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Mageverse #0.25
Wicked Games
A prequel novella to the bestselling Mageverse series that gave a sexy twist to the Arthurian legend headlines this collection. This volume also features a special selection of stories, previously published as ebooks, but completely revised and expanded for this anthology.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
27 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Angela Knight
140 books1,027 followersAngela Knight is an American author of mostly erotic fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 30, 2014
There is a lot going on in Angela Knight's new Wicked Games anthology. Readers are treated to a prequel from Knight's highly acclaimed Mageverse series, two short stories from Knight's early career and a look into Knight's next anthology featuring Morgana's story, "Oath of Service". Fans of the Mageverse will revel in finally getting Knight's take on the beginning of Arthur and Gwen's story. How they became immortals and even the tale behind Lancelot's betrayal. This is Arthur like you've never seen him before. Territorial, controlling and one fiercest warriors to have ever lived. Readers will also enjoy seeing what's to come with Mageverse series and some of Knight's classic BDSM writing. This book isn't for everyone, but for those love a wicked ride... this is it!
What I liked:
I'm not quite sure how I have missed this series, up until now. Being a major history buff, the legend of Arthur and the Knights of the Round table sates my need for magic as well as legend. Arthur as an immortal vampire? Bring it on! It is my understanding that the series is near it's conclusion and starting with the prequel in this anthology, I can read it all straight through. That makes me happy. But knowing I've missed out this long... eke gads!
Wicked Games is not a book for the faint of heart and it isn't going to suit every taste, even in the erotic realm of reading. Each of the three stories in this anthology has it's own theme and ideas and they are all very different. There are some issues with consensual sex and fidelity and there are a few things that many readers might find shocking. But I often think that is part of why readers choose to read erotica, they want that shock factor, that bit of taboo that gets their heart and blood pumping. Angela Knight certainly took that into account here. This one is smoking hot, in just about every way.
The headliner for this anthology is a the prequel to the Mageverse series, called "The Once and Future Lover". This is the story that begins it all. Having not read any of the other Mageverse books, I was very open minded going into this one. I knew that Knight's take on Camelot featured vampires and witches and I was fine with that. A little poetic license is expected when in comes to the paranormal. Combine that with erotica and I was expecting one hot story and I wasn't disappointed. I have always been a big fan of Arthur's and probably didn't have as much respect or understanding for Guinevere, given her betrayal. But Knight turned my understanding of this classic tale on it's ear with this story. It was intense and fierce and extremely sexual. Arthur is a fierce warrior and an even fiercer man. He isn't a benevolent leader, but his vision for his people is strong and worthy. His treatment of those around him isn't always stellar and I think that really worked with the kind of personality that he needed to make his character work. Knight does a spectacular job of showing the moral question he faces and the sacrifices he makes. To say he is also as very passionate lover is an understatement.
One of the things that I found that I really liked here, was Knight's portrayal of Gwen. Most of the time I don't care much for her in the stories of old. She comes across as simpering and self-serving. Here she is quite the opposite. Her love for Arthur is evident and her need to protect him is strong. I liked her in Knight's universe. She had passion and drive and she isn't afraid of her own sexuality. Though that may have contributed to her downfall in the original stories, it serves her in different ways here.
This was a fantastic story. As I said before the graphic language, issues with consent, fidelity and overall crassness, might not suit everyone's fancy. It will definitely tread on the sensibilities of some, but if you can look over that, the writing is well done, very creative and hotter than a firecracker.
The two short stories in the book are from Knight's early career and that shows a bit in the writing. I can see with the new Mageverse story that her abilities have really improved. That's not to say there was anything wrong with either story. I could just see the growth and the maturity she had gained and I liked that. It gave me a bit of a reference for her work. I read a lot of different kinds of books including different kinds of erotica. Some I like, some I tolerate and some that I just can't wrap my head around. There was some of each of those feelings in the short stories we have in Wicked Games.
"Bondage, Beauty and the Beast" is of course a riff on the fairy tale. The hero of the story has been cursed and he needs a woman to fall in love with him to break it. That's where the similarities end. I liked the premise, loved the enchanted sex toys, ooooh myyyy! But I had a few issues with how the hero went about acquiring the woman's love. He truly was a beast. He violates her boundaries in every way. I know she's a slave, didn't like that either, but understood it. But she was still a person and deserved that respect. Consent isn't negotiable. Overall a real eye-opener. Definitely, not for the faint of heart.
Loved the overall concept of "A Question of Pleasure." Civil War era romance between a Union soldier and a Confederate Spy. It had a lot of potential. But the BDSM content is used as a punishment more than as pleasure. It was a good story. I just prefer the more sensual and pleasurable parts of the BDSM relationship than the domination and control aspects.
The snippet from Knight's new Mageverse story, "Oath of Service" was again, extremely well written. The two stories from this series, made we want to read them all. Sooner rather than later. I want to immerse myself in this series and not come up for air until after the next one comes out.
What I didn't like:
There were good and bad points to all of the stories in this anthology. There were some lines crossed with fidelity and consent that are hard to uncross once you go there. It will not sit well with some readers, others will enjoy that taboo aspect of the stories. It's just one of those books that requires a tougher erotic skin than some possess. I loved parts of, others not so much.
Bottom Line:
This is why it's difficult for me to review anthologies. I ramble on so. I loved the Mageverse stories. I plan to go back and read the entire series. I liked certain parts of the other stories, but disliked others. Overall it was very good. Very well written. But it isn't for everyone. Take that with a grain of salt. Pick up and see what I mean.
What I liked:
I'm not quite sure how I have missed this series, up until now. Being a major history buff, the legend of Arthur and the Knights of the Round table sates my need for magic as well as legend. Arthur as an immortal vampire? Bring it on! It is my understanding that the series is near it's conclusion and starting with the prequel in this anthology, I can read it all straight through. That makes me happy. But knowing I've missed out this long... eke gads!
Wicked Games is not a book for the faint of heart and it isn't going to suit every taste, even in the erotic realm of reading. Each of the three stories in this anthology has it's own theme and ideas and they are all very different. There are some issues with consensual sex and fidelity and there are a few things that many readers might find shocking. But I often think that is part of why readers choose to read erotica, they want that shock factor, that bit of taboo that gets their heart and blood pumping. Angela Knight certainly took that into account here. This one is smoking hot, in just about every way.
The headliner for this anthology is a the prequel to the Mageverse series, called "The Once and Future Lover". This is the story that begins it all. Having not read any of the other Mageverse books, I was very open minded going into this one. I knew that Knight's take on Camelot featured vampires and witches and I was fine with that. A little poetic license is expected when in comes to the paranormal. Combine that with erotica and I was expecting one hot story and I wasn't disappointed. I have always been a big fan of Arthur's and probably didn't have as much respect or understanding for Guinevere, given her betrayal. But Knight turned my understanding of this classic tale on it's ear with this story. It was intense and fierce and extremely sexual. Arthur is a fierce warrior and an even fiercer man. He isn't a benevolent leader, but his vision for his people is strong and worthy. His treatment of those around him isn't always stellar and I think that really worked with the kind of personality that he needed to make his character work. Knight does a spectacular job of showing the moral question he faces and the sacrifices he makes. To say he is also as very passionate lover is an understatement.
One of the things that I found that I really liked here, was Knight's portrayal of Gwen. Most of the time I don't care much for her in the stories of old. She comes across as simpering and self-serving. Here she is quite the opposite. Her love for Arthur is evident and her need to protect him is strong. I liked her in Knight's universe. She had passion and drive and she isn't afraid of her own sexuality. Though that may have contributed to her downfall in the original stories, it serves her in different ways here.
This was a fantastic story. As I said before the graphic language, issues with consent, fidelity and overall crassness, might not suit everyone's fancy. It will definitely tread on the sensibilities of some, but if you can look over that, the writing is well done, very creative and hotter than a firecracker.
The two short stories in the book are from Knight's early career and that shows a bit in the writing. I can see with the new Mageverse story that her abilities have really improved. That's not to say there was anything wrong with either story. I could just see the growth and the maturity she had gained and I liked that. It gave me a bit of a reference for her work. I read a lot of different kinds of books including different kinds of erotica. Some I like, some I tolerate and some that I just can't wrap my head around. There was some of each of those feelings in the short stories we have in Wicked Games.
