What do you think?
Rate this book
Wicked Games
When Harley’s new boyfriend invites her to a weekend at his family's country house, she accepts, game for an adventure. But the estate has a sinister history. Harley knows about the murder suicide that happened in the kitchen; the other stories might just be rumors.
She’s not worried.
She has a history too.
Then night falls, and a brutal game begins. Masked intruders who know the house too well—and who also know Harley’s closely guarded secrets—arrive. But Harley’s hard-boiled past has endowed her with a bag of tricks, and she knows how to play this kind of game.
In fact, she’s pretty good at it.
She’s not worried.
She has a history too.
Then night falls, and a brutal game begins. Masked intruders who know the house too well—and who also know Harley’s closely guarded secrets—arrive. But Harley’s hard-boiled past has endowed her with a bag of tricks, and she knows how to play this kind of game.
In fact, she’s pretty good at it.
7 pages, Audiobook
Published May 25, 2024
1 person is currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
J.H. Markert
8 books914 followersAlso writes under James Markert.
J. H. Markert is a producer, screenwriter, husband, and father of two from Louisville, Kentucky, where he was also a tennis pro for 25 years. He graduated with a degree in History from the University of Louisville.
J. H. Markert is a producer, screenwriter, husband, and father of two from Louisville, Kentucky, where he was also a tennis pro for 25 years. He graduated with a degree in History from the University of Louisville.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 15, 2024
Seems like I'm on 3-star rating today. Clearly JH Market has stepped up his game with his newer books.
May 18, 2024
J. H. Markert writes gruesome horror well so I knew I wanted to read this one. It wasn’t like the previous books I’ve read, but it was still a wild and horrific ride. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a great job bringing the main character and narrator to life. Harley is not your typical heroine. As the story started with her she was a difficult character to like. As the book continued you got some of the trauma of her past and you could see more of her defensive mechanisms. When Harley’s new boyfriend invites her to spend a weekend at his family’s mansion she is eager to go despite (or maybe because of) the mysterious rumors of the horrors that have occurred there. Her friend Jules tried to discourage her from going, but Harley is determined and they fight over it. As the day goes on Harley starts to notice signs that maybe this weekend is all that she thought it was. When night falls masked men appear and it’s clear she’s been drawn into the kind of game that’s rigged for her to lose. But Harley’s past, while horrific and traumatic, prepared her better than most and she isn’t quitting yet. Overall I gave this one 4.5 stars which I rounded up because it was the kind of book I didn’t want to put down (or stop). It’s a bit of a shorter audiobook and I totally finished it in one day.
October 18, 2025
This was intense and suspenseful with dark themes. I liked the fmc even with all her flaws (made her and interesting character to read about). Could read more about this concept.
May 23, 2024
Get ready for a weekend of crazy games! Holy moly, this book was off the charts! I listened to the audiobook, which was so well done and kept me on the edge of my seat. I kept waiting for Harley to be taken down but she stood her ground and fought her way through everything that was thrown at her. Love a strong female lead!! Such a great gruesome book!
May 17, 2024
Wow… just wow! This book was so good. The only way I can give you an idea of it is by saying that this book is 100% The Hunt meets I Spit on Your Grave if the main characters had a concerned friend. Is it violent? Absolutely. Is it gory? Yes. Is it a wild ride? All of the above. The story starts out with Harley, an absolutely unlikeable character. And if you have read my reviews, you know how much I love an unlikeable character. But Harley isn’t actually unlikeable. It’s just a defense mechanism she’s formed due to an extreme amount of personal trauma. I mean this poor girl has been through the wringer before she even makes it to the house. But when things start going down, Harley goes from victim to absolutely unyielding bad ass! J. H. Markert does it again with this incredible book! If you like revenge served bloody and a good dose of feminine rage, this is the book you need to read!
Huge thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Huge thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
May 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
“You just cut his d!ck off Harley, holy sh!t!”
“He was a big boy, but not as big as I thought he might be.”
“They’re gonna kill you.” “Nah.”
Talk about “I AM 𝗡𝗢𝗧 the one (you wanna mess with)” vibes! If you’re into that, then this 𝗜𝗦 the audiobook for you. I legit felt like I was watching a scary movie while listening to this one. Oh and guess what….there 𝗜𝗦 a movie…which actually came out before the audiobook. The audiobook’s purpose is the not only tell you the story as set forth in the movie but also to give you more of the back story that you didn’t see in the movie. I haven’t watched the movie yet but I’m definitely going to.
This one eases you in and then takes off as soon as the MC Harley goes with her new man friend to his family’s country house, Black Heart. This house is a labyrinth of chaos, danger and death lurking at every turn.
This is definitely a page turner once it gets rolling. The atmospheric vibes are incredible and I loved hearing about the character’s backstory.
If you like pulse pounding thrillers, with strong female leads and a karmic conclusion…you’ll definitely want to give this one a listen.
“You just cut his d!ck off Harley, holy sh!t!”
“He was a big boy, but not as big as I thought he might be.”
“They’re gonna kill you.” “Nah.”
Talk about “I AM 𝗡𝗢𝗧 the one (you wanna mess with)” vibes! If you’re into that, then this 𝗜𝗦 the audiobook for you. I legit felt like I was watching a scary movie while listening to this one. Oh and guess what….there 𝗜𝗦 a movie…which actually came out before the audiobook. The audiobook’s purpose is the not only tell you the story as set forth in the movie but also to give you more of the back story that you didn’t see in the movie. I haven’t watched the movie yet but I’m definitely going to.
This one eases you in and then takes off as soon as the MC Harley goes with her new man friend to his family’s country house, Black Heart. This house is a labyrinth of chaos, danger and death lurking at every turn.
This is definitely a page turner once it gets rolling. The atmospheric vibes are incredible and I loved hearing about the character’s backstory.
If you like pulse pounding thrillers, with strong female leads and a karmic conclusion…you’ll definitely want to give this one a listen.
May 23, 2024
4.5 stars.
This was definitely fun. Pretty dark, but still fun. I actually had no idea this was a novelization of a movie, so now I kind of can't wait to see the movie. Harley was such a bad-ass character but it sucks what she had to go through to become who she was in this story.
This was definitely fun. Pretty dark, but still fun. I actually had no idea this was a novelization of a movie, so now I kind of can't wait to see the movie. Harley was such a bad-ass character but it sucks what she had to go through to become who she was in this story.
June 6, 2024
I absolutely love JH Markert and this book is no exception. I absolutely adored this entire story and hope a physical copy is available one day.
Let me just say holy shit, heroic female character! You need to listen to this.
Let me just say holy shit, heroic female character! You need to listen to this.
May 22, 2024
Thank you to Dreamscape Media & NetGalley for the early audiobook of Wicked Games!
What’s a horror/thriller sub-genre that truly terrifies you? For me, it’s home invasion.
Which is why I was very curious about Wicked Games by J.H. Markert. This is the novelization (audiobook original) of the movie with the same name. To be honest, I never even knew of the movie’s existence until this book, but it has definitely landed on the to watch list.
This is a very quick listen & is filled to the brim with tense scenes. And although they didn’t always feel the most surprising, there are a lot of twists to keep the reader on their feet. What really draws me to Wicked Games is the fact that I love women, especially those who turn the tables & absolutely kick ass. Harley is a badass who I loved rooting for the entire time!
What’s a horror/thriller sub-genre that truly terrifies you? For me, it’s home invasion.
Which is why I was very curious about Wicked Games by J.H. Markert. This is the novelization (audiobook original) of the movie with the same name. To be honest, I never even knew of the movie’s existence until this book, but it has definitely landed on the to watch list.
This is a very quick listen & is filled to the brim with tense scenes. And although they didn’t always feel the most surprising, there are a lot of twists to keep the reader on their feet. What really draws me to Wicked Games is the fact that I love women, especially those who turn the tables & absolutely kick ass. Harley is a badass who I loved rooting for the entire time!
June 1, 2024
**Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for the ALC of this dark title!!**
So I loved J. H. Markert's book Mister Lullaby on audio. When I saw this audio exclusive - I knew I was in for a treat.
Wicked Games is a story about vengeance, female rage, and the things that follow us. The fact that this has already been made into a movie doesn't surprise me. The audiobook read as though I was in the action, fighting alongside Harley through these "Wicked Games."
For fans of action, horror, and suspense - Wicked Games is sure to delight. I will absolutely be checking out the movie that this audiobook is written from, and also can't wait to read Sleep Tight by this author ASAP.
So I loved J. H. Markert's book Mister Lullaby on audio. When I saw this audio exclusive - I knew I was in for a treat.
Wicked Games is a story about vengeance, female rage, and the things that follow us. The fact that this has already been made into a movie doesn't surprise me. The audiobook read as though I was in the action, fighting alongside Harley through these "Wicked Games."
For fans of action, horror, and suspense - Wicked Games is sure to delight. I will absolutely be checking out the movie that this audiobook is written from, and also can't wait to read Sleep Tight by this author ASAP.
September 16, 2024
I think I need to take a step back and figure out what I mean when I say that I like "horror". This wouldn't be too bad if it were a movie, but as a book, it's just too much for me. I don't care for realistic crime and the things that happened to her were too much. I did like that she was tough and could take care of herself. The plot is over the top, which I generally love, but I prefer Joe Ledger level of over the top! This is 2.5 stars. At this point I need some fluff because horror shouldn't depress me!
June 29, 2024
While this was fast paced, there was just a little too much cringe for me.
August 19, 2024
Choppy smut gooner dialogue throughout the first half, second half was pretty decent. The ending sucked
June 6, 2024
3.5 stars.
A novel full of action, blood and female rage that gradually got more and more far fetched as it neared the anti climactic ending. Still entertaining and recommended for fans of the slasher film You're Next.
I received a free arc from Dreamscape Media via Netgalley.
A novel full of action, blood and female rage that gradually got more and more far fetched as it neared the anti climactic ending. Still entertaining and recommended for fans of the slasher film You're Next.
I received a free arc from Dreamscape Media via Netgalley.
June 2, 2024
Wicked Games by JH Markert and narrated by Leila Allarie. In the book we meet Harley
She is a college student who sees a therapist for a crime that made her famous at the age of eight. Jules is her only friend because Harley isn’t one to trust so easily but she likes Jules and they have formed a tentative bond. She is also dating Kiel, A very rich and very handsome guy. When Harley tells Jules she was invited to Kiel’s infamous house Black heart Manor She is shocked when Jules begs her not to go in even tells her all about the famous houses past to try and convince her Harley goes anyway but since her and Jules‘s argument Jules is not responding to any of Harley‘s text. When Harley and Kiel arrive at Black heart Manor they have a wonderful time and Harley even feels as if she’s found the one but when her and Keal get in an argument she hears a gunshot go off and what she find is devastating but little does Harley know it is just the beginning. Like a lot of other reviewers I also didn’t like Harley at the beginning but by the end I was a humongous fan. Usually with characters like her and her corny comebacks I typically roll my eyes but in this one by the end I was lol ling with her and totally rooting for her to be the victor. I would love it if the author wrote another book with her and their list but having said that this was a great book it’s good against evil girl with the past is put in a position to do or die and it is so good. It’s a game of cat and mouse where you should never underestimate the mouse. What more can I say if you love a great book with a great victim to route four then you found it. This is an absolutely awesome book even if in the beginning you think you’re not going to like it keep listening and or reading because you will not be disappointed. I love this book and totally recommend it. I thought the narrator did an awesome job doing all those different voices in all though she ended a lot of her statements as questions I still think she did a superb job I want to thank dreamscape first for this awesome arc copy via NetGalley. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
She is a college student who sees a therapist for a crime that made her famous at the age of eight. Jules is her only friend because Harley isn’t one to trust so easily but she likes Jules and they have formed a tentative bond. She is also dating Kiel, A very rich and very handsome guy. When Harley tells Jules she was invited to Kiel’s infamous house Black heart Manor She is shocked when Jules begs her not to go in even tells her all about the famous houses past to try and convince her Harley goes anyway but since her and Jules‘s argument Jules is not responding to any of Harley‘s text. When Harley and Kiel arrive at Black heart Manor they have a wonderful time and Harley even feels as if she’s found the one but when her and Keal get in an argument she hears a gunshot go off and what she find is devastating but little does Harley know it is just the beginning. Like a lot of other reviewers I also didn’t like Harley at the beginning but by the end I was a humongous fan. Usually with characters like her and her corny comebacks I typically roll my eyes but in this one by the end I was lol ling with her and totally rooting for her to be the victor. I would love it if the author wrote another book with her and their list but having said that this was a great book it’s good against evil girl with the past is put in a position to do or die and it is so good. It’s a game of cat and mouse where you should never underestimate the mouse. What more can I say if you love a great book with a great victim to route four then you found it. This is an absolutely awesome book even if in the beginning you think you’re not going to like it keep listening and or reading because you will not be disappointed. I love this book and totally recommend it. I thought the narrator did an awesome job doing all those different voices in all though she ended a lot of her statements as questions I still think she did a superb job I want to thank dreamscape first for this awesome arc copy via NetGalley. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
June 8, 2024
*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*
"Hell hath no fury like a woman whose been nothing but fu&king scorned!"
WHOA! Excuse me while I catch my breath. Listening to the wild slasher, with the most badass female heroine, Wicked Games by new horror King James Markert, was exhilarating and exhausting at the same time.
Based on a movie by award winning director Teddy Grennan, now on Apple TV, this original audiobook from Dreamscape First, belongs to our survivor and takes no prisoners, Harley. She's aptly named because like the motorcycle she's strong, powerful and the best at what she does when put to the test. And boy is she tested in this one.
Harley's new boyfriend invites her to his family home which is it's own urban legend where a murder suicide took place once upon a time. Despite her best friend Jules begging her not to go, her curiosity gets the best of her. It's all a perfect day exploring the house and land but then night falls. Home intruders wearing creepy masks invade the home with torture and murder part of their game. However they don't know Harley's fiery past, her anger, her vengeance for her murdered father or her must-survive mindset, but they are about to find out their opponent Harley plays to win.
This was my first time hearing voice actress Leila Allarie but I hope it's not my last. She knew the assignment was, gore, horror and badassery and she nailed it.
Now this is a Markert project so you know there are twisty twists, like how the intruders seem awfully familiar with this property and Harley. It's rare the movie is first and then there's a novelization of it but I'm continuing Slasher Saturday watching the movie. I will let you know if it's the director or the author that wins these Wicked Games.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Media via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
"Hell hath no fury like a woman whose been nothing but fu&king scorned!"
WHOA! Excuse me while I catch my breath. Listening to the wild slasher, with the most badass female heroine, Wicked Games by new horror King James Markert, was exhilarating and exhausting at the same time.
Based on a movie by award winning director Teddy Grennan, now on Apple TV, this original audiobook from Dreamscape First, belongs to our survivor and takes no prisoners, Harley. She's aptly named because like the motorcycle she's strong, powerful and the best at what she does when put to the test. And boy is she tested in this one.
Harley's new boyfriend invites her to his family home which is it's own urban legend where a murder suicide took place once upon a time. Despite her best friend Jules begging her not to go, her curiosity gets the best of her. It's all a perfect day exploring the house and land but then night falls. Home intruders wearing creepy masks invade the home with torture and murder part of their game. However they don't know Harley's fiery past, her anger, her vengeance for her murdered father or her must-survive mindset, but they are about to find out their opponent Harley plays to win.
This was my first time hearing voice actress Leila Allarie but I hope it's not my last. She knew the assignment was, gore, horror and badassery and she nailed it.
Now this is a Markert project so you know there are twisty twists, like how the intruders seem awfully familiar with this property and Harley. It's rare the movie is first and then there's a novelization of it but I'm continuing Slasher Saturday watching the movie. I will let you know if it's the director or the author that wins these Wicked Games.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Media via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 31, 2024
TW: Suicide, Sexual/Physical Abuse, Rape, Offensive Terms (Plot Relevant)
Harley has had a difficult life that has left her with little trust in men. But this guy she’s been speaking to for a few weeks feels different, so she agrees to go visit his family estate with him. She doesn’t care that the estate has a dark past and that rumors abound surrounding it. What she does care about is that when they get there, things seem off. Harley soon finds out that she’s stepped right into the middle of a game, one where not everyone will make it out alive.
This is a gruesome and dark book with some intense and gory things included. There is also some on-page sex (consensual). While I don’t normally go for reads quite like this, the short chapters and the increasing tension kept me unable to put this down. Finally, a real thriller!
The protagonist is crass and unlikeable, but she has more than enough reason to be that way considering her history and trauma. She’s easy to sympathize with, and I ended up liking her, her strength, and her unwillingness to give up. There aren’t many characters to get to know in this story, but thankfully she was strong enough to carry this book on her shoulders.
If you’re interested in home-invasion thrillers that are fast-paced, seeped in tension, and extremely dark, you’ll probably like this one. The narrator did a fantastic job, and the audiobook is only about 6h long. My thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Harley has had a difficult life that has left her with little trust in men. But this guy she’s been speaking to for a few weeks feels different, so she agrees to go visit his family estate with him. She doesn’t care that the estate has a dark past and that rumors abound surrounding it. What she does care about is that when they get there, things seem off. Harley soon finds out that she’s stepped right into the middle of a game, one where not everyone will make it out alive.
This is a gruesome and dark book with some intense and gory things included. There is also some on-page sex (consensual). While I don’t normally go for reads quite like this, the short chapters and the increasing tension kept me unable to put this down. Finally, a real thriller!
The protagonist is crass and unlikeable, but she has more than enough reason to be that way considering her history and trauma. She’s easy to sympathize with, and I ended up liking her, her strength, and her unwillingness to give up. There aren’t many characters to get to know in this story, but thankfully she was strong enough to carry this book on her shoulders.
If you’re interested in home-invasion thrillers that are fast-paced, seeped in tension, and extremely dark, you’ll probably like this one. The narrator did a fantastic job, and the audiobook is only about 6h long. My thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 1, 2024
Harley’s boyfriend has invited her to spend the weekend at his family's country house. This is a big step for her. She experienced a horrific attack which has left her traumatized and with difficulty trusting men. But her boyfriend has been wonderful, and she agrees to go despite his family's home dark and deadly history.
But then masked intruders arrive....
This audiobook can be listened to in one day. It is not long but it is heavy on suspense, violence, danger, evil, and dread. This book has the trapped feeling that I enjoy in books. It also taps into the fear of home invasion. What happens when someone breaks in and all you-know-what breaks loose? Once the action starts, it never lets up, and readers are taken on a dark, twist filled, ride of horror.
I found this book to be enjoyable. It is different from the author's other books. I believe that is because he adapted this story for an audiobook. Teddy Grennan wrote and directed the movie version. If you enjoyed the movie (which I have not seen), or tales of home invasion, horror, you may love this book. I did find the audiobook to be well done and I enjoyed the narration.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media | Dreamscape First and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
But then masked intruders arrive....
This audiobook can be listened to in one day. It is not long but it is heavy on suspense, violence, danger, evil, and dread. This book has the trapped feeling that I enjoy in books. It also taps into the fear of home invasion. What happens when someone breaks in and all you-know-what breaks loose? Once the action starts, it never lets up, and readers are taken on a dark, twist filled, ride of horror.
I found this book to be enjoyable. It is different from the author's other books. I believe that is because he adapted this story for an audiobook. Teddy Grennan wrote and directed the movie version. If you enjoyed the movie (which I have not seen), or tales of home invasion, horror, you may love this book. I did find the audiobook to be well done and I enjoyed the narration.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media | Dreamscape First and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
May 16, 2024
This novel brings one twist after another and I listened to the audiobook in one sitting. I just couldn’t stop. Either I’m psychotic, or the author wrote such a suspenseful, compelling story that I was cheering at inappropriate content. Harley is messed up. She had a hard childhood, lost the only person who ever loved her in a horrific way, was assaulted and is now surviving and hiding a huge secret. Then she meets a guy. A cute rich guy, and he invites her to his family mansion for the weekend. No one knows where she is, except perhaps for her one and only friend. But Harley is not a wallflower and she can-and will-fight. Leila Allarie’s performance shows her evolution from the beginning of the story, with Harley as a wild child to… well, Harley in the end. Her narration keeps the fast pace of the fabulous plot. And the story is suspenseful, dark, bloody and addictive. Yes, it sometimes strains the limits of plausibility but I was still on board. For horror fans and anybody who likes strong female characters.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Dreamscape Media.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Dreamscape Media.
May 23, 2024
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy of this audiobook for review.
This book was not quite what I was expecting from this author, but I didn't hate it. I am used to this author's horror containing some gore but being more psychological. This one was less on the psychological side and more on the blood, guts and gore side.
Harley's boyfriend invites her to stay the weekend at his family's house. The house has a history. Harley knows about his parent's murder suicide that took place in the kitchen but doesn't know what other secrets the house hides.
When night comes, masked intruders break in and the games begin.
Listening to this felt like watching a nostalgic 90's slasher film but had some modern-day themes. The second half of the book is essentially just a blood bath of a slasher movie. I enjoyed the story leading up and watching the backstory unfold.
It was on the shorter side of audio books if you are looking for a graphic scare and some slasher movie nostalgia.
This book was not quite what I was expecting from this author, but I didn't hate it. I am used to this author's horror containing some gore but being more psychological. This one was less on the psychological side and more on the blood, guts and gore side.
Harley's boyfriend invites her to stay the weekend at his family's house. The house has a history. Harley knows about his parent's murder suicide that took place in the kitchen but doesn't know what other secrets the house hides.
When night comes, masked intruders break in and the games begin.
Listening to this felt like watching a nostalgic 90's slasher film but had some modern-day themes. The second half of the book is essentially just a blood bath of a slasher movie. I enjoyed the story leading up and watching the backstory unfold.
It was on the shorter side of audio books if you are looking for a graphic scare and some slasher movie nostalgia.
June 1, 2024
This was a wild ride. I have never read anything by this author although he has been on my TBR for awhile.
Hayley tells it like it is. She is brazen, un-apologetic and damaged. Her life has been tough and she has gone through a lot. Her latest fling invites her to his family mountain home for the weekend. Regardless of her friend’s objection and the fact that this home has a very horrific past, Harley decides to go. She finds herself in the middle of a nightmare and must tap into the damaged girl she was in the past if she has any hope of surviving.
This was a pleasant surprise and kicks off summer with a bang. Lots of action and a kick ass heroine made this a solid story. The narration was done very well. It is fairly short so there are not really any slow parts or a heavy back story. I am definitely going to read more from Markert in the future. Well done.
4 ⭐️
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Hayley tells it like it is. She is brazen, un-apologetic and damaged. Her life has been tough and she has gone through a lot. Her latest fling invites her to his family mountain home for the weekend. Regardless of her friend’s objection and the fact that this home has a very horrific past, Harley decides to go. She finds herself in the middle of a nightmare and must tap into the damaged girl she was in the past if she has any hope of surviving.
This was a pleasant surprise and kicks off summer with a bang. Lots of action and a kick ass heroine made this a solid story. The narration was done very well. It is fairly short so there are not really any slow parts or a heavy back story. I am definitely going to read more from Markert in the future. Well done.
4 ⭐️
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2024
No gory details were spared in the writing of this book!
This is a story of emotional healing in the most satisfying way 🔪
Harley is in the process of finding her self and facing her past traumas, she is attempting to be unapologetically herself and in the process she finds Jules who is her polar opposite.
Harley and Jules don’t always see eye to eye. Jules was born into money and she can’t possibly understand why Harley does the things she does, but no one will tell Harley what to do!
Harley eventually finds herself in a twisted game that forces her to face her traumas head on. Harley must use everything she has learned from her life struggles if she wants to survive.
The book starts off slow, the first %40 of this book is character development and back story it seems to drag but %40-%50 point you start to see how important the character development really is. This story comes full circle in multiple ways!
Healing ❤️🩹 self care🔪justice 🩸
This is a story of emotional healing in the most satisfying way 🔪
Harley is in the process of finding her self and facing her past traumas, she is attempting to be unapologetically herself and in the process she finds Jules who is her polar opposite.
Harley and Jules don’t always see eye to eye. Jules was born into money and she can’t possibly understand why Harley does the things she does, but no one will tell Harley what to do!
Harley eventually finds herself in a twisted game that forces her to face her traumas head on. Harley must use everything she has learned from her life struggles if she wants to survive.
The book starts off slow, the first %40 of this book is character development and back story it seems to drag but %40-%50 point you start to see how important the character development really is. This story comes full circle in multiple ways!
Healing ❤️🩹 self care🔪justice 🩸
June 10, 2024
Well wow, just wow! This book is compulsively readable in every way shape and form, I even finished it in one sitting. Harley our badass heroine has been invited to the country manor of her new boyfriend for a weekend getaway. Things go well, that is until they don't and intruders break in to the house at night intent to attack Harley for reasons unknown. But Harley is no wimp and has been around the block before. She's tough, smart, tenacious and has a rage deep inside her that the intruders know nothing about. And boy, they are going to be sorry they messed with her. This is a fast paced horror thriller that really delivers. It's gory, but that's OK. Harley is a force to be reckoned with and I was rooting for her the entire way. The narrator did a great job as well. Highly recommended for fun. 4.5 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media | Dreamscape First for an ARC copy of the audio book.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media | Dreamscape First for an ARC copy of the audio book.
June 13, 2024
I found out about half way through my read that this is actually a novelization of a movie, which is kind of neat and I feel makes sense. The plot was predictable and honestly I feel like I've seen this particular story told several times before and, honestly, told better. However, I can't attribute these faults to Markert considering he was just fleshing out and further developing a movie.
I feel like there were two distinct stories being told here- the first of Harley through her therapy sessions and the second Harley at the manor. While I enjoyed each story individually- I didn't like them together. I feel like jumping back and forth was disjointing and jarring and made it so that I couldn't get fully invested in either. Especially with Harley's therapy memories happening out of chronological order. I did really like Harley, and thought she was a total bad ass.
I feel like there were two distinct stories being told here- the first of Harley through her therapy sessions and the second Harley at the manor. While I enjoyed each story individually- I didn't like them together. I feel like jumping back and forth was disjointing and jarring and made it so that I couldn't get fully invested in either. Especially with Harley's therapy memories happening out of chronological order. I did really like Harley, and thought she was a total bad ass.
March 16, 2025
Wicked Games by J. H. Markert is a horror drama with loads of action and adventure. I liked the plot where a house has a terrible past and our FMC is the guest. And the most amazing thing is she is not at all helpless. I liked the way the author hyped up the plot with small details that elevate the tension. The narrator's voice was good to maintain interest in the book. I am a huge fan of the author and have read nearly all of his books.
The narrator's voice created an amazing atmosphere while listening. The book doesn't stress much on characters. It winds up with only a few in the scenario. The climax was totally action-packed with lots of blood. It will give you a full slasher movie kind of vibe. The book deserves 5 stars.
Read more at https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...
The narrator's voice created an amazing atmosphere while listening. The book doesn't stress much on characters. It winds up with only a few in the scenario. The climax was totally action-packed with lots of blood. It will give you a full slasher movie kind of vibe. The book deserves 5 stars.
Read more at https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...
June 6, 2024
This audiobook took me a while to get into. The first 20-30% were a little confusing since I didn’t know any of the characters. Once I got the hang of them, then it was easy to get lost in.
Pretty much this is a rich people kill poor/lgtbqia+ people (whom these rich people consider “trash”)
What I liked:
Suspense
Bad ass fmc
Revenge
What I didn’t like:
“Homo” and the F slur were used. It didn’t add to the story. We know these people were evil.
One of the women gets raped and was a virgin. lol who even brings that up when they’re on the verge of being killed. “Oh I’m sorry you got raped. You were a virgin.”
Overall, this audiobook is entertaining and you can easily binge it, but I won’t recommend it to my peers.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ALC
Pretty much this is a rich people kill poor/lgtbqia+ people (whom these rich people consider “trash”)
What I liked:
Suspense
Bad ass fmc
Revenge
What I didn’t like:
“Homo” and the F slur were used. It didn’t add to the story. We know these people were evil.
One of the women gets raped and was a virgin. lol who even brings that up when they’re on the verge of being killed. “Oh I’m sorry you got raped. You were a virgin.”
Overall, this audiobook is entertaining and you can easily binge it, but I won’t recommend it to my peers.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ALC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
I will say that those awful monsters deserved everything that Harley did to them once she discovered their wicked game. There are no supernatural elements but those are not needed for humans have the capacity for great evil all on their own. And I will say that it was interesting from the first bit with the lightness of Harley and Kiel going off to his family mansion with the tension that you know something is going to happen but Harley is a survivor of the highest order and once the power goes off, It is impossible to stop listening. Yes, it is quite gory but as I stated before, Harley is an angel of vengeance and all that violence is necessary to rid the world of the true trash.
The narrator does a good job with the story and this was a great audiobook.
The narrator does a good job with the story and this was a great audiobook.
June 15, 2024
1.5 stars
This is just a basic horror movie with heavy character development, and I am someone who prioritises plot first. Harley is a badass, but at the same time, she feels kind of cliché. For having such an emphasis on building up the main character the antagonists have lazy motivations, evoke not feeling and act dumb at parts. There just ends up being no tension.
It takes 45% of the book for the games to get started, which is way too long when I expected a fast-paced survival horror. This is more revenge/torture porn which is not a sub-genre I reach for.
I didn’t know this was adapted from a movie, so I would give the author another chance because I don’t know how good the original work was. .
This is just a basic horror movie with heavy character development, and I am someone who prioritises plot first. Harley is a badass, but at the same time, she feels kind of cliché. For having such an emphasis on building up the main character the antagonists have lazy motivations, evoke not feeling and act dumb at parts. There just ends up being no tension.
It takes 45% of the book for the games to get started, which is way too long when I expected a fast-paced survival horror. This is more revenge/torture porn which is not a sub-genre I reach for.
I didn’t know this was adapted from a movie, so I would give the author another chance because I don’t know how good the original work was. .
May 18, 2024
As I have said before, J.H. Markert does not know how to write anything bad. Wicked Games is yet another home run in his arsenal.
Wicked Games starts off with a bang and does not relent until the final word. Markert introduces us to one badass female lead whom I would not ever want to double cross.
Market expertly weaves dread and gloom into this action packed thriller and I can’t give it enough stars or words to give it justice. Whatever you are reading, stop and give this one a listen! You won’t regret it…
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me the chance to fill my ear holes with this amazing Audiobook ARC!
Wicked Games starts off with a bang and does not relent until the final word. Markert introduces us to one badass female lead whom I would not ever want to double cross.
Market expertly weaves dread and gloom into this action packed thriller and I can’t give it enough stars or words to give it justice. Whatever you are reading, stop and give this one a listen! You won’t regret it…
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me the chance to fill my ear holes with this amazing Audiobook ARC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews