What do you think?
Rate this book
The Confidence Games
Two female con artists must pull off the ultimate heist in this rollicking caper from a dazzling new voice.
Emma Oxley and Nellie Yarrow have been inseparable their whole lives. Ever since they reinvented themselves, changing their names and wiping clean their digital footprints, they have made a game of following wherever the next adventure leads and challenging themselves to thefts, street cons, and mind games.
Adhering to only two rules—they will only swindle men, and only ones who deserve it—Emma and Nellie are secure in their reputation as the most trustworthy swindlers on the European black market. Until suddenly, they must play to save their own lives.
Blackmailed into stealing a priceless bracelet from a high-security exhibit, Emma will reexamine everything she believed to be true. This heist takes her far beyond her comfort zone...and she and Nellie will need allies among the glitzy bejeweled gathering in London in order to survive. Will they be able to do the right thing before it’s too late?
Emma Oxley and Nellie Yarrow have been inseparable their whole lives. Ever since they reinvented themselves, changing their names and wiping clean their digital footprints, they have made a game of following wherever the next adventure leads and challenging themselves to thefts, street cons, and mind games.
Adhering to only two rules—they will only swindle men, and only ones who deserve it—Emma and Nellie are secure in their reputation as the most trustworthy swindlers on the European black market. Until suddenly, they must play to save their own lives.
Blackmailed into stealing a priceless bracelet from a high-security exhibit, Emma will reexamine everything she believed to be true. This heist takes her far beyond her comfort zone...and she and Nellie will need allies among the glitzy bejeweled gathering in London in order to survive. Will they be able to do the right thing before it’s too late?
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2024
37 people are currently reading
12227 people want to read
About the author
Tess Amy
2 books46 followersTess Amy was born in Johannesburg but now enjoys a nomadic lifestyle, living between Europe and South Africa. She holds a master’s degree from The Durban University of Technology, is an outdoor enthusiast, animal lover and unfaltering optimist. The Confidence Games is her debut contemporary fiction novel. She also writes historical fiction as T.A. Willberg.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
July 11, 2024
WOWZA WOWZA WOWZA WOWZA!!!!!!!!! The Confidence Games written by Tess Amy was absolutely phenomenal. This book is absolutely on the list of my favorite reads in 2024. I fell in love with that gorgeous cover the moment I saw it, but after reading this book I loved every single minute of it. It was fast paced, it was such a quick read. The Confidence Games was a crazy roller coaster ride, the twists and turns kept knocking me off of my feet and giving me whiplash. I can't even count the number of times my heart fell out of my chest, it was just insane. I don't know how authors come up with plots like this, but oh my gosh I was invested the entire time. The Confidence Games is Tess Amy's debut contemporary fiction novel, so mark your calendars for July 9th, 2024. I was never once bored with this book, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The Confidence Games left me in a cold sweat, I didn't know what was going to happen, but with every turning page a new surprise would pop out at you. I can't recommend this book enough, please do yourself a favor and grab a copy immediately. I wanted to scream so many times, but I didn't want to scare my puppy, but damn did this book shock me to the core with all of the plot twists.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
"💯The age when things start hurting, especially hearts, when all the stupid choices you made in your twenties finally catch up with you💯."
"👿He wanted to remind me that men who cheat can be forgiven, but women who go nuts must be ruined👿."
"💪If scared, take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and remember: sometimes it takes the scary things to show us how brave we are💪."
"😭💔Heartbreak feels like a thousand knives to the chest. Like dying, like drowning in freezing water, can't breathe numb, can't feel anything but the thing that's killing you, can't scream, or if you can, no one can hear you, and then, right before the end, when everything hurts so bad you actually want to die, somehow, you take a breath and start again😭💔."
Emma and Nellie are the best of friends, they are like two peas in a pod. Emma and Nellie were Bonnie and Clyde, but without the guns and murder, they are the indestructible force, the perfect double act, and the dream team. Nellie was literally perfect, she had a model body, she was muscular and very tan, she had dark blue eyes and beautiful champagne blonde hair, where as Emma had pale green eyes, and stunning auburn hair. I felt like Emma sold herself short sometimes, she was literally gorgeous and such a sweetheart, but Nellie was always there to remind Emma that she is absolutely gorgeous. I absolutely adored Emma and Nellie's friendship so much. Nellie and Emma were called swindlers, cheats, fraudsters, and tricksters. Emma and Nellie made a name for themselves on the Goods Exchange International, which is Europe's biggest Black Market. Emma and Nellie made tons of money after pocket picking from people who truly deserved it. Emma and Nellie have the biggest job ahead of them, they have to steal the Heart of Envy at one of London's biggest events, but this event has a ton of security and press everywhere, can Emma and Nellie really pull this job off without risking their lives?
The Heart of Envy is a very expensive bejewled bracelet with high quality diamonds, rare Colombian emeralds, and bestowing good luck for everyone who touches it. This is the biggest swindling job Emma and Nellie have ever done before, I was literally scared for them wondering if they were going to make it out alive or not. This bracelet is locked in a glass case, so no one can steal it, but Emma and Nellie are on a mission to prove that they are the best in the business. The Heart of Envy is not just a string of diamonds and emeralds, it's a symbol of honor, prestige, and glory, but most importantly it's a talisman. Without Nellie by her side, Emma was lost, she had no idea who she was without her best friend and side kick. Despite their tough outer shell the world saw, Nellie and Emma both had many fears and suffered from anxiety. Nellie grew a reputation for herself, she was a boss bitch, the girl no one messed with, hard core, but no one saw Nellie at her lowest the way Emma did, scars that never healed, nightmares that made her scream and tossing and turning in her sleep. By the end of the book, I was so beyond proud of Emma and Nellie, but I wanted to reach into my kindle and give them both the biggest hug after the obstacles they both conquered.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
"💯The age when things start hurting, especially hearts, when all the stupid choices you made in your twenties finally catch up with you💯."
"👿He wanted to remind me that men who cheat can be forgiven, but women who go nuts must be ruined👿."
"💪If scared, take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and remember: sometimes it takes the scary things to show us how brave we are💪."
"😭💔Heartbreak feels like a thousand knives to the chest. Like dying, like drowning in freezing water, can't breathe numb, can't feel anything but the thing that's killing you, can't scream, or if you can, no one can hear you, and then, right before the end, when everything hurts so bad you actually want to die, somehow, you take a breath and start again😭💔."
Emma and Nellie are the best of friends, they are like two peas in a pod. Emma and Nellie were Bonnie and Clyde, but without the guns and murder, they are the indestructible force, the perfect double act, and the dream team. Nellie was literally perfect, she had a model body, she was muscular and very tan, she had dark blue eyes and beautiful champagne blonde hair, where as Emma had pale green eyes, and stunning auburn hair. I felt like Emma sold herself short sometimes, she was literally gorgeous and such a sweetheart, but Nellie was always there to remind Emma that she is absolutely gorgeous. I absolutely adored Emma and Nellie's friendship so much. Nellie and Emma were called swindlers, cheats, fraudsters, and tricksters. Emma and Nellie made a name for themselves on the Goods Exchange International, which is Europe's biggest Black Market. Emma and Nellie made tons of money after pocket picking from people who truly deserved it. Emma and Nellie have the biggest job ahead of them, they have to steal the Heart of Envy at one of London's biggest events, but this event has a ton of security and press everywhere, can Emma and Nellie really pull this job off without risking their lives?
The Heart of Envy is a very expensive bejewled bracelet with high quality diamonds, rare Colombian emeralds, and bestowing good luck for everyone who touches it. This is the biggest swindling job Emma and Nellie have ever done before, I was literally scared for them wondering if they were going to make it out alive or not. This bracelet is locked in a glass case, so no one can steal it, but Emma and Nellie are on a mission to prove that they are the best in the business. The Heart of Envy is not just a string of diamonds and emeralds, it's a symbol of honor, prestige, and glory, but most importantly it's a talisman. Without Nellie by her side, Emma was lost, she had no idea who she was without her best friend and side kick. Despite their tough outer shell the world saw, Nellie and Emma both had many fears and suffered from anxiety. Nellie grew a reputation for herself, she was a boss bitch, the girl no one messed with, hard core, but no one saw Nellie at her lowest the way Emma did, scars that never healed, nightmares that made her scream and tossing and turning in her sleep. By the end of the book, I was so beyond proud of Emma and Nellie, but I wanted to reach into my kindle and give them both the biggest hug after the obstacles they both conquered.
February 19, 2024
“They called us swindlers, fraudsters, tricksters, cheats. But make no mistake: we never crossed anyone who didn’t deserve it”
Brief Summary-
In The book The Confidence Games, you follow two best friends Nellie, and Emma who made a career of being con-artist and making a name for themselves in the European Black Market. In a life that they chose, something was bound to happen that would rock their world. Emma and Nellie now found themselves in the toughest job yet. They have to steal The Heart Of Envy a very important jewel in an exhibit in London that is filled with high-tech security with people and press everywhere. If they dont this.. they will find themselves in a life or death situation. So how do they do it? And do they pull it off?
What To Expect :
💅Badass Female Main Characters
💅Action/Adventure
💅Strong Friendships
💅Mystery
💅A Twist At The End
My Thoughts-
I loved this book. It was an incredibly fun read. If you like movies like OCEAN’S 8 & OCEAN 11. Then you will love this.It was a great mystery, action packed book. I think the plot is great. I was immersed in the story rooting for Nellie and Emma. I felt like I was part of the heist. I think this story was more than two friends being trickster. You really fell in love with the friendship Nellie and Emma has. It was very inspiring and I had the warm and fuzzy. I hope we all have a girl that we can count on that will help us with anything in life. Including swindling old men hahah but also ready to commit a crime and help each other cover it up lol.
“Sometime it takes the scary things to show us how brave we really are.”
The writing was easy to follow along. The pace went well with this story. I was never bored. I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know how the heist played out. At the end of the book, I was questioning how people come up with these plot twist?! Because my brain is definitely not wired like that so I was the perfect target audience.
The Characters in this book was very unique to the story. There is a lot of side characters at play and they were woven in perfectly.
❤️🔥Nellie- was the tall blonde tanned, stylish FMC. All eyes on her. I really enjoyed her energy. I think her spunky personality really added a fun layer to this story.
❤️🔥Emma was the timid FMC. She stated a few times that was nothing with Nellie. And I dont think that was entirely true. Emma’s character development was amazing I was really proud of her by the end of the book.
Overall I truly recommend this book It’s a quick easy story that will have you on the edge of your seat. I was really impressed. This book comes out in July so make sure you add this to your TBR as it will be a sizzling summer read.
This is my first book by this author. The Confidence Games is her debut contemporary fiction novel. I can’t wait to check out her future work.
“..it’s the storyteller that counts, not the story. It doesn’t matter what you do or say; as long as you’re confident, you can get away with anything”
Playlist-
💎I AM WOMAN-Emmy Meli
💎Looking At Me- Sabrina Carpenter
💎Breakfast- Dove Cameron
💎Diva- Beyonce
💎Play With Fire- Sam Tinnesz Feat Yacht Money
💎Woman Like Me- Little Mix Feat Nick Minaj
💎Boss Bitch- Dojo Cat
💎7 Rings- Ariana Grande
💎Lithuim- Nirvana
💎Castle- Halsey
💎You Should See Me In A Crown- Billie Ellish
💎Watch Me- The Phantoms
💎Work- Iggy Azalea
💎Bitch Better Have My Money-Rihanna
💎Queen- Loren Gray
💎I Did Something Bad- Taylor Swift
💎Devil Is A Woman- Cloudy June
💎Me & The Devil- Soap&Skin
💎Bad Girls- M.I.A
💎Mount Everest- Labrinth
💎Just A Girl- No Doubt
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, and Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
Brief Summary-
In The book The Confidence Games, you follow two best friends Nellie, and Emma who made a career of being con-artist and making a name for themselves in the European Black Market. In a life that they chose, something was bound to happen that would rock their world. Emma and Nellie now found themselves in the toughest job yet. They have to steal The Heart Of Envy a very important jewel in an exhibit in London that is filled with high-tech security with people and press everywhere. If they dont this.. they will find themselves in a life or death situation. So how do they do it? And do they pull it off?
What To Expect :
💅Badass Female Main Characters
💅Action/Adventure
💅Strong Friendships
💅Mystery
💅A Twist At The End
My Thoughts-
I loved this book. It was an incredibly fun read. If you like movies like OCEAN’S 8 & OCEAN 11. Then you will love this.It was a great mystery, action packed book. I think the plot is great. I was immersed in the story rooting for Nellie and Emma. I felt like I was part of the heist. I think this story was more than two friends being trickster. You really fell in love with the friendship Nellie and Emma has. It was very inspiring and I had the warm and fuzzy. I hope we all have a girl that we can count on that will help us with anything in life. Including swindling old men hahah but also ready to commit a crime and help each other cover it up lol.
“Sometime it takes the scary things to show us how brave we really are.”
The writing was easy to follow along. The pace went well with this story. I was never bored. I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know how the heist played out. At the end of the book, I was questioning how people come up with these plot twist?! Because my brain is definitely not wired like that so I was the perfect target audience.
The Characters in this book was very unique to the story. There is a lot of side characters at play and they were woven in perfectly.
❤️🔥Nellie- was the tall blonde tanned, stylish FMC. All eyes on her. I really enjoyed her energy. I think her spunky personality really added a fun layer to this story.
❤️🔥Emma was the timid FMC. She stated a few times that was nothing with Nellie. And I dont think that was entirely true. Emma’s character development was amazing I was really proud of her by the end of the book.
Overall I truly recommend this book It’s a quick easy story that will have you on the edge of your seat. I was really impressed. This book comes out in July so make sure you add this to your TBR as it will be a sizzling summer read.
This is my first book by this author. The Confidence Games is her debut contemporary fiction novel. I can’t wait to check out her future work.
“..it’s the storyteller that counts, not the story. It doesn’t matter what you do or say; as long as you’re confident, you can get away with anything”
Playlist-
💎I AM WOMAN-Emmy Meli
💎Looking At Me- Sabrina Carpenter
💎Breakfast- Dove Cameron
💎Diva- Beyonce
💎Play With Fire- Sam Tinnesz Feat Yacht Money
💎Woman Like Me- Little Mix Feat Nick Minaj
💎Boss Bitch- Dojo Cat
💎7 Rings- Ariana Grande
💎Lithuim- Nirvana
💎Castle- Halsey
💎You Should See Me In A Crown- Billie Ellish
💎Watch Me- The Phantoms
💎Work- Iggy Azalea
💎Bitch Better Have My Money-Rihanna
💎Queen- Loren Gray
💎I Did Something Bad- Taylor Swift
💎Devil Is A Woman- Cloudy June
💎Me & The Devil- Soap&Skin
💎Bad Girls- M.I.A
💎Mount Everest- Labrinth
💎Just A Girl- No Doubt
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, and Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
January 28, 2025
Star Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (3.5/5)
Read the full review on my blog!
TLDR
Overall, The Confidence Games is a fun, fast read perfect for fans of glamorous heists and strong female leads. While it isn’t without its flaws, it’s an impressive debut that leaves me excited to see what Tess Amy writes next!
Synopsis
Emma Oxley and Nellie Yarrow, lifelong best friends and master con artists, have built their reputation on swindling only the deserving. Renowned for their bold heists across Europe’s black market, they face their biggest challenge yet: stealing the legendary “Heart of Envy,” a talismanic bracelet locked in a high-security exhibit during London’s most glamorous event.
Forced into the job by blackmail, Emma and Nellie must navigate not only the glittering yet perilous world of high society but also their own fears and vulnerabilities. As the stakes rise and their lives hang in the balance, the duo discovers the limits of their bond and the true cost of loyalty. This thrilling tale combines daring schemes, heartfelt friendship, and nail-biting suspense in a race against time to pull off the ultimate heist.
Read the full review on my blog!
TLDR
Overall, The Confidence Games is a fun, fast read perfect for fans of glamorous heists and strong female leads. While it isn’t without its flaws, it’s an impressive debut that leaves me excited to see what Tess Amy writes next!
Synopsis
Emma Oxley and Nellie Yarrow, lifelong best friends and master con artists, have built their reputation on swindling only the deserving. Renowned for their bold heists across Europe’s black market, they face their biggest challenge yet: stealing the legendary “Heart of Envy,” a talismanic bracelet locked in a high-security exhibit during London’s most glamorous event.
Forced into the job by blackmail, Emma and Nellie must navigate not only the glittering yet perilous world of high society but also their own fears and vulnerabilities. As the stakes rise and their lives hang in the balance, the duo discovers the limits of their bond and the true cost of loyalty. This thrilling tale combines daring schemes, heartfelt friendship, and nail-biting suspense in a race against time to pull off the ultimate heist.
Want to read
June 25, 2024i think accidentally requested this arc, I dont remember doing it... but they approved it. i dont really wanna read this... but i guess i will now
July 17, 2024
4 solid stars!
July 18, 2024
Here because of @Cara's review
July 9, 2024
I’m not a fan. The book just tells you what it wants to do, instead of actually doing it. Calling yourself a found family, doesn’t make it found family. Saying cheesy inspirational lines, doesn’t make it inspirational. Saying things along the lines of “and then I realize I am amazing” is not character growth. Overall, I would skip. It had some better chapters in the middle when I thought things were turning around, but it doesn’t.
July 16, 2024
I had a hard time with this one. I didn’t connect with any of the characters, the plot felt so dry because I was constantly being told what was happening, and I was bored the whole time. I love a good heist but this just wasn’t it.
July 23, 2024
3.5 Lighthearted caper with two strong female 'heroes'. Enjoyable characters and a fun story that reads like a Hallmark adventure movie. It fit my mood as I needed something in that vein to counter balance the dark thriller reads.
September 9, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up!
This book offered an easy, entertaining escape. While it took me a few tries to get fully into the story, once I settled in, I appreciated the lighter, almost YA-style approach to the thriller genre. It’s not the kind of high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat ride some might expect, but it’s definitely a creative spin that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The characters were likable and kept me engaged, even if they weren’t deeply developed. The plot required a bit of suspension of disbelief, but if you’re in the mood for something light and imaginative rather than gritty and intense, this delivers. It’s a great pick for when you want something fun without too much emotional investment.
** I received an ARC through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
This book offered an easy, entertaining escape. While it took me a few tries to get fully into the story, once I settled in, I appreciated the lighter, almost YA-style approach to the thriller genre. It’s not the kind of high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat ride some might expect, but it’s definitely a creative spin that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The characters were likable and kept me engaged, even if they weren’t deeply developed. The plot required a bit of suspension of disbelief, but if you’re in the mood for something light and imaginative rather than gritty and intense, this delivers. It’s a great pick for when you want something fun without too much emotional investment.
** I received an ARC through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
July 4, 2024
COMING SOON • REVIEW
Thank you #partners @berkleypub & @prhaudio for the #gifted copies. 💗 #berkleypartner
#berkleypub
#penguinrandomhousepartner
The Confidence Games
Tess Amy
7/9
📖 Emma and Nellie have been best friends all their lives. They're also thieves. Con women. Swindlers. But don't you dare say they're without morals! They only go after men who deserve it. Abusers, predators, the scummiest of scum. So it's easy to root for this duo as they find themselves being blackmailed, fighting for their lives!
💭 This British contemporary fiction novel is somewhat hard to describe... it's a little bit thrilling, a little bit cozy, but a whole lot of fun! I requested this solely based on the cover and went in completely blind, and it ended up being a hoot! It perfectly balances heart pounding thrills with deeper, more tender moments of friendship, found family, and overcoming trauma. Action-packed with twists and turns, The Confidence Games is sure to keep readers on their toes and flipping pages to find out what happens next! At under 300 pages, this is a quick, entertaining, ultimately satisfying read!
🎧 I listened along with the audiobook as I read, and solo narrator Billie Fulford-Brown was exceptional! She had her work cut out for her here, narrating a fairly large cast of characters with varying accents, but she transitioned seamlessly!
If you're looking for something a little different to sink your teeth into, I can confidently recommend this in whatever format works best for you!
📌 Available Tuesday 7/9
Thank you #partners @berkleypub & @prhaudio for the #gifted copies. 💗 #berkleypartner
#berkleypub
#penguinrandomhousepartner
The Confidence Games
Tess Amy
7/9
📖 Emma and Nellie have been best friends all their lives. They're also thieves. Con women. Swindlers. But don't you dare say they're without morals! They only go after men who deserve it. Abusers, predators, the scummiest of scum. So it's easy to root for this duo as they find themselves being blackmailed, fighting for their lives!
💭 This British contemporary fiction novel is somewhat hard to describe... it's a little bit thrilling, a little bit cozy, but a whole lot of fun! I requested this solely based on the cover and went in completely blind, and it ended up being a hoot! It perfectly balances heart pounding thrills with deeper, more tender moments of friendship, found family, and overcoming trauma. Action-packed with twists and turns, The Confidence Games is sure to keep readers on their toes and flipping pages to find out what happens next! At under 300 pages, this is a quick, entertaining, ultimately satisfying read!
🎧 I listened along with the audiobook as I read, and solo narrator Billie Fulford-Brown was exceptional! She had her work cut out for her here, narrating a fairly large cast of characters with varying accents, but she transitioned seamlessly!
If you're looking for something a little different to sink your teeth into, I can confidently recommend this in whatever format works best for you!
📌 Available Tuesday 7/9
May 25, 2025
Quick and fun heist book💜✨
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
January 26, 2025
Thank you to Berkley publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ok where to begin? The book/story is advertised by stating, “Adhering to only two rules - they will only swindle men, and only ones who deserve it - Emma and Nellie are secure in their reputation as the most trustworthy swindlers on the European black market.” Well, that’s a lie. First, what men and where are they?? Secondly, Emma is not secure at all in herself. We never learn the story of her ex Joel. The “plot twist” of the mystery was easily figured out in the beginning. This book seems to have been written by a high schooler. It was a struggle to get all the way through it. And what is with the child, Sophia?? Strangers just take her in without a worry. Her character is not well developed and leaves a lot of questions. Lastly, YOU END THE STORY BY THEM SIMPLY WALKING INTO A BAR AND HAVING A NIGHTCAP??? Yes, there is a short three month follow up that could have been easily edited out. However, a drink at a bar is how this “who done it” mystery ends. Woof. Needless to say, I thought this book was not well written and the storyline was blah blah blah.
Ok where to begin? The book/story is advertised by stating, “Adhering to only two rules - they will only swindle men, and only ones who deserve it - Emma and Nellie are secure in their reputation as the most trustworthy swindlers on the European black market.” Well, that’s a lie. First, what men and where are they?? Secondly, Emma is not secure at all in herself. We never learn the story of her ex Joel. The “plot twist” of the mystery was easily figured out in the beginning. This book seems to have been written by a high schooler. It was a struggle to get all the way through it. And what is with the child, Sophia?? Strangers just take her in without a worry. Her character is not well developed and leaves a lot of questions. Lastly, YOU END THE STORY BY THEM SIMPLY WALKING INTO A BAR AND HAVING A NIGHTCAP??? Yes, there is a short three month follow up that could have been easily edited out. However, a drink at a bar is how this “who done it” mystery ends. Woof. Needless to say, I thought this book was not well written and the storyline was blah blah blah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2024
Emma and Nellie are female con-artists that swindle men who deserve it. They have built a trustworthy reputation on the European black market — but that all comes crumbling down when they are blackmailed into pulling off the ultimate heist — and their lives depend on it.
This was such a fun heist story! It’s a short one, just shy of 300 pages, but I thought it was the perfect length. Emma and Nellie are forces to be reckoned with, but the heist they are blackmailed into is certainly out of their comfort zone. Stealing a bracelet from a high-security exhibit? 🙈 it kept me on the edge of my seat!
The twist at the end shocked me 👏 and I loved how the story ended.
I was thoroughly entertained while reading THE CONFIDENCE GAMES. Not only does it evoke thriller vibes, but it also is filled with lovable characters and found family. The characters are truly what make this story!
This is a fun one that I’d definitely recommend!
This was such a fun heist story! It’s a short one, just shy of 300 pages, but I thought it was the perfect length. Emma and Nellie are forces to be reckoned with, but the heist they are blackmailed into is certainly out of their comfort zone. Stealing a bracelet from a high-security exhibit? 🙈 it kept me on the edge of my seat!
The twist at the end shocked me 👏 and I loved how the story ended.
I was thoroughly entertained while reading THE CONFIDENCE GAMES. Not only does it evoke thriller vibes, but it also is filled with lovable characters and found family. The characters are truly what make this story!
This is a fun one that I’d definitely recommend!
April 13, 2025
Tess Amy's The Confidence Games is a low-key high risk thriller. Emma and Nellie have found a lucrative criminal niche to fit their personalities and ambitions. They are con artists who swindle people by distracting them and ending up with their goodies. Most of what they do is simple: get the goodies, post on the dark web, and get money for their stolen loot. This latest caper is in a whole new league. Their assignment came to them in the form of a threat delivered by a child. They need to steal the Heart of Envy from an ultra-high security, invitation only event, meet the potential killer purchaser, and exchange the bracelet for bit coin worth millions. They are also trying to protect the child who asked for their help because her father is missing. They have seen what they believe is the man's body. How to keep her safe without telling her the bad news? They continue to plot ways to survive the heist. It takes guts and a believable replica to switch out for the bracelet and a strategy to meet the tight timing to escape with it. Expect suspense and surprises. People are hurt, but Emma and Nellie are not killers.
