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Heartless Villain: The Mate Games
- GenresAudiobook
492 pages, Paperback
Published April 29, 2024
4 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Meg Anne
86 books1,219 followersUSA Today and International Bestselling Author of fantasy and paranormal romance. Creator of #MenByMeg. Glitter Addict. Taco Enthusiast. Lip Sync Battle Champion.
Meg loves to write about sassy heroines and the men that love them. She is best known for her adult fantasy romance series The Chosen, which can be found on Amazon.
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Meg loves to write about sassy heroines and the men that love them. She is best known for her adult fantasy romance series The Chosen, which can be found on Amazon.
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Newsletter: https://megannewrites.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 27, 2026
I listened to the full cast audiobook.
Freaking outstanding! As it has been with the entire Mate Games world.
Death was such a great villain. I loved her! It took me a while to figure out what was going on, though I was wrong about who the malevolent spirit was. That was a fun shock! The satisfying resolution for Dr. Masterson was a great way to wrap up Dahlia learning to use her powers. Death was probably my favorite of the horsewomen.
The zombie army was feeding my geek, because I'm a huge Walking Dead fan, so zombies make me squeal.
I loved seeing how the 4 horsemen got drained by Death, and I hadn't put together that whatever ritual Death performed was what had freed Lucifer and opened a gate to hell. Somehow I had missed that when I had listened to the Apocalypse series.
There were some unfinished stories that I'm hoping will still be addressed.
I thought for sure we'd see Kai taken back by the Shadow Court since he had come to terms with his dragon and had mastered it. Or as much as he could.
I also thought Tor's curse would be reversed at some point, but that never happened either, though I was pleased that he and Alec made up and talked through their argument. Really not even an argument, but a misunderstanding more than anything.
I'm loving it when the series overlap. It's like spotting a celebrity out in public and being shocked and thrilled by it. "Oh my God! That's Asher on the airplane!" I did gasp on that one, and I was immediately needing a fan. Oh yes... that Asher. Need more of him.
I wasn't all that sad that Kiki died. She was fun, but as far as sidekicks go, I enjoyed Moira a lot more. I didn't cry on that one, but I was sad for Dahlia, since up to that point, Kiki had been her rock.
Caleb saving Dahlia after being attacked by the Ripper was awesome! He's still so delicious.
Kai's breeding kink was hot as hell!! I was shocked when he broke the contraceptive spell before they had left Blackwood, but I suppose that's what gives it the yummy risk, dangerous edge to it. I still was cringing though, thinking why the hell would you risk that when you're in an insane asylum, but then I remembered he's a dragon and could eat anyone if they tried to hurt her or his child. This is why I'm so damn psycho over this series. It makes me forget about reality completely. Like a good story should. I'm so enveloped in it.
Hook was even more hilarious in this story! Especially Christmas morning with him fighting with the pixie in the Christmas tree. I was laughing so hard I was nearly snorting my tea out of my nostrils. I listened to it so many times, because he's so funny. Bad form! Each time he said that, I laughed harder, and wanted him even more. He's that kind of funny, that you can't get enough of it, because he doesn't even know he's funny. Hot, hot, hot!
Their Christmas gifts were so sweet, but I wanted to see her reading Hades journal. Missed opportunity right there...
I also wanted to know more about Cass's past and what the deal was with the crocodile and the clock, and the girl he didn't want to marry. Was that Nautica? Or some princess before he became Hook? That was never answered, or if it was, I missed it somehow. Every time he did the ticking clock sound, I was wound up in knots, because it made my heart hurt for him. His descent into madness was expertly done, and James Joseph killed it!
Another backstory I wanted more of--Kai not being a shifter and not being dragon, but it's his father's curse. Um what? Say what now? Where did that plotline go? I need to know more about that.
The group sex was fantastic. I loved all of the steamy scenes, and when Hades finally started embracing it and participating, you know I was listening to that over and over. His voice as Hades is pure liquid sex. Once more, not usually a fan of southern accents, but good God, this man's voice is unreal...
Gabriel arguing with Cass over a story not being smut if they're in love was hysterical. I kept laughing at Gabriel trying to argue with him, and the other guys too. Poor Gabriel. They all drive him bonkers.
The other part that had me cracking up is when Dahlia starts trying to talk to the ghosts in the cemetery and she finds out they're all awful people, so she'd yell, "Next!" then she'd toss them back into their grave. Go, girl!
The underworld scenes were soooo gooood! I'm so thrilled they let us see it, and took us there. The tender moment of Hades with Nelly and the little boy were absolute heart melters. Did I mention that Hades is my favorite? His defeat of Helene was fan-freaking-tastic! So badass!!!
One of the best lines of the series came from him, "She might have been death, but I'm Hades, God of the damned dead, and that meant she'd always answer to me." Damn straight, she would! Phew! Is that the fires of hell heating me up, or once more, his sensual, liquid smoke voice?
The long list of side effects of being mortal and staying in the underworld too long as hysterical! Like those commercials for a new drug, and listing all of the issues with it. Cass freaking out about it was perfect. Cass finding out Kai watched Barbie without him while they were down there, was also epic. Their banter was engaging, and so fun!
Hades and Dahlia going at it in a crypt was ridiculously hot. Um, why is that so hot. I can't even put that in words, but it did it for me in a huge way.
The magical tattoos session with Kai was beautiful, and sexy, and funny. Thank God they didn't gloss over that one either. We definitely needed that.
The Eiffel tower joke was also making me laugh so hard. Probably because a friend of mine had a joke about that with me, so it tickled my funny bone like mad.
Cass taking pics of their sexy time with Kai's phone had me snorting as well. Oh Cass, they need you so much. I also love that he knows more about her fantasies, and what her hard limits are than the other guys because he's so adventurous and carefree. He watches out for her in every way possible, so he's integral in this group. He keeps her pushing her limits in a different way from the rest of them, and I treasure that crazy pirate.
I wanted to know why the "compass" was a pendant. What did that mean? Are we going to find out later somehow? Grrrr! And who was Lizzy that was wearing it that got buried in it? I had a lot of questions about Cass and his background. A flashback of him as the prince would have been appreciated.
Hades in awe of Dahlia's power made her even more impressive and intimidating. When the God of the underworld is dropping his jaw watching you, you're doing something right, babydoll. Too late to give her a high five that doesn't have an Eiffel tower included?
I hadn't figured out that Cass's glamour was the power of persuasion. I'm hoping when I go back and re-listen to this series, I'll see more hints of that which I probably missed the first time through.
The lead up to Merry's story was well done, and very organic. Each time we saw her, once more, it was like spotting a celebrity. Yes! I'm excited to re-listen to the Apocalypse series. Already I've restarted it, but I'm annoyed that Remy isn't voiced by Jacob Morgan in the PFFN recordings, but I understand why. I'm thinking in those recordings that it's the same voice actor for Lucifer, and Cole. I like him too, but it's simply not the same.
I'm already thinking I'll listen to the Twisted Cross Ranch series, since I think I might have bought book 1 during Cyber Monday week, because I somehow already own it.
Okay, back to Chaos, and drooling all over his... ahem! boots.
I'll probably relisten to the entire world from start to finish in May before Lucifer's book comes out. Can't wait for it! June 6th can't come soon enough!
Mate Games has my name tattooed all over it, because this world is everything I want, and it's stolen my heart.
Freaking outstanding! As it has been with the entire Mate Games world.
Death was such a great villain. I loved her! It took me a while to figure out what was going on, though I was wrong about who the malevolent spirit was. That was a fun shock! The satisfying resolution for Dr. Masterson was a great way to wrap up Dahlia learning to use her powers. Death was probably my favorite of the horsewomen.
The zombie army was feeding my geek, because I'm a huge Walking Dead fan, so zombies make me squeal.
I loved seeing how the 4 horsemen got drained by Death, and I hadn't put together that whatever ritual Death performed was what had freed Lucifer and opened a gate to hell. Somehow I had missed that when I had listened to the Apocalypse series.
There were some unfinished stories that I'm hoping will still be addressed.
I thought for sure we'd see Kai taken back by the Shadow Court since he had come to terms with his dragon and had mastered it. Or as much as he could.
I also thought Tor's curse would be reversed at some point, but that never happened either, though I was pleased that he and Alec made up and talked through their argument. Really not even an argument, but a misunderstanding more than anything.
I'm loving it when the series overlap. It's like spotting a celebrity out in public and being shocked and thrilled by it. "Oh my God! That's Asher on the airplane!" I did gasp on that one, and I was immediately needing a fan. Oh yes... that Asher. Need more of him.
I wasn't all that sad that Kiki died. She was fun, but as far as sidekicks go, I enjoyed Moira a lot more. I didn't cry on that one, but I was sad for Dahlia, since up to that point, Kiki had been her rock.
Caleb saving Dahlia after being attacked by the Ripper was awesome! He's still so delicious.
Kai's breeding kink was hot as hell!! I was shocked when he broke the contraceptive spell before they had left Blackwood, but I suppose that's what gives it the yummy risk, dangerous edge to it. I still was cringing though, thinking why the hell would you risk that when you're in an insane asylum, but then I remembered he's a dragon and could eat anyone if they tried to hurt her or his child. This is why I'm so damn psycho over this series. It makes me forget about reality completely. Like a good story should. I'm so enveloped in it.
Hook was even more hilarious in this story! Especially Christmas morning with him fighting with the pixie in the Christmas tree. I was laughing so hard I was nearly snorting my tea out of my nostrils. I listened to it so many times, because he's so funny. Bad form! Each time he said that, I laughed harder, and wanted him even more. He's that kind of funny, that you can't get enough of it, because he doesn't even know he's funny. Hot, hot, hot!
Their Christmas gifts were so sweet, but I wanted to see her reading Hades journal. Missed opportunity right there...
I also wanted to know more about Cass's past and what the deal was with the crocodile and the clock, and the girl he didn't want to marry. Was that Nautica? Or some princess before he became Hook? That was never answered, or if it was, I missed it somehow. Every time he did the ticking clock sound, I was wound up in knots, because it made my heart hurt for him. His descent into madness was expertly done, and James Joseph killed it!
Another backstory I wanted more of--Kai not being a shifter and not being dragon, but it's his father's curse. Um what? Say what now? Where did that plotline go? I need to know more about that.
The group sex was fantastic. I loved all of the steamy scenes, and when Hades finally started embracing it and participating, you know I was listening to that over and over. His voice as Hades is pure liquid sex. Once more, not usually a fan of southern accents, but good God, this man's voice is unreal...
Gabriel arguing with Cass over a story not being smut if they're in love was hysterical. I kept laughing at Gabriel trying to argue with him, and the other guys too. Poor Gabriel. They all drive him bonkers.
The other part that had me cracking up is when Dahlia starts trying to talk to the ghosts in the cemetery and she finds out they're all awful people, so she'd yell, "Next!" then she'd toss them back into their grave. Go, girl!
The underworld scenes were soooo gooood! I'm so thrilled they let us see it, and took us there. The tender moment of Hades with Nelly and the little boy were absolute heart melters. Did I mention that Hades is my favorite? His defeat of Helene was fan-freaking-tastic! So badass!!!
One of the best lines of the series came from him, "She might have been death, but I'm Hades, God of the damned dead, and that meant she'd always answer to me." Damn straight, she would! Phew! Is that the fires of hell heating me up, or once more, his sensual, liquid smoke voice?
The long list of side effects of being mortal and staying in the underworld too long as hysterical! Like those commercials for a new drug, and listing all of the issues with it. Cass freaking out about it was perfect. Cass finding out Kai watched Barbie without him while they were down there, was also epic. Their banter was engaging, and so fun!
Hades and Dahlia going at it in a crypt was ridiculously hot. Um, why is that so hot. I can't even put that in words, but it did it for me in a huge way.
The magical tattoos session with Kai was beautiful, and sexy, and funny. Thank God they didn't gloss over that one either. We definitely needed that.
The Eiffel tower joke was also making me laugh so hard. Probably because a friend of mine had a joke about that with me, so it tickled my funny bone like mad.
Cass taking pics of their sexy time with Kai's phone had me snorting as well. Oh Cass, they need you so much. I also love that he knows more about her fantasies, and what her hard limits are than the other guys because he's so adventurous and carefree. He watches out for her in every way possible, so he's integral in this group. He keeps her pushing her limits in a different way from the rest of them, and I treasure that crazy pirate.
I wanted to know why the "compass" was a pendant. What did that mean? Are we going to find out later somehow? Grrrr! And who was Lizzy that was wearing it that got buried in it? I had a lot of questions about Cass and his background. A flashback of him as the prince would have been appreciated.
Hades in awe of Dahlia's power made her even more impressive and intimidating. When the God of the underworld is dropping his jaw watching you, you're doing something right, babydoll. Too late to give her a high five that doesn't have an Eiffel tower included?
I hadn't figured out that Cass's glamour was the power of persuasion. I'm hoping when I go back and re-listen to this series, I'll see more hints of that which I probably missed the first time through.
The lead up to Merry's story was well done, and very organic. Each time we saw her, once more, it was like spotting a celebrity. Yes! I'm excited to re-listen to the Apocalypse series. Already I've restarted it, but I'm annoyed that Remy isn't voiced by Jacob Morgan in the PFFN recordings, but I understand why. I'm thinking in those recordings that it's the same voice actor for Lucifer, and Cole. I like him too, but it's simply not the same.
I'm already thinking I'll listen to the Twisted Cross Ranch series, since I think I might have bought book 1 during Cyber Monday week, because I somehow already own it.
Okay, back to Chaos, and drooling all over his... ahem! boots.
I'll probably relisten to the entire world from start to finish in May before Lucifer's book comes out. Can't wait for it! June 6th can't come soon enough!
Mate Games has my name tattooed all over it, because this world is everything I want, and it's stolen my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2024
My review is written voluntarily after listening to the incredible audio version of this book.
First I want to say thank you to Kim and Meg for this phenomenal series and especially for the multi-cast narration which truly enhanced my enjoyment of this series. I've been following it from the beginning and have fallen in love with this world even more with every series. This is the third series of The Mate Games but there are Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse so I sincerely hope there is going to be another series.
This book picks up where the previous book left off and the incredible journey of Dahlia and her men picks up even more speed as we race towards the conclusion of this series. It's a real rollercoaster ride full of danger, intrigue, chemistry, spice, laughter and angst as well as the incredible bonds of love shared by them all.
This incredible story has ups and downs, twists and turns as well as action but the thing that stands out for me is their loyalty to each other and the lengths these five will go to for each other. I loved the lighter moments too, the humour that had me laughing out loud sometimes with tears rolling down my cheeks. The chemistry shared by all five is palpable and undeniable and the spice and heat had me reaching for a long cool drink!
This is the fourth book and the last book of this series and wraps everything up so well, there's two epilogues and a bonus epilogue taken from everyone's points of view which rounds off the series beautifully.
The narration is stupendous and I will be forever grateful to Meg Anne and K. Loraine for choosing such talented actors to bring this series to life.
Samantha Brentmoor is a new and wonderful addition to The Mate Games and she was amazing as Dr Masterson, delivering a faultless Scottish accent. As Kiki, Dahlia's best friend she was perfect bringing out the funnier moments as well as the angst. There's another character which she does to perfection but to name them would involve spoilers so you will have to discover who for yourself.
Jason Clarke was brilliant as Tor, the growly Beast of Novasguard he's one of my favourite narrators and his performance and the difference in his dialect as Tor were perfect and moving. He became the emotional, overbearing, possessive and overprotective Viking. I loved the name he had for Dahlia but forgive me if I spelt it incorrectly Kyroster whenever Jason said that word I had tingles down my spine.
You could sense his fear of losing control and becoming a beast for eternity, his fear of what his parents would think of his beast state and when he met with Alec, his brother, the angst could be felt by any anyone listening to Jason's perfect portrayal. His range is fantastic as he brings to life not only Tor but the lovable yet hilarious @$$hole, Caleb, Taylor Swift and Chaos.
James Joseph as the eccentric Caspian aka Captain Hook brought out his broken yet caring personality. Despite there having been times when I wanted to give Hook a good shake there was no doubting his love and loyalty as he steps up for not only Dahlia but for all the other men. I loved the comedic timing JJ was able to bring to his performance at the most inopportune moments. Caspian and Hook are different and JJ was able to bring each facet of these two polar characters to life in his performance. But he doesn't stop there he also brings to life Bru, Malice, Gabrial and Noah Blackthorn.
John Hartley portrays Kai a Scottish Fae dragon-shifter incredibly well, having listened to him many times I have to say his Scottish accent was faultless. I just loved his accent work between Kai and his dragon. His performance showed Kia's quiet presence and how he was always there to support Dahlia his Gem and you could feel his angst and fear about his past and trusting his dragon in the beautifully moving portrayal. He brought out Kia's vulnerabilities in his performance as well as his quiet strength. In addition to Kai, he brought Temperance, Adonis and Kit to life as well.
J.F. Harding as Cain/Hades aka Shadow Daddy Dahlia's long lost husband and first soul mate J.F. truly showed Cain's demanding possessiveness, his dominance, and especially his gentle softer side when it came to Dahlia, I loved it when he called her "baby doll" I also loved the camaraderie between him and @$$hole his adorable familiar. in addition, he also gave life to Oz, Syn and Kingston the loveable shifter we met at the very start of the Mate Games Journey.
Stella Hunter's talent is incredible, in the earlier episodes of the Mate Games she became Sunday in War then Rosie in Pestilence and now is Dahlia in this series, I just love the way Stella became Dahlia it was like she had a true connection with her and because of this her performance is perfect. I loved witnessing Dahlia develop and grow throughout this series from a broken, reclusive human individual into the powerful being she becomes. Able to fully embrace her powers and express her desires, leaving little to the imagination was phenomenal. Dahlia's evolution could be heard and felt when listening to Stella's wonderful performance. But she didn't stop there she also performed Sorka, Liliith, Sunday, Mary and Moria.
Last be not least there were cameo appearances by Shane East as Crombie and Grim, by Aaron Shedlock as Alec, and finally Teddy Hamilton as Asher.
First I want to say thank you to Kim and Meg for this phenomenal series and especially for the multi-cast narration which truly enhanced my enjoyment of this series. I've been following it from the beginning and have fallen in love with this world even more with every series. This is the third series of The Mate Games but there are Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse so I sincerely hope there is going to be another series.
This book picks up where the previous book left off and the incredible journey of Dahlia and her men picks up even more speed as we race towards the conclusion of this series. It's a real rollercoaster ride full of danger, intrigue, chemistry, spice, laughter and angst as well as the incredible bonds of love shared by them all.
This incredible story has ups and downs, twists and turns as well as action but the thing that stands out for me is their loyalty to each other and the lengths these five will go to for each other. I loved the lighter moments too, the humour that had me laughing out loud sometimes with tears rolling down my cheeks. The chemistry shared by all five is palpable and undeniable and the spice and heat had me reaching for a long cool drink!
This is the fourth book and the last book of this series and wraps everything up so well, there's two epilogues and a bonus epilogue taken from everyone's points of view which rounds off the series beautifully.
The narration is stupendous and I will be forever grateful to Meg Anne and K. Loraine for choosing such talented actors to bring this series to life.
Samantha Brentmoor is a new and wonderful addition to The Mate Games and she was amazing as Dr Masterson, delivering a faultless Scottish accent. As Kiki, Dahlia's best friend she was perfect bringing out the funnier moments as well as the angst. There's another character which she does to perfection but to name them would involve spoilers so you will have to discover who for yourself.
Jason Clarke was brilliant as Tor, the growly Beast of Novasguard he's one of my favourite narrators and his performance and the difference in his dialect as Tor were perfect and moving. He became the emotional, overbearing, possessive and overprotective Viking. I loved the name he had for Dahlia but forgive me if I spelt it incorrectly Kyroster whenever Jason said that word I had tingles down my spine.
You could sense his fear of losing control and becoming a beast for eternity, his fear of what his parents would think of his beast state and when he met with Alec, his brother, the angst could be felt by any anyone listening to Jason's perfect portrayal. His range is fantastic as he brings to life not only Tor but the lovable yet hilarious @$$hole, Caleb, Taylor Swift and Chaos.
James Joseph as the eccentric Caspian aka Captain Hook brought out his broken yet caring personality. Despite there having been times when I wanted to give Hook a good shake there was no doubting his love and loyalty as he steps up for not only Dahlia but for all the other men. I loved the comedic timing JJ was able to bring to his performance at the most inopportune moments. Caspian and Hook are different and JJ was able to bring each facet of these two polar characters to life in his performance. But he doesn't stop there he also brings to life Bru, Malice, Gabrial and Noah Blackthorn.
John Hartley portrays Kai a Scottish Fae dragon-shifter incredibly well, having listened to him many times I have to say his Scottish accent was faultless. I just loved his accent work between Kai and his dragon. His performance showed Kia's quiet presence and how he was always there to support Dahlia his Gem and you could feel his angst and fear about his past and trusting his dragon in the beautifully moving portrayal. He brought out Kia's vulnerabilities in his performance as well as his quiet strength. In addition to Kai, he brought Temperance, Adonis and Kit to life as well.
J.F. Harding as Cain/Hades aka Shadow Daddy Dahlia's long lost husband and first soul mate J.F. truly showed Cain's demanding possessiveness, his dominance, and especially his gentle softer side when it came to Dahlia, I loved it when he called her "baby doll" I also loved the camaraderie between him and @$$hole his adorable familiar. in addition, he also gave life to Oz, Syn and Kingston the loveable shifter we met at the very start of the Mate Games Journey.
Stella Hunter's talent is incredible, in the earlier episodes of the Mate Games she became Sunday in War then Rosie in Pestilence and now is Dahlia in this series, I just love the way Stella became Dahlia it was like she had a true connection with her and because of this her performance is perfect. I loved witnessing Dahlia develop and grow throughout this series from a broken, reclusive human individual into the powerful being she becomes. Able to fully embrace her powers and express her desires, leaving little to the imagination was phenomenal. Dahlia's evolution could be heard and felt when listening to Stella's wonderful performance. But she didn't stop there she also performed Sorka, Liliith, Sunday, Mary and Moria.
Last be not least there were cameo appearances by Shane East as Crombie and Grim, by Aaron Shedlock as Alec, and finally Teddy Hamilton as Asher.
July 21, 2025
What a way to end the series! Can't wait to jump into The Mate Games Apocalypse! Do we get to see who Keeks is falling for???? I'm dying to know!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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