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The Game #1
The Love Game
A New York Times and USA Today bestseller!
His challenge? Make her fall in love with him.
Her challenge? Play the player.
Until life changes the rules of the game.
Maddie Stevens hated Braden Carter on sight. Arrogant, egotistical, and the playboy of the University of California, Berkeley, he's everything her brother Pearce has taught her to despise. So why, when the girls challenge her to play the player, why doesn't she say no? She doesn't know either.
Braden wanted fiery little Maddie the second he laid eyes on her - and he'd do anything to have her, hence why he's agreed to make her fall in love with him. After all, it's the only way he'll get what he wants. Sex.
But, as Braden discovers, there's more to the girl from Brooklyn than he ever imagined - and he can't help but care about the broken girl behind those pretty green eyes.
Maddie finds Braden isn't just a walking erection - he actually has feelings. He can be sweet, funny and his good looks don't exactly hurt. That means trouble - but when her brother Pearce turns up in Berkeley begging for her help, she realises Braden and Pearce aren't so alike anymore.
And maybe, just maybe, they're exactly what each other needs.
His challenge? Make her fall in love with him.
Her challenge? Play the player.
Until life changes the rules of the game.
Maddie Stevens hated Braden Carter on sight. Arrogant, egotistical, and the playboy of the University of California, Berkeley, he's everything her brother Pearce has taught her to despise. So why, when the girls challenge her to play the player, why doesn't she say no? She doesn't know either.
Braden wanted fiery little Maddie the second he laid eyes on her - and he'd do anything to have her, hence why he's agreed to make her fall in love with him. After all, it's the only way he'll get what he wants. Sex.
But, as Braden discovers, there's more to the girl from Brooklyn than he ever imagined - and he can't help but care about the broken girl behind those pretty green eyes.
Maddie finds Braden isn't just a walking erection - he actually has feelings. He can be sweet, funny and his good looks don't exactly hurt. That means trouble - but when her brother Pearce turns up in Berkeley begging for her help, she realises Braden and Pearce aren't so alike anymore.
And maybe, just maybe, they're exactly what each other needs.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2013
254 people are currently reading
9484 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hart
129 books7,564 followersEmma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels and has been translated into several different languages. She first put fingers to keys at the age of eighteen after her husband told her she read too much and should write her own.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut that's filled with dry wit, snappy, sarcastic comebacks, but lots of heart... And sex. Sometimes, she kills people. (Disclaimer: In books. But if you bug her, she'll use your name for the victims.)
You can find her online at www.emmahart.org, www.facebook.com/emmahartbooks, or join her reader group at http://bit.ly/EmmaHartsHartbreakers.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut that's filled with dry wit, snappy, sarcastic comebacks, but lots of heart... And sex. Sometimes, she kills people. (Disclaimer: In books. But if you bug her, she'll use your name for the victims.)
You can find her online at www.emmahart.org, www.facebook.com/emmahartbooks, or join her reader group at http://bit.ly/EmmaHartsHartbreakers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,013 reviews
April 2, 2013
4.5 stars!
Loved this book- was a quick fun read!
If you liked the movie 'How to loose a guy in 10 days' and 'Two Can play that Game' than this book is for you :D
Braden Carter is a 'ladies man', a wham bham thank you maam sorta guy... The ultimate Playboy. He is handsome, a charmer and he basically uses woman for sex.
Maddie Stevens hates men like him. Period.
When Maddies friends dare her to make him fall in love with her, easy peezy!
"Maddie Stevens. Your mission, should you choose to accept it.”
"Is to play the player at his own game."
She accepts the challenge because there is No Way she will allow herself to fall for a guy like him.
"Braden embodies everything I hate. He's arrogant, egotistical, and a pig. I'm not likely to fall in love with that"
Bradens friends, on a bet of there own, dare him to make HER fall in love with him; because he is such a player and a smoooth talker the challenge is easy..
"Braden Carter doesn't fall in love. If he has a rulebook, that's it, right above the rule that says rules are for losers."
They each have a month..
As soon as they start spending time together they discover there's more to each other than initially thought.
They start liking each other...
"Because I hate everything he represents to females. And he's a good kisser."
"And that's totally contradictory."
"I swallow, my heart thudding in my chest. Apparently, with the realization I'm falling in love with him comes the realization that he can turn me to a puddle of red hot, bubbling, needy, desperately-wanting-him mush."- Maddie
"And that's the problem. When she smiles at me, really smiles, I can see her turning me into a falling in love kinda guy. That makes her dangerous, too fuckin' dangerous, and I gotta get her in bed and walk away before it's too late."
"All I know is, now, I do care, and the game is becoming something more. It's becoming more real than anything I've ever known. It's becoming something I can hold on to. Something Maddie can hold on to."
-Braden
Maddie- the broken girl.. And Braden the sweet and caring guy..
When Maddie's brother Pearce shows up, her past collides with her present and everything she ran away from comes back to haunt her..
Braden is the only one that makes her feel better and in the end somewhere inbetween the Love Game they fall for each other... And fall in love WITH each other.
"One of my hands holds the small of her back as we move together, and I know, right now, is the exact moment I fall the rest of the way in love with Maddie Stevens."
What happens when the truth comes out?
"Congratulations, you won.” He looks at me, his eyes raw with pain yet his face completely blank. “Consider it a success, Maddie. You got what you wanted.”
Braden finds out about operation Play the player and is angry with Maddie and soon Maddie finds out about Hump and Dump Maddie...
"Because, sometimes, letting go is the key to holding on."
The dialogue is so cute in this book! I found myself smiling to myself a lot!
If you want a sweet love story, this is it!!
December 7, 2017
Items ticked off: 20
Why I still -YES, STILL! - hate New Adult, part. 4
She's not hot enough to bang though, so she won't be around for that long.
Because in New Adult, we separate the main female characters from other female characters by categorizing them as 'bangable'.
"If I'm gonna play this guy at his own game and make him fall in love with me, he's gonna respect me while he does it.”
“And that, honey, is why you are the perfect girl for the job.”
Because in New Adult, it is always the 'good girl' that is the only one to cure the hero. Because she is worth respecting, unlike the other sexually active women in the story.
Ugh. Go look in a mirror and practice being a Barbie doll. She's practically a life-size one anyway.
Because in New Adult, if a woman who is not the heroine shows any interest in the hero, she is devoid of human emotions and thus not worth treating with respect.
“The fact I nearly punched him in the face.”
“Why would I think any differently? Isn't that what you're supposed to do?”
Because in New Adult, violence is encouraged. (And in this case, if a man tells the truth, he deserves a punching, apparently.)
"Angel, it's only because I know you're not like most girls."
Because in New Adult, you're expected to love a hero that looks down on the women he sleeps in.
""Don't fuck with me, Braden. Not today. I'm not gonna sit here and deal with a bunch of fake-boobed whores coming up to me and telling me how I'm not your 'usual type'."
Because in New Adult, the heroine slutshames the women that used to sleep with the hero.
And some other reasons for disliking this book
Stereotyping of bisexuality. Some truly disturbing conversations. A predictable plot. The book is in dire need of editing. The hero. The heroine. All their friends.
I think that's it.
March 29, 2013
Four Stars
“Maddie Stevens. Your mission, should you choose to accept it.” She grins and puts her hand out. “Is to play the player at his own game. Do you accept?”
I inhale deeply, every bit of my mind screaming at me to say no and run. Play the player. “Accepted.”
So this book was brought to my attention yesterday and as soon as I read the description, I wanted to read it. I don’t know. This was exactly the type of book I was looking for: A little angst, a strong heroine and a player that needed to be taken down a peg or two. Yep. I was all over this.
For some reason, this story kinda reminded me of that movie How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. Granted, I was not a big fan of that movie, but the basic plot is pretty similar: Both the H/h were playing each other. Like the movie, we know how it all ends, but unlike the movie, the actual story itself is actually entertaining. Seeing these two fight their feelings made this book hard to put down.
“Challenge accepted, boys,” I say, resting my arms behind my head. “One month from now, Maddie Stevens will be in love with me and in my bed. You can count on that shit.” ~Braden
Braden will do anything to get Maddie into his bed. He wants her. Badly. Even desperate enough to make a wager with his friends: To get Maddie to fall in love with him, get in her knickers and dump her. It’s a done deal, right? I mean no woman can resist such a player. Braden can be such an asshat. However, Maddie has her own plans.
Braden personifies everything Maddie hates: He’s arrogant, smug and a big time womanizer. She left all that behind when she moved from Brooklyn to Berkeley. When her friends come up with a plan to teach the infamous Braden a lesson, to be humped and dumped, Maddie reluctantly agrees. Her mission: To get Braden to fall in love with her, sleep with him, then dump him…all within a month.
