underground fighter for another notorious mob boss. Both of them are fighting their own battle. Their own demons. With once chance meeting, they are forced to make a decision of making a baby or losing their own life. Now they have to work together to survive.
"Part of me almost felt bad for Finn, for stepping into all this. I had no idea where he came from or what kind of fights we was used to having, but this was a different world. A dark, underground world of violence, drugs, money, prostitutes, sex....you name it and Zander was in it."
From the very beginning, Shana and Finn has this instant attraction. Even when they are faced with life threatening situations, that underlying current of energy and attraction is always there.
"He grinned with the worst intentions that could end up being my best fantasy."
"Shayna was my new drug, my new high. But fucking her was more deadly than fighting for her."
See what I mean? Each one thinks the other is above the life that they are in. When in reality, they both are.
I enjoyed this book. The plot was well thought out and it kept me guessing. I purposefully left a lot out because there were definitely some twists in there that I didn't see coming and I want readers to experience that themselves. The only thing that really held me back was the flow of the writing. There were several times during the book that I felt like it was a little choppy to me. It could have been my mindset at the time that I was reading it. Who knows. I'm glad I read this and I look forward to reading some more work from these two authors.
I am new to both London Casey and Ana Fawkes and I love to read new authors. Add that on top of a fighter book and I'm a sucker to jump right in.
This is a gritty story where two people who are caught up in the dark underground world are forced together under dire circumstances. The demands made of them will alter their world, no matter what they choose.
Shayna is on the arm of a notorious mob boss. Although we eventually find out how she got thrown into this darkness, all we see at the beginning is someone who wants to get out. Finn is an underground fighter for another notorious mob boss. Both of them are fighting their own battle. Their own demons. With once chance meeting, they are forced to make a decision of making a baby or losing their own life. Now they have to work together to survive.
"Part of me almost felt bad for Finn, for stepping into all this. I had no idea where he came from or what kind of fights we was used to having, but this was a different world. A dark, underground world of violence, drugs, money, prostitutes, sex....you name it and Zander was in it."
From the very beginning, Shana and Finn has this instant attraction. Even when they are faced with life threatening situations, that underlying current of energy and attraction is always there.
"He grinned with the worst intentions that could end up being my best fantasy."
"Shayna was my new drug, my new high. But fucking her was more deadly than fighting for her."
See what I mean? Each one thinks the other is above the life that they are in. When in reality, they both are.
I enjoyed this book. The plot was well thought out and it kept me guessing. I purposefully left a lot out because there were definitely some twists in there that I didn't see coming and I want readers to experience that themselves. The only thing that really held me back was the flow of the writing. There were several times during the book that I felt like it was a little choppy to me. It could have been my mindset at the time that I was reading it. Who knows. I'm glad I read this and I look forward to reading some more work from these two authors.
May 12, 2016
Finn knows the instant he looks at Shayna that she's going to cause him trouble. When he's forced to fight because he's somewhere he shouldn't be, he's offered Shayna as his prize if he wins. Finn wins the girl, escapes with their lives but now has a mad boss Fiore to deal with who wants more from Finn and Shayna than they could have ever imagined. If Finn doesn't step up and do what he's told, Fiore has other men that will. He shouldn't care about Shayna and what happens to her, but for some reason he can't stand the idea of another man touching her.
Finn lost someone very important to him in the past and uses fighting, drinking and women as his way of coping. He's a hot and stubborn underground MMA fighter who doesn't lose in the ring. He tries desperately to fight the attraction he has to Shayna, but even Finn can only fight so long. Shayna is a beautiful and strong heroine. What started as a search for her missing sister, ends up with her being kept by the mob and unable to escape. Against the odds, Finn and Shayla are able to comfort each other and somehow develop feelings that are real and true.
This story is full of action with fighting, bombings, and competing mob families. There's a twist at the end that I never saw coming and of course it's got some good romance. This is the first book I've read by these authors and I plan on reading more.
Finn lost someone very important to him in the past and uses fighting, drinking and women as his way of coping. He's a hot and stubborn underground MMA fighter who doesn't lose in the ring. He tries desperately to fight the attraction he has to Shayna, but even Finn can only fight so long. Shayna is a beautiful and strong heroine. What started as a search for her missing sister, ends up with her being kept by the mob and unable to escape. Against the odds, Finn and Shayla are able to comfort each other and somehow develop feelings that are real and true.
This story is full of action with fighting, bombings, and competing mob families. There's a twist at the end that I never saw coming and of course it's got some good romance. This is the first book I've read by these authors and I plan on reading more.
April 30, 2016
Great story!!!
Anytime I see a book by London/Ana, I know it will be a great read. This was no different. Finn was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Forced to fight, his prize was Shayna if he won. He never expected to fall in love with her. All Shayna wanted to do was find her sister and the way to do that was to get close to the underground fighting ring. What did she get herself in to? As a prize to Finn for winning a fight, she knew that this was her only chance to get away. She couldn't believe that she fell in love with him. Now they were on the run fighting for their lives. Would they live? Would she ever find her sister!!! Loved it!!!!
Anytime I see a book by London/Ana, I know it will be a great read. This was no different. Finn was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Forced to fight, his prize was Shayna if he won. He never expected to fall in love with her. All Shayna wanted to do was find her sister and the way to do that was to get close to the underground fighting ring. What did she get herself in to? As a prize to Finn for winning a fight, she knew that this was her only chance to get away. She couldn't believe that she fell in love with him. Now they were on the run fighting for their lives. Would they live? Would she ever find her sister!!! Loved it!!!!
June 14, 2016
I was given this ARC to review :)
First I want to say that I really enjoyed the story line. I am a sucker for fighters which made it a very easy read for me.. Finn & Shayna are basically mixed up in two rival mobs and end up getting themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. I did have a hard time connecting with the characters, but it wasn't to the point where I couldn't read or enjoy the story. Overall I would give this book 3.5 stars
First I want to say that I really enjoyed the story line. I am a sucker for fighters which made it a very easy read for me.. Finn & Shayna are basically mixed up in two rival mobs and end up getting themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. I did have a hard time connecting with the characters, but it wasn't to the point where I couldn't read or enjoy the story. Overall I would give this book 3.5 stars
May 5, 2016
Well-written with a great mix of action, suspense, turmoil, violence, heartache, sizzling chemistry, love, and a surprising ending. Game is raw, dark, and gritty.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2016
1.5 stars
Ehh, didn't really care for the story or the characters.
Ehh, didn't really care for the story or the characters.
May 1, 2016
VERY ENTERTAINING!!!
Title: Game
Author: London Casey
Designation: Standalone MMA Bad Boy Romantic Suspense, NO Cliffhanger
Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: FOUR ENTERTAINING STARS****
I became a London Casey/Karolyn James fan several months ago after reading several of her Back Down Devil MC Romance Novels and always look forward to her new releases. I've always been more attracted to Contemporary Bad Boy MC Romance rather than Contemporary Bad Boy MMA/Boxing Romance but I'm always willing to try something new, especially if I'm already familiar with the author's writing style so I decided to at least give this book a chance. Fortunately, there wasn't much actual fighting in this book and the fighting aspect is not the primary focus of the storyline. The male protagonist is a former Irish MMA fighter and now member of an illegal underground fighting ring who works for a dangerous Italian mob boss. The female protagonist is portrayed as the unwilling girlfriend/fiance of a rival Irish mob boss who has her own hidden agenda. Naturally the two mob bosses are supposed sworn enemies, each with their own fighters and turf. And never the two should ever cross! But all is not as it seems, it rarely ever is.
Like some of the other reviewers, I also had mixed emotions about this book and I will attempt to explain why. When rating a book, I ask myself several questions, the first being: What did I like about this story. My answer is: I very much liked the way the book began. The first chapter immediately drew me into the story. I was intrigued by the possibilities and wanted to know more. I also liked that the narrative was written in the first person with alternating his and her points of view. I really love having a perspective from both the male and female protagonist enabling me to always know their feelings and motivations. I enjoyed the raw, snappy dialogue which was well executed and flowed effortlessly. The entire story was well crafted and edited which is always a big plus for me. I enjoyed the elements of suspense woven into the story as well as the way it was written with several surprising twists that totally shocked me. This book had most of the components I truly enjoy in a good book including danger, drama, action, suspense angst, romance and sex.
The second question I ask myself is: What didn't I like about this story. Sometimes that can be a loaded question since I don't believe in openly criticizing an author's work but in order to give the reasons for my rating, I must attempt to explain my feelings as honestly as possible. One thing in particular which has always been a pet peeve of mine - the characters. In every book I read, the connection I make to the story is always through the characters. If I can't identify with the characters and their plight, then I can't connect with their story and in this case, it just didn't happen. I have a difficult time becoming involved in a story if I don't know the full names of the two primary characters. I pose this question: If you really want to know someone, remember them and become involved in their life, don't you want to know their first and last names? I always do. I'm a voracious reader and probably read 10 to 20 books a week. Surprisingly, I remember the majority of them but only if I make that special connection and truly enjoy what I've read. And in order to do that, I need a first and last name for at least the two protagonists of the story. Without being able to identify them, I can't identify with them. If the author can't be bothered enough to invest in a first and last name for the primary characters, then why should I be vested in them or their life? That's how I truly know that I love a story - when the players become real and the story comes to life. I empathize with them, hurt with them, feel sad for them, cry for them and cheer for them to somehow, against all odds, find their happy ending. Sadly, I found I didn't really like Finn, the male protagonist and supposed hero of this story. He was portrayed as self centered, self serving, arrogant, cocky and rather cruel through the entire first half of the book. There were no redeeming qualities or actual detailed reasons for his unfeeling behavior revealed until the last half of the book. Regrettably, the revelation for Finn and his character development didn't happen until the last 30% of the book which was already a little too late for me to love him as the hero. Is this a dark story? Yes, and I love delicious dark romance and dangerous dark heroes but I need some indication that the hero is seeking absolution. Had a glimmer of redemption peeked through earlier, it would have made all the difference in the world. I did manage to form a better connection with Shayna, the heroine of the story. It was revealed early in the story why she was involved, her motivations and what she hoped to discover. She was much more likeable and relatable as a primary player in this story.
The third question I ask is: Would I recommend this book? Yes I would, but only for adult readers since it does contain explicit language, graphic violence and steamy dreamy love scenes. It's a good read but not as good as it could have been. I would liked to have seen more character development earlier in the story, especially for Finn. I liked this book but I didn't love it. As in everything, this is just my humble opinion and everyone is entitled to their own, therefore I encourage each person to give this book a chance and make up their own minds. It was an enjoyable read. I don't regret one single minute I spent reading it.
And finally: Will I read this author again: Absolutely! I look forward to reading many more books by this author. I did enjoy this book but it just didn't resonate with me. I read it using the Kindle Unlimited borrow program but I won't be purchasing it as a permanent addition to my library.
Title: Game
Author: London Casey
Designation: Standalone MMA Bad Boy Romantic Suspense, NO Cliffhanger
Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: FOUR ENTERTAINING STARS****
I became a London Casey/Karolyn James fan several months ago after reading several of her Back Down Devil MC Romance Novels and always look forward to her new releases. I've always been more attracted to Contemporary Bad Boy MC Romance rather than Contemporary Bad Boy MMA/Boxing Romance but I'm always willing to try something new, especially if I'm already familiar with the author's writing style so I decided to at least give this book a chance. Fortunately, there wasn't much actual fighting in this book and the fighting aspect is not the primary focus of the storyline. The male protagonist is a former Irish MMA fighter and now member of an illegal underground fighting ring who works for a dangerous Italian mob boss. The female protagonist is portrayed as the unwilling girlfriend/fiance of a rival Irish mob boss who has her own hidden agenda. Naturally the two mob bosses are supposed sworn enemies, each with their own fighters and turf. And never the two should ever cross! But all is not as it seems, it rarely ever is.
Like some of the other reviewers, I also had mixed emotions about this book and I will attempt to explain why. When rating a book, I ask myself several questions, the first being: What did I like about this story. My answer is: I very much liked the way the book began. The first chapter immediately drew me into the story. I was intrigued by the possibilities and wanted to know more. I also liked that the narrative was written in the first person with alternating his and her points of view. I really love having a perspective from both the male and female protagonist enabling me to always know their feelings and motivations. I enjoyed the raw, snappy dialogue which was well executed and flowed effortlessly. The entire story was well crafted and edited which is always a big plus for me. I enjoyed the elements of suspense woven into the story as well as the way it was written with several surprising twists that totally shocked me. This book had most of the components I truly enjoy in a good book including danger, drama, action, suspense angst, romance and sex.
The second question I ask myself is: What didn't I like about this story. Sometimes that can be a loaded question since I don't believe in openly criticizing an author's work but in order to give the reasons for my rating, I must attempt to explain my feelings as honestly as possible. One thing in particular which has always been a pet peeve of mine - the characters. In every book I read, the connection I make to the story is always through the characters. If I can't identify with the characters and their plight, then I can't connect with their story and in this case, it just didn't happen. I have a difficult time becoming involved in a story if I don't know the full names of the two primary characters. I pose this question: If you really want to know someone, remember them and become involved in their life, don't you want to know their first and last names? I always do. I'm a voracious reader and probably read 10 to 20 books a week. Surprisingly, I remember the majority of them but only if I make that special connection and truly enjoy what I've read. And in order to do that, I need a first and last name for at least the two protagonists of the story. Without being able to identify them, I can't identify with them. If the author can't be bothered enough to invest in a first and last name for the primary characters, then why should I be vested in them or their life? That's how I truly know that I love a story - when the players become real and the story comes to life. I empathize with them, hurt with them, feel sad for them, cry for them and cheer for them to somehow, against all odds, find their happy ending. Sadly, I found I didn't really like Finn, the male protagonist and supposed hero of this story. He was portrayed as self centered, self serving, arrogant, cocky and rather cruel through the entire first half of the book. There were no redeeming qualities or actual detailed reasons for his unfeeling behavior revealed until the last half of the book. Regrettably, the revelation for Finn and his character development didn't happen until the last 30% of the book which was already a little too late for me to love him as the hero. Is this a dark story? Yes, and I love delicious dark romance and dangerous dark heroes but I need some indication that the hero is seeking absolution. Had a glimmer of redemption peeked through earlier, it would have made all the difference in the world. I did manage to form a better connection with Shayna, the heroine of the story. It was revealed early in the story why she was involved, her motivations and what she hoped to discover. She was much more likeable and relatable as a primary player in this story.