July 6, 2024
I had such a fun time reading this one!!! It had some fun adventure and all the tricks up the characters’ sleeves! This one had me hooked because I needed to see how the plan would all lay out when out into action!!! Such a fun heist story with likable characters who have interesting backgrounds!! Definitely recommend for a short adventurous read!!!
October 27, 2024
This was a fun read! At times it was silly, but in a good way I think. I enjoyed the characters and the progression of the story.
July 6, 2024
What a perfect title for this debut heist story!!! I loved the female friendship, the feminism, the found family, the TWISTS and the Ocean's Eleven style final big heist. If you love female con artists and heist adventures you don't want to miss this one!
Told from the POV of "Emma," a novice con artist and best friend to, "Nellie" (the more experienced of the pair), who has to find her own confidence to take charge when Nellie gets kidnapped and a mysterious bad guy blackmails Emma into stealing a priceless bracelet for him in order to get Nellie back. With help from some unexpected people, Emma somehow pulls of the biggest heist of her career but not without a few hiccups along the way!
Such a fun British caper perfect for fans of the movie Ocean's 8 and books like Philip Ellis's Love & other scams and great on audio narrated by Billie Fulford Brown. I can't wait to read more from this promising new author! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Told from the POV of "Emma," a novice con artist and best friend to, "Nellie" (the more experienced of the pair), who has to find her own confidence to take charge when Nellie gets kidnapped and a mysterious bad guy blackmails Emma into stealing a priceless bracelet for him in order to get Nellie back. With help from some unexpected people, Emma somehow pulls of the biggest heist of her career but not without a few hiccups along the way!
Such a fun British caper perfect for fans of the movie Ocean's 8 and books like Philip Ellis's Love & other scams and great on audio narrated by Billie Fulford Brown. I can't wait to read more from this promising new author! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
July 12, 2025
1/10. When I was in 6th grade my friends and I wrote a full original screenplay entitled “The Outlaws” about a group of kids who have to basically be spies and cons to escape some unclear danger and disappearances. That was created in 2014. My theory is Tess Amy came along, hacked into our Cathedral Google Drive accounts, took that screenplay, and published it herself 10 years later. Oh but changed all the names and made the plot worse. And somehow made the vocabulary more elementary. Shame on Main Street Books in Davidson for making this my blind date with a book.
July 25, 2024
It wasn’t that interesting until around the 40-50% mark and it actually had a heist so...🤷🏾♀️ I’ll take one where I can get it.
I wouldn’t suggest the audiobook version. Hearing the main characters internal thoughts made her more insufferable at times.
I wouldn’t suggest the audiobook version. Hearing the main characters internal thoughts made her more insufferable at times.
April 25, 2024
This was such a great read, loved the concept and I loved how it played out!
May 13, 2025
the definition of a page turner! so good
September 26, 2025
I ended up with this book after doing a “blind date with a book” at a bookstore and it was a fun little surprise! I really enjoyed it and it felt refreshing from things I normally read. I loved the main characters story and her growth by the end. It had more of a YA feel at times, but overall I devoured this quick, easy read.
July 14, 2024
If you are a fan of a good heist/con this is the book for you. It has Leverage feels (though not quite hitter, hacker, mastermind, thief, grifter) both in the narrative and the underlying rules of the cons. The end leaves me hopeful that we will see this ragtag family group again.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
July 9, 2024
DNF at 35%… I wanted heart pumping, thrilling, female rage and this book unfortunately was not delivering a plot or characters that I was invested in continuing to read.
January 29, 2024
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for access to this eARC! This book was fun! I was really excited to get into a book about a heist and this did deliver. I loved the relationship, the sisterhood between our two main characters and the elements of found family within their heist crew. The twist at the end is where I started to get a little lost. It was a little bit too much unraveling all at once. It all works out in the end but the dump of information right at the climax had my head spinning just a little bit. That doesn't stop me from wanting this as a movie right this minute so I can see it all play out. Overall a really good time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2025
I liked this book and it was well written. I didn't love this book because it could have been bad-ass but it was the equivalent of a Hallmark made for TV kind of book. You have two beautiful, young, smart ladies that are professional con artists here and instead of the story ranging from high highs, to low lows, it constantly sits at a mediocre positive? The kid with the motivational platitudes book? And the most offensive thing in here is "dick head".