What these two didn’t plan was actually falling for each other. Oh trust me, they fought their feelings with all their might, but you knew what was going to happen. But when both find out each other’s motives, can their fake relationship survive?
“I’m not possessive over you, Maddie,” he says into my ear. “I’m protective, and there’s a difference. I’d never try to control you or tell you what you can and can’t do, but I know every guy i this frat house wants to be me right now. And you know why? It’s because you’re so fucking beautiful.” My breath catches in my throat. “They all want you, but I have you, and there’s not a chance I’m gonna risk one of them taking you from me, all right? So yes, Angel, yes, you are fucking mine!”
And there it is! The main reason why I enjoyed this book: Possessive and jealous Braden. You guys know how much I love these types of Heroes. Now don’t get your panties in a twist, Braden isn’t really over the top, but it was just enough to quench my appetite.
However, there were a few drawbacks to this story. One, the constant repetitiveness. No, I can’t feel this way / This is starting to feel like more than a bet / I’m scared of my feelings I’m developing…so on and so forth. Second, I kinda wanted more of an ending. The story just ended a little too abruptly. An actual epilogue would’ve been nice. So there you have it. Aside from those two negatives, the story is pretty good and it was hard to pass up. Enjoy!
“Maddie Stevens. Your mission, should you choose to accept it.” She grins and puts her hand out. “Is to play the player at his own game. Do you accept?”
I inhale deeply, every bit of my mind screaming at me to say no and run. Play the player. “Accepted.”
So this book was brought to my attention yesterday and as soon as I read the description, I wanted to read it. I don’t know. This was exactly the type of book I was looking for: A little angst, a strong heroine and a player that needed to be taken down a peg or two. Yep. I was all over this.
For some reason, this story kinda reminded me of that movie How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. Granted, I was not a big fan of that movie, but the basic plot is pretty similar: Both the H/h were playing each other. Like the movie, we know how it all ends, but unlike the movie, the actual story itself is actually entertaining. Seeing these two fight their feelings made this book hard to put down.
“Challenge accepted, boys,” I say, resting my arms behind my head. “One month from now, Maddie Stevens will be in love with me and in my bed. You can count on that shit.” ~Braden
Braden will do anything to get Maddie into his bed. He wants her. Badly. Even desperate enough to make a wager with his friends: To get Maddie to fall in love with him, get in her knickers and dump her. It’s a done deal, right? I mean no woman can resist such a player. Braden can be such an asshat. However, Maddie has her own plans.
Braden personifies everything Maddie hates: He’s arrogant, smug and a big time womanizer. She left all that behind when she moved from Brooklyn to Berkeley. When her friends come up with a plan to teach the infamous Braden a lesson, to be humped and dumped, Maddie reluctantly agrees. Her mission: To get Braden to fall in love with her, sleep with him, then dump him…all within a month.
What these two didn’t plan was actually falling for each other. Oh trust me, they fought their feelings with all their might, but you knew what was going to happen. But when both find out each other’s motives, can their fake relationship survive?
“I’m not possessive over you, Maddie,” he says into my ear. “I’m protective, and there’s a difference. I’d never try to control you or tell you what you can and can’t do, but I know every guy i this frat house wants to be me right now. And you know why? It’s because you’re so fucking beautiful.” My breath catches in my throat. “They all want you, but I have you, and there’s not a chance I’m gonna risk one of them taking you from me, all right? So yes, Angel, yes, you are fucking mine!”
And there it is! The main reason why I enjoyed this book: Possessive and jealous Braden. You guys know how much I love these types of Heroes. Now don’t get your panties in a twist, Braden isn’t really over the top, but it was just enough to quench my appetite.
However, there were a few drawbacks to this story. One, the constant repetitiveness. No, I can’t feel this way / This is starting to feel like more than a bet / I’m scared of my feelings I’m developing…so on and so forth. Second, I kinda wanted more of an ending. The story just ended a little too abruptly. An actual epilogue would’ve been nice. So there you have it. Aside from those two negatives, the story is pretty good and it was hard to pass up. Enjoy!
January 21, 2020
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Enjoyable, But Meh*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Re-read:
The book centers around Maddie ‘Mads’ Stevens (18), the Princess of University of California, Berkeley. and Braden ‘Bray’ William Carter (18, turns 19), the Playboy of the University of California, Berkeley. Maddie accept the ‘mission’ her friends put on; play the player - hump him, then dump him. Braden himself accepts a ‘mission’ of his own; get her to fall in love with me, fuck her, then dump her. Both has a month on them. What they didn't expect was to fall into their own trap. Overall, Maddie was really judgmental. She the kind that judge what she see. She's also a little dramatic when it comes to her brother. She builds up this fear to meeting him and then when the meeting happens, there's actually nothing to fear. Though I can relate very much to her having a drug abuser as a brother. We're actually quite similar to our feelings when it comes to said brother.
But yeah, she's a bit dramatic. I mean, just look at the last chapters: they both played each other, and then she thinks he's better off without her? And those last chapter... we could've gone without. It was to make drama without drama, and it only made it anti-climatic. The book was still enjoyable. I read it in one go and I had a few smiles here and there. It was cute and I like Braden as a character, and once Maddie opens up a bit, she becomes more likable. I don't like how she compares Braden to her brother though. To me they are the opposite. Anyways, I don't regret re-reading this one. But I'm lowering the rating though.
Other Characters:
The list is a bit long so I've put it in a spoilers tag.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/F).
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Braden ‘Bray’ William Carter.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - Don't think so.
New Rating - 3 stars.
First read review:
I liked it.
Rate: 4/3 stars.
October 6, 2014
"Did you, you know, blow his whistle?”
“Did you suck his lollipop?”
“Well, did he bite your burger?”
“What, on earth, is that?” Kay tries and fails to get the words out,
“It's, licking, um, y'know.” Megan shakes her head and laughs.
“Okay, so was there bean flicking?”
“Did he play with the bait while he went fishing?”
Cute book, lovely characters. I liked them all, looking forward for the next book in this series.
Only the whole 'how the planned/made' the bet was immature, appart from that the book had a nice story!~
“Did you suck his lollipop?”
“Well, did he bite your burger?”
“What, on earth, is that?” Kay tries and fails to get the words out,
“It's, licking, um, y'know.” Megan shakes her head and laughs.
“Okay, so was there bean flicking?”
“Did he play with the bait while he went fishing?”
Cute book, lovely characters. I liked them all, looking forward for the next book in this series.
Only the whole 'how the planned/made' the bet was immature, appart from that the book had a nice story!~
April 7, 2013
4 PLAY THE PLAYER STARS.
A game of love where both sides are being played ... Oh yes, I knew from the blurb that I would fall hook line and sinker for this story.
Here's the formula for this book ~ One insanely hot male, one gorgeous female, college, parties, crazy friends, misunderstandings, falling in love, dual POV, easy peasy writing style all combined together to make Lisa one happy reader.
Maddie and Braden are one CUTE couple, problem is they both have their own agenda and are so involved in achieving playing each other that they don't realise they have found true love. Que the Lisa book butterflies.
Braden ~ Man whore with a secret heart (you know I'm cheering here - my favourite type of hero). Braden loves his status as college heartthrob this boy is ALL about the ladies but as the story develops so does our resident bed hopper. *quadruple sigh*
Maddie ~ independent determined and gorgeous, a combination that's got her noticed by her fellow college students. Maddies past is tainted with sadness and heartache, she is a reliable friend, sister and daughter. I found her to be a truly loveable heroine.
This is my kind of book, sit back enjoy, smile, laugh, full of light hearted love with enough depth from the characters to make it a great story ... All the perfect book bits that make me grab those stars for a high rating.
LOVED every page and chapter. I hope you do too, GO GET IT.
4 'we were not supposed to fall in love' stars.
A game of love where both sides are being played ... Oh yes, I knew from the blurb that I would fall hook line and sinker for this story.
Here's the formula for this book ~ One insanely hot male, one gorgeous female, college, parties, crazy friends, misunderstandings, falling in love, dual POV, easy peasy writing style all combined together to make Lisa one happy reader.
Maddie and Braden are one CUTE couple, problem is they both have their own agenda and are so involved in achieving playing each other that they don't realise they have found true love. Que the Lisa book butterflies.
Braden ~ Man whore with a secret heart (you know I'm cheering here - my favourite type of hero). Braden loves his status as college heartthrob this boy is ALL about the ladies but as the story develops so does our resident bed hopper. *quadruple sigh*
Maddie ~ independent determined and gorgeous, a combination that's got her noticed by her fellow college students. Maddies past is tainted with sadness and heartache, she is a reliable friend, sister and daughter. I found her to be a truly loveable heroine.