The third question I ask is: Would I recommend this book? Yes I would, but only for adult readers since it does contain explicit language, graphic violence and steamy dreamy love scenes. It's a good read but not as good as it could have been. I would liked to have seen more character development earlier in the story, especially for Finn. I liked this book but I didn't love it. As in everything, this is just my humble opinion and everyone is entitled to their own, therefore I encourage each person to give this book a chance and make up their own minds. It was an enjoyable read. I don't regret one single minute I spent reading it.
And finally: Will I read this author again: Absolutely! I look forward to reading many more books by this author. I did enjoy this book but it just didn't resonate with me. I read it using the Kindle Unlimited borrow program but I won't be purchasing it as a permanent addition to my library.
March 27, 2019
I received an arc of this book for a free review. The book definitely held my interest from the first page. I had to stay up until I finished the book. It has romance, mystery, tragedy and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Definitely worth reading.
October 25, 2018
What a cool book.... looking forward 4 the next book!!
April 11, 2016
A Compelling & Emotional Story!!
Game is a story that the reader will be hard pressed to set aside once they start. Finn & Shayna are two people who through no fault of their own, become pawns in a deadly game (no pun intended) between Zander & Fiore, two rival mob bosses. When push comes to shove, will Finn step up, make the right decisions, and be the decent man that Shayna knows he can be when more than just their lives are at stake?
Finn starts the night with plans to relax, have a few drinks with his buddy Cormac, and enjoy watching a fight, but instead winds up in deep sh*t. He makes the mistake of drawing the unwanted attention of Zander after ogling his “woman” Shayna who has also noticed Finn. Shayna is there because she believes Zander had something to do with the disappearance of her sister. She got in way over her head with Zander and is now trapped with no way out.
Faster than you can blink, Finn finds himself in a fight of his life with one of Zander’s ringers called the “Fist.” Shayna knows this is a death sentence, so she makes a fateful decision to save Finn. Her actions will have life changing repercussions Shayna could not have foreseen for the both of them.
Now Finn has to answer for his actions of the night with his boss Fiore and hope that he can talk his way out of a sticky situation. First, what was he doing at a rival’s warehouse, where fights for money are held, when he had no business being there and second, what the hell was he doing with Zanders’ woman!! Thinking fast, Finn gives Shayna to Fiore to do with as he pleases, an action that both saves and dooms them. Fiore comes up with a diabolical solution to everyone’s problems, including his own and from this point on, Finn and Shayna’s lives are never the same.
This story had a compelling emotional element that just wouldn’t let me put it down once I started reading. I could feel the characters grief and the desperation that drove them to do what they did, all in an effort to cope and survive. It has a well written storyline with just the right amount of violence, intrigue, and steamy sex. Game kept me on the edge of my seat and for me, that’s the sign of a great book. If you are a fan of London Casey or MMA books like I am, this is one story you don’t want to miss!!
Game is a story that the reader will be hard pressed to set aside once they start. Finn & Shayna are two people who through no fault of their own, become pawns in a deadly game (no pun intended) between Zander & Fiore, two rival mob bosses. When push comes to shove, will Finn step up, make the right decisions, and be the decent man that Shayna knows he can be when more than just their lives are at stake?
Finn starts the night with plans to relax, have a few drinks with his buddy Cormac, and enjoy watching a fight, but instead winds up in deep sh*t. He makes the mistake of drawing the unwanted attention of Zander after ogling his “woman” Shayna who has also noticed Finn. Shayna is there because she believes Zander had something to do with the disappearance of her sister. She got in way over her head with Zander and is now trapped with no way out.
Faster than you can blink, Finn finds himself in a fight of his life with one of Zander’s ringers called the “Fist.” Shayna knows this is a death sentence, so she makes a fateful decision to save Finn. Her actions will have life changing repercussions Shayna could not have foreseen for the both of them.
Now Finn has to answer for his actions of the night with his boss Fiore and hope that he can talk his way out of a sticky situation. First, what was he doing at a rival’s warehouse, where fights for money are held, when he had no business being there and second, what the hell was he doing with Zanders’ woman!! Thinking fast, Finn gives Shayna to Fiore to do with as he pleases, an action that both saves and dooms them. Fiore comes up with a diabolical solution to everyone’s problems, including his own and from this point on, Finn and Shayna’s lives are never the same.
This story had a compelling emotional element that just wouldn’t let me put it down once I started reading. I could feel the characters grief and the desperation that drove them to do what they did, all in an effort to cope and survive. It has a well written storyline with just the right amount of violence, intrigue, and steamy sex. Game kept me on the edge of my seat and for me, that’s the sign of a great book. If you are a fan of London Casey or MMA books like I am, this is one story you don’t want to miss!!
April 26, 2016
Amanda
Finn drove me crazy. He was hot, he was cold. Finn was just all over the place, and that made me want to shake him or smack him. Being an underground fighter with mob ties wouldn’t be enough to deter me from roughing him up! He meets Shayna when she goes to the mob to try to find her sister. And that doesn’t work out too well for her.
Finn drove me crazy in the beginning chapters of the book but by the end, he won me over. I did feel there were things that were left untold, though.
3 ½ stars
Susan
Let me start by saying this, FIORE IS WACKO!!!!
This was pretty good. The action was fantastic. It was almost non-stop. Lots of fighting, car crashes, shooting. I liked it. :) Shayna was great. She was caught up in the mob life because she was looking for her sister. She met Finn at an underground fight where she was offered as the prize if he won the fight. The thing is, Finn didn't really want her as a prize because he was still mourning the loss of his girlfriend. Finn was strong and tough and moody. Brooding hero? Yes! Finn actually ran a little too hot and cold for my taste. He gave me a bit of whiplash with his back forth feelings.
And now we're back to Fiore. There are just no words to describe his level of bat-sh*t craziness. I would have liked a little more info on how he and Zander were working together since they were supposed to be rival mob families, but that's just me. LOL
3 ½ stars
Teresa
I received an ARC for an honest review of this book. I liked it. I will say I liked the writing, what I didn't care for the the wishy-washy characters and then the almost instant love they felt. That annoyed me....Fiore was off his rocker, and not even just a little. At first I was completely annoyed with the story line, but I stuck it out. I'm glad I did, in the end it all made sense where Fiore's mind was. I should say sense where a sane person is observing.
I've not read a mob type/fighter storyline before, so that did intrigue me and that part of it I liked.
4 Stars for me because I really felt the writing style was good, and I didn't flounce because of that.
Finn drove me crazy. He was hot, he was cold. Finn was just all over the place, and that made me want to shake him or smack him. Being an underground fighter with mob ties wouldn’t be enough to deter me from roughing him up! He meets Shayna when she goes to the mob to try to find her sister. And that doesn’t work out too well for her.
Finn drove me crazy in the beginning chapters of the book but by the end, he won me over. I did feel there were things that were left untold, though.
3 ½ stars
Susan
Let me start by saying this, FIORE IS WACKO!!!!
This was pretty good. The action was fantastic. It was almost non-stop. Lots of fighting, car crashes, shooting. I liked it. :) Shayna was great. She was caught up in the mob life because she was looking for her sister. She met Finn at an underground fight where she was offered as the prize if he won the fight. The thing is, Finn didn't really want her as a prize because he was still mourning the loss of his girlfriend. Finn was strong and tough and moody. Brooding hero? Yes! Finn actually ran a little too hot and cold for my taste. He gave me a bit of whiplash with his back forth feelings.
And now we're back to Fiore. There are just no words to describe his level of bat-sh*t craziness. I would have liked a little more info on how he and Zander were working together since they were supposed to be rival mob families, but that's just me. LOL
3 ½ stars
Teresa
I received an ARC for an honest review of this book. I liked it. I will say I liked the writing, what I didn't care for the the wishy-washy characters and then the almost instant love they felt. That annoyed me....Fiore was off his rocker, and not even just a little. At first I was completely annoyed with the story line, but I stuck it out. I'm glad I did, in the end it all made sense where Fiore's mind was. I should say sense where a sane person is observing.
I've not read a mob type/fighter storyline before, so that did intrigue me and that part of it I liked.
4 Stars for me because I really felt the writing style was good, and I didn't flounce because of that.
April 16, 2016
I wrote this review while reading the book so if it sounds weird while reading it that’s why.
From the very beginning of this book we are thrown into turmoil…Shayna has been cornered into standing by Zander’s side. She’s looking for answers about what happened to her sister and in doing so she has allied herself with a monster.
Finn is a fighter in more ways than the obvious…and when cornered into a life or death fight he wins and walks away with Shayna as his prize. Little did either of them know the troubles that would waited for them.
Fiore is Finn’s boss and head of a mob family as well as rival to Zander, he also holds not only Finn’s but also Shayna’s life in his hands.
I am really enjoying this book so far, Finn though he is an asshole and cocky to no end…he has history, one that has left him broken. He needs someone like Shayna with her attitude…though Shayna is still also hurt easily she tends to keep Finn in his place most of the time.
Things go from bad to literally FUBAR in a matter of minutes for these two to the point where I have to take a break and put the book down…then a couple minutes later I pick it back up because seriously this book grabbed me from the first page and has not let up. I’m not usually one for fast paced action in romance novels but it totally works in this book, and so far I am loving it.
Honestly being put in their position I don’t know what I would do…neither option is very good and both have a high percentage for death.
WHY!!!! I am heartbroken over Cormac…I have no words…I am literally speechless about what I just read!
And then there is Mara…I just KNEW she was going to show up at some point, who knew it would be just when Finn needed a push in the right direction.
Okay so I just finished this book, and I have to say that I really liked this book it had suspense, romance, heartache, and more all rolled up into one great story. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future…especially the first two books that were in this series. Seeing as these are standalone books in the series I figured it wouldn’t matter if I read them out of order.
If you are a fan of books that are darker but still have that romance factor then you will more than likely love this book, as this one has a good balance between darkness and romance with a little bit of suspense thrown in to the mix.
Advanced copy received from author for an honest review.
From the very beginning of this book we are thrown into turmoil…Shayna has been cornered into standing by Zander’s side. She’s looking for answers about what happened to her sister and in doing so she has allied herself with a monster.
Finn is a fighter in more ways than the obvious…and when cornered into a life or death fight he wins and walks away with Shayna as his prize. Little did either of them know the troubles that would waited for them.
Fiore is Finn’s boss and head of a mob family as well as rival to Zander, he also holds not only Finn’s but also Shayna’s life in his hands.
I am really enjoying this book so far, Finn though he is an asshole and cocky to no end…he has history, one that has left him broken. He needs someone like Shayna with her attitude…though Shayna is still also hurt easily she tends to keep Finn in his place most of the time.
Things go from bad to literally FUBAR in a matter of minutes for these two to the point where I have to take a break and put the book down…then a couple minutes later I pick it back up because seriously this book grabbed me from the first page and has not let up. I’m not usually one for fast paced action in romance novels but it totally works in this book, and so far I am loving it.
Honestly being put in their position I don’t know what I would do…neither option is very good and both have a high percentage for death.
WHY!!!! I am heartbroken over Cormac…I have no words…I am literally speechless about what I just read!
And then there is Mara…I just KNEW she was going to show up at some point, who knew it would be just when Finn needed a push in the right direction.
Okay so I just finished this book, and I have to say that I really liked this book it had suspense, romance, heartache, and more all rolled up into one great story. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future…especially the first two books that were in this series. Seeing as these are standalone books in the series I figured it wouldn’t matter if I read them out of order.
If you are a fan of books that are darker but still have that romance factor then you will more than likely love this book, as this one has a good balance between darkness and romance with a little bit of suspense thrown in to the mix.
Advanced copy received from author for an honest review.
April 8, 2016
"3 Sweetie stars"
This wasn't the life I had planned...but it was the life I now had,
and I wouldn't changed it for anything.
This was a nice short story.It had a lot of suspense and I enjoyed it because you didn't know what crazy shit would happen next.I liked the story line and the 2 main characters were pretty good. They both had been through a lot and got involved in dangerous stuff for their own reasons. The story was fast paced and Finn and Shayan were constantly watching their backs because you never knew who's coming for you when you get involved with very bad people, ready to torture and kill you.
Shayan was my new drug, my new high.
I liked Finn a lot.He was a hot fighter and sweet when he was ready to accept his true feelings and let himself open up.He was a protector...
Shayan was really beautiful and brave.She had some dirty thoughts about Finn.I mean who wouldn't.Also she had a thing about flashing her tits when she needed to escape the bad guys who were always on their asses demanding things that were crazy.
"Does it hurt?To fight?"
"Hurt like hell.You know what hurt worse?"
"What?"
"The fact that those guys got to see your tits and I didn't."
I liked Finn ans Shayan. They had their issues but together they managed to get over them.They had some pretty hot moment in their cabin which of course I enjoyed it.
There were a couple of things that bothered me, like I would want a prologue to have an idea about what was going to happen and there were a few parts that needed more development.Other than that I enjoyed it and surprisingly I liked the madness that was going on in this book.
"Have you ever been in love?"
"Not until recently."
We are falling for each other.
Enjoy!xxx
(ARC provided by the author for an honest review)
This wasn't the life I had planned...but it was the life I now had,
and I wouldn't changed it for anything.
This was a nice short story.It had a lot of suspense and I enjoyed it because you didn't know what crazy shit would happen next.I liked the story line and the 2 main characters were pretty good. They both had been through a lot and got involved in dangerous stuff for their own reasons. The story was fast paced and Finn and Shayan were constantly watching their backs because you never knew who's coming for you when you get involved with very bad people, ready to torture and kill you.
Shayan was my new drug, my new high.
I liked Finn a lot.He was a hot fighter and sweet when he was ready to accept his true feelings and let himself open up.He was a protector...
Shayan was really beautiful and brave.She had some dirty thoughts about Finn.I mean who wouldn't.Also she had a thing about flashing her tits when she needed to escape the bad guys who were always on their asses demanding things that were crazy.
"Does it hurt?To fight?"
"Hurt like hell.You know what hurt worse?"
"What?"
"The fact that those guys got to see your tits and I didn't."
I liked Finn ans Shayan. They had their issues but together they managed to get over them.They had some pretty hot moment in their cabin which of course I enjoyed it.
There were a couple of things that bothered me, like I would want a prologue to have an idea about what was going to happen and there were a few parts that needed more development.Other than that I enjoyed it and surprisingly I liked the madness that was going on in this book.
"Have you ever been in love?"
"Not until recently."
We are falling for each other.
Enjoy!xxx
(ARC provided by the author for an honest review)
April 24, 2016
I have to say that I have mixed feelings about this book. Part of me really liked it because of the dark side of the book, the the other part of me just felt like something was needed, but can't put my finger on it. Don't get me wrong, London Casey is an awesome writer/author and one of my favorites, I just had a hard time getting through the first part of the book. Once I got through the first part of the book, I then got to the point where I couldn't put it down. There were parts that made me laugh, and parts that made me want to holler, and believe you when when you go to hollering at a book, you are stuck in the book!!! This book is a must read for ages 18 and over, especially if you love bad boys and mob bosses, and damsels in distress.
Finn is part Irish and he is a underworld fighter for a mob boss named Fiore. Finn went with his best buddy Cormac to another fight just for the fun and he then looked up and saw this gorgeous woman looking at him. Well they locked eyes, and then the next thing Finn knows he is in a fight he shouldn't be in, and wins. Now he is on the run from another mob boss, Zander and with this gorgeous girl who gave a distraction so they could get away. Finn's boss tells him that he has one of two choices and that is, he can get Shayna pregnant to replace his lost grandchild, and they both live, or they can both die, NOW! So Finn and Shayna agree to this and hope to find a solution before they have to get down to business. Finn's biggest problem is he took Shayna to the cabin he built for his first love, and just can't see himself with Shayna sexually in this cabin. Finn keeps trying to find them a way out without having to get Shayna pregnant, but soon realizes that Shayna is starting to grow on him and now he has to find a way to get them both out alive, especially if she is now pregnant. With danger and death looming from all sides Shayna and Finn soon find help from an unexpected source, but is that help in time to save them both?
No Spoilers. ARC free book given for honest review.
Finn is part Irish and he is a underworld fighter for a mob boss named Fiore. Finn went with his best buddy Cormac to another fight just for the fun and he then looked up and saw this gorgeous woman looking at him. Well they locked eyes, and then the next thing Finn knows he is in a fight he shouldn't be in, and wins. Now he is on the run from another mob boss, Zander and with this gorgeous girl who gave a distraction so they could get away. Finn's boss tells him that he has one of two choices and that is, he can get Shayna pregnant to replace his lost grandchild, and they both live, or they can both die, NOW! So Finn and Shayna agree to this and hope to find a solution before they have to get down to business. Finn's biggest problem is he took Shayna to the cabin he built for his first love, and just can't see himself with Shayna sexually in this cabin. Finn keeps trying to find them a way out without having to get Shayna pregnant, but soon realizes that Shayna is starting to grow on him and now he has to find a way to get them both out alive, especially if she is now pregnant. With danger and death looming from all sides Shayna and Finn soon find help from an unexpected source, but is that help in time to save them both?
No Spoilers. ARC free book given for honest review.
April 13, 2016
This was an interesting read. I had a hard time liking the hero, Finn for quite a bit of the book. He's not really a bad guy but he has buried that part of him and denied it for a long time and so he keeps spouting things off and doing things that just make it really hard to like him. We do get glimpses of the good guy he could be throughout the story but then he says something stupid again and it just made me want to smack him lol. Shayna, the heroine, I liked. She is in a bad spot and isn't sure how to get out of it, or how she got so far in. She puts up with Finn and is drawn to him. He frustrates the crap out of her but the glimpses she gets keep her going...and the fact that they are stuck together. The story is well written and will keep you guessing on what's going to happen next. There are a lot of twists and turns and surprises that you don't necessarily expect. I needed to know how they were going to get out of the situation they were in and fix the problem. This story is a little darker than I was expecting and there wasn't a lot of romance between the two characters, at least for me. The sexual chemistry and draw is there the whole time but Finn keeps pushing Shayna away and denying that there will be anything for them. The sex is explicit and plays a major part in the story, as I'm sure you guess from the plot. There's also a lot of sexual chemistry going on. The story has a HEA, which is good. It doesn't end in a cliff hanger. I rated this three stars because I had such a hard time connecting and liking Finn. For me, I needed to see a little bit more earlier on to see him as more redeemable, even to just Shayna. I have no problem with bad bad boys. I guess I was just looking for a little bit more insight to have that connection. But it was still an enjoyable read.But it was still an enjoyable read that will keep you guessing on what's coming next.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2016
4.5 Stars
I haven’t read any other works by this author previously and that is a shame, because I have obviously been hiding under a rock, this was really, really good.
The story gave a perspective that I must say isn’t the one that I would have expected, it brought more depth, and a whole heap of attitude to the fore.
This wasn’t just dark, it was pitch black and there are some points when I was almost hyperventilating with anticipation. Some of the events are simply deadly to your health!
Finn meets Shayna on a night out at the fight club, little did he know just how close their lives would soon become.
As expected when it comes to books that connections to mob families, there is always a dangerous undercurrent that seeps its way into the very heart of the story and in that respect this had that component bang to rights because when it comes to Finn and Shayna there is nothing normal about the events that overtake their lives.
Finn was never looking for a hook up and Shayna was only ever interested in looking for her sister but somehow they found each other.
When Finn is put on the spot, his protective nature comes to the fore and oh boy did that have me swooning on the spot, his gut told him that he had to protect Shayna at all costs and he wasn’t willing to leave any stone unturned in his endeavour to do just that, but getting her pregnant surely that is an expectation too far!
I really liked Finn, I liked the fact that he had an edge about him, an element of arrogance but could he handle the force that was Shayna? This beautiful but headstrong woman was more than able to handle him but between the two of them they are neck deep in trouble.
There are so many twists and turns that at time it is almost impossible to keep up but you have to pay attention because missing details is not an option, you need to know all the fact because this is one story that will leave you in its wake if you don’t pay attention.
I haven’t read any other works by this author previously and that is a shame, because I have obviously been hiding under a rock, this was really, really good.
The story gave a perspective that I must say isn’t the one that I would have expected, it brought more depth, and a whole heap of attitude to the fore.
This wasn’t just dark, it was pitch black and there are some points when I was almost hyperventilating with anticipation. Some of the events are simply deadly to your health!
Finn meets Shayna on a night out at the fight club, little did he know just how close their lives would soon become.
As expected when it comes to books that connections to mob families, there is always a dangerous undercurrent that seeps its way into the very heart of the story and in that respect this had that component bang to rights because when it comes to Finn and Shayna there is nothing normal about the events that overtake their lives.
Finn was never looking for a hook up and Shayna was only ever interested in looking for her sister but somehow they found each other.
When Finn is put on the spot, his protective nature comes to the fore and oh boy did that have me swooning on the spot, his gut told him that he had to protect Shayna at all costs and he wasn’t willing to leave any stone unturned in his endeavour to do just that, but getting her pregnant surely that is an expectation too far!
I really liked Finn, I liked the fact that he had an edge about him, an element of arrogance but could he handle the force that was Shayna? This beautiful but headstrong woman was more than able to handle him but between the two of them they are neck deep in trouble.
There are so many twists and turns that at time it is almost impossible to keep up but you have to pay attention because missing details is not an option, you need to know all the fact because this is one story that will leave you in its wake if you don’t pay attention.
April 28, 2016
In the middle of the underground fighting world are two strangers who find themselves in an unlikely situation, and must find a way to save each other and escape the world they were thrown into. This story brings us into a world of underground fighting, and shows us what happens when someone falls for the last person they should fall for. Shayna is the arm candy of Zander, the host of some the best underground fights and a well-connected boss. However, Shayna is so much more than she appears and has private reasons for staying around Zander. When Finn, prized fighter of rival boss Fiore, walks into that nights fight, Shayna couldn’t take her eyes off him. Zander picks him to fight and tells Finn his prize is Shayna. When he wins and Zander tries to back on his deal, Shayna helps Finn escape and they try to hide from Zander and his men. Finn has to come clean to his boss or he is dead for fighting at another bosses fight. Finn decides to use Shayna to help save both their lives from the insane Fiore but what Fiore decides, neither one saw coming. Fiore wants Finn to get Shayna pregnant to help destroy Zander for the pain he has caused Fiore. Shayna and Finn must find a way to save themselves from both bosses and end up falling for each other in the process. Shayna wants to be with Finn, but he has a hard time letting her into his heart. He has lost so much he is afraid to let anyone in. This standalone book really pulls you in from the very first few pages. The dark world the characters live in is an interesting backdrop for a love story. I really enjoyed the complex characters and their less than typical life. “Game” is a dark and mysterious story with a surprising twist that leaves the reader guessing the whole time. I loved how the authors showed that real love can live in the most unlikely of places. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 26, 2016
I received this for a honest review. When you take two amazing authors like Ana Fawkes and Karolyn James Coming together to write a book, you know you are going to get one amazing book. Game is truly that, it is an awesome story.
Finn was this handsome sexy fighter. He actually does underground fighting and worked for Fiore who is a mafia boss. Finn finds himself at the wrong place at the wrong time. Now he has to fight. It is more a fight for his life than anything.
Shayna is involved with the really bad dude called Zander. Zander is a mafia boss as well. He had one goal in mind the night he saw Finn and that was to kill him. My heart almost broke for Shayna. Here she was with Zander in hopes to find her sister. Seems like the mess she has gotten herself into just gets deeper as she tries to save Finn.
I almost laughed when I read the part where Fiore wanted Finn to knock up Shayna. The thoughts that had to be going through Finn’s mind. Well, not only what Finn was thinking but Shayna as well. I know Shayna had to be hating Finn for taking her to his boss but in all fairness Finn did offer to let her go time and time again.
There is some things in Finn’s past that is heartbreaking. He is falling hard for Shayna and this is hard for him to deal with. He has to learn to let go of his past to be able to move forward with this present. Shayna is determined to help him do just that.
I truly hated Fiore and Zander in this book. I am not sure who was the craziest of the two. Fiore truly had some mental issues going on. Finn will have to do his best to protect Shayna. Fiore really want her to have a baby and give it to him and the lengths he will go through are unbelievable. If Finn succeeds on getting Shayna pregnant will he be able to let that baby go?
Finn was this handsome sexy fighter. He actually does underground fighting and worked for Fiore who is a mafia boss. Finn finds himself at the wrong place at the wrong time. Now he has to fight. It is more a fight for his life than anything.
Shayna is involved with the really bad dude called Zander. Zander is a mafia boss as well. He had one goal in mind the night he saw Finn and that was to kill him. My heart almost broke for Shayna. Here she was with Zander in hopes to find her sister. Seems like the mess she has gotten herself into just gets deeper as she tries to save Finn.
I almost laughed when I read the part where Fiore wanted Finn to knock up Shayna. The thoughts that had to be going through Finn’s mind. Well, not only what Finn was thinking but Shayna as well. I know Shayna had to be hating Finn for taking her to his boss but in all fairness Finn did offer to let her go time and time again.
There is some things in Finn’s past that is heartbreaking. He is falling hard for Shayna and this is hard for him to deal with. He has to learn to let go of his past to be able to move forward with this present. Shayna is determined to help him do just that.
I truly hated Fiore and Zander in this book. I am not sure who was the craziest of the two. Fiore truly had some mental issues going on. Finn will have to do his best to protect Shayna. Fiore really want her to have a baby and give it to him and the lengths he will go through are unbelievable. If Finn succeeds on getting Shayna pregnant will he be able to let that baby go?
April 28, 2016
Game is the first book I've read from London Casey and I absolutely devoured it. The opening alone had me hooked. The pace never let up and with every twist I had to keep going to find out what was going to happen. I enjoyed getting both sides of the story through each characters eyes, especially Finn's.
That guy- wow. He is brash and broody, a fighter in every sense of the word. He fights for himself and those he cares about. For the right thing even when the odds are stacked against him. Like when he stumbled into the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up with much more than he bargained for, Shayna. Can you say firecracker? Because that is exactly what she is. She has her own plan she's been working at and pure instinct has her running from one form of danger into the unknown with the fighter who caught her eye.
Finn and Shayna are put in an impossible situation but try to make the most of it. I loved seeing them open up to each other. Their pasts were painful but they found solace in each other. The intensity built steadily until it came to a head and exploded; literally. My heart was racing and my jaw was on the floor. When I say things got twisted, they got twisted!!! I don't think anyone saw that coming, Finn sure didn't and he's the guy who sees the moves before they're made.
London Casey wove such an intricate tale of lies, betrayal and deceit that I had no way to predict how everything would pan out and I'm usually pretty good at figuring it all out. Game had it all mystery, danger, sex, scheming, death, revenge and a few other things too. While Finn and Shayna had the most unconventional and rocky of starts to their relationship, I am more than happy with how things turned out for them.
That guy- wow. He is brash and broody, a fighter in every sense of the word. He fights for himself and those he cares about. For the right thing even when the odds are stacked against him. Like when he stumbled into the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up with much more than he bargained for, Shayna. Can you say firecracker? Because that is exactly what she is. She has her own plan she's been working at and pure instinct has her running from one form of danger into the unknown with the fighter who caught her eye.
Finn and Shayna are put in an impossible situation but try to make the most of it. I loved seeing them open up to each other. Their pasts were painful but they found solace in each other. The intensity built steadily until it came to a head and exploded; literally. My heart was racing and my jaw was on the floor. When I say things got twisted, they got twisted!!! I don't think anyone saw that coming, Finn sure didn't and he's the guy who sees the moves before they're made.
London Casey wove such an intricate tale of lies, betrayal and deceit that I had no way to predict how everything would pan out and I'm usually pretty good at figuring it all out. Game had it all mystery, danger, sex, scheming, death, revenge and a few other things too. While Finn and Shayna had the most unconventional and rocky of starts to their relationship, I am more than happy with how things turned out for them.
April 11, 2016
Finn thought that his life is flawless until it wasn´t. To get his emotions, anger and hunger for blood under control he became famous Underground fighter fighting for no one less than Fiore – the head of Italian Mafia. One day his best friend Cormac takes him to one underground fight where only is to watch and drink….until one beautiful woman looks him over and he gets into T.R.O.U.B.L.E. Nobody wants to hear that he isn´t here to fight so he is thrown in the middle of the ring and has to defend himself. Zander is Russian Mafia Boss and wants Finn dead so Finn´s price is nothing less than she…Shayna Zander´s fiancé. No one really hasn´t dreamt that Finn would win the fight and before he could get killed by Zander´s men Shayna saves him and they both are on run.
Shayla isn´t under the spell of mafia because she is in love with her fiancé but because she looks for her lost sister Sasha. What happens now? Finn tells her their paths have to go different directions. Only they have followers so Finn is urged to take her with him. They can escape.
Next day Finn hasvto talk to his boss Fiore, who first wants to kill him but after they get unexpected visitors from the Russian Mafia, he decides that Finn and Shayna have to replace what was taken from him by the Russians…his grandchild. So the two are supposed to get pregnant or killed. Neither Finn nor Shayna had expected to fall in love with each other. They don´t know who everyone is against them so they fight to survive.
The story has many twists. First I couldn´t get into the story but then somehow the plot picked up and I read it one breath.
I would say my honest rating is about 3,75*
Shayla isn´t under the spell of mafia because she is in love with her fiancé but because she looks for her lost sister Sasha. What happens now? Finn tells her their paths have to go different directions. Only they have followers so Finn is urged to take her with him. They can escape.
Next day Finn hasvto talk to his boss Fiore, who first wants to kill him but after they get unexpected visitors from the Russian Mafia, he decides that Finn and Shayna have to replace what was taken from him by the Russians…his grandchild. So the two are supposed to get pregnant or killed. Neither Finn nor Shayna had expected to fall in love with each other. They don´t know who everyone is against them so they fight to survive.
The story has many twists. First I couldn´t get into the story but then somehow the plot picked up and I read it one breath.
I would say my honest rating is about 3,75*
August 11, 2016
This book was good. I liked this book because of the criminal side, it made the story very interesting! I couldn't put it down. So you got an erotic romance, with some crime, violence. Who wouldn't fell for a bad guy, who became our hero?I enjoyed reading it! Finn is my HERO! ;)
Finn is an underground fighter. He is strong, cocky and of course very very sexy guy. :)
Shayna met him on a fight. Actually Finn fought for her. Shayna was the price. He won and took home Shayna. Shayna's 'boss' is Zander, he has a lot of power, loves torture people and killed a lot of people. Shayna is with him because of her sister, Sasha. She was looking for her for a long time, she knew Sasha was with Zander, but she didn't know where she is know. So Shayna and Finn escaped together from Zander. But Fiore, Finn's boss want something from Shayna, he wants a baby. He wants Shayna to get pregnant from Finn.
They have chemistry but Finn hold back himself. He has a secret, a dead girlfriend. Because of her death he became a fighter in this illegal world. He changed a lot. His life is now about fights, alcohol and sex.
But something changed, he started feel something for Shayna. He started to care. He became protective.
Shayna felt the chemistry between them, but first didn't understand Finn. She didn't know why didn't he had sex with her yet. But she wanted him so much, not just sexually, but after she started to know Finn more, she started to fall for him.
They fell for each other. They had to fight for their relationship and for their future. They had to fight against Zander and Fiore...
http://vivien-olvasokuckoja.blogspot....
Finn is an underground fighter. He is strong, cocky and of course very very sexy guy. :)
Shayna met him on a fight. Actually Finn fought for her. Shayna was the price. He won and took home Shayna. Shayna's 'boss' is Zander, he has a lot of power, loves torture people and killed a lot of people. Shayna is with him because of her sister, Sasha. She was looking for her for a long time, she knew Sasha was with Zander, but she didn't know where she is know. So Shayna and Finn escaped together from Zander. But Fiore, Finn's boss want something from Shayna, he wants a baby. He wants Shayna to get pregnant from Finn.
They have chemistry but Finn hold back himself. He has a secret, a dead girlfriend. Because of her death he became a fighter in this illegal world. He changed a lot. His life is now about fights, alcohol and sex.
But something changed, he started feel something for Shayna. He started to care. He became protective.
Shayna felt the chemistry between them, but first didn't understand Finn. She didn't know why didn't he had sex with her yet. But she wanted him so much, not just sexually, but after she started to know Finn more, she started to fall for him.
They fell for each other. They had to fight for their relationship and for their future. They had to fight against Zander and Fiore...
http://vivien-olvasokuckoja.blogspot....
April 28, 2016
3 fighter stars!
Game was a nice story. It was full of suspense and I enjoyed reading it, I kept wanting to turn the page quickly because I didn’t know what was going to happen next. The story line was interesting and from what i’ve read in the past, the storyline was pretty original. Shayan and Finn are good characters. Finn is a fighter that was in the wrong place at the wrong time and gets sucked into a intense and crazy time thanks to Shayan. Shayan has been though a lot and will do anything to find what she is looking for. Even if that means staying with a dangerous man. Both Finn and Shayan are involved in a dangerous lives. This story was fast paced and had so many twist and turns that really kept me on my toes.
Finn is a natural protector and he quickly accepts his feelings for Shayan and he protects her from the start of their unusual relationship. Shayan is brave and can put up a fight when she needs to. There are some definite sexy scenes in this book that adds to the chemistry between Finn and Shayan.
Overall I liked Finn and Shayan. This plot is completely different to anything that i’ve ever read. No matter what Finn and Shayan go though they make it out together in the end.
I was confused at some points of the story and I think that a prologue would’ve helped me understand the story a lot more. Some parts of the story needed development and I wanted to connect to the characters more. The crazy twist and turns this story took, kept me intrigued until the end.
I enjoyed the story.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Game was a nice story. It was full of suspense and I enjoyed reading it, I kept wanting to turn the page quickly because I didn’t know what was going to happen next. The story line was interesting and from what i’ve read in the past, the storyline was pretty original. Shayan and Finn are good characters. Finn is a fighter that was in the wrong place at the wrong time and gets sucked into a intense and crazy time thanks to Shayan. Shayan has been though a lot and will do anything to find what she is looking for. Even if that means staying with a dangerous man. Both Finn and Shayan are involved in a dangerous lives. This story was fast paced and had so many twist and turns that really kept me on my toes.
Finn is a natural protector and he quickly accepts his feelings for Shayan and he protects her from the start of their unusual relationship. Shayan is brave and can put up a fight when she needs to. There are some definite sexy scenes in this book that adds to the chemistry between Finn and Shayan.
Overall I liked Finn and Shayan. This plot is completely different to anything that i’ve ever read. No matter what Finn and Shayan go though they make it out together in the end.
I was confused at some points of the story and I think that a prologue would’ve helped me understand the story a lot more. Some parts of the story needed development and I wanted to connect to the characters more. The crazy twist and turns this story took, kept me intrigued until the end.
I enjoyed the story.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
April 14, 2016
Game is the third book in Karolyn James and Ana Fawkes's series and it was a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed Finn and Shayna's story. Finn is the epitome of a wild, fighting, drunken Irishman - (I'm allowed to say this because of my Irish background!)-who actually makes a living fighting in illegal, underground matches, run by the mob. He's out one night with his best mate, Connor, whose a legal fighter & he goes along to another mobsters fight - where he definitely shouldn't go and of course, he's recognised! He's forced to fight and somehow manages to avoid being killed, escaping with Shayna's help. She's with the other mob boss, trying to find out what happened to her sister who mysteriously disappeared some time before. You would think this was enough trouble for anyone to get into, but Finn just can't help himself, so he takes off with Shayna, who is beautiful, and overnight he decides the best thing to get him out of trouble is to give her to his boss, as she'll have useful information to help take down the rival mob!
So there's a plan, a beautiful woman, a wild Irishman and two mobsters....
You'll have to read the book for outcome, but believe me, it's a wild ride with Finn and Shayna. And if you are a fan of Karolyn James and Ana Fawkes you already know that there will be sizzling hot scenes, more action and plenty of entertainment before the end of the story. Game is James and Fawkes at their best; don't just take my word for it, go buy the book and take the journey with Finn and Shayna. You're in for a treat.
So there's a plan, a beautiful woman, a wild Irishman and two mobsters....
You'll have to read the book for outcome, but believe me, it's a wild ride with Finn and Shayna. And if you are a fan of Karolyn James and Ana Fawkes you already know that there will be sizzling hot scenes, more action and plenty of entertainment before the end of the story. Game is James and Fawkes at their best; don't just take my word for it, go buy the book and take the journey with Finn and Shayna. You're in for a treat.
April 9, 2016
Deadly and stunning
I just finished reading GAME and as usual, Karolyn James did an awesome job! The insight to the mobs underground fighting is informational. But this story shows a side to the fighters we don't usually get to see in stories like these. As it always seems to be when I start one of Karolyn James' books I cannot put it down, I read from beginning to end excitedly waiting to turn the page to see what's next. I was shocked, scared, pissed as hell, smiling and in just plain awe while reading what's happening to Finn and Shayna. It's a suspenseful, action packed , violent story with many twists and turns will keep you hopping, with lots of hot steamy sex. But it is oh so worth taking the time to read it, I'll be reading it again that's for sure.
Two rivaling mob families. Finn is a top underground fighter on one side, fighting to rid himself of the pain of losing his love. While Shayna is on the other side trying to find her sister, she's sure they either have her, know where she's at, or know if she's dead. Their worlds collide when Finn ends up inside the rivalry territory bar to watch a fight, but when he sees Shayna he freezes as their eyes meet. Trouble seems to follow Shayna, especially when she sees Finn; her mob boss notices too. Now Finn has to fight for their lives inside their ring, if he wins his prize is Shayna, and if he loses it'll be their lives. What will his boss say or do if he makes it out alive? Will they end up with their HAE? You'll have to read it to find out, I give this story 5 stars
I just finished reading GAME and as usual, Karolyn James did an awesome job! The insight to the mobs underground fighting is informational. But this story shows a side to the fighters we don't usually get to see in stories like these. As it always seems to be when I start one of Karolyn James' books I cannot put it down, I read from beginning to end excitedly waiting to turn the page to see what's next. I was shocked, scared, pissed as hell, smiling and in just plain awe while reading what's happening to Finn and Shayna. It's a suspenseful, action packed , violent story with many twists and turns will keep you hopping, with lots of hot steamy sex. But it is oh so worth taking the time to read it, I'll be reading it again that's for sure.
Two rivaling mob families. Finn is a top underground fighter on one side, fighting to rid himself of the pain of losing his love. While Shayna is on the other side trying to find her sister, she's sure they either have her, know where she's at, or know if she's dead. Their worlds collide when Finn ends up inside the rivalry territory bar to watch a fight, but when he sees Shayna he freezes as their eyes meet. Trouble seems to follow Shayna, especially when she sees Finn; her mob boss notices too. Now Finn has to fight for their lives inside their ring, if he wins his prize is Shayna, and if he loses it'll be their lives. What will his boss say or do if he makes it out alive? Will they end up with their HAE? You'll have to read it to find out, I give this story 5 stars
April 11, 2016
I received "Game" as an ARC for my honest review.
The Game is a story of a guy caught up with the wrong people for fights and a girl looking for her sister mixed up with the wrong people. Both of them are put together to settle a score, but at a cost of a life (lives).
I enjoyed this book, but I have to say it became more enjoyable and intense towards the end.
It was a bit like the movie Goodfellas except no drugs, just boxing fights and being that I'm Italian and my other half is from Ireland I totally related to the story between the two nationalities and there backgrounds. I liked the way Casey & Fawkes emphasized on the sounds of the words spoken by Cormac and Finn their Irish twang as my husband has the accent too and I often laugh on certain words he says ie; Tree's mean three.
I just felt that some of the story line was rushed or drawn out, like the relationship between Shayna and Finn. I also thought for a tough guy Finn came off a little sappy like "poor old me", where as Shayna was the strong one in the story. Plenty of action with these two , but unfortunately it came off rushed instead of an intense spark.
The secrets that they held were suppose to be anguish yet I didn't break down and feel bad for them I don't know maybe it was the way it was written into the story or the pace where it was told?
This story had mystery, intensity, anguish, love, guns and a deranged boss. I gave it a 3 1/2 for I loved the twists in the end and the way it was all brought together.
The Game is a story of a guy caught up with the wrong people for fights and a girl looking for her sister mixed up with the wrong people. Both of them are put together to settle a score, but at a cost of a life (lives).
I enjoyed this book, but I have to say it became more enjoyable and intense towards the end.
It was a bit like the movie Goodfellas except no drugs, just boxing fights and being that I'm Italian and my other half is from Ireland I totally related to the story between the two nationalities and there backgrounds. I liked the way Casey & Fawkes emphasized on the sounds of the words spoken by Cormac and Finn their Irish twang as my husband has the accent too and I often laugh on certain words he says ie; Tree's mean three.
I just felt that some of the story line was rushed or drawn out, like the relationship between Shayna and Finn. I also thought for a tough guy Finn came off a little sappy like "poor old me", where as Shayna was the strong one in the story. Plenty of action with these two , but unfortunately it came off rushed instead of an intense spark.
The secrets that they held were suppose to be anguish yet I didn't break down and feel bad for them I don't know maybe it was the way it was written into the story or the pace where it was told?
This story had mystery, intensity, anguish, love, guns and a deranged boss. I gave it a 3 1/2 for I loved the twists in the end and the way it was all brought together.
April 11, 2016
Edgy, Erotic, Dark and Dangerous
Game, by London Casey and Ana Fawkes, is the third book in their Bad Boy MMA Romantic Suspense series. The authors and the series are new to me and I was not disappointed. In fact it was a hard to put the book down until I finished it. The story is fast paced, steamy, edgy, exciting and pulls you right in to a world that is dangerous and yet you can’t look away.
You get to meet Shayna, a pawn in a war between an Italian mob boss and a Russian one and Finn, the Irish MMA fighter who tries to protect her and himself even as he is falling for her, though he doesn’t want to. The story has steamy sex, heartbreaking loss, crazy and violent mobsters and quietly dangerous people, all using each other to get what they want and think they deserve.
I have read other MMA Fighter books and this one is different enough that you will not feel like you have been there before. It was way darker, less predictable and much less happy ending for all involved. You could not predict what would happen next since the twists and turns were as twisted as some of the characters. That being said there is some happiness, not all dark and dangerous for those involved.
The three books in this series are all stand alone novels without connecting characters so feel free to read then in what ever order you choose. Why do I say that, well if you love one, I’m guessing you will love them all. The other two books are titled Fight and Invincible. Enjoy, I know I did.
Game, by London Casey and Ana Fawkes, is the third book in their Bad Boy MMA Romantic Suspense series. The authors and the series are new to me and I was not disappointed. In fact it was a hard to put the book down until I finished it. The story is fast paced, steamy, edgy, exciting and pulls you right in to a world that is dangerous and yet you can’t look away.
You get to meet Shayna, a pawn in a war between an Italian mob boss and a Russian one and Finn, the Irish MMA fighter who tries to protect her and himself even as he is falling for her, though he doesn’t want to. The story has steamy sex, heartbreaking loss, crazy and violent mobsters and quietly dangerous people, all using each other to get what they want and think they deserve.
I have read other MMA Fighter books and this one is different enough that you will not feel like you have been there before. It was way darker, less predictable and much less happy ending for all involved. You could not predict what would happen next since the twists and turns were as twisted as some of the characters. That being said there is some happiness, not all dark and dangerous for those involved.
The three books in this series are all stand alone novels without connecting characters so feel free to read then in what ever order you choose. Why do I say that, well if you love one, I’m guessing you will love them all. The other two books are titled Fight and Invincible. Enjoy, I know I did.
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