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The Elite

Liar’s Gambit

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He’s a liar. I’m a hitman. And there’s a game afoot.

After seeking sanctuary at The Anonymous, an elite club for lawless types, the elegant, beastly Wilhelm invites me to help him with a simple mission: retrieve the priceless artifact that was stolen from one of his billionaire friends.

I’m bored, there’s potential for violence, and his terms are generous, so why not?
I quickly discover, however, that Wilhelm has been slightly mischievous with the details, and there’s nothing simple about this mission. He’s betting I’ll go along with his insane plan; I’m still deciding whether or not to slit his throat.
Could be fun either way.

Liar’s Gambit is a 21k-word novella that is part of the multi-author series The Elite. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Anonymous, a club beneath the gritty city where only the elite are welcome.

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2023

84 people are currently reading
186 people want to read

About the author

Kelly Fox

58 books806 followers

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5 stars
243 (42%)
4 stars
190 (32%)
3 stars
106 (18%)
2 stars
28 (4%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Reem.
406 reviews
September 4, 2024
The author starts the novella by telling us there’s a plot twist in the end and not to spoil it if we left a review. I HATED THAT but it worked🙄 basically, I wanted to see if this was good or just as bad as half the books in this multi-author series that I mostly DNF & Deleted.

Overall it was alright, apparently this genre is called #MurderSwoon ? and I really liked the twist. I thought it might be ‘the job’ or ‘the kink’ but no. And I will stop here because what I liked and didn’t, will spoil it. I did not like the kink, though 🤛
Profile Image for Love Is All Around.
2,408 reviews70 followers
October 5, 2024
Voto: 3.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI BARBARA
Intrigante!
Quinto volume della serie “The Elite”, quinta autrice che ci regala una storia scorrevole e ricca di chimica sensuale. Un racconto snello e veloce nel suo dipanarsi che ci regala attimi di divertita violenza e interazioni decisamente hot.
Attraverso una serie di battute stuzzicanti viviamo un’avventura dark all’insegna del pericolo e dell’ironia che entrambi i protagonisti mettono in scena con spiazzante semplicità.
“Liar’s Gambit” è una storia all’insegna dell’umorismo senza perdere la connotazione principale che lega ogni volume della serie, una caratteristica che ci tratteggia un mondo oscuro, un realtà in cui ogni mezzo è lecito per raggiungere un obiettivo decisamente mortale. Ogni personaggio ha decisamente il gusto della violenza, una violenza che però ha dei limiti e dei principi invalicabili. Uomini che nonostante amino il loro lavoro lottano per salvaguardare gli innocenti e chi non può difendersi.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Profile Image for Natalie  H.
3,909 reviews30 followers
June 16, 2023
June 2023
Kindle edition

I'm really not sure about this one. Compared to the previous one in the series, this has a much darker tone, whilst still trying to have that light vibe and it comes across as strange. Author requested no spoilers so no spoilers on this one. It has dark themes and I guess when it comes to this pairing everyone has their crazy. There's a whole lot I didn't agree with and a whole lot of grey.
Profile Image for Ray Flores.
1,755 reviews260 followers
July 3, 2023
I don’t even know what I was expecting from this book. Perhaps just a fast reading, lots of action and some nice sex scenes. And I did kinda get that (it’s not that memorable).

To me, it was hard to feel any sympathy for the characters, or even believe in their charm. The plot twist didn’t do anything for me at all and though this less than 100 pages, it took me a while to finish it.

Like other reviewers say: it’s a bit darker than the previous books in the series, but it’s not something one cannot handle considering they’re killers.

PREVIOUS REVIEWS IN THE ELITE SERIES I DID READ:
Reckless Roulette | Ace of Maids
Profile Image for Ana  Nimity.
1,333 reviews64 followers
May 12, 2023
A sexy romp