This is my kind of book, sit back enjoy, smile, laugh, full of light hearted love with enough depth from the characters to make it a great story ... All the perfect book bits that make me grab those stars for a high rating.
LOVED every page and chapter. I hope you do too, GO GET IT.
4 'we were not supposed to fall in love' stars.
May 1, 2014
Technically, I should steer clear of NA books. I am 48. I have a son who will be 18 soon. But I cave in now and again and find a gem. And this was a gem of a book. I really enjoyed it.
Braden and Maddie are both 19, studying at the University of California, Berkeley. She is originally from Brooklyn.
They are both playing the game and someone is going to get hurt.
They came across as being fairly mature most of the time. I really liked both characters and their friends also.
OMG, tell me about it. I hate fucking Sundays.
Braden and Maddie are both 19, studying at the University of California, Berkeley. She is originally from Brooklyn.
Am I actually doing this? I was under the impression that college meant growing up, but I was wrong. I feel like I’m thirteen again and trying to trick my lifetime crush into admitting he’s crushing on me too.
They are both playing the game and someone is going to get hurt.
I just have to remember to hate him
Maddie reaches up and tugs her hair from its holder. Her fiery red curls fan out around her shoulders …
They came across as being fairly mature most of the time. I really liked both characters and their friends also.
I hate Sundays. There’s something so fucking dull about them
OMG, tell me about it. I hate fucking Sundays.
April 1, 2013
4.5 Stars!
Well-Written--check
No cheesy dialogue--check
No annoying heroine or hero--check
Great supporting characters--check
No over-done storyline--check
Some steamy sex--check
Standalone, no cliffhanger, with a HEA--check
Ding, Ding, Ding.......we have a winner.
I really enjoyed The Love Game. It was like the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. It was entertaining--I pretty much read it from beginning to end in one sitting.
Maddie and Braden are both in college. With the help of their friends, respectively, they each devise a "game"--Play the Player (aka Braden) and Operation bed the girl next door (aka Maddie). However, somewhere along the way the game changes for both of them.
I really liked Maddie--she's sweet, sexy, and smart and Braden--he may have been the resident playboy but underneath all of that he was so kind and loving to Maddie. They really brought out the best in each other. And all of their friends were great supporting characters too. Perhaps we'll get other books about them. *hint, hint*
If you saw the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days then you can guess how this one will end. But despite that, I still enjoyed the journey. Definitely recommend!!
Well-Written--check
No cheesy dialogue--check
No annoying heroine or hero--check
Great supporting characters--check
No over-done storyline--check
Some steamy sex--check
Standalone, no cliffhanger, with a HEA--check
Ding, Ding, Ding.......we have a winner.
I really enjoyed The Love Game. It was like the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. It was entertaining--I pretty much read it from beginning to end in one sitting.
Maddie and Braden are both in college. With the help of their friends, respectively, they each devise a "game"--Play the Player (aka Braden) and Operation bed the girl next door (aka Maddie). However, somewhere along the way the game changes for both of them.
I really liked Maddie--she's sweet, sexy, and smart and Braden--he may have been the resident playboy but underneath all of that he was so kind and loving to Maddie. They really brought out the best in each other. And all of their friends were great supporting characters too. Perhaps we'll get other books about them. *hint, hint*
If you saw the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days then you can guess how this one will end. But despite that, I still enjoyed the journey. Definitely recommend!!
May 31, 2015
I really liked it.. I'm sure Megan and Ashton are the next couple.. woohoo!
All the secondary characters were really fun to read about and i hope we get a story from Abbi' s POV.
The book was a fun read, very easy, with a good flow, not overdone or perplexed, not too emotionaly charged either -except on some issues that complications were really a necessity- and also carried a a vibe of familiarity.
Last but not least the quotes alone you can gather from the girl talks are hilarious.
Buddy Read with Jxxx, Barb and Deanna
April 10, 2013
3.5 Stars for me!
Braden is a heartbreaker, a player and the girls want to teach him a lesson!!! Maddie is the girl for the job!! Just don’t fall in love with him Maddie ♥
So, Maddie is challenged by the girls to play the player - make him fall in love, have sex and then meanly dump him……….Braden is challenged by the boys to make her fall in love with him so he can get the one thing he wants from her – sex!!
Will the rules of the game change? How will it end?
How will they feel about each other?
is a sweet, sweet story, extremely light hearted with some fabulously, funny one liners-
“Well, did he bite your burger?” (We’re not talking about a hamburger here! Lol)
It also has some beautiful moments ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
There are deeper issues in this book which I think could have been furthered explored and developed and, for me, this would have added something extra to the story.
* Buddy read with Barb, Deanna & Marilina :)
Braden is a heartbreaker, a player and the girls want to teach him a lesson!!! Maddie is the girl for the job!! Just don’t fall in love with him Maddie ♥
So, Maddie is challenged by the girls to play the player - make him fall in love, have sex and then meanly dump him……….Braden is challenged by the boys to make her fall in love with him so he can get the one thing he wants from her – sex!!
Will the rules of the game change? How will it end?
“I know its game over – but not in the way I thought.”
How will they feel about each other?
“You can run all you like, but I’ll catch up with you every time, and when I do I’m gonna try and prove to you how right we are together.”
is a sweet, sweet story, extremely light hearted with some fabulously, funny one liners-“Well, did he bite your burger?” (We’re not talking about a hamburger here! Lol)
It also has some beautiful moments ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
"I believe that each of us have someone out there that will love us no matter what. I like to believe that.......Love is beautiful, it's free from judgement and it never condemns. It enlightens, it embraces, and it makes even the hardest day worth living through. Who wouldn't want to believe in that?"
“Because it will happen, to each of us. One day we’ll get so lost in love that we won’t be able to find our way back out.”
There are deeper issues in this book which I think could have been furthered explored and developed and, for me, this would have added something extra to the story.
* Buddy read with Barb, Deanna & Marilina :)
April 10, 2013
The Love Game *4 Stars*
His challenge? Make her fall in love with him.
Her challenge? Play the player.
Until life changes the rules of the game
The story starts out at Berkeley College. Braden, 19, gorgeous, arrogant, well-known womanizer and Maddie, 18, sweet, innocent girl with a past. Maddie makes a bet with her friends that she can make Braden fall in love with her within 30 days and in the mean time, Braden makes the same bet with his friends. They call it "Hump and Dump" or otherwise known as "THE LOVE GAME"
This was such a cute, light read. I really enjoyed it, just wish
there was a little more hot and steamy :)
"I believe that each of us have someone out there that will love us no matter what. I like to believe that. Otherwise, what would be the point? Love is beautiful. It's free from judgement and it never condemns. It enlightens, it embraces, and it makes even the hardest day worth living though. Who wouldn't want to believe in that?"
Braden
"The way to Braden's heart is through his dick." "Braden has a heart?" "He does, it's just wrapped up in latex and usually between some girl's legs."
Maddie
"I'm going to enjoy touching your ass, Maddie". "I'm going to enjoy kicking your ass, Braden."
"Braden Carter has got more charm than the Irish leprechauns."
"I promise, I'm not perfect, Maddie. I'm nothing like perfect, and I'm the first to admit it. But, if you'll let me, I'll try and be perfect for you. So you can have the closeness you want."
"We might not be forever. Our first love might not be our last. I can't predict where we'll be five, ten, even fifteen years from now, but i can't let my past rule my future. My past has shaped me into the person I am today, and knowing that means I can let go of all of all of my doubts and hold onto what I have. BECAUSE SOMETIMES, LETTING GO IS THE KEY TO HOLDING ON."
*BR with Deanna, Jxxx, & Marilina :)
His challenge? Make her fall in love with him.
Her challenge? Play the player.
Until life changes the rules of the game
The story starts out at Berkeley College. Braden, 19, gorgeous, arrogant, well-known womanizer and Maddie, 18, sweet, innocent girl with a past. Maddie makes a bet with her friends that she can make Braden fall in love with her within 30 days and in the mean time, Braden makes the same bet with his friends. They call it "Hump and Dump" or otherwise known as "THE LOVE GAME"
This was such a cute, light read. I really enjoyed it, just wish
there was a little more hot and steamy :)
"I believe that each of us have someone out there that will love us no matter what. I like to believe that. Otherwise, what would be the point? Love is beautiful. It's free from judgement and it never condemns. It enlightens, it embraces, and it makes even the hardest day worth living though. Who wouldn't want to believe in that?"
Braden
"The way to Braden's heart is through his dick." "Braden has a heart?" "He does, it's just wrapped up in latex and usually between some girl's legs."
Maddie
"I'm going to enjoy touching your ass, Maddie". "I'm going to enjoy kicking your ass, Braden."
"Braden Carter has got more charm than the Irish leprechauns."