"Bondage, Beauty and the Beast" is of course a riff on the fairy tale. The hero of the story has been cursed and he needs a woman to fall in love with him to break it. That's where the similarities end. I liked the premise, loved the enchanted sex toys, ooooh myyyy! But I had a few issues with how the hero went about acquiring the woman's love. He truly was a beast. He violates her boundaries in every way. I know she's a slave, didn't like that either, but understood it. But she was still a person and deserved that respect. Consent isn't negotiable. Overall a real eye-opener. Definitely, not for the faint of heart.
Loved the overall concept of "A Question of Pleasure." Civil War era romance between a Union soldier and a Confederate Spy. It had a lot of potential. But the BDSM content is used as a punishment more than as pleasure. It was a good story. I just prefer the more sensual and pleasurable parts of the BDSM relationship than the domination and control aspects.
The snippet from Knight's new Mageverse story, "Oath of Service" was again, extremely well written. The two stories from this series, made we want to read them all. Sooner rather than later. I want to immerse myself in this series and not come up for air until after the next one comes out.
What I didn't like:
There were good and bad points to all of the stories in this anthology. There were some lines crossed with fidelity and consent that are hard to uncross once you go there. It will not sit well with some readers, others will enjoy that taboo aspect of the stories. It's just one of those books that requires a tougher erotic skin than some possess. I loved parts of, others not so much.
Bottom Line:
This is why it's difficult for me to review anthologies. I ramble on so. I loved the Mageverse stories. I plan to go back and read the entire series. I liked certain parts of the other stories, but disliked others. Overall it was very good. Very well written. But it isn't for everyone. Take that with a grain of salt. Pick up and see what I mean.
July 10, 2016
This is how it all started for the Mageverse. I loved this series from Ms. Knight. When she first published, it was a very new concept and definitely kinkier than any other around. Learning how it all started in The Once and Future Lover, it helps explain the conflict between Arthur, Lancelot and Gwen. I know the original legends. Seeing how Ms. Knight re-interprets it and makes it her own is worth it. This book can be read in any order with the series. Even though it is a prequel, I kind of liked reading it after I have read all the previous ones. The sex in here is raw and rough, just how I like it.
The second story is the one I like because it is a Beauty and the Beast fairy-tale retold. I love this version. I've read many versions over the years and this is one of my favourites. It is memorable, kinky and a little too short. I wish there was a follow up to see what happened to the witch who cursed the "Beast".
The last story is the sweetly erotic one. It is part of the mageverse. It moves at a slower place and with less violent intensity. There is still warfare, but it is more conspiracy spy theme rather than the demons of hell breaking loose.
This is a nice Sunday afternoon read. Recommended to PNR readers who enjoy re-interpretations with a naughty twist.
The second story is the one I like because it is a Beauty and the Beast fairy-tale retold. I love this version. I've read many versions over the years and this is one of my favourites. It is memorable, kinky and a little too short. I wish there was a follow up to see what happened to the witch who cursed the "Beast".
The last story is the sweetly erotic one. It is part of the mageverse. It moves at a slower place and with less violent intensity. There is still warfare, but it is more conspiracy spy theme rather than the demons of hell breaking loose.
This is a nice Sunday afternoon read. Recommended to PNR readers who enjoy re-interpretations with a naughty twist.
January 22, 2020
3.5 Stars
The Once and Future Lover ★★★★
So while I expected this to be more of how Gwen and Arthur met and fell in love, this was a still a good story that really clarified a lot about their relationship. This really set up what happened in the past and how the kingdom was established, how magic entered their world. I thought the trouble with Lancelot, while expected, felt a bit awkward and forced. Both Gwen and Arthur overreacted a bit in my opinion. But I did enjoy this story and gave a lot of great backstory for the series as a whole.
Bondage, Beauty, and the Beast ★★★
Obviously this is a Beauty and the Beast story with a BDSM twist. It was decent, though clearly an earlier work by the author. The BDSM elements got a little too stepping over boundaries, and disregard of the respect of the person for my tastes, but you can't deny the story was hot.
A Question of Pleasure ★★★
I had a similar reaction to this one as the previous story. It was an interesting take on a Civil War, enemies to lovers story. Obviously you've got the patriot and the spy, but the sex took things a little bit too far at times for me. Again crossing the line of "safe, sane, consensual..."
The Once and Future Lover ★★★★
So while I expected this to be more of how Gwen and Arthur met and fell in love, this was a still a good story that really clarified a lot about their relationship. This really set up what happened in the past and how the kingdom was established, how magic entered their world. I thought the trouble with Lancelot, while expected, felt a bit awkward and forced. Both Gwen and Arthur overreacted a bit in my opinion. But I did enjoy this story and gave a lot of great backstory for the series as a whole.
Bondage, Beauty, and the Beast ★★★
Obviously this is a Beauty and the Beast story with a BDSM twist. It was decent, though clearly an earlier work by the author. The BDSM elements got a little too stepping over boundaries, and disregard of the respect of the person for my tastes, but you can't deny the story was hot.
A Question of Pleasure ★★★
I had a similar reaction to this one as the previous story. It was an interesting take on a Civil War, enemies to lovers story. Obviously you've got the patriot and the spy, but the sex took things a little bit too far at times for me. Again crossing the line of "safe, sane, consensual..."
May 31, 2014
I didn't really care for any of the 3 stories in this anthology
see my review here:
http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...
see my review here:
http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...
December 9, 2018
The Once and Future Lover - 5
Arthur and Gwen's story, and how it all began. The true story behind Lancelot and Gwen's story as well. Merlin and Nemue's testing of the frist twelve men and women that were allowed to drink from Merlin's Grail. As well as Morgana and Arthur's story, Excalibur's origins and his battle with his nasty son Mordred. All of that plus, hot, steamy and edgy sex scenes. Not all them will leave you comfortable.
Bondage, Beauty and the Beast - 4
The dumps you right at the point where Brianne is sold into sexual slavery to a cursed lord that is part beast. The author says this was written as part of a Bodice-Ripper anthology, but I think it belongs more in the erotica, BDSM category. There are no preliminaries, this novella takes you immediately into her submission and punishment, she didn't choose this but finds herself turned on anyways. This is all about non-consensual sex and BDSM, not for the everyone.
A Question of Pleasure - 5
He's her union lover and she's a confederate spy. When he catches her in the act, he plans to use sexual torture to make her divulge who her spymaster is, but she resists him all the way. She refuses to give in, no matter, the bondage, whips, wax or various other sexual tortures he uses to get her to submit. They both uncover a side of their sexual natures they were unaware existed.
Arthur and Gwen's story, and how it all began. The true story behind Lancelot and Gwen's story as well. Merlin and Nemue's testing of the frist twelve men and women that were allowed to drink from Merlin's Grail. As well as Morgana and Arthur's story, Excalibur's origins and his battle with his nasty son Mordred. All of that plus, hot, steamy and edgy sex scenes. Not all them will leave you comfortable.
Bondage, Beauty and the Beast - 4
The dumps you right at the point where Brianne is sold into sexual slavery to a cursed lord that is part beast. The author says this was written as part of a Bodice-Ripper anthology, but I think it belongs more in the erotica, BDSM category. There are no preliminaries, this novella takes you immediately into her submission and punishment, she didn't choose this but finds herself turned on anyways. This is all about non-consensual sex and BDSM, not for the everyone.
A Question of Pleasure - 5
He's her union lover and she's a confederate spy. When he catches her in the act, he plans to use sexual torture to make her divulge who her spymaster is, but she resists him all the way. She refuses to give in, no matter, the bondage, whips, wax or various other sexual tortures he uses to get her to submit. They both uncover a side of their sexual natures they were unaware existed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2020
This is definitely not a collection for the faint of heart. It’s pretty graphic and intense. Although, to be fair, Knight does warn the reader of that in her introduction. She admits that some of this is seriously intense and based on the approach to the genre in the past. Which isn’t exactly PG or really all that great to women at times… I love that this book comes with a warning though. Not only did it make me laugh, but it was also great to know exactly what I was getting into before turning the first page… and to know that you probably shouldn’t read this in public.
To be honest, although this is a collection of three stories, it’s almost one novel with two short stories thrown in. The Once and Future Lover is almost one close to full-length novel. It’s filled with chapters, an intense storyline and a great journey that you won’t want to put down. The next two stories are much shorter and a little quicker to get through. Although, I actually found them a lot more intense than the first story… maybe because there was no gradual build up to the BDSM.
Every story in this is erotic and intense. There is BDSM, anal and a lot of other sexual choices that I wasn’t really aware of. Definitely an enjoyable eye-opener, just one that I don’t think I’ll be sharing with my friends and family at any point soon.
For individual reviews, head to: https://earthandskye.org/wicked-games...
To be honest, although this is a collection of three stories, it’s almost one novel with two short stories thrown in. The Once and Future Lover is almost one close to full-length novel. It’s filled with chapters, an intense storyline and a great journey that you won’t want to put down. The next two stories are much shorter and a little quicker to get through. Although, I actually found them a lot more intense than the first story… maybe because there was no gradual build up to the BDSM.
Every story in this is erotic and intense. There is BDSM, anal and a lot of other sexual choices that I wasn’t really aware of. Definitely an enjoyable eye-opener, just one that I don’t think I’ll be sharing with my friends and family at any point soon.
For individual reviews, head to: https://earthandskye.org/wicked-games...
December 20, 2023
A prequel novella to the bestselling Mageverse series that gave a sexy twist to the Arthurian legend headlines this collection. This volume also features a special selection of stories, previously published as ebooks, but completely revised and expanded for this anthology.
Heather's Notes
I read this story mostly for the Mageverse story. I have read several of the novellas and liked them so figured I would start at the beginning and work my through. I ended up liking that story the most. Although I felt like the Lancelot part was a bit contrived and over done. Still I was the best story. I did not care for the other two stories as much. I did read the foreword - or should I say warning - I didn't mind the BDMS so much. I didn't really care for the humiliation part but would have lived with it. What really bothered me was the "sharing" - not sure why since I like menge and reverse harem - but I didn't care for it at all in these stories. Not sure if it was the way it was written, carried out, or just what it was that bothered me, but I did not care for it at all.
Heather's Notes
I read this story mostly for the Mageverse story. I have read several of the novellas and liked them so figured I would start at the beginning and work my through. I ended up liking that story the most. Although I felt like the Lancelot part was a bit contrived and over done. Still I was the best story. I did not care for the other two stories as much. I did read the foreword - or should I say warning - I didn't mind the BDMS so much. I didn't really care for the humiliation part but would have lived with it. What really bothered me was the "sharing" - not sure why since I like menge and reverse harem - but I didn't care for it at all in these stories. Not sure if it was the way it was written, carried out, or just what it was that bothered me, but I did not care for it at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2023
A bit different for an origin story
NOTE, small details below are partial spoilers…
This introduces us to the Mageverse world by going back to the period just after the Romans lost their control over what would eventually become Britain 🇬🇧. We meet a King named Arthur who has a Lancelot, a Galahad and a round table. However there is a major departure from traditional Arthurian tales! AFAIK the majority of the series has been set in a present day world so I’m curious to see how quickly things advance by many millennia. Additional comment below is a potential spoiler!
I’m a little spoiled because I was introduced to the Mageverse by a short story in a collection, so while I didn’t know if both survived I thought that I had remembered hearing at least one of them mentioned in passing during the story.
NOTE, small details below are partial spoilers…
This introduces us to the Mageverse world by going back to the period just after the Romans lost their control over what would eventually become Britain 🇬🇧. We meet a King named Arthur who has a Lancelot, a Galahad and a round table. However there is a major departure from traditional Arthurian tales! AFAIK the majority of the series has been set in a present day world so I’m curious to see how quickly things advance by many millennia. Additional comment below is a potential spoiler!
I’m a little spoiled because I was introduced to the Mageverse by a short story in a collection, so while I didn’t know if both survived I thought that I had remembered hearing at least one of them mentioned in passing during the story.
