What do you think?
Rate this book
Fang and Dagger #3
Wicked Games
Separated from his lovers, Roger struggles to recover from his failure. His cowardice has cost him everything—his position, his home, and those nearest to him. He refuses to let Seamus score the final win between them and vows to save his loved ones and wreak havoc on the Great Lakes Coven.
Takashi has always craved the power that comes from true freedom. However, among vampires, freedom is an elusive privilege. Those in positions of leadership are those who have the most say in what happens. Though captured, he sees opportunity to act upon his ambitions, and a chance to pursue the goal he, Zack, and Roger set out to accomplish.
Vampires were the bad guys of Zack’s youth, but now he is one. Worse, his sire is Seamus, one of the vilest monsters in the supernatural world. Yet when he rises, Seamus pulls him in and treats him like treasured family. In a rare move, Seamus dubs Zack as his vampiric son. He immediately begins tutoring him and nurturing his new strengths.
Will Roger lose what little he has left in his new, desperate alliance? Can Takashi outmaneuver two ancient vampires who have been manipulating others multiple times longer than he’s been alive? And will Zack break when he becomes one of the undead that his family has sworn to hunt? Or will he discover who he was meant to be?
Wicked Games is a 160k novel in the Fang and Dagger series and features a newly risen vampire, pining lovers, angst, spicy hot times, more angst, more fangs, and a lot more bite. A content discretion page will be available for readers at the beginning of the book. The author advises that you read the first two books in this series as this is a continuous narrative, but hey, you can jump in here if you like.
Takashi has always craved the power that comes from true freedom. However, among vampires, freedom is an elusive privilege. Those in positions of leadership are those who have the most say in what happens. Though captured, he sees opportunity to act upon his ambitions, and a chance to pursue the goal he, Zack, and Roger set out to accomplish.
Vampires were the bad guys of Zack’s youth, but now he is one. Worse, his sire is Seamus, one of the vilest monsters in the supernatural world. Yet when he rises, Seamus pulls him in and treats him like treasured family. In a rare move, Seamus dubs Zack as his vampiric son. He immediately begins tutoring him and nurturing his new strengths.
Will Roger lose what little he has left in his new, desperate alliance? Can Takashi outmaneuver two ancient vampires who have been manipulating others multiple times longer than he’s been alive? And will Zack break when he becomes one of the undead that his family has sworn to hunt? Or will he discover who he was meant to be?
Wicked Games is a 160k novel in the Fang and Dagger series and features a newly risen vampire, pining lovers, angst, spicy hot times, more angst, more fangs, and a lot more bite. A content discretion page will be available for readers at the beginning of the book. The author advises that you read the first two books in this series as this is a continuous narrative, but hey, you can jump in here if you like.
634 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2024
12 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Harker
8 books27 followersJS HARKER loves stories. She was one of those kids who always had a book in her hands and spent many hours adventuring with her siblings. These days she wanders into her imaginary worlds and conjures up tales of magic, passion, and happily-ever-afters. She currently lives in the part of the Midwest that makes Tatooine look interesting by comparison (not that she’s ever obsessively thought about becoming a Jedi or anything).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 15, 2024
Wicked Games is the third book in J.S. Harker’s Fang and Dagger series, and I was eager to dive into this story to see what happened next. The first book in the series, Wrong Hunt, was a story that had me hooked and eager for more. The second book, Vicious Waltz, was an addictive read with pacing that did not quite work. Despite my somewhat mixed feelings with the second book, I had high hopes for Wicked Games. Unfortunately, Wicked Games pulled heavily on the things that left me conflicted with the second book.
Wicked Games picks up where the second book ended, which means the reader is thrown instantly back into things. Despite this, it takes until twenty percent for the details about one of the main characters to finally be explained. I understand a bit of suspense, but I felt like this element dragged too much when it was obvious what was to come. A part of what added to my disappointment was how slowly things moved in the first twenty percent. There were elements that should have made for a lot of action and intrigue, yet they never hit the mark for me. Sadly, this continued throughout the story. There were multiple elements with the potential for action and intrigue, yet the pacing continued to make things drag much more than they should have done. It made the book seem much longer than it was, meaning my investment in the story did start to fade. Due to this, some of my excitement to see what comes next has faded. There are so many things that I am curious to see come together, yet this book has left me fearful that those interesting elements will drag in the same way the interesting elements in this story dragged.
All in all, Wicked Games was a story that did not quite tick the boxes I had hoped it would tick. I have to give points for the way the world continues to unfold, yet the pacing is impacting upon my enjoyment. I really had wanted much more by the end of book three, which leaves me worried about the pacing in future books.
Wicked Games picks up where the second book ended, which means the reader is thrown instantly back into things. Despite this, it takes until twenty percent for the details about one of the main characters to finally be explained. I understand a bit of suspense, but I felt like this element dragged too much when it was obvious what was to come. A part of what added to my disappointment was how slowly things moved in the first twenty percent. There were elements that should have made for a lot of action and intrigue, yet they never hit the mark for me. Sadly, this continued throughout the story. There were multiple elements with the potential for action and intrigue, yet the pacing continued to make things drag much more than they should have done. It made the book seem much longer than it was, meaning my investment in the story did start to fade. Due to this, some of my excitement to see what comes next has faded. There are so many things that I am curious to see come together, yet this book has left me fearful that those interesting elements will drag in the same way the interesting elements in this story dragged.
All in all, Wicked Games was a story that did not quite tick the boxes I had hoped it would tick. I have to give points for the way the world continues to unfold, yet the pacing is impacting upon my enjoyment. I really had wanted much more by the end of book three, which leaves me worried about the pacing in future books.
August 20, 2024
Wicked Games begins where Vicious Waltz ends. Roger awakens to find himself alone with bodies, some dead and some alive. He manages to save those he can, but has no idea what has happened to Takashi and Zack. He resolves to try and find them and save them if he can. It turns out that Seamus, his old master, has them both. Takashi has been captured and is treated well but given little to sustain him. He, too, is determined to carry out the mission, but find himself stuck. Zack was grievously injured and awakens to find himself a vampire. Seamus is his sire and when he introduces everyone to Zack, he refers to him as his son. Zack rises as a very strong vampire, but his bond to the monster Seamus is also very strong. The stage is set, with the players in place. Let the games begin!
For a great deal of this book, we follow one of the three and sometimes Takashi and Zack together. Each of these men has issues with acceptance and belonging. It affects them in everything they do. While this is a long book, there is so much going on that you need the information provided. The action is such that you cannot help but want to know what comes next. While they still do not have a happy ending, each man has grown and changed. They are better prepared to face the final showdown, which, I know I am not alone in wanting to that to come soon. Excitement abound!!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and this is my very own opinion.
For a great deal of this book, we follow one of the three and sometimes Takashi and Zack together. Each of these men has issues with acceptance and belonging. It affects them in everything they do. While this is a long book, there is so much going on that you need the information provided. The action is such that you cannot help but want to know what comes next. While they still do not have a happy ending, each man has grown and changed. They are better prepared to face the final showdown, which, I know I am not alone in wanting to that to come soon. Excitement abound!!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and this is my very own opinion.
August 17, 2024
Is Roger really as weak as everyone sees him? Give this vamp a set of bongos, a black beanie and set him up in a poorly lit expresso bar. The angst is strong with this one.
Takashi is a mystery. An enigma. So what if power or power behind the throne is his ultimate wish. He's a politician thru and thru. Is he Nell's? Or Zack's? Hi8s angst meter is only slightly lower than Roger's. And is there a bit of Stockholm Syndrome in Seamus' mansion?
And Zack. His turning has made him more.... Zack. Seamus is going to regret turning him. Maybe he'll be master of the entire supernatural world. After all in book one hadn't his research brought him a book that described the Hunters origin? One a lot less adversarial to the vampires.
The secondaries are terrific. Their priorities and loyalties shift like the sand. This is an established world, but the worldbuilding continues.
So, it's not a trilogy. Author says series, but doesn't give a clue of how many books. Some questions get answered. But a bunch more on the table. And another cliffhanger. Bleh.
A great read. A little long. But it is epic.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
Takashi is a mystery. An enigma. So what if power or power behind the throne is his ultimate wish. He's a politician thru and thru. Is he Nell's? Or Zack's? Hi8s angst meter is only slightly lower than Roger's. And is there a bit of Stockholm Syndrome in Seamus' mansion?
And Zack. His turning has made him more.... Zack. Seamus is going to regret turning him. Maybe he'll be master of the entire supernatural world. After all in book one hadn't his research brought him a book that described the Hunters origin? One a lot less adversarial to the vampires.
The secondaries are terrific. Their priorities and loyalties shift like the sand. This is an established world, but the worldbuilding continues.
So, it's not a trilogy. Author says series, but doesn't give a clue of how many books. Some questions get answered. But a bunch more on the table. And another cliffhanger. Bleh.
A great read. A little long. But it is epic.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
August 18, 2024
Still loving this series. This story focused a lot on the separate developments of Roger, and Zack and Takashi. Zack as a vampire is finding the confidence he lacked as a human and a lot of his old family issues are put aside as he grows more into himself. Meanwhile, Takashi is a whole bundle of insecurities and fears. I think, weirdly, being with Seamus helped them both be more secure in each other and with their mission. Roger in this book is finally throwing off the vapid fuckboi persona and taking charge. The three of them really are going to be something when they get their acts together, especially with part of Zack's family finally supporting him as they should have done all along. Seamus is... well, he reminds me of Elon Musk. A spoiled child with too much power. But we do get to see a bit deeper into him, and Anton, and a few of the other secondary characters as well. Definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
did-not-finish
September 16, 2024DNF @ 50%
I tried so hard with WICKED GAMES because I loved the first two books in the series but this one was just not there. The pace was so slow and it was getting really boring, which was impressive considering what the book started out with. Also it felt like Zack and Roger switched personalities completely and all the amazing character introspective was gone from this one. Zack was killing all over the place without a care and only a token amount of guilt and he was suddenly uber confident and toppy and it was giving me whiplash from the last book.
I was excited to get Takashi's POV but he's not coming across as a very likable character and then it was this weird juxtapotion of Roger basically grieving the idea that he's lost both his lovers while Takashi and Zach are just roaming around the mansion, rubbing shoulders with vampire elite, and having sex every night.
Content Warning: death and torture
I tried so hard with WICKED GAMES because I loved the first two books in the series but this one was just not there. The pace was so slow and it was getting really boring, which was impressive considering what the book started out with. Also it felt like Zack and Roger switched personalities completely and all the amazing character introspective was gone from this one. Zack was killing all over the place without a care and only a token amount of guilt and he was suddenly uber confident and toppy and it was giving me whiplash from the last book.
I was excited to get Takashi's POV but he's not coming across as a very likable character and then it was this weird juxtapotion of Roger basically grieving the idea that he's lost both his lovers while Takashi and Zach are just roaming around the mansion, rubbing shoulders with vampire elite, and having sex every night.
Content Warning: death and torture
August 15, 2024
Strange
This is one of the strangest series I’ve read in a while. I really loved the premise of the book a lot but there was a lot left to be desired.
This series definitely was not for me.
I liked the idea of a vampire / vampire hunter romance but then it suddenly became a poly relationship (in book 2) which felt very abrupt (but was like, ok….I guess. You do you. Just would have liked a little more warning than…oh so we’re poly now.) that’s not usually how that works.
To be honest this was one of those series where you just wanted the evil vampire to die and yet he wasn’t dying and it was annoying and it felt dragging.
This one I had hoped would be interesting because they’re all separated and kidnapped and whatever but somehow it wasn’t as interesting as I hoped.
Anyways, just not for me.
I’m sure lots of people enjoy it.
This is one of the strangest series I’ve read in a while. I really loved the premise of the book a lot but there was a lot left to be desired.
This series definitely was not for me.
I liked the idea of a vampire / vampire hunter romance but then it suddenly became a poly relationship (in book 2) which felt very abrupt (but was like, ok….I guess. You do you. Just would have liked a little more warning than…oh so we’re poly now.) that’s not usually how that works.
To be honest this was one of those series where you just wanted the evil vampire to die and yet he wasn’t dying and it was annoying and it felt dragging.
This one I had hoped would be interesting because they’re all separated and kidnapped and whatever but somehow it wasn’t as interesting as I hoped.
Anyways, just not for me.
I’m sure lots of people enjoy it.
August 21, 2024
Separated vampires, bad guy and magic
WOW this third book carries on the main story of vampire politics and good and evil. The triad at the heart of the book is separated at the beginning of the book and it’s actually quite difficult to figure out what is going to happen. JS Harker puts her characters and us through quite a bit of angst in this chapter of the story and there is a lot of tension because of what Seamus is saying and doing. I must admit that I haven’t disliked a character as much as I have Seamus in a while. He is deliciously unhinged, complicated and a terrific bad guy. I went through a lot of pining myself hoping that Roger, Takashi and Zack would be able to get back together. This is not a one off book and you really need to start reading at the beginning and I recommend you do as this is a great series.
WOW this third book carries on the main story of vampire politics and good and evil. The triad at the heart of the book is separated at the beginning of the book and it’s actually quite difficult to figure out what is going to happen. JS Harker puts her characters and us through quite a bit of angst in this chapter of the story and there is a lot of tension because of what Seamus is saying and doing. I must admit that I haven’t disliked a character as much as I have Seamus in a while. He is deliciously unhinged, complicated and a terrific bad guy. I went through a lot of pining myself hoping that Roger, Takashi and Zack would be able to get back together. This is not a one off book and you really need to start reading at the beginning and I recommend you do as this is a great series.
August 22, 2024
I lothe first book but had some troubles with the second book, which made me a bit wary about this one.
And for the first half, my doubts seem to be justified:
I had troubles understanding some actions of our POVs
The pacing was a bit off
The plot seemed to jump all over the place
And it was too long in places
But with the second half, we found back to the groove of the first book - not in the setting because we are at a dark place here, but with my involvement with the characters
And for the last quarter, I was biting my nails and couldn't stop reading.
So, the ending is again a cliffhanger but a small one this time
And I am really looking forward to the next book - hopefully with the same good writing and pacing as in the last third
And for the first half, my doubts seem to be justified:
I had troubles understanding some actions of our POVs
The pacing was a bit off
The plot seemed to jump all over the place
And it was too long in places
But with the second half, we found back to the groove of the first book - not in the setting because we are at a dark place here, but with my involvement with the characters
And for the last quarter, I was biting my nails and couldn't stop reading.
So, the ending is again a cliffhanger but a small one this time
And I am really looking forward to the next book - hopefully with the same good writing and pacing as in the last third
August 19, 2024
JS has written a wonderful series.
You'll want to read the books in order!
This paranormal/Urban Fantasy is filled with wonderful characters; vampires, vampire hunters, and humans.
There are mutual references to violence, death, child abuse, sexual abuse and domestic violence.
There are multiple characters who fall in love, protect each other and their family members, and fight for this love.
There are tender moments and romantic interactions between several characters throughout the book over many years.
You'll find yourself engaged throughout...
HEA for now!
I received an ARC from Goodreads.
You'll want to read the books in order!
This paranormal/Urban Fantasy is filled with wonderful characters; vampires, vampire hunters, and humans.
There are mutual references to violence, death, child abuse, sexual abuse and domestic violence.
There are multiple characters who fall in love, protect each other and their family members, and fight for this love.
There are tender moments and romantic interactions between several characters throughout the book over many years.
You'll find yourself engaged throughout...
HEA for now!
I received an ARC from Goodreads.
August 20, 2024
Personally I am loving this series! If you haven't pop off and read the first two books before this one as you will regret it if you don't! A few trigger warnings in there so do take note! Anyway, a paranormal storyline with some great characters made up with a mixture of humans, vampires and their hunters!
Well written storyline that had me completely enthralled until the end. Not giving away any spoilers and highly recommend you read it!
I received a free arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review
Well written storyline that had me completely enthralled until the end. Not giving away any spoilers and highly recommend you read it!
I received a free arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review
August 27, 2024
The story of Roger, Takashi and Zack continues and this book has them Roger separated from the other two who have been captured by Seamus. We get deeper into Seamus's world and character here as he turns Zack and tantalizes Takashi with what power in the vampire world could be like. There are plots within plots here and I can't wait to see how everything eventually wraps up. My favorite part was following Zack as he tries to come to terms with having become the very thing he's spent his life fighting and tries to understand what it means to be chosen by Seamus as special.
August 17, 2024
This series has some very serious worldbuilding and overarching plot going on, so you do really have to read these in order. The love interests are the same except that now there are three! This is a fantasy Poly relationship, and I am loving the development of this. Roger, Zack and Takashi have a lot of their own demons to deal with here. This is a very long book, and it does cliffhanger. I am super hoping the next story is more of a closure.
August 17, 2024
Best so far
Oh my goodness this was great! The growth of the MC’s, the spicy times, the challenges faced, the new connections made, the healing, the struggle… so much happens, and it’s wonderful! This does end in somewhat of a cliffhanger, but not one that will be frustrating. Wow I cannot wait for the next book!!!
Oh my goodness this was great! The growth of the MC’s, the spicy times, the challenges faced, the new connections made, the healing, the struggle… so much happens, and it’s wonderful! This does end in somewhat of a cliffhanger, but not one that will be frustrating. Wow I cannot wait for the next book!!!
August 22, 2024
3.5 Stars ⭐️
More questions than answers in this book/series and yet I'm clamoring for more.......I'm not disappointed but at the same time I was expecting things to be wrapped up but there will be more books to come. For series fans this is a must read and for new readers, this is definitely not stand alone. I'd recommend.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
More questions than answers in this book/series and yet I'm clamoring for more.......I'm not disappointed but at the same time I was expecting things to be wrapped up but there will be more books to come. For series fans this is a must read and for new readers, this is definitely not stand alone. I'd recommend.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
August 29, 2024
There is a lot going on in this book. I really love the world the author has created, and I loved seeing more of Zack, Roger, and Takashi. I thought this was intended to be a trulogy so I was a little thrown to learn the book would end with a cliffhanger. I'm very curious where the story is going, and I'm going to need the next book soon!
August 16, 2024
This is the third in the series and I find that I am not liking it as much as the first book. While still an enjoyable read it took me longer to read than it should as I wasn't as invested in the story.
August 20, 2024
He is away from his lovers and he is broken but he knows he needs to get his life back. He needs to fight his battle and he will try to get his life back. He will fight the enemy as many times he needs to get back to his lovers. How will he get on? Will he get back to them? See how he gets on
Read
August 25, 2024Overall I liked it
But it was a little too long and there was a lot
A lot of characters, death, questions..
And not much sex 🤷♀️
Maybe since now Zach is on the run he can try and find the 🐲
I don't think Anton is dead, and why hasn't Roger told anyone about the sigil ye
But it was a little too long and there was a lot
A lot of characters, death, questions..
And not much sex 🤷♀️
Maybe since now Zach is on the run he can try and find the 🐲
I don't think Anton is dead, and why hasn't Roger told anyone about the sigil ye
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2024
Urban fantasy with dark romance. Twisted, messy plot that often made it hard to put down. By halfway through, it was apparent that this was not going to be neatly tied up. Planning to read on when the next book is published.
August 24, 2024
Do read series in order to get a feel for this wonderful world and characters. it a slow burn with angst for our favorite vampire
August 28, 2024
Hmm
This is a very long book, with not much resolve and it ended on another cliffhanger. Hopefully the next book doesn't drag the story out any longer.
This is a very long book, with not much resolve and it ended on another cliffhanger. Hopefully the next book doesn't drag the story out any longer.
April 26, 2025
review
Another great book in a great series. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Thank you
Another great book in a great series. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Thank you
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews