Immoral Games

Immoral #2

by Marissa Farrar

I’ve been stranded in a cabin in the wilderness with my two gorgeous but damaged stepbrothers, and my overprotective stepfather.

We’ve crossed boundaries that in normal society would never be traversed, and now we can never go back to what we were.
We thought the biggest threat to our lives was Mother Nature.
We were wrong.
In desperation, we tried to reach safety, but a new danger has emerged.
Now we’ve been taken by gun-runners who know who we are.
They force us to play their games for their own entertainment while they try to figure out what to do with us.
The relationships that saved our lives are being tested to the extreme.
They’re trying to break us, but we won’t give up.
Not when we have each other.

Immoral Games is a dark contemporary why choose romance

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Forced Proximity, Why Choose, Contemporary, Smut

290 pages, Paperback

Published April 12, 2023

About the author

Marissa Farrar is a multi-published romance and fantasy author. She was born in Devon, England, loves to travel and has lived in both Australia and Spain. She now resides in the countryside with her husband, three children, a crazy Spanish dog, two rescue cats and six hens. She has a degree in Zoology, but her true love has always been writing.

Marissa is the author of sixteen novels, including the dark vampire ‘Serenity’ series. Her short stories have been accepted for a number of anthologies including, Their Dark Masters, Red Skies Press, Masters of Horror: Damned If You Don’t, Triskaideka Books; and 2013: The Aftermath, Pill Hill Press.

If you want to know more about Marissa, then please visit her website at www.marissa-farrar.blogspot.com. You can also find her at her facebook page, www.facebook.com/marissa.farrar.author or follow her on twitter @marissafarrar.
She loves to hear from readers and can be emailed at marissafarrar@hotmail.co.uk.

Reviews

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Immoral Games is the second book in this reverse harem (RH) trilogy featuring a young woman, her former stepfather and stepbrothers stranded in the wilderness following a plane crash in book one. The taboo aspect is on the lower end: her stepfather only knew her briefly as a kid before leaving her mom and she didn't encounter him again and had never met the stepbros at all until just shy of 18. As usual, the relationship/emotional development was too fast for me to really feel it in book one, and that carries over into this one, where the circumstances they are in is the bigger part of the plot/book over any romantic activity. I love all of the plot ideas, but it feels like it could be so much better with more development. There are dark actions in this book (of the content warning variety) but overall the tone of the book is not dark at all and they don't have the impact that you'd think they would - everything from the relationships to the dark content seems even keel and surface level, like it is paying lip service to what it is trying to be or being careful to avoid judgment, when what it needs is to dig in in all areas to deepen the book and the reading experience. I still like the plot ideas and the author's voice, but part of me feels like I am rating on potential more than the actuality. I will definitely read the third and final book though, and not only because I hate to not finish things - I do want to see what happens for this group back in the real world.

[Becca · Rating 1 out of 5]

It did get worse, yes

[Sarah Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far out! This had me on the edge of my seat, chewing my fingers to the bone. What an intense ride fuelled with adrenaline. Book 2 of The Immoral Series is not an easy read. Dark, grim things happen and Laney and her step-father and step-brothers are tested to their limits. I really really need Book 3 now as I am in desperate need of a happy ending. Can’t wait!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one had some excitement to it! Entertaining!

[Mandy Robitaille · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so good! devoured it. but omg I can tell the 3rd book is going to be angsty.

[Aris Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this took a turn! Great plot - got pretty dark in this book. Loved it!

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a rough one, I read the triggers and thought I'd be fine cause I've read other books with the same ones but this was brutal. I had to skim at one point which I hate doing, so just beware lol I feel like it could have been more sexy at least. But even most of the smut I wanted to cry through lol it wasn't a good time.

[Poetry Drive · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more after the cliffhanger from book 1. The stakes totally dropped and tried to lift up again, but honestly fell short of the thrill from book 1.

The villains were kind of expected and the darker themes in this book make sense… it just took too long to happen. The forced proximity wasn’t executed well and lasted way too long.

Kinda disappointed at the turn this story is taking.

[Courtney · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 75%

i already wasn't hugely into this book. but once one of the MMC's got mad at the FMC for not leaving, which he says lead to her being SA'd (even though their captors would have done whatever they wanted anyways) i was baffled. and then he tells her it's her fault that he now has to live with that knowledge?????? yeah, gtfo of here with that lol.

[Hatshepsut · Rating 1 out of 5]

No words about how bad this was. Except for those seven ones right here.

[A. Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Immoral series. You do need to read the first book to fully understand what's going on in this novel. This novel, specifically, may be hard for people to read because there are some really bad things that happen. Check the trigger warnings in the book. It explains what's going to happen. I'm not going to reveal what happens because it would ruin this entire novel for other people. This book is considered taboo because Laney is involved in a relationship with her stepfather, Reed, and her stepbrothers, Cade and Darius. This novel they all really struggle to survive mentally and physically. Some of them more than others. A lot happens in this novel. I like that they are all fiercely protective of one another. I also like that each man is represented on the covers. You wouldn't know which man though, unless you read the series. I hope Laney can find some happiness in her life because she deserves it. She's barely 18 and has known nothing but struggle, strife, and disappointment. I really feel sorry for Laney's character more than the others. I feel like the next book in the series may get pretty dark mentally, just based on how this book ends. I think Marissa isn't afraid to show how her characters struggle. This book ends on a cliffhanger. If your familiar with Marissa Fararr's work, you won't be disappointed in this series. If your not familiar with Marissa's work, this series may be a little dark and shocking.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boy, this book did get worse after the first one. The characters just seemed to go along with what they were told, even Laney. The lack of chemistry that I had with them continued to this book, and it still feels like the author is trying to force the situations into what she wants, rather than something a little more natural... or believable.

Plot holes. There are several plot holes here that don't really work. The cell phone that they found. Even if they had tried to use it, they are nowhere near a tower, so they wouldn't have been able to make any phone calls. Being mad at him for hiding it, sure, but you can't be mad that he potentially could have gotten you rescued. This was even mentioned that there wouldn't be any service, and yet they are still all upset over it, even though it wouldn't have helped to begin with.

It felt like the four of them (three, really, since Cade was unconscious most of the book) just went along with the bad guys. Especially Laney. It felt like she just went along with it and didn't really fight back much. Considering what they were doing to her, even with the threats, it seems like someone would fight back more.

Now, at the end, she wants to separate? It all feels like manufactured drama. I'll finish the trilogy, but I am not very happy with how this author does things, so far.

[Casi McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tbh for me this book was about the same as the last one. It’s still good enough to keep me interested I’m just it’s crazy to me how they seem so smart in one moment and then oblivious the next.

They found the guns, they knew someone was prob looking yet they never thought about protection or anything once they left the cabin and in turn only hurt themselves. Idk it just irks my nerves a little bc a lotta their decisions seem so different from the persons they are made out to be and all their characteristics. Idk just my opinion.

Overall this book was good. The story progressed really ncie, it was crazy how hurt Cade got and helpless Darius felt and how much Reed struggled and all the trauma Laney went thru. It was really raw and real and vulnerable reading each of their perspectives and how they viewed what was happening. I both enjoyed it and was heartbroken too bc of everything they each went thru but more so with what happened with the FMC and after that it was just wow truly.

I did enjoy the end and how they finally just did it and got away. I’m intrigued to see where the author will take the book from here and if they’ll truly escape.

[Lilibet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immoral Games is Book 2 with a whychoose stepbrother/stepfather romance with darker themes*

At the end of Immoral Steps.....

After the plane crash and surviving in the cabin in the wilderness. They had decided to try and find the nearest town instead of attempting to survive a winter foraging and hunting for food. Only things didn't go to plan and they ended up being captured by armed gun runners who had been using the cabin originally........ Will they ever get back home?

After being left on that cliffhanger in book 1. I had to read book 2 to find out what happened!!

Immoral Games is a dark, intense, emotional and nail-biting read. A battle of survival, whilst running on empty. It's not for the weak willed or for the faint of heart!

*Please read trigger warnings if you have triggers and if you don't like taboo subjects then this isn't for you. *

**However, if like me you've read book 1 and want to find out what happened, then get stuck in and hold on tight! **

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Immoral Games" is the second book in the Immoral series, and I'm truly fascinated with this dark and taboo why choose romance! Where the first book was mostly taboo, with an interesting relationship development between Laney, her stepfather and her stepbrothers, book two adds more darkness to the storyline. I definitely want to advice to check the TW, if you have any.

It sounds weird to say I loved the story development, because this book definitely adds some trauma on top of everything Laney already experienced in the past. But I was truly fascinated with everything happening in this book, and the struggle Laney and her men experienced to free themselves out of the hands of criminals. A lot of the things that happened are bound to leave (mental) scars and I'm curious to see how they will deal with those in the future. With the way book one ends, I would say it will probably take some time.

I'm already curious to find out how their story will end in the third and final book of this series!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immoral Games is book two in the Immoral Series. It's dark, twisted, savage, cruel, and raw. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating and ends on cliffhanger. A brilliantly written story with four broken people and storyline that captures the reader from the start and keeps you hooked and invested, and turning the pages with it's non-stop twists and turns and gut-wrenching drama. Immoral Games brings so more depth to the story. It takes a dramatic shift of trauma and torture as Laney, Cade, Darius, and Reed stumble upon some hardened criminal and fight survive yet again. There's danger, violence, drama, darkness, heartaches, survival, taboo, forbidden romance, stepbrothers/stepsister relationship, steam, stepfather/daughter relationship, passion, lust, enemies, emotions, tensions, anger, hatred, resentment, and so much. An unputdownable, addicting, pulse-pounding and rollercoaster. The ends on mind-blowing cliffhanger.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wishy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Taboo Why Choose
Spice: 🥵 yes
Series: Immoral series, book 2

Thoughts - picking up where book 1 leaves this book is absolutely a story about survival, both physically, mentally and emotionally. Having secured their relationship this really tests the bonds they have formed with each other when the unthinkable happens. There is Non Con in the story so please check your triggers and read responsibly. By the end though I felt like I’d taken every hard step with them all so was a little anxious over how it wraps up. Thankfully book 3 is ready and waiting, and so is my HEA!!

Plot - deciding to trying and walk out of the mountains before winter sets in the group sets off only to be confronted by the men who owns the guns they found in the roof. They have no choice but do what they say, even wig that comes with a cost.

* Found family
* Survival
* Why choose
* Disability Rep
* Non Con
* Slow burn
* Taboo
* Stepfather/stepbrother
* Mountains
* ⚠️ trigger warnings

“ Without her, I might as well just turn to dust and blow away in the breeze.”

[Vy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book to come out. I've read a lot of dark RH, a lot of forbidden type of books, but I haven't read a book like this before. Book 1 ended on a cliffhanger that had me gasping in the middle of the night. This picked up right where it left off and it hits the ground running. It felt a little bit slower to me but it worked for the plot. It does have some moments of yikes (in terms of triggers not in terms of quality) but it just felt right for the direction of the story. Each character is suffering in some way and you can see how they're each affected by it differently. And how connected they've become through the trauma bond. Each person has a strength and a weakness that's highlighted in this book. And you see how much they really need each other because of those "weaknesses".

Idk, I can't really put into words how much I enjoyed this book and how much I need the next one. I can't wait to see where this goes next.

[Amber Keehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love me some Marissa Farrar, her books are usually (very) dark but some can be a little more on the light-hearted or funny side. This book, my friends, is not, and check TW/CW because there are some very disturbing scenes in this book. Immoral Games picks up right where Book 1 left off with Laney and her men being surrounded by the arms dealers (who are also armed). They incapacitate Cade and march everyone back to the cabin. The book then follows their time in captivity and subsequent fallout. There's not much else one can say about that without major spoilers, but I can say this book is very well written and one of the more emotional ones I have read from this author. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and looks like there's a book 3- where I am hoping Laney and her men get an HEA!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sseulegi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2 was different and that's not a bad thing per se, but I was kind of surprised at how high the stakes were. While Immoral Steps was primarily about survival, Immoral Games came across as more of a thriller. With the addition of three new characters, they were all put into some pretty dark positions.

Cade was unconscious for most of the book, Darius was mostly lost with his lack of sight and the destruction of his beloved violin, and Reed was hotheaded, making things so much worse for Laney, who was trying to do whatever it took to survive. Now that I think about it, Laney was really the star of this book. She went through unspeakable things to keep everyone safe and handled it like a champ.

I actually enjoyed this, but definitely check the trigger warnings. I'm going to be picking up the third book because I'm dying to see where Laney's story ends.

[Catlou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ Stars ⭐⭐⭐🌟 IMMORAL GAMES begins where “Steps” ended, with Reed, Darius, Cade, and Laney captured and kidnapped by 3 amoral gun runners. They survived a plane crash and one month stranded in the woods and now this! What comes next is at times extremely difficult to read. The emotions run high from start to finish with moments of heart-pounding suspense, fear, and excitement in equal measures. Even once things begin to look like there may be an end to their travails, there’s going to be unresolved conflict that will break your heart. Although it’s not always a comfortable tale, it’s certainly one that will capture your interest, keeping you thoroughly involved and leaving you anxious to know what’s next for these four.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!! Laney, Reed, Darius, and Cade have decided to hike out before the weather changes. They hike right into dangerous criminals who have no problem hurting their captives. The cabin becomes their prison, torture chamber for Laney, and a place for Cade to heal.

Marissa ramps up the direness of their situation, the emotional connection, and they learn how far they’re willing to go to survive. Escape brings more danger, stress levels strain the relationship, and love may not be enough. Their sexual attraction is filthy hot, but the real world would never understand. I’m really impatient for the next book!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars of Marissa Farrar awesomeness for the reader

Marissa Farrar you have completely knocked it way out of the ball park with book 2. The story continues for Laney, Reed, Darius & Cade after ending on a cliffhanger in book 1. There is just something about the way the author writes the story that had me completely hooked & immersed in the story from page 1. Book 2 will definitely take the reader on an emotional rollercoaster ride of depth, darkness & the taboo. I highly recommend reading this story but do check the warning as this book may not be for everyone. The story ends on a slight cliffhanger.
I honestly can't wait for book 3 to come out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ ”We’re certainly not angels, that’s for sure, but do we really deserve this?” ★

—>>> “We’ve been through so much, and yet we’re still being punished. Is it because we’re bad people? We’re certainly not angels, that’s for sure, but do we really deserve this?” Their situation becomes even darker for this family and more dangerous. Please really mind your triggers for SA, etc and check the author’s site for TWs before embarking on this series. Desperation, danger, deals. Suspense is notched up as we follow their complicated journey to not only stay alive, but to return to civilization together and whole, as soon as possible because they are really pushing at the limits of their mental and physical endurances, and hope is draining fast in this story.

[Elise Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not as good as the first..

I'm on the fence with this book. I actually think that this whole book could have been done differently... The sexual aspects we're a bit confusing... It's a well written book I just think that the direction of this book made this seem a bit ridiculous... It's disjointed and actually I'm not sure why they didn't kill them...it lost its focus and instead it should have focused more on them finding a way home and struggling with this new reality... So, this series would have made more sense being a duet and not having this side show of villains.. Just not my thing to read..not the content because I read very dark books but the reason the book went in this direction... Didn't make sense. .

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved book 2 of the Immoral Series. The book picks right back up from the end of book 1. Laney and her men come face to face with the enemy while trying to find help away from their cabin sanctuary. As winter approaches they felt is was time to try and find help. The stash of the attic brings dangerous men who are brutal, dangerous and criminals. Cade is suffering, Darius feels helpless and Reed tries to stay strong for the family. Laney is vulnerable, abused and so afraid. This captive journey is heart wrenching, however family sticks together. Bring on book 3 like yesterday.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars.....I really wanted to like this book more than I did and I hope book 3 blows me away. Reed, Darius, Cade, and Laney are captured by the gun runners whose cabin they have been staying in. These thugs are brutal in their treatment of not only the injured Cade, but the others, especially Laney. But they escape and make it back to civilization, but Cade has made some cruel accusations, Reed thinks they need to hide their relationship, and Laney needs time to think....away from the men. Reading about Laney being constantly brutalized was overdone, but I hope for more from the final book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dalene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laney, Reed, Darius, and Cade are back. This book picks up right where the last book ends and boy is it a lot.

Laney and her family left the cabin because when winter hits they knew they wouldn't be able to. That's when they run into Axel, Zeke, and Smith. And them 3 guys are up to nothing good.

This book hurt. It's really want I would consider dark romance more since what happens. Laney being the only girl deals with a lot to say the least. She has her boys with her luckily but not much can be done against 3 guys and their guns.

I need the next book to end happy because this one flat out hurt most of the time.

[Jane Who Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 ⭐️ rating (rounded up)
2.5/5 🌶️ rating

Thoughts:

WARNING: multiple scenes of sexual assault in this book, not involving the MMCs

I still enjoy this series, but the second book was rough to get through. Not only did they have to survive being kidnapped and tormented by gunrunners; but one of the MMCs was too caught up in his own emotions to realize the damage he was causing the FMC.

All in all, I’m still gonna finish out the trilogy because I need the HEA!

Update after finishing series: I would read this series again in the future. Just have to remember some scenes are really dark throughout the whole series.

[♡ Jay ₊˚୨୧ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Laney spends most of the story crying, and her constant attempts to play the hero only seem to make things worse. It feels like her actions only give the kidnappers more opportunities to cause trouble. The guys, on the other hand, come off as completely clueless. There’s no real sense of urgency or strategy when it comes to survival, just a lot of cowardice.

And don’t even get me started on the smut. It felt so out of place, especially given the situation. They’re being chased by armed men, and yet they decide to stop and have sex? It was completely ridiculous and took me out of the story entirely. This one just wasn’t for me.