September 2, 2019
There are 3 short stories in this book: The Once & Future Lover; Bondage, Beauty and the Beast; & A Question of Pleasure.
I enjoyed reading about how Arthur & Guinevere became immortal in The Once and Future Lover. I first learned about the MageVerse in another short story, Vampire’s Ball. That story interested me in the MageVerse and the story of how it all came about. I looked up the author, Angela Knight, and learned I could go back to the beginning if I read this book.
Bondage, Beauty and the Beast and A Question of Pleasure were both filled with BDSM. Bondage, Beauty and the Beast was too kinky for my tastes. A Question of Pleasure was also a bit over the top. But, they were both well written.
I look forward to reading Master of the Night.
I enjoyed reading about how Arthur & Guinevere became immortal in The Once and Future Lover. I first learned about the MageVerse in another short story, Vampire’s Ball. That story interested me in the MageVerse and the story of how it all came about. I looked up the author, Angela Knight, and learned I could go back to the beginning if I read this book.
Bondage, Beauty and the Beast and A Question of Pleasure were both filled with BDSM. Bondage, Beauty and the Beast was too kinky for my tastes. A Question of Pleasure was also a bit over the top. But, they were both well written.
I look forward to reading Master of the Night.
June 21, 2025
Only read a section of this as it contains three erotic fantasies. "Bondage, Beauty and the Beast" is what I was there for and it delivered! 🥵 absolutely gorgeous retelling of the original. The scenes were hot, kinky and very memorable. Only downside is it wasn't long enough, I need more!
April 10, 2014
Title: Wicked Games
Series: Mageverse Prequel
Author: Angela Knight
Genre: Paranormal, Erotic
A prequel novella to the bestselling Mageverse series that gave a sexy twist to the Arthurian legend headlines this collection. This volume also features a special selection of stories, previously published as ebooks, but completely revised and expanded for this anthology.
Thoughts: I've been in love with the Mageverse world since I read the very first book in this series about Lancelot and Morgana's granddaughter. But the one story we never got, the one that I really wanted was Arthur and Guinevere's story. I wanted to know how it all started. Even in Arthur and Gwen's son's book we didn't get much about them other than they loved each other.
So I was really excited to get this book and find out that it was Arthur and Gwen's story and that we would finally be finding out how they became vampires. At the beginning of the book is a letter from the author about this book and she warns the reader that Arthur is a mean bastard.
I should have listened.
Because by the end of the book I hated Arthur.
And he's one of my favorite characters when it comes to fables, literature, myths, legends.
Because of his unwillingness to listen and be there for Gwen like she needs him to be, as she was for him, he sets in motion events that almost destroy not only him, but everything he cares about. And even when he's confronted with his part in it, he still blames Guinevere for what happened.
As much as I wanted to love this book, I couldn't get past Arthur and how his actions impacted everyone around him, and then refused to see his part in it.
Guinevere however owned her mistakes and while she goes about it wrong, she attempts to take all the blame for what happened. This of course causes more problems. Resulting in an innocent man, a good man, believing the worst about himself, and destroying a lifelong friendship.
The only redeeming part of this book is Gwen and her determination to do what she needs to do to save Arthur and Camelot, even if she has to defy Arthur because he's an ass.
Then there was the other two small novellas in this book. I really have no words for how bad they were. I recommend just skipping them.
Grade B
Review by: Heather
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Series: Mageverse Prequel
Author: Angela Knight
Genre: Paranormal, Erotic
A prequel novella to the bestselling Mageverse series that gave a sexy twist to the Arthurian legend headlines this collection. This volume also features a special selection of stories, previously published as ebooks, but completely revised and expanded for this anthology.
Thoughts: I've been in love with the Mageverse world since I read the very first book in this series about Lancelot and Morgana's granddaughter. But the one story we never got, the one that I really wanted was Arthur and Guinevere's story. I wanted to know how it all started. Even in Arthur and Gwen's son's book we didn't get much about them other than they loved each other.
So I was really excited to get this book and find out that it was Arthur and Gwen's story and that we would finally be finding out how they became vampires. At the beginning of the book is a letter from the author about this book and she warns the reader that Arthur is a mean bastard.
I should have listened.
Because by the end of the book I hated Arthur.
And he's one of my favorite characters when it comes to fables, literature, myths, legends.
Because of his unwillingness to listen and be there for Gwen like she needs him to be, as she was for him, he sets in motion events that almost destroy not only him, but everything he cares about. And even when he's confronted with his part in it, he still blames Guinevere for what happened.
As much as I wanted to love this book, I couldn't get past Arthur and how his actions impacted everyone around him, and then refused to see his part in it.
Guinevere however owned her mistakes and while she goes about it wrong, she attempts to take all the blame for what happened. This of course causes more problems. Resulting in an innocent man, a good man, believing the worst about himself, and destroying a lifelong friendship.
The only redeeming part of this book is Gwen and her determination to do what she needs to do to save Arthur and Camelot, even if she has to defy Arthur because he's an ass.
Then there was the other two small novellas in this book. I really have no words for how bad they were. I recommend just skipping them.
Grade B
Review by: Heather
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
April 30, 2014
Whew! I need a fan after that one! Readers will definitely need a tall glass of water to help cool off after reading Knight’s newest Mageverse book (or a tall, dark, and handsome someone to help take the edge off!)
Taking the reader back to the beginning, Knight introduces us to many of the well-known Mageverse characters and how they became what they are now, focusing on the leading pair- Guinevere and Arthur Pendragon. I have read quite a few books in this series and this fits in nicely, but was a bit of a surprise in the HEAT department (not having read the description first!) Arthur and Gwen were meant for each other, and prove it more than once in this novel, and in more ways than one, much to the reader’s enjoyment!
There are a few additional stories that are even more erotic than theirs, one is part of the Mageverse and one is not. They were a bit too much for me, but there are quite a few readers of erotica that will love their addition to this collection.
All I can say is, enjoy!
Received for an honest review.
Rating: 4
HEAT Rating: Extremely Scorching
Reviewed By: Daysie W.
Review Courtesy of: My Book Addictions and More
Taking the reader back to the beginning, Knight introduces us to many of the well-known Mageverse characters and how they became what they are now, focusing on the leading pair- Guinevere and Arthur Pendragon. I have read quite a few books in this series and this fits in nicely, but was a bit of a surprise in the HEAT department (not having read the description first!) Arthur and Gwen were meant for each other, and prove it more than once in this novel, and in more ways than one, much to the reader’s enjoyment!
There are a few additional stories that are even more erotic than theirs, one is part of the Mageverse and one is not. They were a bit too much for me, but there are quite a few readers of erotica that will love their addition to this collection.
All I can say is, enjoy!
Received for an honest review.
Rating: 4
HEAT Rating: Extremely Scorching
Reviewed By: Daysie W.
Review Courtesy of: My Book Addictions and More
July 15, 2014
First, let me say I have been a Angela Knight fan since day one (her first story). Let me tell you she does NOT disappoint with the main story in this book "The Once and Future Lover" which is a per-story to her "Mageverse" series. All I can is "OH MY GOD!", this story is so good that after I finished it that I started rounding up my other books from the series to start rereading them again..
Now, to the other two stories in this book. They are earlier stories "Bondage, Beauty and the Beast" & "A Question of Pleasure" from her earlier work and she warns you in the "Foreword" in the book that they are "Nasty" and she ain't kidding! They were first put out in 2001 in a ebook called "Bodice Rippers" under a different name. You might like them but I didn't. But of course if they had been a little longer with more back story I would most likely had liked them better. I don't mine these stories but I have to like the leads in them.
Oh BTW Ms. Knight will have another book (anthology) coming out called "Love Bites" with Morgana's story called "Oath of Service", can hardly wait!!
Now, to the other two stories in this book. They are earlier stories "Bondage, Beauty and the Beast" & "A Question of Pleasure" from her earlier work and she warns you in the "Foreword" in the book that they are "Nasty" and she ain't kidding! They were first put out in 2001 in a ebook called "Bodice Rippers" under a different name. You might like them but I didn't. But of course if they had been a little longer with more back story I would most likely had liked them better. I don't mine these stories but I have to like the leads in them.
Oh BTW Ms. Knight will have another book (anthology) coming out called "Love Bites" with Morgana's story called "Oath of Service", can hardly wait!!
August 12, 2016
So. Wicked Games was...an interesting anthology featuring 3 novellas/short stories from Angela Knight. She's a fairly new to me author--I've read her in a couple anthologies--but this was not really what I was expecting.
I enjoyed it to an extent. Knight easily had me wrapped up and intrigued by some pretty unique storylines. I loved the premises between each of the stories. My issue came in--and this is why I'd very, very cautiously recommend this one to only a select few--was that each of the stories has some elements of non-consent where the sexual relationship is concerned. Either very nearly walking the line of rape or in one of the novellas flat crossing it. There's also anal play in each--used as a punishment/humiliation and pain inflicted upon the heroines for the heroes pleasure/revenge. Yall know I enjoy my extreme reads but this one gave me pause in a couple spots especially where consent was involved.
Full review at herding cats & burning soup.
I enjoyed it to an extent. Knight easily had me wrapped up and intrigued by some pretty unique storylines. I loved the premises between each of the stories. My issue came in--and this is why I'd very, very cautiously recommend this one to only a select few--was that each of the stories has some elements of non-consent where the sexual relationship is concerned. Either very nearly walking the line of rape or in one of the novellas flat crossing it. There's also anal play in each--used as a punishment/humiliation and pain inflicted upon the heroines for the heroes pleasure/revenge. Yall know I enjoy my extreme reads but this one gave me pause in a couple spots especially where consent was involved.
Full review at herding cats & burning soup.
May 10, 2014
This book contains three erotic fantasies by Angela Knight that provides three different adventure of BDSM erotic passion for the reader to sink their teeth into. Spine tingling tension builds throughout all three stories as the erotic sex scenes progress and the reader waits to find out where it will lead. The author spins her own version of King Arthur and the Beast that leaves the reader aroused with curiosity as well as passion. . I love the Mageverse series and its captivating characters and this was definitely a thrilling addition to the series. While the other two stories are short, all the stories were enjoyable and entertaining and I was totally engrossed in all three from beginning to end.
See my full review at:
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev...
See my full review at:
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev...
October 20, 2014
This was a very good book. It contained a novel and two short stories. The novel explains the beginnings of the characters in her Mageverse series. I enjoyed it but the pace was a little slow with all the explanations. I would actually rate this part 4.5 stars. Bondage, Beauty and the Beast, the first short, I would rate a 4 and A Question of Pleasure a 3.5. Both shorts were earlier work but still worth reading.
Warning: Believe the author's note. This is a much hotter writing than usual. If that isn't your thing, I would avoid the book.
Warning: Believe the author's note. This is a much hotter writing than usual. If that isn't your thing, I would avoid the book.
December 2, 2014
I LOVE Angela Knight, so it was no surprise that I loved this book. She had warned me it was extremely HOT and she was right. But the many sex scenes didn't take away from the stories. I will admit I wasn't too impressed with one of the novellas, Bondage, Beauty and the Beast. I didn't like the forced sex in that one, especially sex being used as severe punishment. But other than that I liked the premise of the novella. And I absolutely LOVED her main story in the mageverse.
Overall, only read this book if you like a lot of sex in your stories. It's well worth it.
Overall, only read this book if you like a lot of sex in your stories. It's well worth it.
April 22, 2015
How Arthur and Gwendolyn make it into the Mageverse (by Merlin's invitation)... creation of Excalibur... Gwen's one night of passion with Lancelot (once converted, she needed sex - he needed sex... and Arthur was keeping his distance)... but as they adjust to their new selves, their love overcomes all...
the other stories were a bit too graphic, S&M - rape -
the other stories were a bit too graphic, S&M - rape -
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2014
The only word that works for this latest book by Angela Knight is SCORCHING!!
This was one of the hottest books I have ever read and I've read quite a few!
This was one of the hottest books I have ever read and I've read quite a few!
May 2, 2014
Loved it!
September 9, 2014
Came with a warning, however less sex more story please.
March 7, 2016
The story lines were pretty good but the sex was predictable and became annoying.
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