Just when I think I know what to expect from Kelly Fox, she puts out a gem like this...a romantic, steamy romp of a novella that fits with her previous work yet is different enough to keep me glued to the page, eager for what comes next. A delightful short read!
Profile Image for Dan.
1,777 reviews49 followers
May 23, 2023
I kind of get it but I didn't enjoy it. It was meh for me
Profile Image for Manuela.
903 reviews
June 3, 2023
The Elite is a new series by various authors that takes place in the same universe, but has different main protagonists.
This was the first book I got, it is actually book number five. I won it in a giveaway. I had no idea what to expect as I hadn't read anything by Kelly Fox before. I am right now totally into reading assassins and dark story lines with lots of murder and torture, so this was totally up my alley. The little plot twist at the end was marvellous.
While I have not many triggers I saw quite a few in this one. That should be addressed. I could spend hours in the world those authors created, so I didn't like the shortness of the book. Anything else was great and I enjoyed it. Was entertained as they say. Can't say too much about the story, I don't want to give away anything. If you are into men, who are morally compromised but still live by a certain moral code, this might be for you.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,607 reviews142 followers
May 14, 2023
We meet yet another member of the Anonymous Club, Nigel is asked by Wilhelm to help him get back a florin. Nigel agrees and the game is afoot.
There is quite a lot of sex in this book at the expense of the story but I loved the twist at the end.
Profile Image for SJ.
2,023 reviews33 followers
June 28, 2023
How I love a good plot twist! Make it romantic and I’m extra happy. The writing was so good from the start that I slowed my reading in the first chapters to appreciate the word choices in the sentences.
This read more like a novella than book length, which is fine by me. It puts the relationship front and center. The spy vs spy aspect of both Wilhelm and Nigel thinking, ‘I’d better f**k him before I f**k with him’, had me waiting for how each man would try to work the situation in their own favor. They made for an exciting couple. I enjoyed and appreciated the good word pictures of each man and the details of their very hot sex scenes. Some humor among the high body count was appreciated, too.
This was a romantic and fun entry in this multi-author series.
Profile Image for Merit.
141 reviews8 followers
May 16, 2023
This book was already very confusing when it came to the main characters' relationship, let alone when the last chapter came around.

Another thing that greatly bugged me was that the main characters and which should have been a content warning.

Another content warning was slightly off, saying 'discussion of' instead of 'this literally happens on page'.

Really, this story is darker than it seems, and not in a fun way.
If you're unsure whether this story is for you, please ask the writer or other readers, including me, for more information on the content.

I know this story is trying to sell the whole 'we are just having a fun and steamy time', and I'm sure it's just that for many readers (and I tried to read it like that too), but for others this story is confusing, a mess, or not what they expected or wanted to read. Also, content warnings matter - a lot.
2,949 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2023
Liar's Gambit ( The Elite Universe) by Kelly Fox is top notch entertainment! I wish I could rate it higher!

Rating: 5🌈

10/10 Fabulously Recommend!

Liar’s Gambit by Kelly Fox is one of the top highlights of The Elite series, nine novels written by different authors. At the heart is The Anonymous, a mysterious club housed in a historic art deco hotel that caters to the needs and whims of the wealthy, who are often of the blackest or at least grey natures. That extends to their businesses, professions, and perhaps proclivities.

Within the boundaries of The Anonymous, all are protected.

Liar’s Gambit begins where a Hitman’s job ends. Nigel , a hitman with a sorta conscience, heads towards a potential new assignment and company that his handler has passed on to him. It’s shortly after his latest job ends, and he’s in need of a hotel room, something to eat , to go along with his meeting.

It’s all about to take place at The Anonymous. His client , Wilhelm, a gorgeous billionaire, with a mission that’s a bit quirky, retrieve a rare coin, maybe hit a couple of people. All sounds very nebulous, and yet he’s still on board with the idea. Must be Wilhelm.

I have to say Kelly Fox must be inundated by now with requests to write further novels about these characters. They definitely deserve it. They are simply sublime.

From their dangerously wry and sometimes disturbing inner commentary, about the events and each other, to the kinky , hot sex, and fast paced games of thrilling suspense and violence, this is an incredible story!

The men, their swift building relationship, and , that stunning “I never saw THAT coming “ twist at the end which made you go immediately back to the beginning and start all over.

Do NOT read anything with spoilers because that ending shouldn’t be given away. It’s that great!

What can I say? Outstanding characters, tightly packed and plotted storylines, an out of this world twist, and fabulous ending.

Liar's Gambit ( The Elite Universe) by Kelly Fox is top notch entertainment! I wish I could rate it higher!


