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Girl Games #1
A Game of Hearts and Heists
Two enemies, one goal: steal each other's hearts.
Scarlett Grey, disgraced assassin, is determined to get revenge. Quinn Adams, medic turned-poisoner for hire, is her deadliest rival. For years, they've stolen each other's clients, sabotaged each other's business, and occasionally… slept together.
When the Magician Queen offers an irresistible deal, Scarlett and Quinn are forced to work together. But this is not a simple job.
With an impossible heist ahead, they're going to have to trust each other… And that's not easy when they both have secrets to hide. Harder still when those secrets will betray the ones they love.
Now, neither woman is sure if it's a heist they want to win or a heart.
Two women, two deadly professions, and a romance that could be their downfall.
This is a steamy lesbian fantasy romance with enemies to lovers, a heist, found family, a secret royal, and only one bed.
Includes bonus prequel, A Game of Love and Hate.
Scarlett Grey, disgraced assassin, is determined to get revenge. Quinn Adams, medic turned-poisoner for hire, is her deadliest rival. For years, they've stolen each other's clients, sabotaged each other's business, and occasionally… slept together.
When the Magician Queen offers an irresistible deal, Scarlett and Quinn are forced to work together. But this is not a simple job.
With an impossible heist ahead, they're going to have to trust each other… And that's not easy when they both have secrets to hide. Harder still when those secrets will betray the ones they love.
Now, neither woman is sure if it's a heist they want to win or a heart.
Two women, two deadly professions, and a romance that could be their downfall.
This is a steamy lesbian fantasy romance with enemies to lovers, a heist, found family, a secret royal, and only one bed.
Includes bonus prequel, A Game of Love and Hate.
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 10, 2023
2615 people are currently reading
21099 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Roe
13 books1,588 followersRuby Roe writes lesbian fantasy romance. She loves a bit of magic with her smut and will read anything as long as the characters get down and dirty. When she isn’t writing, she’s beasting herself at the gym or wandering the world on her next adventure. She lives in England with her wife, son, and two devious Ragdoll cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 966 reviews
January 13, 2024
I feel like I read a totally different book than everyone else, because most reviewers gave it 4 and 5 stars, while I struggled to even finish it.
I can forgive a boring plot, but not flat characters. Most of the time I didn't even know whose pov I was in, because the two mcs were the same. The author tried to make it a sexy book, but how could I feel anything if these characters don't even read like actual people?
I also had problems with the writing style, although can't tell you what, because I hadn't noticed any grammatical errors, like it has sure seen a line editor, but something still felt off. Maybe the storytelling itself? Or it was just simply emotionless?
Not gonna lie, I might still give book 2 a chance because that storyline interest me, but if I'll have the same problems, I won't hesitate to dnf.
I can forgive a boring plot, but not flat characters. Most of the time I didn't even know whose pov I was in, because the two mcs were the same. The author tried to make it a sexy book, but how could I feel anything if these characters don't even read like actual people?
I also had problems with the writing style, although can't tell you what, because I hadn't noticed any grammatical errors, like it has sure seen a line editor, but something still felt off. Maybe the storytelling itself? Or it was just simply emotionless?
Not gonna lie, I might still give book 2 a chance because that storyline interest me, but if I'll have the same problems, I won't hesitate to dnf.
January 13, 2023
This book is a heist adventure story DOUSED in sapphic hot sauce! If you love the “I hate you but I love f-ing you” trope, this book is for you. Can’t wait to read the second one!!
March 6, 2023
I'm so sorry but the writing???? i was looking forward to this for a while I'm so disappointed. i get where the author was going with the plot but the word delivery was very much below average. Like something a smart middle schooler will come up with.
“I am laying down a challenge. A job, if you like. It is a job not without risk, though.” what queen talks like this 😭
“I am laying down a challenge. A job, if you like. It is a job not without risk, though.” what queen talks like this 😭
June 17, 2024
1.5/5 stars
a part of my brain died for the sake of finishing this book. it is not worth it, folks. not worth it...
a part of my brain died for the sake of finishing this book. it is not worth it, folks. not worth it...
June 27, 2023
I’m sorry but not telling your almost girlfriend that you’re the daughter of the man who framed your almost girlfriend’s parents and basically caused their death and your almost girlfriend to basically become excommunicated and lose her inheritance, lands, title, and job is INCOMPARABLE to not telling your almost girlfriend about the job that you failed to complete for the man who framed your parents.
It’s all about intent bestie. Scarlett didn’t know who the kid was so her keeping that secret was because of the job she was hired to do. She wouldn’t be a very good assassin if she went about telling everyone every victim.
Meanwhile, Quinn knew from the beginning that the intent was to go after the Border Lord as well. And once Scarlett told Quinn the reasoning? That was fully intentional she was originally going to thwart Scarlett’s “perfectly” planned heist.
Like Scarlett is 100% valid about being upset about Quinn’s betrayal and it feels like Quinn being mad at Scarlett for being the one who almost killed her brother and left him without the ability to speak is completely unreasonable. Like in reality Scarlett is the reason your brother is still alive, PERIOD.
Like maybe be pissed at who hired her to do that job, you know THE ONE TO ACTUALLY KILL YOUR BROTHER? If it wasn’t for Scarlett your brother would be DEAD dead. Like your Dad was the one with the intent to hire someone to murder his 16 year old son. Don’t kill the messenger and all. Literally if Scarlett would have succeeded her parents would probably be alive, but Quinn’s brother would be dead. And like if the Border Lord would have hired any other assassin to take the job Quinn’s brother would be dead. Oh but no, Quinn is mad at Scarlett, and Scarlett even says “She doesn’t see it that way .(that Quinn’s brother is here BECAUSE of Scarlett) She thinks I ruined his life.” Quinn is STILL mad even after Malachi himself tells Quinn that the whole severing his vocal cords was HIS IDEA, Scarlett was only the one who did what he wanted.
This book is PAINFULLY predictable. The conflict is honestly so unnecessary. Like, yes I get it Quinn TRIED, *cough* ONCE (almost twice) *cough* to tell Scarlett the truth. She should have tried again. Having Scarlett realize that Quinn is the Border Lord’s daughter and having that NOT be the conflict would have been more refreshing, but alas the plot took the easy conflict.
Also the fact that the conflict happens past 85% is very frustrating because it doesn’t give the story enough time to resolve without it being hella fucking rushed.
The fact that this book is about a HEIST, like it’s literally in the title, and the actual heist is not even like half the book? 🥴
Why is Scarlett the one going above and beyond to have Quinn forgive her? You’re being so fucking serious Quinn is giving up her one chance to basically become pardoned for something her parents didn’t even do and reclaim everything that was taken from her TO WIN QUINN BACK? WHEN QUINN SHOULD BE MOVING HEAVEN AND EARTH TO GET SCARLETT BACK? Be so fucking for real. I HATE when the person who is not the one in the more wrong is the one who is basically groveling. Like why did it take talking with her brother to realize that Scarlett is not the one in the wrong here?
Also like why did the Border Lord put a bounty on his own son? Like did we ever get that answered?
The whole book takes place in just over a month and yet while it jumped over a full 3 weeks in the middle there it still felt very much like stop and go traffic. Like the portions I wanted to know more about, the magic system, what the guilds or whatever are, how (magic) collection works, why the land was split in the beginning, etc., were all glossed over pretty quickly, but when things that could be glossed over went into heavy detail only to be never mentioned again.
The setting I also couldn’t get a good grasp on it. It both feels like a very non modern fantasy world, but then there’s are motorcycles, and BBQ, and magical security systems to be hacked. Thee world felt almost bizarre.
The writing itself was very all over the place, and by this I mean not only the words used to describe things. This also looks to have been written in British English, and that would explain the use of “knickers” but then 98% that’s the term that was used and then it all of a sudden switched to “panties” in the last 2% of the book.
The repetition was completely unnecessary. We were getting reminded almost every chapter “why they should hate each other” and while I know it’s meant to remind the characters themselves, and not the readers, it still felt like it was directed to the readers. Instead of a reminder it was trying to be like a justification.
I am going to be one hundred percent honest here, this had so much potential and it pains me to say the execution, wasted it. It had a pretty slow start in my opinion but it I thought it definitely picked up around like 40% or so. It was sitting at a solid 3 star read. Unfortunately there were more cons than pros when I stacked them against each other, and I was overlooking quite a bit, but ultimately the pacing and the “conflict” were so poorly done, that this is the rating I ended up falling at, 1 star.
It’s all about intent bestie. Scarlett didn’t know who the kid was so her keeping that secret was because of the job she was hired to do. She wouldn’t be a very good assassin if she went about telling everyone every victim.
Meanwhile, Quinn knew from the beginning that the intent was to go after the Border Lord as well. And once Scarlett told Quinn the reasoning? That was fully intentional she was originally going to thwart Scarlett’s “perfectly” planned heist.
Like Scarlett is 100% valid about being upset about Quinn’s betrayal and it feels like Quinn being mad at Scarlett for being the one who almost killed her brother and left him without the ability to speak is completely unreasonable. Like in reality Scarlett is the reason your brother is still alive, PERIOD.
Like maybe be pissed at who hired her to do that job, you know THE ONE TO ACTUALLY KILL YOUR BROTHER? If it wasn’t for Scarlett your brother would be DEAD dead. Like your Dad was the one with the intent to hire someone to murder his 16 year old son. Don’t kill the messenger and all. Literally if Scarlett would have succeeded her parents would probably be alive, but Quinn’s brother would be dead. And like if the Border Lord would have hired any other assassin to take the job Quinn’s brother would be dead. Oh but no, Quinn is mad at Scarlett, and Scarlett even says “She doesn’t see it that way .(that Quinn’s brother is here BECAUSE of Scarlett) She thinks I ruined his life.” Quinn is STILL mad even after Malachi himself tells Quinn that the whole severing his vocal cords was HIS IDEA, Scarlett was only the one who did what he wanted.
This book is PAINFULLY predictable. The conflict is honestly so unnecessary. Like, yes I get it Quinn TRIED, *cough* ONCE (almost twice) *cough* to tell Scarlett the truth. She should have tried again. Having Scarlett realize that Quinn is the Border Lord’s daughter and having that NOT be the conflict would have been more refreshing, but alas the plot took the easy conflict.
Also the fact that the conflict happens past 85% is very frustrating because it doesn’t give the story enough time to resolve without it being hella fucking rushed.
The fact that this book is about a HEIST, like it’s literally in the title, and the actual heist is not even like half the book? 🥴
Why is Scarlett the one going above and beyond to have Quinn forgive her? You’re being so fucking serious Quinn is giving up her one chance to basically become pardoned for something her parents didn’t even do and reclaim everything that was taken from her TO WIN QUINN BACK? WHEN QUINN SHOULD BE MOVING HEAVEN AND EARTH TO GET SCARLETT BACK? Be so fucking for real. I HATE when the person who is not the one in the more wrong is the one who is basically groveling. Like why did it take talking with her brother to realize that Scarlett is not the one in the wrong here?
Also like why did the Border Lord put a bounty on his own son? Like did we ever get that answered?
The whole book takes place in just over a month and yet while it jumped over a full 3 weeks in the middle there it still felt very much like stop and go traffic. Like the portions I wanted to know more about, the magic system, what the guilds or whatever are, how (magic) collection works, why the land was split in the beginning, etc., were all glossed over pretty quickly, but when things that could be glossed over went into heavy detail only to be never mentioned again.
The setting I also couldn’t get a good grasp on it. It both feels like a very non modern fantasy world, but then there’s are motorcycles, and BBQ, and magical security systems to be hacked. Thee world felt almost bizarre.
The writing itself was very all over the place, and by this I mean not only the words used to describe things. This also looks to have been written in British English, and that would explain the use of “knickers” but then 98% that’s the term that was used and then it all of a sudden switched to “panties” in the last 2% of the book.
The repetition was completely unnecessary. We were getting reminded almost every chapter “why they should hate each other” and while I know it’s meant to remind the characters themselves, and not the readers, it still felt like it was directed to the readers. Instead of a reminder it was trying to be like a justification.
I am going to be one hundred percent honest here, this had so much potential and it pains me to say the execution, wasted it. It had a pretty slow start in my opinion but it I thought it definitely picked up around like 40% or so. It was sitting at a solid 3 star read. Unfortunately there were more cons than pros when I stacked them against each other, and I was overlooking quite a bit, but ultimately the pacing and the “conflict” were so poorly done, that this is the rating I ended up falling at, 1 star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2023
Kindle Unlimited.
This is a very smutty enemies to lovers (or should I enemies are lovers?) style of story, set in a fantastical world of magic and a Kingdom torn in two. Two strong powerful sexy women are at odds, but have more in common than they know, with past hurts and a steaming attraction that curls with wanton anger seething.
Scarlett is a high assassin, with a complicated past and present. Her potential clients for assasination are being sniped by a woman known as The Poisoner, aka Quinn; who also has her own past and present to contend with. They have a very feisty yet fuckable banter between them, as they snipe at each other, trying to one-up, and play games with one another - with a level of sexual tension that I usually would find off-putting and uncomfortable - but somehow here, it works!?
It's fun and sexy, yet also doesn't take itself too seriously. My one complaint is a lack of world building, and slight lack of action - at it's core it's very much a character driven story, and I very much enjoyed these characters, for sure. Just don't go thinking it's going to be all on the road action-adventure fantasy. I just had expected that bit more action, fantasy/magics and world building.
I enjoyed the story overall, and how it all played out. I liked Scarlett's twin sister who has her own complicated love interest, that we are supposedly getting a further glimpse into in the second installment coming this month. So I would absolutely read that.
I liked each MC's backstories and the complicated emotions it all brings up for them, and the feelings they have for each other, too.
So I'd highly recommend others give it a read, if you think this is something unique you may find enjoyable! On KU!
This is a very smutty enemies to lovers (or should I enemies are lovers?) style of story, set in a fantastical world of magic and a Kingdom torn in two. Two strong powerful sexy women are at odds, but have more in common than they know, with past hurts and a steaming attraction that curls with wanton anger seething.
Scarlett is a high assassin, with a complicated past and present. Her potential clients for assasination are being sniped by a woman known as The Poisoner, aka Quinn; who also has her own past and present to contend with. They have a very feisty yet fuckable banter between them, as they snipe at each other, trying to one-up, and play games with one another - with a level of sexual tension that I usually would find off-putting and uncomfortable - but somehow here, it works!?
It's fun and sexy, yet also doesn't take itself too seriously. My one complaint is a lack of world building, and slight lack of action - at it's core it's very much a character driven story, and I very much enjoyed these characters, for sure. Just don't go thinking it's going to be all on the road action-adventure fantasy. I just had expected that bit more action, fantasy/magics and world building.
I enjoyed the story overall, and how it all played out. I liked Scarlett's twin sister who has her own complicated love interest, that we are supposedly getting a further glimpse into in the second installment coming this month. So I would absolutely read that.
I liked each MC's backstories and the complicated emotions it all brings up for them, and the feelings they have for each other, too.
So I'd highly recommend others give it a read, if you think this is something unique you may find enjoyable! On KU!
February 7, 2023
Oh goodness - who knew lesbian fantasy could also be hot AF?! Not me - well, until I read this book 🔥🔥🔥
I've said it before and I'll say it again - I am a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers romance. However, it's even better if there is real hatred there underneath the lust and this is it perfectly for Quinn and Scarlet.
Not only was this book seriously steamy, the fantasy aspect of the storyline was great. I loved following the group's mission for the Queen. There was so much within this book that made me love it - I'm thankful I got to read it.
I'm now looking forward to the second book in the series. Here's hoping Stirling and Morrigan get their HEA in book two!
Many thanks to Ruby Roe for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - I am a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers romance. However, it's even better if there is real hatred there underneath the lust and this is it perfectly for Quinn and Scarlet.
Not only was this book seriously steamy, the fantasy aspect of the storyline was great. I loved following the group's mission for the Queen. There was so much within this book that made me love it - I'm thankful I got to read it.
I'm now looking forward to the second book in the series. Here's hoping Stirling and Morrigan get their HEA in book two!
Many thanks to Ruby Roe for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2023
DNF at 9%
neither the world building nor the characters are appealing.
neither the world building nor the characters are appealing.
January 6, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ Steamy and chaotic. If you like sapphic enemies to lovers this is for you because the hate runs DEEP folks.
I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers but these gals really wanted to murder each other 90% of the time and I was kinda here for that unhinged energy.
The story follows and assassin and a poisoner who hate one another for taking up each others turf in the killing field. However for some reason they just keep sleeping together and honestly? A vibe.
This is steamy and fast paced with a sturdy action / assassination team plot when they’re both hired by the Queen.
I kind of hope there’s a book two purely because the way it ended left it open and now I have questions.
One thing I would have liked would be for the language during speech used to feel a little less forced, at times it felt over dramatised with how characters spoke.
Rep// Both MC’s are WLW, WLW SC’s, One SC has no ability to speak and communicates through lip reading and written word.
Ty to the author for sending me a copy for review.
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
Tw//Cw// Profanity (excessive) , assassination, poisoning, sex (graphic), slight bdsm mentions, strap-ons, violence, eviction, death, vomiting, needles and stitches, some gore.
I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers but these gals really wanted to murder each other 90% of the time and I was kinda here for that unhinged energy.
The story follows and assassin and a poisoner who hate one another for taking up each others turf in the killing field. However for some reason they just keep sleeping together and honestly? A vibe.
This is steamy and fast paced with a sturdy action / assassination team plot when they’re both hired by the Queen.
I kind of hope there’s a book two purely because the way it ended left it open and now I have questions.
One thing I would have liked would be for the language during speech used to feel a little less forced, at times it felt over dramatised with how characters spoke.
Rep// Both MC’s are WLW, WLW SC’s, One SC has no ability to speak and communicates through lip reading and written word.
Ty to the author for sending me a copy for review.
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
Tw//Cw// Profanity (excessive) , assassination, poisoning, sex (graphic), slight bdsm mentions, strap-ons, violence, eviction, death, vomiting, needles and stitches, some gore.
January 27, 2024
Two stars because the author was kind enough to send this to me and I am grateful for that but I have to be honest. I had to DNF this book. The writing style just wasn’t it for me, very grateful to be sent it to read by the author but equally I dnf’d at around 45 pages.
There was no world building, the writing itself felt novice (I feel awful saying that but it is my honest opinion) and the consistent use of the same words over and over made it hard to want to read more. The smutty scenes also felt slightly pornish and I was so hoping for some real lesbian representation as a lesbian woman myself.
What spoilt it for me too was the reviews starting the use of the R word - that ableist style of mistake in 2024 is just not going to wash with me and to be honest as soon as I heard the word was featured in this book it was enough to put me off. We can do better especially those from the LGBTQ+ community.
I am so sorry to dislike this book as much as I did. I think over the writing style & techniques left a lot to be desired and it felt like it was trying to do something but missed the Mark.
This may seem like a hard review for a book I didn’t finish but it frustrated me. Perhaps it was a case of right book wrong time and I can come back and give a better review one day.
There was no world building, the writing itself felt novice (I feel awful saying that but it is my honest opinion) and the consistent use of the same words over and over made it hard to want to read more. The smutty scenes also felt slightly pornish and I was so hoping for some real lesbian representation as a lesbian woman myself.
What spoilt it for me too was the reviews starting the use of the R word - that ableist style of mistake in 2024 is just not going to wash with me and to be honest as soon as I heard the word was featured in this book it was enough to put me off. We can do better especially those from the LGBTQ+ community.
I am so sorry to dislike this book as much as I did. I think over the writing style & techniques left a lot to be desired and it felt like it was trying to do something but missed the Mark.
This may seem like a hard review for a book I didn’t finish but it frustrated me. Perhaps it was a case of right book wrong time and I can come back and give a better review one day.
December 18, 2023
When i say i ate this book, I really mean i ate it up, in fact i devoured it, and let me tell you it was utterly delicious to read 🥵.
I have been looking for the proper fantasy Sapphic book for a while and Ruby Roe really delivered
This is how you really write an Enemies to lover Trope, the book is full of hatred, lust, love, and every other emotion
And let’s not talk about the spice, if I started i will never stop 🥵🥵🥵❤️🔥.
And the team??? Morrigan definitely my favorite, i loooove powerful woman let alone a magician 🔥🔥.
I really enjoyed the team dynamics the drama was funny as hell
I rooted for them, laughed, screamed, cried and everything else
I loved this book so much I really don’t know what else to say
I was excited about reading more about Stirling and Morrigan from the beginning and by the end of the book i am even more excited!!!!! Literally my jaw fall to the floor the moment they revealed who she is, oh Stirling you royally fucked that up 😉😂😂.
I really can’t wait for the next book 🔥🥵🥵🥵.
And I’m really hoping for a third book about Remy and maybe the other Daughter? I am crossing my fingers for that one 🤞.
I have been looking for the proper fantasy Sapphic book for a while and Ruby Roe really delivered
this is the game between us, she wants to kill me as much as she wants to fuck me and much to my disdain the feelings is mutual
This is how you really write an Enemies to lover Trope, the book is full of hatred, lust, love, and every other emotion
And let’s not talk about the spice, if I started i will never stop 🥵🥵🥵❤️🔥.
And the team??? Morrigan definitely my favorite, i loooove powerful woman let alone a magician 🔥🔥.
I really enjoyed the team dynamics the drama was funny as hell
I rooted for them, laughed, screamed, cried and everything else
I loved this book so much I really don’t know what else to say
I was excited about reading more about Stirling and Morrigan from the beginning and by the end of the book i am even more excited!!!!! Literally my jaw fall to the floor the moment they revealed who she is, oh Stirling you royally fucked that up 😉😂😂.
I really can’t wait for the next book 🔥🥵🥵🥵.
And I’m really hoping for a third book about Remy and maybe the other Daughter? I am crossing my fingers for that one 🤞.
January 24, 2024
3.65. A fast paced “I hate you but I want to fck you” fantasy. Was the writing good? Not entirely. Was there world building? Absolutely not. Was there an intricate plot? Negative. Was it smutting? Frick yeah, therefore will definitely continue the series
May 22, 2023
DNF 70% — i was so so excited for a steamy sapphic fantasy, but this was so awful
my list of reasons this book was truly awful, and i could definitely add to it:
written in a pretty amateur way which i dont mind that much, but theres clearly some excessive thesaurus usage, where some words just do not make sense in the sentence, which made it difficult to read
unconsensual sex magic ?? one of the characters enters a sexy nightclub to make a delivery to the owner, and the two end up dancing together as a way to pass this illegal purchase to the other without arousing suspicion (personally id just idk go into your office or something, you literally own the place 💀) + the character whos pov you read from turns down wanting to partake in any of the sexual stuff in the club, especially this like inherent magic to the building which just makes you horny,,,, and the club owner ignores that and blows a kiss of the magic at her 🧍♂️ so now shes just unavoidably horny without consent
overuse of the words “assassin” and “poisoner” - this is what the two main characters professions are, and its what they call eachother, its how theyre referred to in the text,,, its insufferable. initially it was bc they werent on a first name basis, but even when they are, it continues 🙃 it was very 14 yr olds fanfic
ableist word 🙃 one of the characters calls another a “fuckt*rd”, this character isnt a villain or anything (which would still not be excusable,,), theyre a beloved character in the book and its just used as a word for like someone being stupid
magic system never properly explained - this was so frustrating bc it sounded kinda cool at first,,, buildings or “houses” (not every building, just special ones) have inherent magic to them that people can tap into when they enter, it controls the space etc. but then they added in that you can be tattooed in the house to take some of the magic and then anything they needed an explanation to was like “motorbike magic” and shit it was annoying
abs + “chunky belly” + tiny waist,,,, all used to describe one character,,,, pick one bestie
that is just not how vaginas work x100
nipples are mentioned so many times in this book, all she did is look at you babe why are they getting hard
my list of reasons this book was truly awful, and i could definitely add to it:
written in a pretty amateur way which i dont mind that much, but theres clearly some excessive thesaurus usage, where some words just do not make sense in the sentence, which made it difficult to read
unconsensual sex magic ?? one of the characters enters a sexy nightclub to make a delivery to the owner, and the two end up dancing together as a way to pass this illegal purchase to the other without arousing suspicion (personally id just idk go into your office or something, you literally own the place 💀) + the character whos pov you read from turns down wanting to partake in any of the sexual stuff in the club, especially this like inherent magic to the building which just makes you horny,,,, and the club owner ignores that and blows a kiss of the magic at her 🧍♂️ so now shes just unavoidably horny without consent
overuse of the words “assassin” and “poisoner” - this is what the two main characters professions are, and its what they call eachother, its how theyre referred to in the text,,, its insufferable. initially it was bc they werent on a first name basis, but even when they are, it continues 🙃 it was very 14 yr olds fanfic
ableist word 🙃 one of the characters calls another a “fuckt*rd”, this character isnt a villain or anything (which would still not be excusable,,), theyre a beloved character in the book and its just used as a word for like someone being stupid
magic system never properly explained - this was so frustrating bc it sounded kinda cool at first,,, buildings or “houses” (not every building, just special ones) have inherent magic to them that people can tap into when they enter, it controls the space etc. but then they added in that you can be tattooed in the house to take some of the magic and then anything they needed an explanation to was like “motorbike magic” and shit it was annoying
abs + “chunky belly” + tiny waist,,,, all used to describe one character,,,, pick one bestie
that is just not how vaginas work x100
nipples are mentioned so many times in this book, all she did is look at you babe why are they getting hard
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2023
She professes to hate games. It’s a total lie. She plays harder than anyone I’ve ever met.
2.5 stars. Usually the books that get described as hate-to-love are usually more in the vein of mild dislike or rivals, but this was a true hate-to-love, enemies-to-lovers romance and I did really like that aspect of it. Which was surprising; I'm more of a friends-to-lovers girlie! Scarlett is an assassin and Quinn is a poisoner, and for years they've been butting heads, with Quinn stealing a bunch of Scarlett's clients. They've also been having sex on and off, because there's a lot of chemistry and tension, just as much as there is a lot of actual animosity between them. I loved their fights, I loved their arguing and bickering, I loved the how thin the line was between fighting and fucking. The relationship part of this really was what made it shine and what made me mostly enjoy it. The movement from a purely sexual and transactional relationship to one that had feelings and heft behind it was gradual and pretty well-written. And they were so well matched. I loved Scarlett's strength and dominance; I loved Quinn's ruthlessness and cleverness.
But then my picky bitch disease kicked in, because I really did not like the plot, and I really did not get along with the world-building in this book. It felt really half-assed. At first, this felt like a very normal swords and sorcery fantasy type of book, but then it became clear that there were some types of technological elements in this world. I think it was meant to feel like a steampunk-esque universe, but instead it just felt extremely lazy, like modern elements were written in with no explanation or thought as to how magic and technology came together in this non-Earth world. People are fighting with swords and magic is flying about and there are ancient maps that have a tangible effect on the geography... but then also they're going for pizzas and burgers and there are motorcycles and sports bras and jeans. It just felt incoherent. The setting... I just couldn't picture it in my mind, and it felt like a mishmash of conventions and styles. It's a weird thing to get hung up on, I know, but the fact that I couldn't really picture the world really stymied my enjoyment. And I don't think that the world/magic was properly explained to us as readers. The idea of magic coming from the houses and magic being imbued into a person via the houses and tattoos is all very cool, but I'm still so unclear about how it works. And I wanted more insight into the various houses and factions and legacies. I wish we had gotten kind of an idea of what the world looked like before the breaking, so that we could better appreciate the current world that the characters were moving through.
And so many things about the plot just did not add up or make sense to me. Calling this a heist novel is... generous. And like Everything about the plot just kept yanking me out of the story when I was trying to enjoy it.
The pros are, of course, that it was really sexy and I did like the characters, archetypal as they were. I didn't get the found family vibes with the strike team or whatever, but I did like Scarlett and Quinn. Like I said, an enemies-to-lovers romance where the characters actually hate each other at first isn't always my jam, but this kind of hate-to-love was actually sexy and actually appealing. It's just a shame that so many other things about the plot and the writing didn't work for me.
June 10, 2023
I was really enjoying this book especially cause it's a buddy read with gloria (<3) and then there was a variation of the r word and I'm sorry but I'm not doing that bullshit at all. DNF at 49%.
August 10, 2024
I absolutely loved this audiobook! Fun, incredibly sexy and exciting with a delicious love/hate relationship! And the dual narration by Islay Jacobs and Kyo Sija was excellent! I’m so excited there are more of these to enjoy!
February 27, 2025
Basically, two disgraced sisters, one sells poisons and the other, secrets/favors. Given the chance to steal something of great importance in order to reestablish their reputation, all while needing to collaborate with unlikely 'new' allies.
The smut was a bit.. out there? for me? idk
But I enjoyed the concept and the stories of all the characters.
And now I want book 2 for the other sisters' story lol
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Apparently, this can be read as a standalone? AND it's a FF spicy fantasy romance? Yes, please
The smut was a bit.. out there? for me? idk
But I enjoyed the concept and the stories of all the characters.
And now I want book 2 for the other sisters' story lol
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Apparently, this can be read as a standalone? AND it's a FF spicy fantasy romance? Yes, please
February 19, 2023
Scarlett's rage was so intoxicating so that piss-off match with Quinn that had my baby having a character moral-moment was annoying. I wanted my baby to be a badass until the end. And that little twitch took the kill. That spinal kill was just stunning.
I was so invested in the idea of Scarlett killing the Border lord so I will say this, that was a disappointing ending. That fucking bastard had a hand in it and then here we have Quinn being the one who is mad in end, even after all the revelation around the whole Malachi thing. Arghh, I was pissed.
Anyways... it was a very fun read. I am so excited for book 2 and this has absolutely nothing to do with book 1. Just because. Morrigan, I am ready to love you. I already love Stirling so this book 2 "A Game of Romance and Ruin" even the title has me simping... like yes just ruin me. Romance me till I am dead. Because those tattoos, that heavy magic, the royalty, the womanizing attitude, arghhhh just ruin me.
Ps: This is the second time I have seen this Morrigan name... I like it very much. I first saw it in Maas' books "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series and until this day, I think we might never get her story and that saddens my sapphic heart.
I was so invested in the idea of Scarlett killing the Border lord so I will say this, that was a disappointing ending. That fucking bastard had a hand in it and then here we have Quinn being the one who is mad in end, even after all the revelation around the whole Malachi thing. Arghh, I was pissed.
Anyways... it was a very fun read. I am so excited for book 2 and this has absolutely nothing to do with book 1. Just because. Morrigan, I am ready to love you. I already love Stirling so this book 2 "A Game of Romance and Ruin" even the title has me simping... like yes just ruin me. Romance me till I am dead. Because those tattoos, that heavy magic, the royalty, the womanizing attitude, arghhhh just ruin me.
Ps: This is the second time I have seen this Morrigan name... I like it very much. I first saw it in Maas' books "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series and until this day, I think we might never get her story and that saddens my sapphic heart.
January 16, 2024
Holy hot hate f*cking - is this a wild riiiiide! This book knocked me off my feet. I listened to the audiobook and it could not have been more of a match made in hotness. I can't even right now with this book. This enemies-to-lovers, sapphic dark romantasy novel is incredible. The world-building is phenomenal, the characters are absolutely captivating, the chemistry is EXPLOSIVE and the narrators are perfect for the vibe of this book. The story alone is top notch but the added performance of these narrators just broke the ceiling.
I loved the adventure and darkness of this book. It was just flawlessly executed and I can't get enough. What else did I love?? SO MUCH - I loved Scarlett's edges and Quinn's curves, I loved their firey hatred/obsession with each other, and I loved the way they both fought (literally and figuratively) their pull to each other. I've never been so captivated by extreme hate segsy time before.
This book.
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
When do audiobooks 2 and 3 come out b/c WHILE I have purchased the physical copies - I'm salivating to experience these in audio.
I loved the adventure and darkness of this book. It was just flawlessly executed and I can't get enough. What else did I love?? SO MUCH - I loved Scarlett's edges and Quinn's curves, I loved their firey hatred/obsession with each other, and I loved the way they both fought (literally and figuratively) their pull to each other. I've never been so captivated by extreme hate segsy time before.
This book.
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
When do audiobooks 2 and 3 come out b/c WHILE I have purchased the physical copies - I'm salivating to experience these in audio.
March 18, 2023
I need the next book NOW! Where a lot of sapphic fantasy is heavily leaning towards YA, or NA this book fills the void for adult sapphic fantasy. The way the next book is set up based on the ending to this one I think we’ll be an amazing adventure fantasy book, and also the chemistry between Scarlett and Quinn was and probably will be amazing. Highly recommend this one.
October 8, 2023
ok it started really well and fun, their banter was out of this world like wow so hot and funny and sometimes brutal but good, then kinda meh, but at the same time i was discovering things about them and seeing their hate growing to love, actually really good but it become a little boring, tho i ended up liked it for sure!! excited for stirling's book and the ending uhhh let's go!!
happy to know remy has a book too, jacob was also fun!!
happy to know remy has a book too, jacob was also fun!!
December 7, 2024
i’m sorry but this book is just horrible. DNF 30 pages in. it was a PAINFUL 30 pages. the actual writing was like a 12 year old wrote it. the pages i did read, were vulgar and not done well. yikes.
March 22, 2024
Wow
For some reason the premise of the book just didn’t seem like a story I would like. Since I don’t really read the description of a book I didn’t know what to think. I had to keep reading because the writing just sucked me in. I had to find out what was going to happen. Besides, the steamy parts are excellent.
As it turns out I loved the characters. So much intrigue! I throughly enjoyed this book. I listened to the audio book and the 2 narrators are excellent. I will read the next book in the series, and more if there is any. I highly recommend.
For some reason the premise of the book just didn’t seem like a story I would like. Since I don’t really read the description of a book I didn’t know what to think. I had to keep reading because the writing just sucked me in. I had to find out what was going to happen. Besides, the steamy parts are excellent.
As it turns out I loved the characters. So much intrigue! I throughly enjoyed this book. I listened to the audio book and the 2 narrators are excellent. I will read the next book in the series, and more if there is any. I highly recommend.
July 31, 2024
The writing feels like it belongs on wattpad.
December 17, 2024
Did I read the same book as everyone else....cause there was barely any spice, the characters were too predictable, and the story was boring. Would've liked some more build up and complexity in the plot and character development. As for the romance, if it's supposed to be a spicy novel you'd think there would be a little more spice that would last more than 4 pages and be less one sided. I would rate it a 1.5 if I could.
January 19, 2024
The best part of this book was the idea that it was going to be good. The characters are dumb, and no real chemistry. This sounded like a middle schooler wrote it. Spice? What Spice? “ im really turned on , we had sex” . This book was TERRIBLE. I only finished it to make sure when i wrote this review i had given it a real shot. Im not even intrigued about book 2.
June 18, 2024
when your book is boring, you use sex scenes to keep the reader engaged; but when 99% of your sex scenes are fade to black then you're left with nothing
June 6, 2023
This book surprised me! I thought it was just going to be another smut book at the beginning but once the plot started to unravel I was immediately drawn in and cheering for the characters. I was totally not expecting the plot twist toward the end. Overall, I enjoyed this story!
March 15, 2025
Never, I repeat, NEVER had a book made me want to skim the pages just to get it over with until this.
I’m usually not much of a critic, so the bar is low (as long as I’m enjoying the characters and have a good time), no matter how silly or stupid the plot… HOWEVER!
It was so messy… one page they say they are over the hot-and-cold of their relationship and the next they’re back to “but it’s all a game” (btw take a shot every time the word “game” drops and you’ll be set for the weekend). And not in a they-are-torn-between-their-head-and-heart kind of back and forth, no it was just one page this another page that, jumping ship and then climbing back on board.
Characters were flat and had zero development, choice of words often times read awkwardly and don’t get me started on Quinn defending her dad and then be mad at Scarlett for not going through with a job that would have had a person she loves dead…
I understand that being lied to makes a person mad but she’s barely reasonable throughout the book and the wish?! PLEASE?!?!
All animosity between them and the doubt to deepen/ continuing the relationship at the end is just… wiped away? Idk how else to explain it but it wouldn’t just resolve like that if she’d been really as furious as the author wants to make her out to be…
Back treading to the writing… read like a mediocre fan fiction and low-key put me in a reading slump.
Giving the second book a chance because I like the two mcs but the hopes are on the floor.
This felt like a rant and I’m not usually mean per se… it’s possible I’m so mad that this was a flop for me because this had so much promise to be really good? A sapphic power couple, assassins, poisons, magic, sick-ass tattoos? The world seems great with new takes on fantasy which I really enjoyed. The world and jobs low-key reminded me a bit of arcane which I LOVED, but you can only read so much about scenery…
(though I was a bit confused at the setting… the mix of British and American vocabulary and using carriages but also motor bikes? Seemed indecisive and too much..?)
I’m usually not much of a critic, so the bar is low (as long as I’m enjoying the characters and have a good time), no matter how silly or stupid the plot… HOWEVER!
It was so messy… one page they say they are over the hot-and-cold of their relationship and the next they’re back to “but it’s all a game” (btw take a shot every time the word “game” drops and you’ll be set for the weekend). And not in a they-are-torn-between-their-head-and-heart kind of back and forth, no it was just one page this another page that, jumping ship and then climbing back on board.
Characters were flat and had zero development, choice of words often times read awkwardly and don’t get me started on Quinn defending her dad and then be mad at Scarlett for not going through with a job that would have had a person she loves dead…
I understand that being lied to makes a person mad but she’s barely reasonable throughout the book and the wish?! PLEASE?!?!
All animosity between them and the doubt to deepen/ continuing the relationship at the end is just… wiped away? Idk how else to explain it but it wouldn’t just resolve like that if she’d been really as furious as the author wants to make her out to be…
Back treading to the writing… read like a mediocre fan fiction and low-key put me in a reading slump.
Giving the second book a chance because I like the two mcs but the hopes are on the floor.
This felt like a rant and I’m not usually mean per se… it’s possible I’m so mad that this was a flop for me because this had so much promise to be really good? A sapphic power couple, assassins, poisons, magic, sick-ass tattoos? The world seems great with new takes on fantasy which I really enjoyed. The world and jobs low-key reminded me a bit of arcane which I LOVED, but you can only read so much about scenery…
(though I was a bit confused at the setting… the mix of British and American vocabulary and using carriages but also motor bikes? Seemed indecisive and too much..?)
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