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Make Me #1-2
Forbidden Games: A Collection of Spicy Romance Novellas, Including Forbidden Games on a Private Island
From the New York Times bestselling author of Neon Gods comes two spicy romances, here in one volume.
When you are drawn to someone you can’t have, do you run away from the danger or toward it?
Make Me Want
Lucy Baudin’s ex did a number on her self-esteem, but she’s about to make partner at her law firm and it’s time to get her groove back. So she hires Gideon Novak, cutthroat headhunter and her ex’s best friend, to give her confidence lessons in the bedroom. Gideon has pined for her for years, and now, teaching her about touch, trust and letting go is opening up a world of risks. Is this a mistake for them both? Or will they each find something they never knew they wanted?
Make Me Crave
Of all the private islands in all the world, he kayaked into hers. Allie Landers just enjoyed the best vacation sex with an irresistible stranger—only to find out he’s no stranger. Dealmaker Roman Bassani has been pressuring Allie into taking on investors for her women-focused fitness company. After that accidental encounter, they agree to put business aside for one week. Then it’s back to the real world—and their real rivalry. What happens to their opposing interests when they return from paradise?
Previously published as Make Me Want and Make Me Crave.
When you are drawn to someone you can’t have, do you run away from the danger or toward it?
Make Me Want
Lucy Baudin’s ex did a number on her self-esteem, but she’s about to make partner at her law firm and it’s time to get her groove back. So she hires Gideon Novak, cutthroat headhunter and her ex’s best friend, to give her confidence lessons in the bedroom. Gideon has pined for her for years, and now, teaching her about touch, trust and letting go is opening up a world of risks. Is this a mistake for them both? Or will they each find something they never knew they wanted?
Make Me Crave
Of all the private islands in all the world, he kayaked into hers. Allie Landers just enjoyed the best vacation sex with an irresistible stranger—only to find out he’s no stranger. Dealmaker Roman Bassani has been pressuring Allie into taking on investors for her women-focused fitness company. After that accidental encounter, they agree to put business aside for one week. Then it’s back to the real world—and their real rivalry. What happens to their opposing interests when they return from paradise?
Previously published as Make Me Want and Make Me Crave.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2025
103 people are currently reading
17706 people want to read
About the author
Katee Robert
171 books36.7k followersKatee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of spicy romance. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over two million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
September 6, 2024
Loved this and the spicy bits! I loved Lucy's story and Gideon truly fit the bill for her needs. I love how it all turned out. Also loved Roman 😍 like seriously, Adonis was pretty spot on for him. Lol both of these stories were great and thoroughly enjoyable! Loved them! I can't decide if I like Roman or Gideon more though. I also liked the Lil cameo of them and Becka in the stories.
I received this ARC from Harlequin Romance and NetGalley to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from Harlequin Romance and NetGalley to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
January 22, 2025
maybe it’s the fantasy/mafia romance lover in me… are normal romances getting too boring?! 🫣🫣🫣
August 13, 2024
These books were just exactly what I needed when traveling and a little under the weather. They are short and fast and steamy and were easy to get into and enjoy. These short stories are about a group of friends each finding their love story. They aren't super plot heavy based on length but were just enough to keep me engaged and bingeing while busy!
October 6, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book - all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book came into my life at the perfect time - I was coming down with some autumn illness and needed a romance novel that allowed me to turn off my brain and enjoy myself. I did not need drama, lots of involved intricate plot, or anything other than a dopamine hit. What I needed was a good old fashioned friends to lovers and enemies to lovers combo to bring me some happiness.
The first book in this duology, Make Me Want, is about Lucy and Gideon. Lucy wants Gideon to help her find a husband so she can get a promotion in her toxic male workplace, but Gideon has a hard time putting aside his feelings for Lucy due to their past friendship. A classic friends to lovers set up, this was a pretty standard spicy romance read. Not groundbreaking, but an enjoyable way to pass the afternoon.
The second book, Make Me Crave, is a vacation romance. Allie is a gym owner trying to figure out how she is going to keep her business afloat, and Roman is a headhunter working for an investor who wants to buy out Allie’s gym. Allie staunchly does not want to sell, as her gym is paired with a non-profit women’s shelter. However, before realizing who each other are, they meet on vacation and have a fling which intensifies once they realize they are working against each other. This story had a lot of purposeful lack of communication in order to drive the plot (the whole time I was screaming “This could be solved if you just TALKED TO EACH OTHER”), but overall was a fun read.
I liked this duology more than Illicit Temptations and would recommend reading it first!
This book came into my life at the perfect time - I was coming down with some autumn illness and needed a romance novel that allowed me to turn off my brain and enjoy myself. I did not need drama, lots of involved intricate plot, or anything other than a dopamine hit. What I needed was a good old fashioned friends to lovers and enemies to lovers combo to bring me some happiness.
The first book in this duology, Make Me Want, is about Lucy and Gideon. Lucy wants Gideon to help her find a husband so she can get a promotion in her toxic male workplace, but Gideon has a hard time putting aside his feelings for Lucy due to their past friendship. A classic friends to lovers set up, this was a pretty standard spicy romance read. Not groundbreaking, but an enjoyable way to pass the afternoon.
The second book, Make Me Crave, is a vacation romance. Allie is a gym owner trying to figure out how she is going to keep her business afloat, and Roman is a headhunter working for an investor who wants to buy out Allie’s gym. Allie staunchly does not want to sell, as her gym is paired with a non-profit women’s shelter. However, before realizing who each other are, they meet on vacation and have a fling which intensifies once they realize they are working against each other. This story had a lot of purposeful lack of communication in order to drive the plot (the whole time I was screaming “This could be solved if you just TALKED TO EACH OTHER”), but overall was a fun read.
I liked this duology more than Illicit Temptations and would recommend reading it first!
August 9, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARK ebook version of this awesome book!
Katee Robert has done it again with her captivating novel, "Forbidden Games." From the moment I delved into the pages, I knew this story was going to be a thrilling ride. The first half introduces us to Lucy, a determined and ambitious lawyer on a quest to secure a husband who can help her make partner at her firm. Enter Gideon, the charming friend of Lucy’s ex-husband who steps in to aid her quest. What begins as a simple arrangement quickly evolves into an endearing and twisty love story, as Gideon finds himself wanting to be the husband Lucy never knew she needed. Their chemistry is electric, making for a super cute and heartfelt read that simply flies by.
The second half shifts focus to Roman and Allie, both of whom find themselves in a precarious position where their professional ambitions hang in the balance. The tension is palpable, and I found myself rooting for them even as the stakes grew higher. The way Robert weaves these two plots together is masterful, leaving readers eager to see how love and business entwine.
What I love most about Katee's writing is her ability to bring the heat without sacrificing character depth. "Forbidden Games" is loaded with romance, wit, and just the right amount of spice that keeps you flipping the pages late into the night. For anyone looking for a delightful escape into a world of love and intrigue, this book is an absolute must-read! Trust me, you won't regret diving into this fantastic story.
Katee Robert has done it again with her captivating novel, "Forbidden Games." From the moment I delved into the pages, I knew this story was going to be a thrilling ride. The first half introduces us to Lucy, a determined and ambitious lawyer on a quest to secure a husband who can help her make partner at her firm. Enter Gideon, the charming friend of Lucy’s ex-husband who steps in to aid her quest. What begins as a simple arrangement quickly evolves into an endearing and twisty love story, as Gideon finds himself wanting to be the husband Lucy never knew she needed. Their chemistry is electric, making for a super cute and heartfelt read that simply flies by.
The second half shifts focus to Roman and Allie, both of whom find themselves in a precarious position where their professional ambitions hang in the balance. The tension is palpable, and I found myself rooting for them even as the stakes grew higher. The way Robert weaves these two plots together is masterful, leaving readers eager to see how love and business entwine.
What I love most about Katee's writing is her ability to bring the heat without sacrificing character depth. "Forbidden Games" is loaded with romance, wit, and just the right amount of spice that keeps you flipping the pages late into the night. For anyone looking for a delightful escape into a world of love and intrigue, this book is an absolute must-read! Trust me, you won't regret diving into this fantastic story.
September 7, 2024
2 quick and spicy stories in one and they were great.
From Lucy and Gideons history, to Allie and Roman’s vacation affair it was easy to lose myself in each couple.
I will say I’m confused by the order as this one should be read before the first one due to the timelines of the stories.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
From Lucy and Gideons history, to Allie and Roman’s vacation affair it was easy to lose myself in each couple.
I will say I’m confused by the order as this one should be read before the first one due to the timelines of the stories.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
September 24, 2024
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC of Forbidden Games in exchange for an honest and independent review.
As a note, this is Book 2 of the Make Me series by Katee Robert. Prior to reading this installment, I had in fact not read Book 1. That being said, after reading this book, I will be immediately going out and tracking down Book 1 if it is anything like this one. It’s important to note that you do not need to have read the first book in order to fall in love with Volume 2. I’m actually entirely unsure if there’s any connection between them at all, but you better believe I will find out the answer to that shortly!
Volume 2 is uniquely composed of two entirely separate stories, with slightly overlapping characters, which made this all the more fun! I have honestly never read a book set up like this, but I am entirely on board! Two spicy romance novels for the price of one? Count me in! And when you really get down to it, these books are overflowing with spice. The pages cannot contain the level of spice within it. And it’s done so wonderfully that it doesn’t take away from the story as a whole! There is an actual storyline in both stories that have you so invested in the characters, you cannot help but keep reading, which is so refreshing.
I’ve read some pretty heavy reads lately and I just needed something that was light and fun and kept me engaged, and this book certainly checked all of those boxes. I’m glad to have found Katee through NetGalley and I’m genuinely excited to read other books she has done. Excuse me while I go take a cold shower now..
As a note, this is Book 2 of the Make Me series by Katee Robert. Prior to reading this installment, I had in fact not read Book 1. That being said, after reading this book, I will be immediately going out and tracking down Book 1 if it is anything like this one. It’s important to note that you do not need to have read the first book in order to fall in love with Volume 2. I’m actually entirely unsure if there’s any connection between them at all, but you better believe I will find out the answer to that shortly!
Volume 2 is uniquely composed of two entirely separate stories, with slightly overlapping characters, which made this all the more fun! I have honestly never read a book set up like this, but I am entirely on board! Two spicy romance novels for the price of one? Count me in! And when you really get down to it, these books are overflowing with spice. The pages cannot contain the level of spice within it. And it’s done so wonderfully that it doesn’t take away from the story as a whole! There is an actual storyline in both stories that have you so invested in the characters, you cannot help but keep reading, which is so refreshing.
I’ve read some pretty heavy reads lately and I just needed something that was light and fun and kept me engaged, and this book certainly checked all of those boxes. I’m glad to have found Katee through NetGalley and I’m genuinely excited to read other books she has done. Excuse me while I go take a cold shower now..
March 27, 2025
Simple and spicy, Forbidden Games almost reads like two separate books tied together and, while it was enjoyable, it was just a bit dull for my liking.
May 28, 2025
Forbidden Games is a two-in-one steamy collection from Katee Robert featuring: Make Me Want – Lucy x Gideon // Make Me Crave – Allie x Roman
1. Make Me Want – 3/5
Trope and smut galore! I was a fan of this one—very spice-forward, but also surprisingly grounded (if that makes sense). Lucy is ambitious but emotionally shaken post-breakup. Enter Gideon, her ex’s best friend, who agrees to help her regain her confidence—in the bedroom. This one had solid chemistry, a fun setup, and enough emotional tension to keep me engaged. Not life-changing, but definitely a spicy, satisfying quick read.
2. Make Me Crave – 1/5
Honestly, this one didn’t hit the mark. It felt like one long one-night stand with no real emotional payoff. Allie and Roman had potential, but their dynamic stayed surface-level and repetitive. I didn’t feel any connection beyond the physical, which made it hard to care about the outcome.
Quick Note: I started this on audiobook and really struggled with the narrator. The delivery didn’t work for me at all—I actually had to switch to a physical copy to keep going. Just a heads up.
Overall, these stories are quick, spicy, and make for a great palette cleanser between heavier reads. Just don’t go in expecting deep emotional arcs—this is more about heat and pace than heart.
Total Average Score: 2/5 overall — good for the spice, not so much the substance.
1. Make Me Want – 3/5
Trope and smut galore! I was a fan of this one—very spice-forward, but also surprisingly grounded (if that makes sense). Lucy is ambitious but emotionally shaken post-breakup. Enter Gideon, her ex’s best friend, who agrees to help her regain her confidence—in the bedroom. This one had solid chemistry, a fun setup, and enough emotional tension to keep me engaged. Not life-changing, but definitely a spicy, satisfying quick read.
2. Make Me Crave – 1/5
Honestly, this one didn’t hit the mark. It felt like one long one-night stand with no real emotional payoff. Allie and Roman had potential, but their dynamic stayed surface-level and repetitive. I didn’t feel any connection beyond the physical, which made it hard to care about the outcome.
Quick Note: I started this on audiobook and really struggled with the narrator. The delivery didn’t work for me at all—I actually had to switch to a physical copy to keep going. Just a heads up.
Overall, these stories are quick, spicy, and make for a great palette cleanser between heavier reads. Just don’t go in expecting deep emotional arcs—this is more about heat and pace than heart.
Total Average Score: 2/5 overall — good for the spice, not so much the substance.
January 13, 2025
Forbidden games does exactly what the previous titles suggest: Make Me Want & Make Me Crave. *Read this book before Illicit Temptations* The book is broken into two separate short, interconnected storylines. First part of the book follows Lucy & Gideon in a matchmaker + lessons storyline. Lucy is trying to make partner at her law firm, and she thinks the last thing she needs is a husband. Que Gideon who has been holding a flame for her since his horrible (ex) best friend broke her heart and spirit. The story follows their battle between losing a rekindled friendship and taking a chance on love. Nice little spice and a HEA. The second part of the book follows Allie & Roman (Gideons Bestie) while they battle a very spicy enemies-with-benefits/enemies-to-lovers situation. The steam really heats up in this part of the book. Allie is an independent business owner and Gideon is a broker that is trying to acquire Allie's business. Allie sees it as a hostile move meanwhile, Roman's investor is exactly what she needs- but he can't tell her that. We follow their journey into realizing they're both more than surface level personalities. Steamy and HEA. Thank you to Netgalley & Katee Robert for an advanced copy of this book to read.
February 26, 2025
Two stories. One spicy, sizzling read.
Make Me Want kicks off with Lucy, a successful but insecure lawyer, who hires her ex’s best friend, Gideon, to teach her some confidence—in the bedroom. The chemistry? Off the charts. But the tension between their past and present feelings makes things... complicated. A classic friends-to-lovers vibe, and while it didn’t reinvent the genre, it was so enjoyable.
Make Me Crave is a vacation romance with a twist. Allie, a gym owner, meets Roman, a man with ulterior motives. After a hot fling on a private island, they return to the real world and find themselves at odds. The lack of communication was so frustrating (I was yelling at them, tbh), but the tension and spice kept me hooked!
Both stories are easy, steamy reads where the guy knows exactly what he wants: her. If you love romance with heat and a bit of drama, this one’s for you!
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Make Me Want kicks off with Lucy, a successful but insecure lawyer, who hires her ex’s best friend, Gideon, to teach her some confidence—in the bedroom. The chemistry? Off the charts. But the tension between their past and present feelings makes things... complicated. A classic friends-to-lovers vibe, and while it didn’t reinvent the genre, it was so enjoyable.
Make Me Crave is a vacation romance with a twist. Allie, a gym owner, meets Roman, a man with ulterior motives. After a hot fling on a private island, they return to the real world and find themselves at odds. The lack of communication was so frustrating (I was yelling at them, tbh), but the tension and spice kept me hooked!
Both stories are easy, steamy reads where the guy knows exactly what he wants: her. If you love romance with heat and a bit of drama, this one’s for you!
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 3, 2024
This is my second book review for Katee Robert and I just love her shorter stories with two in one book! I really enjoyed the characters in both stories.
The first story is about Gideon and Lucy. She is a successful lawyer wanting to find a husband to move up to partner. He is a man that has fawned over her for years letting his best friend get the girl only to have him cheat on her. Now that she's single and ready to settle down, instead of matchmaking her with other guys he wants her to himself. The second story is about Roman (who is in the first story) and Allie. She runs a business that soon may go under and he has an investor that wants it. He goes to an island that she is vacationing on and unbeknownst to each other they fall into bed together and really enjoy themselves, until they exchange names. She doesn't know whether to trust they can have a relationship or if he's in it just so she chooses his investor.
Both stories were quick easy romance reads with spice and love when the guy knows what he wants and it's the girl. I would highly recommend and can't wait for the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley, Katee Robert and Harlequin Romance for allowing me to review this ARC!
The first story is about Gideon and Lucy. She is a successful lawyer wanting to find a husband to move up to partner. He is a man that has fawned over her for years letting his best friend get the girl only to have him cheat on her. Now that she's single and ready to settle down, instead of matchmaking her with other guys he wants her to himself. The second story is about Roman (who is in the first story) and Allie. She runs a business that soon may go under and he has an investor that wants it. He goes to an island that she is vacationing on and unbeknownst to each other they fall into bed together and really enjoy themselves, until they exchange names. She doesn't know whether to trust they can have a relationship or if he's in it just so she chooses his investor.
Both stories were quick easy romance reads with spice and love when the guy knows what he wants and it's the girl. I would highly recommend and can't wait for the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley, Katee Robert and Harlequin Romance for allowing me to review this ARC!
December 17, 2024
I really enjoyed the first book of this little duet. Lucy and Gideon just had the best connection imo and I really enjoyed everything about their encounters. The spice spiced perfectly and I loved the ending!
Make Me Crave didn’t really click as well as I would have liked. The whole vacation fling thing just moved way too fast and had way less depth than I needed. Yes, I know flings are basically depthless because it’s a fling but it just fell so flat for me. The ending was cute though!
I recommend these if you want 2 quick spicy novellas.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin publishing for this opportunity!
Make Me Crave didn’t really click as well as I would have liked. The whole vacation fling thing just moved way too fast and had way less depth than I needed. Yes, I know flings are basically depthless because it’s a fling but it just fell so flat for me. The ending was cute though!
I recommend these if you want 2 quick spicy novellas.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin publishing for this opportunity!
February 16, 2025
This is a dual audio including Make Me Want and Make Me Crave. They’re both very different stories. One is a story of a woman who wants to make partner at her law firm and sees getting married as one more thing she must do so she enlists a friend to help her find one. And give her lessons on intimacy. I bet you can see where this is going...
The other is a vacation romance. Unknown identities become known identities and reveal enemies. Will what happens on the island stay on the island? Probably not.
I enjoyed both stories, the first more than the second but I found it hotter...
The other is a vacation romance. Unknown identities become known identities and reveal enemies. Will what happens on the island stay on the island? Probably not.
I enjoyed both stories, the first more than the second but I found it hotter...
February 14, 2025
The Make Me series is a fast paced, sizzling series that this all the right tropes. The two stories center around workplace romance and vacation romance with well paced and descriptive spice. For fans of these tropes, but also great dialogue, this series is for you. I read this in two days and really enjoyed the tension and heat. Highly recommend!
August 1, 2024
Forbidden Games, written by Katee Robert, is a combination of two previously published books compiled into one volume. This volume includes Make Me Want and Make Me Crave.
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Romance
Book 1: Make Me Want
Characters: Gideon & Lucy
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lucy is a defense attorney and looking for a marriage of convenience to help her make partner in her law office. Gideon is her ex-husband’s best friend who has always had a crush on Lucy.
When Lucy reaches out to Gideon requesting help with finding her a new husband, he is hesitant but wants to spend more time with her. The more time he spends helping find her a new man, the more he realizes how much he wants to be her next husband.
Such a cute read and in true Katee Robert fashion, the spice is top notch!! 🥵
Book 2: Make Me Crave
Characters: Roman & Allie
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
He is her Adonis, she is his Aphrodite. 🥰
Allie is a gym owner and also runs a women’s shelter. She is barely getting by financially and is stressed about keeping both of her passions open to the women that need them the most.
Roman is in finance and is on a deadline to invest in/buy out her businesses. After they meet and form an instant connection, they soon learn that the other has the potential to destroy them. He could potentially destroy her businesses and she could destroy his next investment opportunity.
I love instalove stories, I love plus size FMC’s, I love when the main characters have hot chemistry!! This book had it all!
Katee Robert is an auto buy for me, I have loved every book they have written and was so excited when I received an arc of this title!
Thank you to @harlequinbooks and @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Romance
Book 1: Make Me Want
Characters: Gideon & Lucy
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lucy is a defense attorney and looking for a marriage of convenience to help her make partner in her law office. Gideon is her ex-husband’s best friend who has always had a crush on Lucy.
When Lucy reaches out to Gideon requesting help with finding her a new husband, he is hesitant but wants to spend more time with her. The more time he spends helping find her a new man, the more he realizes how much he wants to be her next husband.
Such a cute read and in true Katee Robert fashion, the spice is top notch!! 🥵
Book 2: Make Me Crave
Characters: Roman & Allie
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
He is her Adonis, she is his Aphrodite. 🥰
Allie is a gym owner and also runs a women’s shelter. She is barely getting by financially and is stressed about keeping both of her passions open to the women that need them the most.
Roman is in finance and is on a deadline to invest in/buy out her businesses. After they meet and form an instant connection, they soon learn that the other has the potential to destroy them. He could potentially destroy her businesses and she could destroy his next investment opportunity.
I love instalove stories, I love plus size FMC’s, I love when the main characters have hot chemistry!! This book had it all!
Katee Robert is an auto buy for me, I have loved every book they have written and was so excited when I received an arc of this title!
Thank you to @harlequinbooks and @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
December 30, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
Two stories following friends who find love unexpectedly. The spice was 10/10. Quick easy read that was hard to put down.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.
Two stories following friends who find love unexpectedly. The spice was 10/10. Quick easy read that was hard to put down.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.
August 31, 2024
Loved reading this collection, both stories were fantastic and I really enjoyed these characters and their romances!
January 23, 2025
these novellas were cute and dirty. i’ll take them - 3.5 ⭐️
February 27, 2025
This includes Make Me Want & Make Me Crave. Both are exceptional short steamy contemporary romances. Interconnected stand alones follow up with Illicit Temptations. Katee is an auto buy/read author for me. I’ve not read anything by her I haven’t liked yet.
April 1, 2025
It was good. Wanted a bit more plot.
May 12, 2025
2 different stories that happen in the same group of friends. Spicy and worth the read!! You can’t help but root for the couples and fall in love with their love lives!!
September 11, 2024
I’m going to use the first paragraph of my review for some housekeeping, so to speak, about the placement of this book. It is listed as Volume II of the Make Me series. The Make Me series is a series of books approximately 150 pages each. Mills & Boon published them under their Dare imprint in 2018 and 2019. This rerelease comes in two volumes with two stories in each volume. I haven’t read any of these stories so I requested and received ARCs of both volumes from NetGalley. Of course, I started with the first volume, but I couldn’t help feeling the story (Make Me Yours) was not actually the first book in the series. It may have been okay to read first, but that’s not how my brain works so I looked into it. Sure enough, for some reason, Harlequin is releasing Volume I first with the 3rd and 4th stories in this series and Volume II in January with the 1st and 2nd stories. (This info is as of 9/1/24) I don’t know if this is a sloppy mistake or if it’s being done on purpose but I cannot read books out of order without it inducing anxiety. Okay, on to my review…
Make Me Want
In a way, this is a second-chance romance. Although Lucy and Gideon were not in a romantic relationship in the past, they were great friends whose friendship ended when things fell apart for Lucy. Now, Lucy reaches out to Gideon to help her find a husband. It’s kind of a blow for Gideon who has always loved Lucy, but he’d do anything to help her to find happiness.
In the meantime, Lucy also feels she needs to rediscover confidence in herself in the bedroom. She asks for Gideon’s help with that, too. How can he say no? Her ex really did a number on her self-esteem and Gideon has some guilt about that as her ex was his best friend at the time.
Gideon and Lucy have fantastic chemistry and she definitely finds her mojo again. As honest as these two are with each other, they aren’t telling the whole truth when it comes to their feelings for each other. This is one of those stories that does not need a “break up”, so it was unfortunate that it was given one. The couple had enough to work through without having to hurt each other just to turn around and get back together. I was still invested but disappointed the HEA had to be withheld those few extra days.
Make Me Crave
Did I love Allie? Yes. Did she drive me bonkers? Yes. Allie has such a huge heart. She opened a gym and fed the profits from the gym to a women’s shelter she also founded. But Allie didn’t have it easy growing up (hence the woman’s shelter) and doesn’t trust anyone. In her mind, if she wants something done she has to do it herself. Not only that, but she absolutely cannot give up any control to anyone else regarding those things she loves. Both of her endeavors are in dire financial straights, but she doesn’t trust that any investors would have the well-being of the women she helps at the top of their priority list. But she’s running out of options…
Did I love Roman? Yes. Was he a bit stalkerish in the beginning? Yes. It turns out that Roman is actually a very good guy. He has the standard NDA that is keeping him mum about a fantastic investor for Allie’s gym and shelter. She doesn’t trust him or the situation, naturally. Even once Allie gets to know Roman she cannot seem to give up that control and trust him to not hurt her to make a buck for himself.
I love how these two meet (sans the stalker issue) and was all in on their chemistry. I’m also a fan of the two main characters seeking each other out at the same time to grovel. They both make mistakes, when it comes down to it, so I like that they both fess up to their faults.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
Make Me Want
In a way, this is a second-chance romance. Although Lucy and Gideon were not in a romantic relationship in the past, they were great friends whose friendship ended when things fell apart for Lucy. Now, Lucy reaches out to Gideon to help her find a husband. It’s kind of a blow for Gideon who has always loved Lucy, but he’d do anything to help her to find happiness.
In the meantime, Lucy also feels she needs to rediscover confidence in herself in the bedroom. She asks for Gideon’s help with that, too. How can he say no? Her ex really did a number on her self-esteem and Gideon has some guilt about that as her ex was his best friend at the time.
Gideon and Lucy have fantastic chemistry and she definitely finds her mojo again. As honest as these two are with each other, they aren’t telling the whole truth when it comes to their feelings for each other. This is one of those stories that does not need a “break up”, so it was unfortunate that it was given one. The couple had enough to work through without having to hurt each other just to turn around and get back together. I was still invested but disappointed the HEA had to be withheld those few extra days.
Make Me Crave
Did I love Allie? Yes. Did she drive me bonkers? Yes. Allie has such a huge heart. She opened a gym and fed the profits from the gym to a women’s shelter she also founded. But Allie didn’t have it easy growing up (hence the woman’s shelter) and doesn’t trust anyone. In her mind, if she wants something done she has to do it herself. Not only that, but she absolutely cannot give up any control to anyone else regarding those things she loves. Both of her endeavors are in dire financial straights, but she doesn’t trust that any investors would have the well-being of the women she helps at the top of their priority list. But she’s running out of options…
Did I love Roman? Yes. Was he a bit stalkerish in the beginning? Yes. It turns out that Roman is actually a very good guy. He has the standard NDA that is keeping him mum about a fantastic investor for Allie’s gym and shelter. She doesn’t trust him or the situation, naturally. Even once Allie gets to know Roman she cannot seem to give up that control and trust him to not hurt her to make a buck for himself.
I love how these two meet (sans the stalker issue) and was all in on their chemistry. I’m also a fan of the two main characters seeking each other out at the same time to grovel. They both make mistakes, when it comes down to it, so I like that they both fess up to their faults.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
October 29, 2024
Make Me Want is the first piece of work that I’ve read of Katee Robert’s, and I have to say that I understand the hype surrounding her books. Her writing flows and is easily digestible, albeit predictable at times. The catch, however, is that this particular book, thematically, is a dime a dozen in the grander spectrum of romance novels. No less enjoyable, but certainly not the end all, be all of the romance genre.
The novel follows the story of Lucy, a well-respected and high-power defense attorney in New York. Within the first few pages, we learn that she’s seeking to be made partner but has some apprehensions about her eligibility due to her lack of spouse with the other lawyers of her firm being traditionalists who put their own perceptions ahead of what’s right based on track record or pedigree.
Enter Gideon, our male love interest, and a headhunter with a past connection to Lucy herself. Gideon is meant to serve the role of finding Lucy a husband, but in typical romance fashion, falls for the girl instead. Except, he had really fallen for her years prior when they were in college and Lucy chose Jeff over himself. Filter in some additional romance jargon and scenes and a plethora of steamy scenes later, Gideon reaches the conclusion outwardly that no one he knows, or will know, is worthy of Lucy and thus he’s the only man capable of both fulfilling the job and it not be part of some elaborate charade.
Now, despite that lackluster description and watering down of Make Me Want’s plot, remember that I said I enjoyed this. As a piece of romance fiction, it was very enjoyable to read. Sure, it fell into some pitfall traps often showcased within the romance genre, but as a gateway into the genre proper, as well as into the world of Katee Robert’s mind, I would argue this was a splendid first foray, and I’m eager to see what else Robert has in store in her bibliography.
Would I recommend this? Yes. Would I also recommend going into it with low expectations and just for something on the simple side to read? Also yes.
Overall, I’d give this book a 3 out of 5 moons. The bones are there, I just wish there was a bit more meat.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑 | 3/5
―
The “sequel” to the previously installment, Make Me Crave is a steamy, vacation-centric, “enemies”-to-lovers story that follows Allie Landers, a business owner, and Roman Bassani, an intermediary that works for a larger corporation to broker deals and takeover investment opportunities for his client.
From the jump, there is a bit of a chase, as Allie is elusive and difficult to get ahold of, some might even say she’s outright avoiding Roman which, to a degree, she absolutely is. His tenacity, however, knows no bounds, as he ends up following her to the secluded private island resort where she’s staying for vacation. A non-disclosure agreement keeping Roman from sharing his motivations and identity with Allie, the two embark on an idyllic and fast-paced romance in a paradise setting.
Between the first two installments of the “Make Me” series, Make Me Crave was the more enjoyable of them. The weaving of the two’s romance, paired with the nature of their encounter and the overall tension between the two characters was, somehow, far more believable. Both parties are staunchly independent, and to a degree, view the potential of a love connection and intimacy to be wholly compromising of their character and its exactly this vulnerability that makes the story enjoyable and easy to identify with.
Overall, I’d give this book a 4 out of 5 moons.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 | 4/5
―
As for the collection, Forbidden Games, as a compilation of these two installments, I’d give it a 3.75 moons out of five, rounded up to four.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌖🌑 | 3.75/5
☠️
The novel follows the story of Lucy, a well-respected and high-power defense attorney in New York. Within the first few pages, we learn that she’s seeking to be made partner but has some apprehensions about her eligibility due to her lack of spouse with the other lawyers of her firm being traditionalists who put their own perceptions ahead of what’s right based on track record or pedigree.
Enter Gideon, our male love interest, and a headhunter with a past connection to Lucy herself. Gideon is meant to serve the role of finding Lucy a husband, but in typical romance fashion, falls for the girl instead. Except, he had really fallen for her years prior when they were in college and Lucy chose Jeff over himself. Filter in some additional romance jargon and scenes and a plethora of steamy scenes later, Gideon reaches the conclusion outwardly that no one he knows, or will know, is worthy of Lucy and thus he’s the only man capable of both fulfilling the job and it not be part of some elaborate charade.
Now, despite that lackluster description and watering down of Make Me Want’s plot, remember that I said I enjoyed this. As a piece of romance fiction, it was very enjoyable to read. Sure, it fell into some pitfall traps often showcased within the romance genre, but as a gateway into the genre proper, as well as into the world of Katee Robert’s mind, I would argue this was a splendid first foray, and I’m eager to see what else Robert has in store in her bibliography.
Would I recommend this? Yes. Would I also recommend going into it with low expectations and just for something on the simple side to read? Also yes.
Overall, I’d give this book a 3 out of 5 moons. The bones are there, I just wish there was a bit more meat.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑 | 3/5
―
The “sequel” to the previously installment, Make Me Crave is a steamy, vacation-centric, “enemies”-to-lovers story that follows Allie Landers, a business owner, and Roman Bassani, an intermediary that works for a larger corporation to broker deals and takeover investment opportunities for his client.
From the jump, there is a bit of a chase, as Allie is elusive and difficult to get ahold of, some might even say she’s outright avoiding Roman which, to a degree, she absolutely is. His tenacity, however, knows no bounds, as he ends up following her to the secluded private island resort where she’s staying for vacation. A non-disclosure agreement keeping Roman from sharing his motivations and identity with Allie, the two embark on an idyllic and fast-paced romance in a paradise setting.
Between the first two installments of the “Make Me” series, Make Me Crave was the more enjoyable of them. The weaving of the two’s romance, paired with the nature of their encounter and the overall tension between the two characters was, somehow, far more believable. Both parties are staunchly independent, and to a degree, view the potential of a love connection and intimacy to be wholly compromising of their character and its exactly this vulnerability that makes the story enjoyable and easy to identify with.
Overall, I’d give this book a 4 out of 5 moons.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 | 4/5
―
As for the collection, Forbidden Games, as a compilation of these two installments, I’d give it a 3.75 moons out of five, rounded up to four.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌖🌑 | 3.75/5
☠️
August 28, 2024
Thank you Net Galley and publishers for letting me read an arc of this book in return for an honest review.
Katee Robert does it again! She knows how to pack a punch in a short amount of time. The tension and sexual chemistry between the characters is always fire, but it's the raw emotions and feelings that really hit home connecting us to her stories. This was 2 stories in one, a part of her make me series, and even though this says volume 2 it should be volume 1. The events and characters that happen in this volume come before the events of volume 1 illicit temptations.
So book one, Make Me Want, is about Lucy and Gideon. They have a history together since she almost married his ex best friend, but found out he was cheating on her through Gideon. Gideon has carried the guilt of not telling her sooner for years, always pinning after her. Out of the blue she contacts him with a proposition to find her a husband before the end of the year so she can secure a promotion at her law firm cause it's a man's world. He eventually agrees because at least he'll know that this husband of hers will be a good guy. But that's not the end of her deal. She also wants sex lessons from him because her ex really did a number on her confidence and she has a lot of issues to work through. They inevitably catch feelings for each other and he doesn't want her to choose anyone else but him as a husband. This book was hot, emotional, and relatable for all of her self-esteem issues. Gideon took everything head on and she gained her confidence back inside and out of the bedroom.
Book two, Make Me Crave, picks up after book 1 with Lucy's sister, Becka and her best friend Allie going on a week long vacation to paradise. Allie has been ignoring investors and debt and her gym/women's shelter is on the brink of going under. One determined headhunter, Roman, follows her to paradise to force her to sell. They end up having a one night stand with who they thought were strangers until they figure out who the other really is. They come to an agreement of no business discussion but all pleasure for the week. It's quite the "I hate you but you have a magical body that I can't stay away from" trope. Once back in New York, she wants nothing to do with him and he's trying to convince her that his investor has only her best intentions for her business. I loved Allie's strength and determination for the women she cared about, and it was relatable that it's ok to ask for help and you don't have to shoulder all of your burdens by yourself. I also loved that they called each other Adonis and Aphrodite, very hot.
Altogether it was a very quick and fast paced collection of stories. I feel like if I read this one first before volume one I would have enjoyed it better because then I wouldn't have the little spoilers in volume one that there were. Katee does a fantastic job with making her books steamy and a good plot. I haven't read a bad book of hers yet.
Katee Robert does it again! She knows how to pack a punch in a short amount of time. The tension and sexual chemistry between the characters is always fire, but it's the raw emotions and feelings that really hit home connecting us to her stories. This was 2 stories in one, a part of her make me series, and even though this says volume 2 it should be volume 1. The events and characters that happen in this volume come before the events of volume 1 illicit temptations.
So book one, Make Me Want, is about Lucy and Gideon. They have a history together since she almost married his ex best friend, but found out he was cheating on her through Gideon. Gideon has carried the guilt of not telling her sooner for years, always pinning after her. Out of the blue she contacts him with a proposition to find her a husband before the end of the year so she can secure a promotion at her law firm cause it's a man's world. He eventually agrees because at least he'll know that this husband of hers will be a good guy. But that's not the end of her deal. She also wants sex lessons from him because her ex really did a number on her confidence and she has a lot of issues to work through. They inevitably catch feelings for each other and he doesn't want her to choose anyone else but him as a husband. This book was hot, emotional, and relatable for all of her self-esteem issues. Gideon took everything head on and she gained her confidence back inside and out of the bedroom.
Book two, Make Me Crave, picks up after book 1 with Lucy's sister, Becka and her best friend Allie going on a week long vacation to paradise. Allie has been ignoring investors and debt and her gym/women's shelter is on the brink of going under. One determined headhunter, Roman, follows her to paradise to force her to sell. They end up having a one night stand with who they thought were strangers until they figure out who the other really is. They come to an agreement of no business discussion but all pleasure for the week. It's quite the "I hate you but you have a magical body that I can't stay away from" trope. Once back in New York, she wants nothing to do with him and he's trying to convince her that his investor has only her best intentions for her business. I loved Allie's strength and determination for the women she cared about, and it was relatable that it's ok to ask for help and you don't have to shoulder all of your burdens by yourself. I also loved that they called each other Adonis and Aphrodite, very hot.
Altogether it was a very quick and fast paced collection of stories. I feel like if I read this one first before volume one I would have enjoyed it better because then I wouldn't have the little spoilers in volume one that there were. Katee does a fantastic job with making her books steamy and a good plot. I haven't read a bad book of hers yet.
October 10, 2024
Lucy and Gideon
This was a book filled with all the classic tropes. We had friends to lovers, second chance romance (in a way), best friend's ex, and spice lessons. Lucy is a high powered attorney, which I love as I am a lawyer as well. She went through a pretty dramatic breakup a couple years back when she found out her fiance had bee cheating on her. Not surprisingly, she took that too heart and it messed with her self esteem. Enter Gideon. Gideon and Lucy used to be really close as Lucy's ex was his best friend. Gideon always had feelings for Lucy but decided to be the better man. When Gideon found out her ex was cheating on her, he told Lucy and the engagement was off. Gideon felt guilty about this and pulled away. flash forward 2 years and Lucy calls Gideon in for a business proposal. She wants him to help her find someone to marry so that she can get a promotion for work. on the side she also wants him to teach her to be better in the bedroom.
Gideon at first tries his best to keep things professional, but almost immediately his feelings for Lucy come back. While she is thinking that his is trying to set her up, he is trying to get her to see that he is the one for her.
It was so funny to see Lucy get set up with Aaron since we already know who Aaron ends up with, who happens to be Lucy's younger sister. The way the story comes together is great.
Typically I would think this story is rushed, but considering they knew and had feelings for each other prior it felt well paced.
Roman and Allie
Our final couple. This gave more enemies to lovers vibes. Allie is a gym owner and Roman is trying to get her to sell her gym to his client. When Allie goes on vacation, Roman follows her. The two had never met prior, so when they meet at the resort they have no clue who each other are. After a passionate night together, they realize as soon as they exchanged names that they slept with the "enemy." They decide to keep business off the table so that they can keep seeing each other for the duration of the trip, but inevitably they fall for each other.
When they get back to New York it is clear that Allie has doubts about continuing the relationship while Roman is all in. Although they briefly called things off, eventually they realized how great they are for one another and get back together. We know they stay together due to Illicit Temptations.
My favorite part of these books are how hard the men fell. They are so down bad for their women right from the start and I ate it up.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was a book filled with all the classic tropes. We had friends to lovers, second chance romance (in a way), best friend's ex, and spice lessons. Lucy is a high powered attorney, which I love as I am a lawyer as well. She went through a pretty dramatic breakup a couple years back when she found out her fiance had bee cheating on her. Not surprisingly, she took that too heart and it messed with her self esteem. Enter Gideon. Gideon and Lucy used to be really close as Lucy's ex was his best friend. Gideon always had feelings for Lucy but decided to be the better man. When Gideon found out her ex was cheating on her, he told Lucy and the engagement was off. Gideon felt guilty about this and pulled away. flash forward 2 years and Lucy calls Gideon in for a business proposal. She wants him to help her find someone to marry so that she can get a promotion for work. on the side she also wants him to teach her to be better in the bedroom.
Gideon at first tries his best to keep things professional, but almost immediately his feelings for Lucy come back. While she is thinking that his is trying to set her up, he is trying to get her to see that he is the one for her.
It was so funny to see Lucy get set up with Aaron since we already know who Aaron ends up with, who happens to be Lucy's younger sister. The way the story comes together is great.
Typically I would think this story is rushed, but considering they knew and had feelings for each other prior it felt well paced.
Roman and Allie
Our final couple. This gave more enemies to lovers vibes. Allie is a gym owner and Roman is trying to get her to sell her gym to his client. When Allie goes on vacation, Roman follows her. The two had never met prior, so when they meet at the resort they have no clue who each other are. After a passionate night together, they realize as soon as they exchanged names that they slept with the "enemy." They decide to keep business off the table so that they can keep seeing each other for the duration of the trip, but inevitably they fall for each other.
When they get back to New York it is clear that Allie has doubts about continuing the relationship while Roman is all in. Although they briefly called things off, eventually they realized how great they are for one another and get back together. We know they stay together due to Illicit Temptations.
My favorite part of these books are how hard the men fell. They are so down bad for their women right from the start and I ate it up.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin, and Ms. Robert for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.
This is a duet of two connected novellas. Of the two, I preferred Lucy and Gideon's story. Lucy is an emotionally damaged attorney who feels pressured to marry to present a more stable persona at work, which will enable her to make partner. She asks for help from corporate headhunter Gideon, who coincidentally was her ex-fiancee's best friend and the one who told Lucy that her ex was cheating on her. Of course, Gideon has been in love with Lucy the whole time, so when she asks for help being seductive, he steps into the role eagerly. Both of them had some real past guilt and trauma issues to work through but their connection could not be denied. I felt a real pull between the two of them. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The second novella featured Allie, a businesswoman who ran a tandem gym/women's shelter, and Gideon's business partner Roman, who was trying to connect Allie with an angel investor (whose identity had to stay secret due to NDA restrictions). It started off a little squicky with Roman pursuing Allie even onto her vacation, which I didn't care for. Then, Roman and Allie (without knowing each others' identities) met and decided to have a vacation fling. Once they discovered the truth they decided to continue the fling but just not talk business until they returned to New York.
This novella really suffered from lousy communication - if they had just TALKED!, ugh - and furthermore from Allie's bullheadedness. Her friend Becka counsels her that both Allie and Roman were in the wrong, but to me Allie's stubborn refusal to even countenance help "because they might harm the shelter" seemed short sighted. Wouldn't the CLOSURE of said shelter, due to Allie's incompetence, be the most harmful? And the women in the shelter aren't in jail; if they didn't care for the new management they could leave. Constant low-level disgruntlement at Allie sort of spoiled the carefree vacation vibe she and Roman were supposed to be having. I really couldn't get behind their ending as enthusiastically as I could for Lucy and Gideon. ⭐⭐1/2
Overall I'd say ⭐⭐⭐1/2 stars. I'll r0und up to 4 for GR though because Lucy and Gideon were so adorable together.
This is a duet of two connected novellas. Of the two, I preferred Lucy and Gideon's story. Lucy is an emotionally damaged attorney who feels pressured to marry to present a more stable persona at work, which will enable her to make partner. She asks for help from corporate headhunter Gideon, who coincidentally was her ex-fiancee's best friend and the one who told Lucy that her ex was cheating on her. Of course, Gideon has been in love with Lucy the whole time, so when she asks for help being seductive, he steps into the role eagerly. Both of them had some real past guilt and trauma issues to work through but their connection could not be denied. I felt a real pull between the two of them. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The second novella featured Allie, a businesswoman who ran a tandem gym/women's shelter, and Gideon's business partner Roman, who was trying to connect Allie with an angel investor (whose identity had to stay secret due to NDA restrictions). It started off a little squicky with Roman pursuing Allie even onto her vacation, which I didn't care for. Then, Roman and Allie (without knowing each others' identities) met and decided to have a vacation fling. Once they discovered the truth they decided to continue the fling but just not talk business until they returned to New York.
This novella really suffered from lousy communication - if they had just TALKED!, ugh - and furthermore from Allie's bullheadedness. Her friend Becka counsels her that both Allie and Roman were in the wrong, but to me Allie's stubborn refusal to even countenance help "because they might harm the shelter" seemed short sighted. Wouldn't the CLOSURE of said shelter, due to Allie's incompetence, be the most harmful? And the women in the shelter aren't in jail; if they didn't care for the new management they could leave. Constant low-level disgruntlement at Allie sort of spoiled the carefree vacation vibe she and Roman were supposed to be having. I really couldn't get behind their ending as enthusiastically as I could for Lucy and Gideon. ⭐⭐1/2
Overall I'd say ⭐⭐⭐1/2 stars. I'll r0und up to 4 for GR though because Lucy and Gideon were so adorable together.
December 24, 2024
3.5 - ⭐⭐⭐ 💫
“You don’t believe the words, and I don’t blame you for that. But, if you won’t listen to me when I tell you that you’re a fucking goddess personified, then I’ll show you.”
Forbidden Games consists of two standalone adult contemporary romances following two billionaires as they meet their matches. Both stories are set in the same world and characters do cross over but you can read them separately. This is also a rerelease of older books by the author that I believe were indie published.
The first story follows Lucy and Gideon as Lucy reaches out to her old friend to help matchmake...and for some lessons to spice up her sex life. The second follows Allie and Roman after a holiday hook up that scratches to a halt when it is revealed Roman is a dealmaker looking to strike a bargain for Allie to sell her business to Roman's investor. Can these two couples fight the chemistry to keep things on track or will they find something new they didn't realize they needed?
If you're looking for good spice and a light story these two will do the trick!
They're pretty short stories you can read in a few hours, there is plenty of spice throughout, and a plot that keeps things going. The characters bump heads, challenge each other, and there are third act breakups but the chemistry is on FIRE. I feel, for me, I wished there was a bit more of an extended epilogue to see them after that.
I found I enjoyed Gideon and Lucy's story more with the unrequited love, the bargain, and the jealousy while the trickster element of Roman was a little off putting. I also felt the whole set up about him not being able to reveal the client name to be a pretty easy fix for it being drawn out. That said we get banter, slices of life, and some strong side characters to keep us in line...or shake things up.
The spice is about 4 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. There is spice pretty early on in each story and continues throughout. There are multiple scenes that are detailed and explicit. There is dominance, dirty talk, and play. I thought the spice was well written.
Overall, I found this to be perfect for someone not looking to invest too hard and is mainly there for the spice!
Thank you Harlequin for this review copy!
“You don’t believe the words, and I don’t blame you for that. But, if you won’t listen to me when I tell you that you’re a fucking goddess personified, then I’ll show you.”
Forbidden Games consists of two standalone adult contemporary romances following two billionaires as they meet their matches. Both stories are set in the same world and characters do cross over but you can read them separately. This is also a rerelease of older books by the author that I believe were indie published.
The first story follows Lucy and Gideon as Lucy reaches out to her old friend to help matchmake...and for some lessons to spice up her sex life. The second follows Allie and Roman after a holiday hook up that scratches to a halt when it is revealed Roman is a dealmaker looking to strike a bargain for Allie to sell her business to Roman's investor. Can these two couples fight the chemistry to keep things on track or will they find something new they didn't realize they needed?
If you're looking for good spice and a light story these two will do the trick!
They're pretty short stories you can read in a few hours, there is plenty of spice throughout, and a plot that keeps things going. The characters bump heads, challenge each other, and there are third act breakups but the chemistry is on FIRE. I feel, for me, I wished there was a bit more of an extended epilogue to see them after that.
I found I enjoyed Gideon and Lucy's story more with the unrequited love, the bargain, and the jealousy while the trickster element of Roman was a little off putting. I also felt the whole set up about him not being able to reveal the client name to be a pretty easy fix for it being drawn out. That said we get banter, slices of life, and some strong side characters to keep us in line...or shake things up.
The spice is about 4 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. There is spice pretty early on in each story and continues throughout. There are multiple scenes that are detailed and explicit. There is dominance, dirty talk, and play. I thought the spice was well written.
Overall, I found this to be perfect for someone not looking to invest too hard and is mainly there for the spice!
Thank you Harlequin for this review copy!
January 10, 2025
I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance for allowing me to read and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Katee Robert is one author I will literally read anything and everything by, because it's a guilty pleasure. Forbidden Games is a 2-in-1 book featuring the stories Make Me Want and Make Me Crave. Both are super steamy, super romantic and excellent reads with imperfect but loveably sexy male and female leads, strong chemistry, and unspeakably hot and spicy relationships. I really loved this book and couldn't put it down! Even my husband was like "you're reading another dirty book, aren't you"? Lol. Yes; guilty.
Make Me Want follows Lucy, a strong and sassy defense attorney, trying to find a husband after being cheated on in her last relationship. She reaches out to an old friend Gideon for matchmaking help (and sex lessons) but the arrangement gets a little tricky when they each secretly fall for the other. But Lucy doesn't want to risk their friendship and Gideon doesn't want to take advantage of her. Despite being basically perfect for each other with great chemistry, these two make everything awkward and difficult.
I loved watching their relationship develop and fumble and held out hope the whole time that they'd stop being stupid and just get together. I mean, I wish I had a 'friend' like Gideon to 'help' me! Whew!
Make me Crave follows Allie, a strong but struggling businesswoman who takes a vacation to a paradise island with her friend Bekah (Lucy's sister) only to run into Roman, a desperate business consultant who has been trying to get Allie to let an investor help her save her business. Unbeknownst to Allie, Roman had tracked her to the island to talk business. An anonymous one-night stand brings them together for a steamy sexy vacation fling, and once they both realize who the other person actually is, they have instant regrets. However, the sex is so good they put business aside for their week-long fling. But Roman is determined to get Allie to see everything his way, and Allie remains stubborn to his attempts until they return to New York. The push-pull relationship was very frustrating but somehow still satisfying. Finding a sexy, no-strings-attached fling-buddy on vacation in paradise is almost every girl's secret fantasy! but of course there were strings. And feelings. *Sigh*
Fans of Katee Robert and sexy, spicy romances will love this book! It is definitely my Romance Book Club's next read. You don't want to miss this one!
Katee Robert is one author I will literally read anything and everything by, because it's a guilty pleasure. Forbidden Games is a 2-in-1 book featuring the stories Make Me Want and Make Me Crave. Both are super steamy, super romantic and excellent reads with imperfect but loveably sexy male and female leads, strong chemistry, and unspeakably hot and spicy relationships. I really loved this book and couldn't put it down! Even my husband was like "you're reading another dirty book, aren't you"? Lol. Yes; guilty.
Make Me Want follows Lucy, a strong and sassy defense attorney, trying to find a husband after being cheated on in her last relationship. She reaches out to an old friend Gideon for matchmaking help (and sex lessons) but the arrangement gets a little tricky when they each secretly fall for the other. But Lucy doesn't want to risk their friendship and Gideon doesn't want to take advantage of her. Despite being basically perfect for each other with great chemistry, these two make everything awkward and difficult.
I loved watching their relationship develop and fumble and held out hope the whole time that they'd stop being stupid and just get together. I mean, I wish I had a 'friend' like Gideon to 'help' me! Whew!
Make me Crave follows Allie, a strong but struggling businesswoman who takes a vacation to a paradise island with her friend Bekah (Lucy's sister) only to run into Roman, a desperate business consultant who has been trying to get Allie to let an investor help her save her business. Unbeknownst to Allie, Roman had tracked her to the island to talk business. An anonymous one-night stand brings them together for a steamy sexy vacation fling, and once they both realize who the other person actually is, they have instant regrets. However, the sex is so good they put business aside for their week-long fling. But Roman is determined to get Allie to see everything his way, and Allie remains stubborn to his attempts until they return to New York. The push-pull relationship was very frustrating but somehow still satisfying. Finding a sexy, no-strings-attached fling-buddy on vacation in paradise is almost every girl's secret fantasy! but of course there were strings. And feelings. *Sigh*
Fans of Katee Robert and sexy, spicy romances will love this book! It is definitely my Romance Book Club's next read. You don't want to miss this one!
September 1, 2024
Another fun quick read from one of my favorite authors!
This book is actually the combination of 2 novellas from the Make Me series: Book 1, Make Me Want and Book 2, Make Me Crave. I'm baffled as to why Volume 1 contains the last two books of the series and Volume 2 contains the first two. If you want to read in chronological order, read Volume 2: Forbidden Games before reading Volume 1 : Illicit Temptations.
As they are novellas, the romance and spice develops very fast for most of the characters. Both couples fall in love in a matter of weeks from when the story begins. Even though both stories move quickly, there are several twists and turns in the plot to keep things interesting.
Make me Want Is Lucy and Gideon's story. Lucy and Gideon actually have known each other for a long time, as she was engaged to his ex-best friend. Gideon has been secretly in love with her the whole time and mourned the loss of their friendship when her engagement ended badly. When Lucy calling Gideon out of the blue to not only "headhunt" a husband for her but to give her lessons in the bedroom, to learn how to please said future husband, is the sweetest torture.
Make Me Crave is Allie and Roman's story. Allie runs a women's only gym and a women's shelter. Both are bleeding her dry both mentally and financially. Roman is an investment matchmaker tasked by his client to close a deal on investing in Allie's businesses, but she refuses to meet with him. In order to avoid what she sees as investors looking to ruin her business and the shelter, she accepts her friend Becka's offer of a vacation on a private island. Roman follows her to the island to close the deal, but decides to have a quick fling with a mysterious and beautiful woman he meets there. When they exchange names in the morning, they each realize who the other is. Can they separate business and pleasure?
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book is actually the combination of 2 novellas from the Make Me series: Book 1, Make Me Want and Book 2, Make Me Crave. I'm baffled as to why Volume 1 contains the last two books of the series and Volume 2 contains the first two. If you want to read in chronological order, read Volume 2: Forbidden Games before reading Volume 1 : Illicit Temptations.
As they are novellas, the romance and spice develops very fast for most of the characters. Both couples fall in love in a matter of weeks from when the story begins. Even though both stories move quickly, there are several twists and turns in the plot to keep things interesting.
Make me Want Is Lucy and Gideon's story. Lucy and Gideon actually have known each other for a long time, as she was engaged to his ex-best friend. Gideon has been secretly in love with her the whole time and mourned the loss of their friendship when her engagement ended badly. When Lucy calling Gideon out of the blue to not only "headhunt" a husband for her but to give her lessons in the bedroom, to learn how to please said future husband, is the sweetest torture.
Make Me Crave is Allie and Roman's story. Allie runs a women's only gym and a women's shelter. Both are bleeding her dry both mentally and financially. Roman is an investment matchmaker tasked by his client to close a deal on investing in Allie's businesses, but she refuses to meet with him. In order to avoid what she sees as investors looking to ruin her business and the shelter, she accepts her friend Becka's offer of a vacation on a private island. Roman follows her to the island to close the deal, but decides to have a quick fling with a mysterious and beautiful woman he meets there. When they exchange names in the morning, they each realize who the other is. Can they separate business and pleasure?
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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