The Elite Multi-Author series (9 Books):
- [x] Reckless Roulette by Alice Winters
- [x] Leave No Trace by Michelle Frost and Sammi Cee❤️
- [x] Ace of Maids by K.L. Hiers
- [x] Poison Hearts by Jennifer Cody❤️
- [ ] Liar's Gambit by Kelly Fox❤️
- [ ] Dealer of Secrets by Davidson King
- [ ] Bullets & Butterflies by Maz Maddox
- [ ] Love for the Reaper by Charlie Cochet
- [ ] Chance Encounter by Luna David
Profile Image for J.L..
Author 14 books71 followers
May 10, 2023
Fox writes her morally gray characters so well that I wasn’t surprised to learn she’d been invited to take part in this multi-author series. This novella was easy to read in a single sitting, featuring plenty of the author’s patented “murder swoon.” On the surface, Wilhelm and Nigel are stereotypical hitman types, even if they prioritize taking out the worse of society. The way they initially partner up, connected by their respective handlers, is one of the best “meet cutes” ever. Then, their fantastic charisma and chemistry make the rest of this short work a whirlwind of a fun ride.

Wilhelm doesn’t share all the pertinent information about their mission with Nigel, and I looked forward to finding out what the twist would be. The way the story unfolds is a delight, featuring Fox’s excellent characterization for both our heroes and a relevant side character, despite the shorter length of the text. Outside of the external plot, this story also packs plenty of hot sex but even sweeter accidental romance. And though this book stands alone, observant readers will note subtle references that tie it into the larger shared universe of Fox’s other book series.

As Fox requests in her author note at the beginning of the novella, I won’t be spoiling this story’s epic twist. It’s a clever bit of puzzle that I had a blast figuring out, even beyond the main events of the external plot. For any fans of Fox’s writing who are wondering whether they should give this novella a shot, I promise that the answer is a resounding YES.

Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Jen.
280 reviews8 followers
May 12, 2023
Liar’s Gambit is another rip-roaring good time in the Elite multi-author series. This time we have a liar and an assassin coming together for some shenanigans — in and out of the bedroom.

Nigel is sent to meet a new contact at the Anonymous, the elite club for assassins and their ilk. Wilhelm needs help retrieving a certain high-value item, but he doesn’t let Nigel in on all the details. The game is afoot, and their sexual chemistry is off the charts, but things go wildly off plan before the night is over. Will they get the bad guy? Will they make out over corpses? Who will get to drive the sweet car? I’m not going to tell you, but you can read all the good stuff in this action-packed novella.

I love how much Kelly Fox managed to fit into just 94 pages. Nigel and Wilhelm work well together — despite secrets and lies — and it’s such a fun read — despite murder and sex trafficking and mayhem, oh my. There’s chemistry and snark and bad guys galore; I couldn’t ask for more. Definitely recommend.
92 reviews
May 11, 2023
I have read all of Fox’s books, and I was a little nervous about reading something that was from another world other than what she created. Here were some of my thoughts:
1. The style of the writing matches well with the rest of the series. (There’s nothing more jarring than having one author in a series who is vastly different from the others.) However, Fox still does a fantastic job keeping her own voice.
2. It was HOT and dark, and sometimes a girl is in the mood for that. I’m talking lip-smacking deliciousness
3. Ever watch a cartoon with kids that had an inside joke for the parents that the kids were oblivious to? It didn’t detract from the kids’ enjoyment but gave the parents an “Ohhhhh wow” kind of moment. Fox did just this for her regular fans. I was floored and impressed.
Overall, loved it. Great way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Profile Image for isthisakink.
1,326 reviews25 followers
May 14, 2023
Dear, sweet, merciful, imaginary lord…

Listen, this was fantastic. Absolutely stunning, with an ending I promise you won’t see coming. It was witty and irreverent, full of all of the best kinds of details.

And the sex… 😮‍💨🫠

Almost flawless mechanics, the perfect novella setup, and honestly? I’d kill to have had this as a full novel that devolved into a trilogy. It was that good. But alas, it was truly set to be the best kind of adventure for a novella-length format.

4.75/5, I’m off to take a cold shower. 🥴
1,339 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2023
Wilhelm & Nigel

Well…I didn’t see that coming! Great short by Fox in a universe that holds many authors. Definitely did her part upholding the morally grey. I really enjoyed this one. These two save a damsel who happens to be tough as nails, dispose of a really bad guy, his mother, sister and the jerks that protect them. All in one weekend. I’ll be back for more of the Elite. And if you enjoyed this one, Fox has a ton of swoony, live on the edge of the law guys for you to read!
Profile Image for Daniela Tavares.
904 reviews46 followers
May 12, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/6.
🌶️🌶️.5/5.

These two were crazy but I was into it. I loved the murdery scenes and how they just rolled with it.
That bit at the end threw me for a loop 🤯 where they meet on the plane… like what? I was so not expecting that! Well done on the author’s part, it didn’t saw it coming.
I’m excited for the next one in the series since it’s by the author I love and that’s why I started this series from the beginning.
Profile Image for Elle Kay.
397 reviews
May 13, 2023
Wow. I devoured this one in one sitting. Things didn’t get done as I read on. It was perfect.

Fox’s novella in the multi-author Elite universe is violent and sexy and so much fun.

Delving back into the world of human traffickers, Fox allows her characters to dispatch bad guys with speed and efficiency.

Nigel and Wilhelm are so unbelievably hot together, I’m surprised my kindle didn’t start smoking.

5 stars for this super-fun, twisty, murderswoony romp.
Profile Image for Sarah Mitcham.
1,296 reviews8 followers
June 1, 2023
Lawless.

MM, Kink, Contemporary, Romance. A stand-alone read that is part of a multi author series, if read as part of the series the books can be read in any order. With a shared Universe a club called The Anonymous, The club gives me John Wick vibes and there are twists throughout the story as you slowly unpeel more information about the MC's and what they do/who they are. Lots of intrigue, violence and steam. Guaranteed HEA.
Profile Image for Melissa Polk.
Author 10 books70 followers
May 11, 2023
Eh. Okay, see the action and plot was fun but the dynamic/chemistry between the MCs didn't do it for me. Very likely just a me thing. And the twist at the end.. didn't make up for it in my mind. I found the reactions of side characters.. off. And the payoff in regards to the job felt a bit anticlimactic. Dunno. It was a fun, quick read, but definitely not my favorite of the series.
Profile Image for Suzanne Irving.
2,867 reviews25 followers
May 11, 2023
Devilishly good fun

Kelly Fox’s addition to this series is based only on membership in a certain club called The Anonymous. This couple meet there and the game is afoot and trust me you won’t be able to figure out the games or the characters. Lots of lovely misdirection and lots of fun plot twists. Just don’t believe a thing. Lol
181 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2023
Oh wow

Short definitely sweet with a lot of punch. Firstly I am loving this series but I have to say this one is by far the best one yet. Nigel and Wilhelm were great together not just romantically but in getting the job done and I loved the twist. The author is an automatic read for me and once again did not dissappoint with this short.
Profile Image for Nelle Nazario.
881 reviews63 followers
May 13, 2023
For under 100 pages this novella packs a punch!! Wilhelm and Nigel are morally grey characters that meet up in an Anonymous club one night. Wilhem takes Nigel out on a rescue with little to no information. Hijinks ensue. Chemistry is OFF. THE. CHARTS 🔥 the twist at the end was so freaking great, I immediately went back and read it again!!
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,894 reviews503 followers
June 20, 2023
2.5*

This one was different and not necessarily a good different.
I’ll admit I was intrigued initially. I couldn’t quite work out what was going on. It was darker than the others and it came with a lot of sex and I do mean a lot. Putting the balance out for me.
I have to say I’m not sure exactly how I feel about it
Profile Image for tourist - mm reader.
213 reviews38 followers
June 21, 2023
Wow… just wow
The book is amazing, it’s written with the exact amount of details needed to be the perfection that it is. I’ve had a few surprises, not to say a lot, and the feeling I got from getting flabbergasted by the little thing was top tier. It’s entering my favs list!
I’m going to binge read the other books from Kelly from now on because this one left the best impression on me
Profile Image for Heather.
892 reviews12 followers
July 30, 2023
I couldn't tell which main character was narrating in any given chapter, which pretty much negates the point of dual point of views. That seems to be an ongoing problem with this author. If the voices aren't different, there's no point to having more than one character narrate. It's so irritating. People just need to go back to third person omniscient.
Profile Image for Liz Prosser.
314 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2023
sweet tricky ending

As with the rest of this amazing series this installment was a bit of humor, danger, murder and steam. I adored it so much and the end was just perfect! I once again can’t wait for the next in this series!
39 reviews
May 11, 2023
Fast paced action and romance

Loved this short sharp tale. Romance, mystery, action, passion. Interesting characters, quick, effective world building. There was something familiar about the main characters, if only I could put my finger on it…. Thank you Kelly
527 reviews
May 11, 2023
LOVED IT! Such a yummy murdery swoony spicy snack! Nigel & Wilhelm - wow! Tricks, twists, turns & total head-spinning moments wrapped up in a bite-sized novella! This author always brings the snark, dark humor, swoon, spice, spark & more to her work, and I am definitely here for it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews