Also in this series: The Professional, The Master
Series: The Game Maker #3
Published by Valkyrie Press on April 12th 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, BDSM
Format: eBook
Source: Self Purchased
In this searing stand-alone installment of the erotic Game Maker series, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole brings readers a tale of a man wracked with dark desires and the beautiful young woman who could sate him at last.
A madman with a shadowed past . . .In the City of Sin, Dmitri Sevastyan finds her, Victoria Valentine—sexy, vulnerable, and in need of a protector. Obsession takes root deep inside him. Despite a history tainted with violation and betrayal, he will stop at nothing to possess her.
A grifter with nothing to lose . . .Descended from a long line of con artists, twenty-four-year-old Victoria, a.k.a Vice, needs the score of a lifetime to keep her loved ones safe. She sets her sights on gorgeous and rich Dmitri Sevastyan. Even as the irresistible Russian toys with her body and mind, he tempts her heart.
Love is the ultimate wildcard.When Vice and her associates maneuver Dmitri into a hasty Vegas wedding, he refuses to protect himself with a pre-nup, trusting her with all that he has. But can she trust him? As secrets unfold, the newlyweds share days of doubts and nights of the wickedest pleasures. Yet once Vice discovers her husband’s past, will she stay to fight for her marriage or cut her losses and run?
The Player, is a story I have been long awaiting for from this author. She has done wonders with the first two books, and it was quite interesting seeing this story develop. It was so different though, and at first I wasn’t sure if I would like it as much as the others, but once again Cole has proven herself quite the talent. This starts out with the “first” meeting of these two together. Which is fiery hot and explosive. Boy can they create some great chemistry upon first meeting. They begin by exploring their new found relationship. But our heroine, is putting herself in a bad position. She is from a family of con artists. Dmitri is just another target or at least he was. Until their relationship progresses so fast, that before she realizes it she is agreeing to marry the man. Her family is in danger, and only by betraying a man she is coming to genuinely care for can she save them. This story was quite intense at times, and I loved seeing this conflict. But boy the ending there….Dmitiri is one of a kind. He blew me away in this story and I admit I felt a bit of shock seeing certain events play out. A great satisyfing end to a fabulous trilogy that is packed with intensity, raw sensuality and a poignant love.
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Dark Skye by Kresley ColeAlso in this series: Shadow's Claim, MacRieve
Series: Immortals After Dark #15
Published by Gallery Books on August 5th 2014
Genres: Urban Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance
Pages: 420
Format: Paperback
Source: Self Purchased
ISBN: 1451649940
In this highly anticipated fifteenth novel in the Immortals After Dark series, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole spins a sultry tale of a mighty warrior scarred inside and out and the beguiling sorceress with the power to heal him—or vanquish him forever.
ETERNAL OBSESSION
As a boy, Thronos, prince of Skye Hall, loved Lanthe, a mischievous Sorceri girl who made him question everything about his Vrekener clan. But when the two got caught in the middle of their families’ war, tragedy struck, leaving Thronos and Lanthe bitter enemies. Though centuries have passed, nothing can cool his seething need for the beautiful enchantress who scarred his body—and left an even deeper impression on his soul.
ENDLESS YEARNING
Lanthe, a once-formidable sorceress struggling to reclaim her gifts, searches for love and acceptance with all the wrong immortal suitors. But she’s never forgotten Thronos, the magnificent silver-eyed boy who protected her until she was ripped from the shelter of his arms. One harrowing night changed everything between them. Now he’s a notorious warlord with a blood vendetta against Lanthe, hunting her relentlessly.
CAN THE HEAT OF DESIRE BURN BRIGHTER THAN VENGEANCE?
With their families locked in conflict and battles raging all around them, will Thronos and Lanthe succumb to the brutal chaos that threatens everything they cherish? Or will the fragile bond they formed so long ago spark a passion strong enough to withstand even the darkest doubts?
In Dark Skye, we have a book that has been sitting on my shelf for months and I finally was able to pick this one up!!! So glad that I did, and even though its not my favorite of the series, it still had some stimulating potential that I would highly recommend to any PNR and UF fans. It begins with two warring factions, and two children of each faction who become best friends. But when a tradegy happens, and they betray each other, their lives changes. For centuries, Thronos has been chasing after Lanthe. He knows she is his enemy, and her betrayal still strikes deep. But the moment he captures her, they are forced to work together to survive. Thus begins a fragile reunion. Now these two at the beginning literally despise each other even though they once loved each other and shared secrets beneath Thronos’ wings. What I liked about this one was seeing a relationship full of hate and mistrust turn into something even more powerful….a love that never dies. This story swept me up instantly and I was overwhelmed by Thronos and Lanthe. I loved Thronos, such a fabulous hero and he is so patient and forigving in my opinion. Lanthe hasn’t exactly been as honorable as Thronos. But she proves herself to me through the story. I saw two people that developed a strong bond that no matter that their people were enemies they found a way to surpass expectations, and find their HEa—–although it takes quite a few tough battles for them to get there. But what a adventure we see them go through. Truly in love with this pair, and even though it could be heartbreaking at times….I gobbled it all up instantly.
I will take the first one ! 😉
Oh I love the Game Maker series — kind of underrated, too compared to other books! I need to re-read it
Loved both books! Kresley Cole is amazing no matter what genre she writes. Glad you were shocked by the ending of The Player, too! I sat there with the biggest grin on my face and may have kinda squealed over how it all worked out. LOL
Cole is one of those authors who are high on my must-try list. I just know I’ll enjoy her books.
I love her AAD series and I waited so long for Lanthe and Thronos’ story. It was a tad of a let down, but I still enjoyed it. I need to read her other contemporary series. That looks really good and sounds intense.
I really enjoyed Dark Sky’s. It’s one of my favorite series!
Oh Cole! Love her. I wish I had time for The Player right now. #Curses! I wasn’t a huge fan of Dark Skye but I think that was because it was on audio and the narrator was struggling to keep accents and it threw me out. I need to try it in print it sounds like 😀
I couldn’t get into Cole’s contemporaries for some reason, but I am all in with her Immortals After Dark books. I ended up liking Dark Skye much more than I thought I would. My only issue was I thought the ending was rushed. It just felt like it stopped without much fanfare.
I haven’t tried Cole. I was gifted the Master. I am thinking her Immortals series appeals to me more though. Great reviews my friend!
I’ve yet to start The Professional but it’s sitting on my shelf. I’m happy The Player was a fitting ending to the trilogy. As for IAD, I’m only on #6 but I love this series and it made me smile to know that at #15, she’s still serving up great couples. Great reviews, Renee!