"I promise, I'm not perfect, Maddie. I'm nothing like perfect, and I'm the first to admit it. But, if you'll let me, I'll try and be perfect for you. So you can have the closeness you want."
"We might not be forever. Our first love might not be our last. I can't predict where we'll be five, ten, even fifteen years from now, but i can't let my past rule my future. My past has shaped me into the person I am today, and knowing that means I can let go of all of all of my doubts and hold onto what I have. BECAUSE SOMETIMES, LETTING GO IS THE KEY TO HOLDING ON."
*BR with Deanna, Jxxx, & Marilina :)
April 26, 2013
Say hello to Maddie and Braden.
She is a beautiful girl, with a troubled past and a very hard time trusting in other people, opening up just for her best friends.
Braden is the ultimate college playboy that uses girls as the same speed he changes his underwear and he share his best-friends with Maddie’s best-friends so he knows who she is and he’s attracted to her. Like apparently almost every other guy is campus.
One night Maddie’s friends decide to do a bet: Make Braden fall in love with her in a month, sleep with him and then dump him, in order to make him understand what he does to girls. At the same time Braden’s friends have their own agenda: Since Braden is so attracted to Maddie, made her fall in love with him in a month so he can sleep with her and get her out his system.
So, when their relationship starts they both know is just a game and that the rules are very clear: One month, have sex, let go.
But when they start to have a fake relationship that is anything but fake, when they start to spend more time together and knowing each other better the lines start to blur and feelings start to seem very real.
And they have to decide if they still want to go all the way with the game.
This is an easy reading. Light, sweet, sexy and fast to read. Precisely what you will need between those angsty books! ;)
The characters are very likeable, although sometimes Maddie have got me on my nerves.
Braden, after passing the whole “asshole playboy” is really sweet and sexy and their friends are really good. I enjoyed the whole group dynamic.
And even though is a very predictable history, don't worry; it’s still a very good one. Especially because even though is huum… fake they have a really sweet relationship. It’s so good to see!
“And that's the bottom line. It always will be. She'll always be mine – and I'll always be hers.”
Go read it now, people! :)
She is a beautiful girl, with a troubled past and a very hard time trusting in other people, opening up just for her best friends.
Braden is the ultimate college playboy that uses girls as the same speed he changes his underwear and he share his best-friends with Maddie’s best-friends so he knows who she is and he’s attracted to her. Like apparently almost every other guy is campus.
One night Maddie’s friends decide to do a bet: Make Braden fall in love with her in a month, sleep with him and then dump him, in order to make him understand what he does to girls. At the same time Braden’s friends have their own agenda: Since Braden is so attracted to Maddie, made her fall in love with him in a month so he can sleep with her and get her out his system.
So, when their relationship starts they both know is just a game and that the rules are very clear: One month, have sex, let go.
But when they start to have a fake relationship that is anything but fake, when they start to spend more time together and knowing each other better the lines start to blur and feelings start to seem very real.
And they have to decide if they still want to go all the way with the game.
This is an easy reading. Light, sweet, sexy and fast to read. Precisely what you will need between those angsty books! ;)
The characters are very likeable, although sometimes Maddie have got me on my nerves.
Braden, after passing the whole “asshole playboy” is really sweet and sexy and their friends are really good. I enjoyed the whole group dynamic.
And even though is a very predictable history, don't worry; it’s still a very good one. Especially because even though is huum… fake they have a really sweet relationship. It’s so good to see!
“And that's the bottom line. It always will be. She'll always be mine – and I'll always be hers.”
Go read it now, people! :)
May 24, 2013
Sweet story and a fairly quick read. Too bad there were so many cliché sentences towards the end; otherwise I would have probably given it a 4 star rating...
~ 3.5 STARS.
~ 3.5 STARS.
April 4, 2013
Jenny: While we both pondered what to read next, we felt we needed something a bit lighter, with a little angst but something quick and fun and this one certainly delivered didn’t it Gitte?
Gitte: Did it ever Jenny! I laughed myself silly and swooned like crazy. It was just what we needed. A light romantic read with a bit of angst thrown in.
Jenny: The game is simple: For the girls, they challenge Maddie to “play the player”. Braden is the man about campus, bedding anything in his wake and well, he’s a player. Maddie loathes everything about him so she accepts the challenge to make him fall in love with her, only dump down him down the track to give him a taste of his own medicine. But…the boys also issue Braden a challenge to…well, bed Maddie and dump her. And so begins The Love Game.
This was a quick romp through college life with Braden, Maddie and their crazy, loveable friends Aston, Nick, Lila, Megan and Kay and what a fun bunch they were. Listening to the girls sit around talking sexual innuendo’s had me in fits and there was just the right measure of emotion and angst to keep everything moving along.
Gitte: This Game of Play the Player was always destined to go wrong though wasn’t it Jenny. Two people with nothing to lose showing the other the ‘error’ of their ways. Even though I didn’t quite get the reason for why the lads set up the game for Braden I completely got the girls game though. And absolutely Jenny, the friends all had me in hysterics I thought this was a real good group of friends with spot on banter and hilarious humour.
Jenny: Yep Gitte, that game was destined for failure. One word. Braden. Geez Gitte, how much did we love egotistical, cocky, possessive, foul mouthed, hot, insatiable player Braden Carter?
“Maddie, if someone says ‘pussy cat’ I instantly think of sex.” Braden
Maddie’s voice really endeared me to her character. She was strong, sassy and held her own against Braden. She was wise to this guy and threw him for a bit of a loop at times. She was somewhat brittle in ways brought upon by family issues she has kept hidden. For me though, Braden was the crux of this story. His internal monologue was a classic. He swore like a trouper, had no filter and everything that came out of his mouth was so entertaining. The alternating POV worked so well and brought so much more to the story to hear both voices. What did you think?
Gitte: Absolutely loved Braden. He was everything that should annoy and pee us off but no, instead his cocky attitude, his complete lack of dating skills, his foul mouth and his stumbling through the dating game with the help of everyone’s trusted friend ‘Google’ just floored me with both laughter and girlie sighs…..Definitely Jenny, when we got his POV, his inner monologue….well Braden overall, just made this book what it was for me. He just didn’t care what he said and his thought processes were just addictive. I would get so excited every time we got to his POV!
As for Maddie, she was a sweet and funny girl and I completely got why her past brought her to where she was in this story. Though the real issues were not dealt with till later. She gave as good as she got and I loved that about her. As I said, one of my only gripes with this story was her motivation behind this challenge. I don’t want to give spoilers but the references and measurements Maddie held up against Braden just didn’t completely convince me and the in-decisions annoyed me a tiny bit. This is where the fantastic cast of secondary characters along with Braden helped pull this one up for me. No doubt!
“I’m not possessive over you Maddie…I’m protective and there’s a difference. I’d never try to control you or tell you what you can and can’t do….You’re so fucking beautiful….I have you and there’s not a chance I’m gonna risk one of them taking you from me…So yes, you are fucking mine!” – Braden
Jenny: Unbeknown to each other though, they are both playing a game with and end in sight. But when Braden starts to see the cracks in Maddie, when he starts to break through the walls she has constructed, he sees the girl underneath and starts to fall for her. He wants to protect her, hold her and comfort her. He becomes her friend and her confidante and so much more. When Maddie witnesses this side to Braden she begins to see much more than just the player.
Oh, did I mention the sexual tension between these two skyrockets.
“Upstairs”, I mutter. “Fucking now” - Braden
As their relationship develops, Maddie sees the warm, gentle side to Braden she had no idea existed and Braden sees a girl who ignites something in him, something in his heart he himself never expected to feel.
“You think I’m beautiful?”
“Yeah”, I turn her face to mine. “I do.”
I really did enjoy this one Gitte. Whilst that ending with Braden …dear god, talk about swoon, satisfied me, I did feel this ended a bit abruptly. I wanted more, but as there is more to come in this series, I’m hopeful this isn’t the last we’ve heard from Braden and Maddie. I am so looking forward to catching up with all those crazy guys again, what about you, how did you enjoy it overall?
Gitte: So the players got played and realised that this game for all its intents and purposes reveals so much more about each other. The lessons learnt when you go all in with nothing to lose, walls getting knocked down, true personalities shining through the cracks. A friendship formed that turns into so much more through the understanding, comfort and an open and respectful heart. Such a funny and sweet journey with a bit of heat thrown in, but yes Jenny I agree. It ended way too abruptly. We go through emotional turmoil with them and then are not given enough of the ‘Afters’…An epilogue would have been perfect and sealed the deal for me! I will say though that this is absolutely one of those stories that should be read and enjoyed, with laughter and melting moments in abundance.
“I’m. Not.Yours”
“But I’m yours…..I’ll always be yours”
Gitte: Did it ever Jenny! I laughed myself silly and swooned like crazy. It was just what we needed. A light romantic read with a bit of angst thrown in.
Jenny: The game is simple: For the girls, they challenge Maddie to “play the player”. Braden is the man about campus, bedding anything in his wake and well, he’s a player. Maddie loathes everything about him so she accepts the challenge to make him fall in love with her, only dump down him down the track to give him a taste of his own medicine. But…the boys also issue Braden a challenge to…well, bed Maddie and dump her. And so begins The Love Game.
This was a quick romp through college life with Braden, Maddie and their crazy, loveable friends Aston, Nick, Lila, Megan and Kay and what a fun bunch they were. Listening to the girls sit around talking sexual innuendo’s had me in fits and there was just the right measure of emotion and angst to keep everything moving along.
Gitte: This Game of Play the Player was always destined to go wrong though wasn’t it Jenny. Two people with nothing to lose showing the other the ‘error’ of their ways. Even though I didn’t quite get the reason for why the lads set up the game for Braden I completely got the girls game though. And absolutely Jenny, the friends all had me in hysterics I thought this was a real good group of friends with spot on banter and hilarious humour.
Jenny: Yep Gitte, that game was destined for failure. One word. Braden. Geez Gitte, how much did we love egotistical, cocky, possessive, foul mouthed, hot, insatiable player Braden Carter?
“Maddie, if someone says ‘pussy cat’ I instantly think of sex.” Braden
Maddie’s voice really endeared me to her character. She was strong, sassy and held her own against Braden. She was wise to this guy and threw him for a bit of a loop at times. She was somewhat brittle in ways brought upon by family issues she has kept hidden. For me though, Braden was the crux of this story. His internal monologue was a classic. He swore like a trouper, had no filter and everything that came out of his mouth was so entertaining. The alternating POV worked so well and brought so much more to the story to hear both voices. What did you think?
Gitte: Absolutely loved Braden. He was everything that should annoy and pee us off but no, instead his cocky attitude, his complete lack of dating skills, his foul mouth and his stumbling through the dating game with the help of everyone’s trusted friend ‘Google’ just floored me with both laughter and girlie sighs…..Definitely Jenny, when we got his POV, his inner monologue….well Braden overall, just made this book what it was for me. He just didn’t care what he said and his thought processes were just addictive. I would get so excited every time we got to his POV!
As for Maddie, she was a sweet and funny girl and I completely got why her past brought her to where she was in this story. Though the real issues were not dealt with till later. She gave as good as she got and I loved that about her. As I said, one of my only gripes with this story was her motivation behind this challenge. I don’t want to give spoilers but the references and measurements Maddie held up against Braden just didn’t completely convince me and the in-decisions annoyed me a tiny bit. This is where the fantastic cast of secondary characters along with Braden helped pull this one up for me. No doubt!
“I’m not possessive over you Maddie…I’m protective and there’s a difference. I’d never try to control you or tell you what you can and can’t do….You’re so fucking beautiful….I have you and there’s not a chance I’m gonna risk one of them taking you from me…So yes, you are fucking mine!” – Braden
Jenny: Unbeknown to each other though, they are both playing a game with and end in sight. But when Braden starts to see the cracks in Maddie, when he starts to break through the walls she has constructed, he sees the girl underneath and starts to fall for her. He wants to protect her, hold her and comfort her. He becomes her friend and her confidante and so much more. When Maddie witnesses this side to Braden she begins to see much more than just the player.
Oh, did I mention the sexual tension between these two skyrockets.
“Upstairs”, I mutter. “Fucking now” - Braden
As their relationship develops, Maddie sees the warm, gentle side to Braden she had no idea existed and Braden sees a girl who ignites something in him, something in his heart he himself never expected to feel.
“You think I’m beautiful?”
“Yeah”, I turn her face to mine. “I do.”
I really did enjoy this one Gitte. Whilst that ending with Braden …dear god, talk about swoon, satisfied me, I did feel this ended a bit abruptly. I wanted more, but as there is more to come in this series, I’m hopeful this isn’t the last we’ve heard from Braden and Maddie. I am so looking forward to catching up with all those crazy guys again, what about you, how did you enjoy it overall?
Gitte: So the players got played and realised that this game for all its intents and purposes reveals so much more about each other. The lessons learnt when you go all in with nothing to lose, walls getting knocked down, true personalities shining through the cracks. A friendship formed that turns into so much more through the understanding, comfort and an open and respectful heart. Such a funny and sweet journey with a bit of heat thrown in, but yes Jenny I agree. It ended way too abruptly. We go through emotional turmoil with them and then are not given enough of the ‘Afters’…An epilogue would have been perfect and sealed the deal for me! I will say though that this is absolutely one of those stories that should be read and enjoyed, with laughter and melting moments in abundance.
“I’m. Not.Yours”
“But I’m yours…..I’ll always be yours”
August 21, 2021
the first sentence “i hated him on sight” sent me because we all know it’s not truth, but okay.
September 14, 2013
I LOVED IT!
December 27, 2015
2.5 "meh" stars.
I don't know why I just couldn't get lost in this story. It sounded so awesome...reluctant, fake relationship set up (yay!), a cocky, hot studly- man on campus (yay!), a cynical heroine (woohoo!) and the promise of a fun read. I so desperately wanted to love this.
But I just couldn't feel the attraction between the two MCs. And I didn't understand their motivations or reasoning in relation to the bet. She was to sleep with a guy she apparently hated (and this was something her friends were fine with) and he had to manipulate her into bed under false pretenses before dumping her ass. I left me with an "eww" brain echo that wouldn't let up.
But I thought, all right, let's move on past the set up and wait for it to get good...
Didn't happen.
To me, they just seemed like very simple archetypes with long, unrealistic dialogue and very little depth. And I couldn't feel the chemistry between them. Braden was NOT the most romantic of men (the ass in sweats comment was like a mini-vomit of gross) and Maddie was also not the sharpest tool in the shed (her passive attitude to her friends planning, scheming, sexing and drinking was uninspired). I almost preferred the tension and banter between Megan and Braden (who were life long friends).
It was an okay read, but after having read a few truly awesome 5-star reads, this just seemed...okay. Emma Hart writes well and creates some terrific background histories, and it was truly awesome to have a bisexual character have such a strong presence (although the reader was repeatedly made aware that this was the "devil-may-care, swears like a sailor, nasty ball of rebellion and soaring-high libido character).
Also, everything is spelled out for you, there's no need to read in between the lines or make your own conclusions. This is an easy, "my plot is an open book" type of read. And the characters don't have the time to "fall" in love so much as "take-a-crash-course-and-plummet-at-the-speed-of-light" into love. Insta-love fans will be in heaven!
Recommendation: Save it for a rainy day, when you have a hangover and want a fast-paced, easy, undemanding, sham-to-wam-bam-love-you-'mam, love story!
2.5 stars.
I don't know why I just couldn't get lost in this story. It sounded so awesome...reluctant, fake relationship set up (yay!), a cocky, hot studly- man on campus (yay!), a cynical heroine (woohoo!) and the promise of a fun read. I so desperately wanted to love this.
But I just couldn't feel the attraction between the two MCs. And I didn't understand their motivations or reasoning in relation to the bet. She was to sleep with a guy she apparently hated (and this was something her friends were fine with) and he had to manipulate her into bed under false pretenses before dumping her ass. I left me with an "eww" brain echo that wouldn't let up.
But I thought, all right, let's move on past the set up and wait for it to get good...
Didn't happen.
To me, they just seemed like very simple archetypes with long, unrealistic dialogue and very little depth. And I couldn't feel the chemistry between them. Braden was NOT the most romantic of men (the ass in sweats comment was like a mini-vomit of gross) and Maddie was also not the sharpest tool in the shed (her passive attitude to her friends planning, scheming, sexing and drinking was uninspired). I almost preferred the tension and banter between Megan and Braden (who were life long friends).
It was an okay read, but after having read a few truly awesome 5-star reads, this just seemed...okay. Emma Hart writes well and creates some terrific background histories, and it was truly awesome to have a bisexual character have such a strong presence (although the reader was repeatedly made aware that this was the "devil-may-care, swears like a sailor, nasty ball of rebellion and soaring-high libido character).
Also, everything is spelled out for you, there's no need to read in between the lines or make your own conclusions. This is an easy, "my plot is an open book" type of read. And the characters don't have the time to "fall" in love so much as "take-a-crash-course-and-plummet-at-the-speed-of-light" into love. Insta-love fans will be in heaven!
Recommendation: Save it for a rainy day, when you have a hangover and want a fast-paced, easy, undemanding, sham-to-wam-bam-love-you-'mam, love story!
2.5 stars.
April 2, 2013
3 Stars
These might be sweatpants, but they happen to fit you really well, especially around that a$$... so if we stop, it won’t be for f&cking McDonalds
BIG Disappointing SIGH
I am sorry, but I JUST.DID.NOT.GET The Love Game and I don’t know why. It had everything I love in a read. Awesome cover? Check. Man-whore? Check . Steamy tension? Check. College setting? Check.
So why did I not enjoy this like so many reviewers?
I.DID.NOT.LIKE.THE.PLOT.
Yep, that pretty much seems it up. Let me rephrase the summary. Girl is pressured to play a game, she makes bad boy fall in love with her and then she sleeps with him and then walks away. At the very same time, Boy is pressured to play a game, he “humps and dumps” her because why not right? Oh and what will happen next?!
Obvious much? Yes, BUT that wasn’t my problem, I just thought the “game” was not enough drama for me. I thought Maddie and Braden formed a “relationship” too quickly. I thought the climatic-ending was very anticlimactic. I wanted something else, heck I wanted Maddie’s brother to go ape-sh!t on her, but never did.
The side characters were okay. I didn’t understand why Megan and Braden were best friends because Megan is a total bia (to Braden). I thought there was going to be a twist, like both sets of friends were setting Maddie and Braden up, but nope there is no twist.
I thought something crazy was going to happen in Las Vegas, but nope, just a bunch of drinking and a few steamy scenes. Don’t get me wrong, I love light hearted reads, but something just didn’t click with me on this one.
I liked the overall writing style and the length was perfect, so I am not going to give up on Emma Hart. I think I will just be a little bit pickier.
For more reviews visit, http://jacquelinesreads.blogspot.com/
These might be sweatpants, but they happen to fit you really well, especially around that a$$... so if we stop, it won’t be for f&cking McDonalds
BIG Disappointing SIGH
I am sorry, but I JUST.DID.NOT.GET The Love Game and I don’t know why. It had everything I love in a read. Awesome cover? Check. Man-whore? Check . Steamy tension? Check. College setting? Check.
So why did I not enjoy this like so many reviewers?
I.DID.NOT.LIKE.THE.PLOT.
Yep, that pretty much seems it up. Let me rephrase the summary. Girl is pressured to play a game, she makes bad boy fall in love with her and then she sleeps with him and then walks away. At the very same time, Boy is pressured to play a game, he “humps and dumps” her because why not right? Oh and what will happen next?!
Obvious much? Yes, BUT that wasn’t my problem, I just thought the “game” was not enough drama for me. I thought Maddie and Braden formed a “relationship” too quickly. I thought the climatic-ending was very anticlimactic. I wanted something else, heck I wanted Maddie’s brother to go ape-sh!t on her, but never did.
The side characters were okay. I didn’t understand why Megan and Braden were best friends because Megan is a total bia (to Braden). I thought there was going to be a twist, like both sets of friends were setting Maddie and Braden up, but nope there is no twist.
I thought something crazy was going to happen in Las Vegas, but nope, just a bunch of drinking and a few steamy scenes. Don’t get me wrong, I love light hearted reads, but something just didn’t click with me on this one.
I liked the overall writing style and the length was perfect, so I am not going to give up on Emma Hart. I think I will just be a little bit pickier.
For more reviews visit, http://jacquelinesreads.blogspot.com/
April 4, 2013
This one was ok. I found myself doing a lot of eye rolling. I couldn't understand why Bray agreed to the bet to begin with. He was a player - but an honest one. He might have "humped and dumped" - but he never lead any of the girls on. It just didn't make sense that he would purposely go out to make Maddy fall in love with him. I get the idea of trying to get her in bed, but doing something that purposely hurtful seemed out of character.
In wish Maddy and her brothers situation would have been explained a littler earlier. I think I would have been more sympathetic of it hasn't remained such a mystery for so long. I also didn't understand why Megan would come up with the whole idea in the first place since she was supposed to be a friend to both Bray and Maddy.
Overall a cute, if underwhelming read.
In wish Maddy and her brothers situation would have been explained a littler earlier. I think I would have been more sympathetic of it hasn't remained such a mystery for so long. I also didn't understand why Megan would come up with the whole idea in the first place since she was supposed to be a friend to both Bray and Maddy.
Overall a cute, if underwhelming read.
Read
July 16, 2016review and rating removed....
April 5, 2013
BRADEN CARTER
April 21, 2017
This is a re-read for me. Originally read this in 2013 but it is a great book to re-read when I want a quick, fun, sweet and light-hearted new adult romance.
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Push/pull
Any couple separation
Heat Level: Medium
Angst Level: Low (but on the high side of low)
Safety Triggers
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Push/pull
Any couple separation
Heat Level: Medium
Angst Level: Low (but on the high side of low)
Safety Triggers
May 6, 2018
3,5 ⭐️ Ja, es war plump und vorhersehbar. Aber trotzdem hat es mich unterhalten und ließ sich schnell durchlesen. Für warme Sonnentage perfekt :)
Want to read
April 5, 2013FROM THE AUTHOR 3/30/2013 & 4/4/2013:
In case you haven't seen it, the Epilogue and book 2 reveal is up on my blog!
http://emmahart93.blogspot.co.uk/2013...
“Yes. There are more books planned - and no, there isn't a sequel for Maddie and Braden. I feel the majority of their story has already played out, so their story will continue with them as secondary characters in Playing for Keeps.
Playing for Keeps is the second novel, a spin-off, and no, I won't announce the characters yet! It's currently planned for a July release, but I may swap it with my planned stand alone NA novel and release it in June instead. I know who everyone is asking for, but I won't confirm or deny it yet.
The Game, #3, currently untitled, I have no release date for. I know whose story it is and I have it planned. I'll announce the official title and character after Playing for Keeps.
The Game, #4, also currently untitled, I have no release date for either. I also have the story planned roughly, and I'll announce it with or after the third book.”
http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_...
In case you haven't seen it, the Epilogue and book 2 reveal is up on my blog!
http://emmahart93.blogspot.co.uk/2013...
“Yes. There are more books planned - and no, there isn't a sequel for Maddie and Braden. I feel the majority of their story has already played out, so their story will continue with them as secondary characters in Playing for Keeps.
Playing for Keeps is the second novel, a spin-off, and no, I won't announce the characters yet! It's currently planned for a July release, but I may swap it with my planned stand alone NA novel and release it in June instead. I know who everyone is asking for, but I won't confirm or deny it yet.
The Game, #3, currently untitled, I have no release date for. I know whose story it is and I have it planned. I'll announce the official title and character after Playing for Keeps.
The Game, #4, also currently untitled, I have no release date for either. I also have the story planned roughly, and I'll announce it with or after the third book.”
http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_...
April 6, 2013
Ooooh! I liked it, I liked it, I liked it!! Such a great story! It was like watching a movie while reading. It's a story we have all seen before but this one had it's own little twists and turns and I smiled the whole time I was reading. Two can play this game and both can come out winners. Very well written and I loved all the secondary characters that we all know are going to get their own books! Yeah! The epilogue was only two weeks later but I think it's ok since there will be more books so we will get more time with them. Well, I hope that is the case. I love a great HEA!
April 9, 2013
I loved this book! It was entertaining and predictable, but that was not a bad thing. It reminded me of the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Oh and the cover is amazing!
I really liked Maddie and Braden together, they brought out the best in each other. All of their friends were great and fun to watch. I can't wait to read their stories.
This is a book that I definitely recommend!!
I really liked Maddie and Braden together, they brought out the best in each other. All of their friends were great and fun to watch. I can't wait to read their stories.
This is a book that I definitely recommend!!
March 30, 2013
I seriously think I am an epic sucker for books where a player gets played.. this kind of reminds me of "How to Lose A Guy in Ten Days"... and let's just say it is a winner!
Feel good, cutesy, utterly romantic book - give it 4.5
Feel good, cutesy, utterly romantic book - give it 4.5
September 27, 2013
“..when does pretending start becoming real?”
There are always those types of guys who are the so-called ‘players’. The ‘wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am’ guys? Yup. Braden Carter is exactly like that. Ugh how I hated him at first but loved him at the same time! He is arrogant but he is honest. He’s kind of a douche but he’s also sweet. He cares so much for Megan too, one of Maddie’s best friends. The only problem with him is that he likes girls so much that he sleeps with all of them. And boy that’s not good.
Then we meet the character of Maddie. I SERIOUSLY LOVE THIS GIRL. I thought she was this shy girl but I am so glad she let her hair down and accepted the challenge: play the player. I was honestly shocked that she agreed to it because she’s the type of girl who will do anything so that she will NOT have to deal with Mr. Braden the player. Yes, she is not like any other girl.
I know that many people will think that, ‘oh this is just like any other typical stories out there blah blah blah’ but nah ah, read before you speak. I don’t know how to explain it in the right way but there’s just something different with Braden and Maddie and this story… They complement each other! I think that’s the best way to put it. Here, we see Braden, the cocky college hottie, and on the other hand, Maddie’s there, the ‘good girl gone bad.’
I think what’s unique with The Love Game is the fact that both of them had their own missions from the very beginning and let’s face it, in this ‘play the player’ type of game, there will always be something that will go wrong at one time or another. And that’s for you to figure out. *winks*
Another thing to look forward to – DUAL POVs. Hell yeah! Emma Hart has done it again. Here, you can see Maddie’s confusion and her smart mouth:
“Oh, yes. I didn't notice you there.” Blonde girl turns to Maddie. “I mean, you're not his usual type, honey.”
“Maybe that's why I'm his girlfriend, and you're a discarded weekend fuck whose name he can't even remember, honey.”
You go girl!
and of course, Braden’s dirty yet playful thoughts, but don’t worry, you’ll also see his sincerity.
“I curse the fact she's not like my usual girls. Usually, a suggestive smile and a wink is all that's needed. But no, I have to wine and fucking dine Maddie. I might as well serenade her under the fucking stars – and you know what? If I could sing, I damn well would.”
As what I’ve said earlier. I friggin’ LOVE Maddie. She is just so right for our caveman Braden. She knows how to tame his wild side and she definitely knows how to handle him. What can I say? MADDIE + BRADEN = PERFECT. You seriously could not ask for more. I loved the fact that their love story was not forced. The chemistry between these two awesome characters was palpable from the very beginning. I can’t stop reading. It was slow and not forced. The kind of relationship that readers can easily appreciate. See what Maddie has to say about it:
“Love takes time. It takes work. It's not just something you throw yourself into because if you do it right, you'll only ever have to fall in love once.”
You must also watch out for the very cool bestfriends of Maddie – Megan, Lila and Kayleigh. They are the group of girls one would like to have! Hart had done such a good job in portraying the friendship of these girls, not the mushy type of relationship, but the easy-going yet enviable one, no lies and simply no dramas. But I should have a special mention to Megan because guess what? She’s simply the coolest!
Megan: “The way to Braden's heart is through his dick.”
Kay: “Braden has a heart?” She laughs. “Funny, Megs, funny.”
Megan: “Hey.. He does. It's just wrapped up in latex and usually between some girl's legs.”
See what I mean? Haha!
Plus this one too:
“I love you, Bray. You're like my brother, but if you're fucking her about, I will castrate you and hang your balls as a wind chime in the frat house front room window.” (2 points for Megan, none for Braden, woot woot!)
And last but not the least – the family issues that were discussed in The Love Game were very relatable. Losing a family member for Maddie also felt like losing her own family too. I love the fact that there was some sort of redemption at the end and what happened to Maddie’s brother was so realistic and I am satisfied with the way Emma Hart left the issue that way.
The only thing that I didn’t like about it was the fact that it ended and it was kind of short for me. I hope we’ll get to see more of Braden and Maddie in the near future! And I also wish that I could get to see more of Meg and Bray’s childhood.
The Love Game will surely enrapture readers and will leave them wanting more (I DID!). Emma Hart’s a genius and kudos to her for writing such a brilliantly played ending of a novel! The Love Game has got it all – the perfect mix of love, attraction, forgiveness and redemption. :)
Some of my favorite quotes/lines:
“Nothing is impossible if you believe in it enough.”
“You have to be cruel to be kind, baby girl,”
“There's no point in dwelling on what could have, should have, or would have been, because that doesn't make it any better for anyone. In fact, it probably makes it worse.”
“Love is beautiful, it's free from judgment and it never condemns. It enlightens, it embraces, and it makes even the hardest day worth living through. Who wouldn't want to believe in that?”
*I received an ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, however, did not influence my review in any way.*
There are always those types of guys who are the so-called ‘players’. The ‘wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am’ guys? Yup. Braden Carter is exactly like that. Ugh how I hated him at first but loved him at the same time! He is arrogant but he is honest. He’s kind of a douche but he’s also sweet. He cares so much for Megan too, one of Maddie’s best friends. The only problem with him is that he likes girls so much that he sleeps with all of them. And boy that’s not good.
Then we meet the character of Maddie. I SERIOUSLY LOVE THIS GIRL. I thought she was this shy girl but I am so glad she let her hair down and accepted the challenge: play the player. I was honestly shocked that she agreed to it because she’s the type of girl who will do anything so that she will NOT have to deal with Mr. Braden the player. Yes, she is not like any other girl.
I know that many people will think that, ‘oh this is just like any other typical stories out there blah blah blah’ but nah ah, read before you speak. I don’t know how to explain it in the right way but there’s just something different with Braden and Maddie and this story… They complement each other! I think that’s the best way to put it. Here, we see Braden, the cocky college hottie, and on the other hand, Maddie’s there, the ‘good girl gone bad.’
I think what’s unique with The Love Game is the fact that both of them had their own missions from the very beginning and let’s face it, in this ‘play the player’ type of game, there will always be something that will go wrong at one time or another. And that’s for you to figure out. *winks*
Another thing to look forward to – DUAL POVs. Hell yeah! Emma Hart has done it again. Here, you can see Maddie’s confusion and her smart mouth:
“Oh, yes. I didn't notice you there.” Blonde girl turns to Maddie. “I mean, you're not his usual type, honey.”
“Maybe that's why I'm his girlfriend, and you're a discarded weekend fuck whose name he can't even remember, honey.”
You go girl!
and of course, Braden’s dirty yet playful thoughts, but don’t worry, you’ll also see his sincerity.
“I curse the fact she's not like my usual girls. Usually, a suggestive smile and a wink is all that's needed. But no, I have to wine and fucking dine Maddie. I might as well serenade her under the fucking stars – and you know what? If I could sing, I damn well would.”
As what I’ve said earlier. I friggin’ LOVE Maddie. She is just so right for our caveman Braden. She knows how to tame his wild side and she definitely knows how to handle him. What can I say? MADDIE + BRADEN = PERFECT. You seriously could not ask for more. I loved the fact that their love story was not forced. The chemistry between these two awesome characters was palpable from the very beginning. I can’t stop reading. It was slow and not forced. The kind of relationship that readers can easily appreciate. See what Maddie has to say about it:
“Love takes time. It takes work. It's not just something you throw yourself into because if you do it right, you'll only ever have to fall in love once.”
You must also watch out for the very cool bestfriends of Maddie – Megan, Lila and Kayleigh. They are the group of girls one would like to have! Hart had done such a good job in portraying the friendship of these girls, not the mushy type of relationship, but the easy-going yet enviable one, no lies and simply no dramas. But I should have a special mention to Megan because guess what? She’s simply the coolest!
Megan: “The way to Braden's heart is through his dick.”
Kay: “Braden has a heart?” She laughs. “Funny, Megs, funny.”
Megan: “Hey.. He does. It's just wrapped up in latex and usually between some girl's legs.”
See what I mean? Haha!
Plus this one too:
“I love you, Bray. You're like my brother, but if you're fucking her about, I will castrate you and hang your balls as a wind chime in the frat house front room window.” (2 points for Megan, none for Braden, woot woot!)
And last but not the least – the family issues that were discussed in The Love Game were very relatable. Losing a family member for Maddie also felt like losing her own family too. I love the fact that there was some sort of redemption at the end and what happened to Maddie’s brother was so realistic and I am satisfied with the way Emma Hart left the issue that way.
The only thing that I didn’t like about it was the fact that it ended and it was kind of short for me. I hope we’ll get to see more of Braden and Maddie in the near future! And I also wish that I could get to see more of Meg and Bray’s childhood.
The Love Game will surely enrapture readers and will leave them wanting more (I DID!). Emma Hart’s a genius and kudos to her for writing such a brilliantly played ending of a novel! The Love Game has got it all – the perfect mix of love, attraction, forgiveness and redemption. :)
Some of my favorite quotes/lines:
“Nothing is impossible if you believe in it enough.”
“You have to be cruel to be kind, baby girl,”
“There's no point in dwelling on what could have, should have, or would have been, because that doesn't make it any better for anyone. In fact, it probably makes it worse.”
“Love is beautiful, it's free from judgment and it never condemns. It enlightens, it embraces, and it makes even the hardest day worth living through. Who wouldn't want to believe in that?”
*I received an ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, however, did not influence my review in any way.*
June 30, 2015
Dimenticate i drammi e i personaggi tormenti perché in Scommettiamo che ti faccio innamorare troviamo il tipico “preppy boy” californiano…. biondo, abbronzato, occhi blu come il mare e uno stuolo di ragazze al braccio. E non dimentichiamo ovviamente, membro di una confraternita. Insomma, il quadro del playboy del college è completo.
Ma a voler rompere questo schema e la vita perfetta da rubacuori di Braden Carter c’è la sua migliore amica Megan, che ritiene che Braden stia facendo soffrire troppe ragazze e perdendo la sua identità con questo stile di vita. Si fa presto a risolvere la situazione con un gioco: la sua amica Maddie dovrà sedurre Braden per poi abbandonarlo subito dopo esserci andata a letto e così fargli assaggiare la sua stessa medicina.
Maddie è un tipo tosto, fieramente disgustata dal comportamento di Braden e dal vederlo usare tutte quelle ragazze, troppo simile al fratello che le ha distrutto la vita per potersi lasciare affascinare dai suoi occhi blu. Maddie è perfetta quindi per attirarlo in trappola.
Ciò che Maddie, Megan e le loro amiche non avevano calcolato però è che anche a Braden e suoi amici piace giocare … e proprio nel frattempo decidono di sfidare Braden a far innamorare la algida Maggie per poi portarsela a letto.
Un bel mix di situazioni contrastanti insomma spingono dei riluttanti Braden e Maddie uno tra le braccia dell’altra ma l’unico vero vincitore di questo doppio-gioco è l’amore!
Sotto il caldo sole della California, tra caffetterie, bagni in spiaggia e passeggiate sui rollerblade cominciano a nascere i sentimenti “ programmati” tra i due protagonisti, in un’ atmosfera totalmente spensierata proprio come dovrebbe essere l’amore a vent’anni. Piano piano i confini tra il gioco e la realtà cominciano a sfumare e Maddie si ritrova a scoprire che c’è molto di più in Braden di un playboy interessato solo alla ginnastica da letto… soprattutto però è la corazza impenetrabile di Maddie che comincia a cedere man mano che condivide pezzi del suo doloroso passato con Braden e alla fine la realtà dei sentimenti sarà così intrecciata alla finzione dei loro giochi che i protagonisti finiranno intrappolati e contro ogni aspettativa, innamorati.
Continua a leggere su
CrazyforRomance
Ma a voler rompere questo schema e la vita perfetta da rubacuori di Braden Carter c’è la sua migliore amica Megan, che ritiene che Braden stia facendo soffrire troppe ragazze e perdendo la sua identità con questo stile di vita. Si fa presto a risolvere la situazione con un gioco: la sua amica Maddie dovrà sedurre Braden per poi abbandonarlo subito dopo esserci andata a letto e così fargli assaggiare la sua stessa medicina.
Maddie è un tipo tosto, fieramente disgustata dal comportamento di Braden e dal vederlo usare tutte quelle ragazze, troppo simile al fratello che le ha distrutto la vita per potersi lasciare affascinare dai suoi occhi blu. Maddie è perfetta quindi per attirarlo in trappola.
Ciò che Maddie, Megan e le loro amiche non avevano calcolato però è che anche a Braden e suoi amici piace giocare … e proprio nel frattempo decidono di sfidare Braden a far innamorare la algida Maggie per poi portarsela a letto.
Un bel mix di situazioni contrastanti insomma spingono dei riluttanti Braden e Maddie uno tra le braccia dell’altra ma l’unico vero vincitore di questo doppio-gioco è l’amore!
Sotto il caldo sole della California, tra caffetterie, bagni in spiaggia e passeggiate sui rollerblade cominciano a nascere i sentimenti “ programmati” tra i due protagonisti, in un’ atmosfera totalmente spensierata proprio come dovrebbe essere l’amore a vent’anni. Piano piano i confini tra il gioco e la realtà cominciano a sfumare e Maddie si ritrova a scoprire che c’è molto di più in Braden di un playboy interessato solo alla ginnastica da letto… soprattutto però è la corazza impenetrabile di Maddie che comincia a cedere man mano che condivide pezzi del suo doloroso passato con Braden e alla fine la realtà dei sentimenti sarà così intrecciata alla finzione dei loro giochi che i protagonisti finiranno intrappolati e contro ogni aspettativa, innamorati.
Continua a leggere su
CrazyforRomance
July 27, 2015
La mia recensione sul blog http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
Con questo romanzo ha inizio la serie new adult The Game, che prevede diversi libri ma con protagonisti principali diversi, anche se in qualche modo collegati.
Già dalla trama mi aspettavo una lettura molto leggera, l'ideale quindi in queste giornate di afa terribile in cui non ho per niente voglia di letture toste e impegnative. Ambientata all'inizio della vita universitaria dei protagonisti Maddie e Braden, e raccontata da entrambi i loro punti di vista, la storia non riserva nessun particolare colpo di scena, tutt'altro, è abbastanza scontato quello che capiterà alla fine tra i due ragazzi.
Braden è sexy, arrogante, può avere tutte le ragazze che vuole ai suoi piedi, e si comporta spesso da cavernicolo. Maddie è considerata la principessina della situazione, una ragazza bella e ambita che sembra essere l'unica a resistere a Braden. E lui può accettare una cosa del genere? Ovviamente no, infatti non esita più di un secondo ad accettare la scommessa dei suoi amici: entro un mese dovrà far innamorare di sè Maddie e portarsela a letto. Dall'altra parte, troviamo invece le amiche di Maddie desiderose di far scendere Braden dal suo piedistallo. Chi meglio di Maddie, che sembra indifferente al suo fascino da playboy, potrebbe riuscirci? Ed ecco quindi la seconda scommessa: entro un mese Maddie dovrà far innamorare di se Braden per poi scaricarlo su due piedi.
Inutile dire che queste scommesse in contemporanea avranno effetti collaterali per entrambi, il confine tra gioco e sentimento è molto sottile, ma grazie alla loro frequentazione avremo modo di conoscere un po' meglio i personaggi e scopriremo il lato nascosto di Braden.
Un paio di cose mi hanno lasciata un po' perplessa: primo, la situazione familiare che Maddie si è lasciata alle spalle prima di trasferirsi in California per il college poteva essere approfondita maggiormente, invece è stata liquidata troppo in fretta!
Secondo, la reazione di entrambi i ragazzi alla scoperta delle reciproche scommesse è stata fin troppo esagerata... in fin dei conti hanno fatto entrambi lo stesso gioco, no?!
In ogni caso, anche se non è di certo uno dei romanzi migliori che ho letto negli ultimi mesi, è stata una lettura carina, scorrevole e frivola. Per chi cerca qualcosa di poco impegnativo da leggere sotto l'ombrellone.
Con questo romanzo ha inizio la serie new adult The Game, che prevede diversi libri ma con protagonisti principali diversi, anche se in qualche modo collegati.
Già dalla trama mi aspettavo una lettura molto leggera, l'ideale quindi in queste giornate di afa terribile in cui non ho per niente voglia di letture toste e impegnative. Ambientata all'inizio della vita universitaria dei protagonisti Maddie e Braden, e raccontata da entrambi i loro punti di vista, la storia non riserva nessun particolare colpo di scena, tutt'altro, è abbastanza scontato quello che capiterà alla fine tra i due ragazzi.
Braden è sexy, arrogante, può avere tutte le ragazze che vuole ai suoi piedi, e si comporta spesso da cavernicolo. Maddie è considerata la principessina della situazione, una ragazza bella e ambita che sembra essere l'unica a resistere a Braden. E lui può accettare una cosa del genere? Ovviamente no, infatti non esita più di un secondo ad accettare la scommessa dei suoi amici: entro un mese dovrà far innamorare di sè Maddie e portarsela a letto. Dall'altra parte, troviamo invece le amiche di Maddie desiderose di far scendere Braden dal suo piedistallo. Chi meglio di Maddie, che sembra indifferente al suo fascino da playboy, potrebbe riuscirci? Ed ecco quindi la seconda scommessa: entro un mese Maddie dovrà far innamorare di se Braden per poi scaricarlo su due piedi.
Inutile dire che queste scommesse in contemporanea avranno effetti collaterali per entrambi, il confine tra gioco e sentimento è molto sottile, ma grazie alla loro frequentazione avremo modo di conoscere un po' meglio i personaggi e scopriremo il lato nascosto di Braden.
Un paio di cose mi hanno lasciata un po' perplessa: primo, la situazione familiare che Maddie si è lasciata alle spalle prima di trasferirsi in California per il college poteva essere approfondita maggiormente, invece è stata liquidata troppo in fretta!
Secondo, la reazione di entrambi i ragazzi alla scoperta delle reciproche scommesse è stata fin troppo esagerata... in fin dei conti hanno fatto entrambi lo stesso gioco, no?!
In ogni caso, anche se non è di certo uno dei romanzi migliori che ho letto negli ultimi mesi, è stata una lettura carina, scorrevole e frivola. Per chi cerca qualcosa di poco impegnativo da leggere sotto l'ombrellone.
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