Sorry, I guess I just expected more than a "who's the real bad person here, but nobody's really bad because they are just misunderstood" sandwich. I was expecting a cheese burger, but this book was tofu egg salad for me.
Sorry, I guess I just expected more than a "who's the real bad person here, but nobody's really bad because they are just misunderstood" sandwich. I was expecting a cheese burger, but this book was tofu egg salad for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2024
Thank you Berkley Pub for the free book and thank you PRH Audio for my #gifted listening copy of The Confidence Games! #PRHAInfluencer #PRHAudioPartner #BerkleyBookstagram #berkleypub #BerkleyIG #berkley
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐲
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝-𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝟰.𝟱★
This book was so entertaining! I had no idea what to expect but I was drawn to this one by the cover and I’m so glad I gave this one a chance! It’s the perfect suspense but also gives off cozy mystery vibes and I could not get enough of Emma and Nellie! They are the perfect duo who have a reputation for going after men, but only men who deserve it. Now, they are suddenly being blackmailed and must do everything possible to save their own lives.
This book seriously went by so quickly! It was so fast-paced and I did not want it to end! There were some great twists too! This book was such a pleasant surprise and I just devoured it! I cannot recommend it enough!
🎧I alternated between the physical book and the audiobook, narrated by Billie Fulford-Brown. Let me tell you, the narrator NAILED this one! She was SO dynamic and I was in awe of her performance. There were so many characters and different accents and she did she an amazing job switching between the different characters. Truly flawless. I highly recommend the audiobook!
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐲
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝-𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝟰.𝟱★
This book was so entertaining! I had no idea what to expect but I was drawn to this one by the cover and I’m so glad I gave this one a chance! It’s the perfect suspense but also gives off cozy mystery vibes and I could not get enough of Emma and Nellie! They are the perfect duo who have a reputation for going after men, but only men who deserve it. Now, they are suddenly being blackmailed and must do everything possible to save their own lives.
This book seriously went by so quickly! It was so fast-paced and I did not want it to end! There were some great twists too! This book was such a pleasant surprise and I just devoured it! I cannot recommend it enough!
🎧I alternated between the physical book and the audiobook, narrated by Billie Fulford-Brown. Let me tell you, the narrator NAILED this one! She was SO dynamic and I was in awe of her performance. There were so many characters and different accents and she did she an amazing job switching between the different characters. Truly flawless. I highly recommend the audiobook!
June 8, 2024
(4.5 stars, rounded up) Thank you, @prhaudio, for the free copy of this WILDLY ENTERTAINING caper.
Emma and Nellie have been best friends forever and are also some of the best con women in the business. To operate at the top of their game, they’ve wiped their past identities and operate under fake personas as they travel the world stealing valuables and reselling them to the highest bidder. They do have a few rules - they only steal from men, and the men have to deserve it. But in one night, years of work go haywire, and they find themselves blackmailed into stealing a priceless piece of jewelry from a London gala. Along the way, they discover hidden truths, test friendships, discover the true meaning of family, and fight to come out alive.
I went into this book with zero expectations, and it was so, so fun! It was a fantastic combination of campy fun and high-stakes adventure with found family woven throughout. It had a twist ending that I 100% did not see coming.
The audiobook is perfectly narrated by Billie Fulford-Brown, who has to navigate A TON of characters of different ages, genders, and accents. It is an absolute blast of a book.
Emma and Nellie have been best friends forever and are also some of the best con women in the business. To operate at the top of their game, they’ve wiped their past identities and operate under fake personas as they travel the world stealing valuables and reselling them to the highest bidder. They do have a few rules - they only steal from men, and the men have to deserve it. But in one night, years of work go haywire, and they find themselves blackmailed into stealing a priceless piece of jewelry from a London gala. Along the way, they discover hidden truths, test friendships, discover the true meaning of family, and fight to come out alive.
I went into this book with zero expectations, and it was so, so fun! It was a fantastic combination of campy fun and high-stakes adventure with found family woven throughout. It had a twist ending that I 100% did not see coming.
The audiobook is perfectly narrated by Billie Fulford-Brown, who has to navigate A TON of characters of different ages, genders, and accents. It is an absolute blast of a book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews