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Hollywood #5
Numbers Game
Even after the "I do's" are said, relationships change and need work to grow and thrive. Aaron has found himself increasingly drawn to the idea of taking his and Greg's BDSM-lite games to the next level. Unsure if he can fully unleash his inner sadist without losing complete control, he seeks out a professional Dom to teach him the literal, and figurative, ropes.
Greg isn't the same intractable, walking wounded he was when he and Aaron met, but Aaron is still his touchstone to happiness. Greg would like to learn how to approach Aaron's Zen-like calm, but first he knows he needs to learn the most elusive lesson of all: self love. When he discovers what Aaron has been up to, he struggles to understand how he fits into his lover's new version of himself.
In Numbers Game, together, Aaron and Greg embark on a sensual journey that, over a few short hours, will change the course of their relationship and their lives. In the end, they prove that through love, and a little dance called dominance and submission, even the most impossible things become possible.
Greg isn't the same intractable, walking wounded he was when he and Aaron met, but Aaron is still his touchstone to happiness. Greg would like to learn how to approach Aaron's Zen-like calm, but first he knows he needs to learn the most elusive lesson of all: self love. When he discovers what Aaron has been up to, he struggles to understand how he fits into his lover's new version of himself.
In Numbers Game, together, Aaron and Greg embark on a sensual journey that, over a few short hours, will change the course of their relationship and their lives. In the end, they prove that through love, and a little dance called dominance and submission, even the most impossible things become possible.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2014
4 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Tibby Armstrong
43 books235 followersTibby Armstrong is an author of Paranormal, Contemporary, and LGBTQ Romance fiction.
Tibby hangs out on social media at https://www.facebook.com/groups/tibby..., dreaming up new plots and teasing readers with snippets from her works in progress.
Tibby hangs out on social media at https://www.facebook.com/groups/tibby..., dreaming up new plots and teasing readers with snippets from her works in progress.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 13, 2016
4 stars. Review completed May 7, 2014
It's a very flowery restaurant. Greg, you're priceless...
"You saved me with the vibrator of doom."
"This is the strangest place I've ever eaten."
"I don't think I've ever heard you criticize something outside a business contract or my sexual performance."
Aaron gaped. "I have never criticized your sexual performance."
I said it before and I will say it again. I really like Greg and Aaron very much, individually and as a couple. Their characters as well as their backgrounds are absorbing, their chemistry is great and getting short insights into their lives made me antsy to go back in time to check out how everything began. And I will. I promise to read No Apologies. Let me say it à la Goodreads:We're I'm working on it. :)
Numbers Game is much more than hot and somewhat kinky sex. I enjoyed seeing Greg and Aaron talking about their feelings, wants and expectations; making themselves vulnerable. Overall a heartfelt, emotional and compellingly written little number that kept my interest from the first page until the last one.
Minor quibble
However, it's not up to me to make that decision.
I can feel the vibrations
Of your body whenever
I touch you
My head is spinning
Engulfed by a mindless arousal
We're riding on a wave
Of breathless anticipation
Suspended in time
Living in the moment
Your pleasure is my pleasure
It gives me a heady sense of power
I deny you only to let you fly
At the right moment
Our emotions and feelings
Laid bare
What I want to do
To you and with you
Let me experience
Strength, emotion, and power
Voicing our feelings
Makes everything more
Meaningful and satisfying
A sense of self
Two halves becoming whole
Thanks for bearing with me
When I lash out and struggle
To get a hold on my anger and fear
No need to feel guilty
Because YOU make me
Feel safe, in control of myself
A bond of love that
Can't be broken
I'll always wear you on
My skin and in my heart
Your love and trust humble me
The Wailin' Jennys -- You Are Here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SE_l1h...
Recommended read.
It's a very flowery restaurant. Greg, you're priceless...
"You saved me with the vibrator of doom."
"This is the strangest place I've ever eaten."
"I don't think I've ever heard you criticize something outside a business contract or my sexual performance."
Aaron gaped. "I have never criticized your sexual performance."
I said it before and I will say it again. I really like Greg and Aaron very much, individually and as a couple. Their characters as well as their backgrounds are absorbing, their chemistry is great and getting short insights into their lives made me antsy to go back in time to check out how everything began. And I will. I promise to read No Apologies. Let me say it à la Goodreads:
Numbers Game is much more than hot and somewhat kinky sex. I enjoyed seeing Greg and Aaron talking about their feelings, wants and expectations; making themselves vulnerable. Overall a heartfelt, emotional and compellingly written little number that kept my interest from the first page until the last one.
Minor quibble
However, it's not up to me to make that decision.
I can feel the vibrations
Of your body whenever
I touch you
My head is spinning
Engulfed by a mindless arousal
We're riding on a wave
Of breathless anticipation
Suspended in time
Living in the moment
Your pleasure is my pleasure
It gives me a heady sense of power
I deny you only to let you fly
At the right moment
Our emotions and feelings
Laid bare
What I want to do
To you and with you
Let me experience
Strength, emotion, and power
Voicing our feelings
Makes everything more
Meaningful and satisfying
A sense of self
Two halves becoming whole
Thanks for bearing with me
When I lash out and struggle
To get a hold on my anger and fear
No need to feel guilty
Because YOU make me
Feel safe, in control of myself
A bond of love that
Can't be broken
I'll always wear you on
My skin and in my heart
Your love and trust humble me
The Wailin' Jennys -- You Are Here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SE_l1h...
Recommended read.
February 20, 2019
woohoo another series bites the dust!
It's always a good thing to finish off a series. It's like a big accomplishment.. however, don't tell the books in series that I haven't even bothered to open (they might get jealous).
Numbers Game is the last installment of the Hollywood series. In it, we get to remeet Aaron and Greg. This book was just alright to me.. and I wanted to enjoy it but to be honest - I totally forgot I was listening to a book. I was so busy at work and just got distracted so much while listening.
Besides all of that, Greg and Aaron have definitely been through their fair share of romance drama. It happens to a lot of couples..and it was a bit better than Kit and Jeremy's.. but not that much. Their smutty relationship was just okay in my opinion. I've honestly read/listened to a bunch of bdsm books and this was like a kiddy version for me. Again, just my opinion.
Other than all of that, I'm glad that I took a chance on this series and these characters. It was definitely different than what I'm used to reading and now I'm much more open to M/M relationships. I can't wait to see what other book of Tibby's I can dive into.
It's always a good thing to finish off a series. It's like a big accomplishment.. however, don't tell the books in series that I haven't even bothered to open (they might get jealous).
Numbers Game is the last installment of the Hollywood series. In it, we get to remeet Aaron and Greg. This book was just alright to me.. and I wanted to enjoy it but to be honest - I totally forgot I was listening to a book. I was so busy at work and just got distracted so much while listening.
Besides all of that, Greg and Aaron have definitely been through their fair share of romance drama. It happens to a lot of couples..and it was a bit better than Kit and Jeremy's.. but not that much. Their smutty relationship was just okay in my opinion. I've honestly read/listened to a bunch of bdsm books and this was like a kiddy version for me. Again, just my opinion.
Other than all of that, I'm glad that I took a chance on this series and these characters. It was definitely different than what I'm used to reading and now I'm much more open to M/M relationships. I can't wait to see what other book of Tibby's I can dive into.
April 1, 2018
So here's my review for this series...
I decided to listen to this series on a whim. I've seen reviews for the different books from time to time and when I noticed that it was part of audible.com's Romance package, I decided it was as good a time as any to check it out.
So before I get into the specific books let's start with my overall thoughts and I'll start with the narration all 5 of these books were narrated by Noah Michael Levine and as far as the narration went I definitely have no complaints. The narrator did a solid job on this one and added some depth and personality to the characters. If I was giving a rating for just the audio portion of this series I'd probably go with something in the area of 4 stars. The narrator very neatly ticked off my basic list of 'what I look for in an audio book' the voices were unique, expressive, consistent, conveyed emotion and definitely enriched my listening experience. Ok so that's my take on the audio now moving on to the series.
Overall there was a lot of good stuff going for this series the writing was good and for the most part I enjoyed it but there were some things that niggled at me and I'll touch on them on when I'm talking about the books individually. My one overall issue was that no matter what story I was reading or who the characters were I kept getting this underlying sense of frustration and anger from the characters. From beginning to end this series the characters just seemed to radiate just a bit too much negativity for me. I think the best example I can give of this is that one of the MCs in the first book is a screenwriter and when his character wins an academy award you'd think he be happy about this right? I mean seriously anyone who's ever wanted to be a screenwriter/producer/director/actor/whatever raise your hand if you never ever want the recognition of winning an academy award...ok, I'm looking but nope, not seeing any raised hands...I wonder why that is? Alright, I've made my point so lets move on to my other overall niggle about the series because in the interest of honesty I have to add this one...I'm not a fan of stories with MCs who are Hollywood types...it's just a me thing and while I'm as I said not a fan it doesn't make this a never, ever thing so I while there is that I think it also points to the fact that my 3 star rating is probably a stronger testament to the author's skill as writer than it would appear at first glance...just puttin' that out there...
Now, I'm going to try and just give a quick rundown on my thoughts for each book from here. I promise I'll try and keep it brief and to the point, ok?
Book 1 introduces us to Aaron Blake and Greg Falkner, the first of our two couples featured in this series and probably for me the most confusing of the stories as we are given Aaron and Greg's background mostly through scenes from the movie entitled 'No Apologies' which was written by Greg, who's the screenwriter and we get to see all this at the movie's premier. Needless to say we also meet Kit Harris and Jeremy Ash, the other couple featured in this series but more about them later. In a nutshell 'No Apologies' is Greg Falkner's fictionalized account of his relationship with Aaron. While the movie is suppose to be fiction it's done through character names, setting, some events are slightly altered but overall it's reflective of the emotional journey and the actual events in Aaron and Greg's past...the confusing part was that there were times when I lost track of whether we were in a movie scene or a character's actual memory ...so maybe that was just me?
While 'No Apologies' starts in the present, the bulk of the story is spent in the past either through the movie scenes or actual character memories but things do wrap up in the present and we're given a glimpse at a couple who although they've been together for a number of years at this point they still seem to be finding their way with each other and I was ok with that because these men are strong willed individuals and for as much as they want each other they are also both struggling with their own personal issues. So at the end of this one...3 stars from me because it was good just not great.
In 'Acting Out' the 2nd book in Tibby Armstrong's 'Hollywood' series we meet Kit Harris former child start working on making a comeback and Jeremy Ash up and coming actor and these men have been cast to play the leading roles in...you guessed it...'No Apologies'. Kit's straight...of course, and while Jeremy may not quite qualify as 'out and proud' he doesn't hide his sexuality either.
'Acting Out' was a pretty typical GFY with a bitchy girlfriend thrown in...like seriously bitchy I would have been more than happy to play slap-a-bitch with her. This one also started in the present of the premier of 'No Apologies' and we're treated to flashbacks to events that happened during the filming of the movie between Kit and Jeremy. So while there was a different couple and the time setting wasn't as far in the past I found this one to be fairly reminiscent of the first book. So again at the end of it 3 stars for a story that was ok, but really didn't rock my world.
Book #3 'Full Disclosure' brings us back to the lives of Aaron and Greg. Not only are these two men still together but they're planning their wedding and Greg's going to be the celebrity MC at their school reunion. Things are good between these two men. They've still got some kinks to work out but neither man questions that for them this is it. There's no one else they want to be with, so marriage is for them the inevitable conclusion until an act of hatred brings a violence into their lives that rocks the foundations of who they are.
While I enjoyed this story a bit more than the previous ones I have to admit I was a little disappointed in the lack of faith that Aaron exhibited in Greg at one point in the story but it was really just a bit of a blip in things and I liked that in many ways this couple came out of things stronger for having gone through what happened to them and their HEA was good...so at the end of this one 3.5 stars.
'Outtakes' is the 4th book in this series and takes us back to Kit and Jeremy. These boys are struggling. Kit's role in 'No Apologies' seemed to have done more harm than good to his career...the parts aren't coming and honestly Kit doesn't really seem to care and Jeremy's career has taken off and as much as he loves Kit, his life is busy crazy and he's at a loss as to what to do for Kit because he loves Kit and can feel him slipping away but Jeremy's not willing to let him go without a fight...now if he could just figure out how to not only fight but win what he wants to keep...Jeremy's heart.
I enjoyed this one a bit more because both of these characters were given a more depth and emotional range as they struggled not only with trying to save their relationship but looking at themselves and how they have failed each other and ultimately themselves. I would have liked a bit more time with Kit and Jeremy as they rebuilt themselves and maybe we could have skipped Kit's family drama. While it was used as a vehicle to move things forward between Kit and Jeremy, for me this just didn't work. But still overall this was 3.5 stars for me.
and here we are at the 5th and final book in this series that brings us back into the lives of Aaron and Greg. Throughout these stories Aaron and Greg have shared a relationship that while they've never discussed it has skirted around the idea of being a BDSM relationship, but here in the final story Aaron has given in to his desires to be in control and found a professional Dom to teach him what he needs to know to allow him to move things with Greg closer to a D/s relationship one that will truly fulfill both of their needs.
While Aaron and Greg's relationship moving to a more defined BDSM relationship didn't surprise me there was something about how this all came together in this book that was just a bit to vague for me. It's hard to explain and rather than going into any big convoluted overly detailed explanation that probably doesn't really explain things any better than if I were to just say...it didn't work for me. So let's just leave it at that...this one just didn't work for me and add in the fact that...well...my inner 12 year old was running amuck throughout this one there was something about whipped cream and fire hoses and then there were body parts that were harder than a drill shaft...yeah, I'm not even going to try and explain how bad of a descriptive this one was because drill shaft? Not really a thing ok and we're not having an english lesson today so that's the end of that...at the end of it all and by all I mean the series and my review of it...'Numbers Game' was the weakest of the stories for me, although my inner 12 year old did have a good time.
So it's 2.5 stars for this one and 3 stars for the series overall. Not an overwhelming success but neither was it a fail. I got to check out a new to me author and narrator so for this lover of all things bookish that a win and this is a wrap and if you've actually made it this far and are still reading...thanks I appreciate you taking a few minutes to wade through my ramblings. Have an awesome day and here's hoping your next read is 5 stars.
I decided to listen to this series on a whim. I've seen reviews for the different books from time to time and when I noticed that it was part of audible.com's Romance package, I decided it was as good a time as any to check it out.
So before I get into the specific books let's start with my overall thoughts and I'll start with the narration all 5 of these books were narrated by Noah Michael Levine and as far as the narration went I definitely have no complaints. The narrator did a solid job on this one and added some depth and personality to the characters. If I was giving a rating for just the audio portion of this series I'd probably go with something in the area of 4 stars. The narrator very neatly ticked off my basic list of 'what I look for in an audio book' the voices were unique, expressive, consistent, conveyed emotion and definitely enriched my listening experience. Ok so that's my take on the audio now moving on to the series.
Overall there was a lot of good stuff going for this series the writing was good and for the most part I enjoyed it but there were some things that niggled at me and I'll touch on them on when I'm talking about the books individually. My one overall issue was that no matter what story I was reading or who the characters were I kept getting this underlying sense of frustration and anger from the characters. From beginning to end this series the characters just seemed to radiate just a bit too much negativity for me. I think the best example I can give of this is that one of the MCs in the first book is a screenwriter and when his character wins an academy award you'd think he be happy about this right? I mean seriously anyone who's ever wanted to be a screenwriter/producer/director/actor/whatever raise your hand if you never ever want the recognition of winning an academy award...ok, I'm looking but nope, not seeing any raised hands...I wonder why that is? Alright, I've made my point so lets move on to my other overall niggle about the series because in the interest of honesty I have to add this one...I'm not a fan of stories with MCs who are Hollywood types...it's just a me thing and while I'm as I said not a fan it doesn't make this a never, ever thing so I while there is that I think it also points to the fact that my 3 star rating is probably a stronger testament to the author's skill as writer than it would appear at first glance...just puttin' that out there...
Now, I'm going to try and just give a quick rundown on my thoughts for each book from here. I promise I'll try and keep it brief and to the point, ok?
Book 1 introduces us to Aaron Blake and Greg Falkner, the first of our two couples featured in this series and probably for me the most confusing of the stories as we are given Aaron and Greg's background mostly through scenes from the movie entitled 'No Apologies' which was written by Greg, who's the screenwriter and we get to see all this at the movie's premier. Needless to say we also meet Kit Harris and Jeremy Ash, the other couple featured in this series but more about them later. In a nutshell 'No Apologies' is Greg Falkner's fictionalized account of his relationship with Aaron. While the movie is suppose to be fiction it's done through character names, setting, some events are slightly altered but overall it's reflective of the emotional journey and the actual events in Aaron and Greg's past...the confusing part was that there were times when I lost track of whether we were in a movie scene or a character's actual memory ...so maybe that was just me?While 'No Apologies' starts in the present, the bulk of the story is spent in the past either through the movie scenes or actual character memories but things do wrap up in the present and we're given a glimpse at a couple who although they've been together for a number of years at this point they still seem to be finding their way with each other and I was ok with that because these men are strong willed individuals and for as much as they want each other they are also both struggling with their own personal issues. So at the end of this one...3 stars from me because it was good just not great.
In 'Acting Out' the 2nd book in Tibby Armstrong's 'Hollywood' series we meet Kit Harris former child start working on making a comeback and Jeremy Ash up and coming actor and these men have been cast to play the leading roles in...you guessed it...'No Apologies'. Kit's straight...of course, and while Jeremy may not quite qualify as 'out and proud' he doesn't hide his sexuality either.'Acting Out' was a pretty typical GFY with a bitchy girlfriend thrown in...like seriously bitchy I would have been more than happy to play slap-a-bitch with her. This one also started in the present of the premier of 'No Apologies' and we're treated to flashbacks to events that happened during the filming of the movie between Kit and Jeremy. So while there was a different couple and the time setting wasn't as far in the past I found this one to be fairly reminiscent of the first book. So again at the end of it 3 stars for a story that was ok, but really didn't rock my world.
Book #3 'Full Disclosure' brings us back to the lives of Aaron and Greg. Not only are these two men still together but they're planning their wedding and Greg's going to be the celebrity MC at their school reunion. Things are good between these two men. They've still got some kinks to work out but neither man questions that for them this is it. There's no one else they want to be with, so marriage is for them the inevitable conclusion until an act of hatred brings a violence into their lives that rocks the foundations of who they are. While I enjoyed this story a bit more than the previous ones I have to admit I was a little disappointed in the lack of faith that Aaron exhibited in Greg at one point in the story but it was really just a bit of a blip in things and I liked that in many ways this couple came out of things stronger for having gone through what happened to them and their HEA was good...so at the end of this one 3.5 stars.
'Outtakes' is the 4th book in this series and takes us back to Kit and Jeremy. These boys are struggling. Kit's role in 'No Apologies' seemed to have done more harm than good to his career...the parts aren't coming and honestly Kit doesn't really seem to care and Jeremy's career has taken off and as much as he loves Kit, his life is busy crazy and he's at a loss as to what to do for Kit because he loves Kit and can feel him slipping away but Jeremy's not willing to let him go without a fight...now if he could just figure out how to not only fight but win what he wants to keep...Jeremy's heart.I enjoyed this one a bit more because both of these characters were given a more depth and emotional range as they struggled not only with trying to save their relationship but looking at themselves and how they have failed each other and ultimately themselves. I would have liked a bit more time with Kit and Jeremy as they rebuilt themselves and maybe we could have skipped Kit's family drama. While it was used as a vehicle to move things forward between Kit and Jeremy, for me this just didn't work. But still overall this was 3.5 stars for me.
and here we are at the 5th and final book in this series that brings us back into the lives of Aaron and Greg. Throughout these stories Aaron and Greg have shared a relationship that while they've never discussed it has skirted around the idea of being a BDSM relationship, but here in the final story Aaron has given in to his desires to be in control and found a professional Dom to teach him what he needs to know to allow him to move things with Greg closer to a D/s relationship one that will truly fulfill both of their needs.While Aaron and Greg's relationship moving to a more defined BDSM relationship didn't surprise me there was something about how this all came together in this book that was just a bit to vague for me. It's hard to explain and rather than going into any big convoluted overly detailed explanation that probably doesn't really explain things any better than if I were to just say...it didn't work for me. So let's just leave it at that...this one just didn't work for me and add in the fact that...well...my inner 12 year old was running amuck throughout this one there was something about whipped cream and fire hoses and then there were body parts that were harder than a drill shaft...yeah, I'm not even going to try and explain how bad of a descriptive this one was because drill shaft? Not really a thing ok and we're not having an english lesson today so that's the end of that...at the end of it all and by all I mean the series and my review of it...'Numbers Game' was the weakest of the stories for me, although my inner 12 year old did have a good time.
So it's 2.5 stars for this one and 3 stars for the series overall. Not an overwhelming success but neither was it a fail. I got to check out a new to me author and narrator so for this lover of all things bookish that a win and this is a wrap and if you've actually made it this far and are still reading...thanks I appreciate you taking a few minutes to wade through my ramblings. Have an awesome day and here's hoping your next read is 5 stars.
October 8, 2018
I'm giving this 3.5 * because with this one the BDSM aspect of it, while wholly in keeping with the two men and their relationship, just isn't something I know enough about to be able to feel that it was "right" for them, if that makes any sense at all.
I rarely read BDSM because it's not my thing, I don't mind a bit of kink and, for the vast majority of this book that's what we did get, but the whole pain thing is something my brain just can't process because it's so alien to me.
I can completely appreciate that within the context of this book and this relationship it worked for them however and I am in awe of Tibby Armstrong's ability to use words to convey heady emotions as she has done throughout this series.
The connection between Greg and Aaron is never more pronounced and obvious than it is in this book and the depth of their devotion to each other is obvious to see in everything they say and do with and for each other.
But once the story moved more towards a Dom/sub relationship I lost my connection to it simply through lack of knowledge. While it's probably fairly clear what topping from the bottom and bottoming from the top are, I lack the ability to spot the nuanced differences in what makes them unacceptable or a "bad" thing in a Dom/sub relationship so, for me, the sexual encounters during these passages of the book were disconnected.
As others who clearly do know more than me have raved about them though, then I'm going to go with the obvious of it's not the book, it's me!
I have, overall, loved both sets of men in this series of books and I would absolutely love to read more and more about them all. As a series it's a big solid 4* for me.
I rarely read BDSM because it's not my thing, I don't mind a bit of kink and, for the vast majority of this book that's what we did get, but the whole pain thing is something my brain just can't process because it's so alien to me.
I can completely appreciate that within the context of this book and this relationship it worked for them however and I am in awe of Tibby Armstrong's ability to use words to convey heady emotions as she has done throughout this series.
The connection between Greg and Aaron is never more pronounced and obvious than it is in this book and the depth of their devotion to each other is obvious to see in everything they say and do with and for each other.
But once the story moved more towards a Dom/sub relationship I lost my connection to it simply through lack of knowledge. While it's probably fairly clear what topping from the bottom and bottoming from the top are, I lack the ability to spot the nuanced differences in what makes them unacceptable or a "bad" thing in a Dom/sub relationship so, for me, the sexual encounters during these passages of the book were disconnected.
As others who clearly do know more than me have raved about them though, then I'm going to go with the obvious of it's not the book, it's me!
I have, overall, loved both sets of men in this series of books and I would absolutely love to read more and more about them all. As a series it's a big solid 4* for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2014
This is the BDSM book that I wish every one in that genre could be more like. Finally, finally I understand the desire, need and fulfillment BDSM can give to the right two people.
I was a little scared to read this book, in one of my favorite series, after having just read another BDSM that had left me somewhat disgusted with how the sub had been portrayed. But this wonderful book gave me such an insight into both Greg and Aaron. Why Greg liked, wanted and needed to push Aaron to some lengths. Why Aaron liked taking control of Greg, both for Greg and for himself. And why Aaron stepped outside their relationship for training with an experienced Dom so that he could give all that and more to Greg, himself and their relationship.
The surprise and and unexpected joy I received was from the intense and emotional discussions they had because of all of this. (I really shouldn't have been surprised, knowing what I do about Tibby and her wonderful series.) I truly feel the two of them are stronger, better and more in love than ever before. I can't wait for more from this series.
And if I ever need to cleanse my mental palate of a BDSM book that makes it all about submission and breaking a person, I'm pulling this book out to remind me of what BDSM can be.
I was a little scared to read this book, in one of my favorite series, after having just read another BDSM that had left me somewhat disgusted with how the sub had been portrayed. But this wonderful book gave me such an insight into both Greg and Aaron. Why Greg liked, wanted and needed to push Aaron to some lengths. Why Aaron liked taking control of Greg, both for Greg and for himself. And why Aaron stepped outside their relationship for training with an experienced Dom so that he could give all that and more to Greg, himself and their relationship.
The surprise and and unexpected joy I received was from the intense and emotional discussions they had because of all of this. (I really shouldn't have been surprised, knowing what I do about Tibby and her wonderful series.) I truly feel the two of them are stronger, better and more in love than ever before. I can't wait for more from this series.
And if I ever need to cleanse my mental palate of a BDSM book that makes it all about submission and breaking a person, I'm pulling this book out to remind me of what BDSM can be.
October 1, 2014
With Aaron ready to take the BDSM aspects of his relationship with Greg further, he makes a decision to seek guidance on how to do so without losing his temper and becoming a danger to Greg as he did so many years ago. When he is ready to give it a try, things don't quite go as he hoped and some secrets and misunderstandings cause problems. From there the men finally get to opening up and talking through what they want and need from each other. A happy ending to the series that leaves Greg and Aaron stronger than they have ever been.
April 23, 2014
~ ~ ~
This is Tibby Armstrong's best writing yet. The intensity, the power and the depth of understanding are brilliant.
Full review to come.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.com
This is Tibby Armstrong's best writing yet. The intensity, the power and the depth of understanding are brilliant.
Full review to come.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.com
October 30, 2018
I’ve never heard of Tibby Armstrong but this was a shot in the dark and it’s fine. An established couple are at a fork in the road in their relationship. Choices need to be made. Overall, I might look this author up again.
June 6, 2018
Greg and Aaron are pretty cool. I like their characters pretty well. I will say, I didn't like this book very well, but based on the fact, that I had to read it, it will pretty good. I am not into BDSM, but this book with pretty good. I will say, that it was better than the other romance books I've read though. Their relationship was pretty intense.
May 5, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
My biggest complaint about this book was that it wasn’t longer! I would have loved to have had a little more insight into where their relationship went after a long and heart wrenching night where they were finally honest with each other.
Aaron and Greg have been married for years and mostly have a good relationship. They dabble in light BDSM but neither man has been honest with the other about their needs. Aaron is dominant but keeps the more sadistic side of his nature buried deeply. Greg is submissive but never really truly submits, preferring to top from the bottom, manipulating his husband to get what he wants.
Greg doesn’t appear to have had an easy time growing up and this has had a huge impact on his self esteem. If he can’t love or even like himself how can he trust the feelings his husband has for him and achieve a little inner peace. Part of the way Aaron helps with this is by playing the number game. When Greg turns inward on himself or ‘checks out’ of real life the counting is a kind of penalty. With penalties come mild punishments which bring Greg back to the present even if only for a short time.
Although Aaron can gain some comfort from the game what he really wants is a loving D/s relationship. Not trusting his more sadistic side he trains with a professional Dom for 6 months, without informing Greg, ensuring that he has control of his darker thoughts and confident that he knows how best to help his husband.
Gregs discovery of this doesn’t happen at the best time and he is hurt and confused at what he first sees as a betrayal. A night of intense discussion will follow where both men lay themselves open and are perhaps completely honest with each other for the first time in years. You are left hoping that their love, history and marriage vows are a strong enough foundation for them to both go after what they want and need.
My biggest complaint about this book was that it wasn’t longer! I would have loved to have had a little more insight into where their relationship went after a long and heart wrenching night where they were finally honest with each other.
Aaron and Greg have been married for years and mostly have a good relationship. They dabble in light BDSM but neither man has been honest with the other about their needs. Aaron is dominant but keeps the more sadistic side of his nature buried deeply. Greg is submissive but never really truly submits, preferring to top from the bottom, manipulating his husband to get what he wants.
Greg doesn’t appear to have had an easy time growing up and this has had a huge impact on his self esteem. If he can’t love or even like himself how can he trust the feelings his husband has for him and achieve a little inner peace. Part of the way Aaron helps with this is by playing the number game. When Greg turns inward on himself or ‘checks out’ of real life the counting is a kind of penalty. With penalties come mild punishments which bring Greg back to the present even if only for a short time.
Although Aaron can gain some comfort from the game what he really wants is a loving D/s relationship. Not trusting his more sadistic side he trains with a professional Dom for 6 months, without informing Greg, ensuring that he has control of his darker thoughts and confident that he knows how best to help his husband.
Gregs discovery of this doesn’t happen at the best time and he is hurt and confused at what he first sees as a betrayal. A night of intense discussion will follow where both men lay themselves open and are perhaps completely honest with each other for the first time in years. You are left hoping that their love, history and marriage vows are a strong enough foundation for them to both go after what they want and need.
May 30, 2014
I was a bit confused by all the drama, but the fact that they end up happy again at the end is what counted for me. And of course, the sex was hot.
October 21, 2016
Not much to say about it, only: this is the book that ended my annual countdown challenge!
July 5, 2021
The End
I've read the previous four book in this series and really enjoyed them. I was eager to finish the first four books, this one was a little harder for me. I'm happy I read this series and I will read more Tibby Armstrong in the future.
I've read the previous four book in this series and really enjoyed them. I was eager to finish the first four books, this one was a little harder for me. I'm happy I read this series and I will read more Tibby Armstrong in the future.
October 7, 2017
3.5 stars
December 29, 2014
I know this is more a really personal analysis of the book (and I may be VERY wrong about the things I’m writing) than a “Numbers game” review, but it was what I thought when I read it for the second time.
First of all you have to read, at very least, Hollywood books 1 and 3 to really appreciate what’s going on inside Aaron and Greg’s relationship.
“We’re more alike than you think, Greg, for good and for bad. I’ve told you all along”
Overall this is an emotional book and I really enjoyed it.
First of all you have to read, at very least, Hollywood books 1 and 3 to really appreciate what’s going on inside Aaron and Greg’s relationship.
“We’re more alike than you think, Greg, for good and for bad. I’ve told you all along”
Overall this is an emotional book and I really enjoyed it.
June 13, 2014
5 I'm kinky and I know it stars
HALLELUJAH!! I finally get to know what the numbers mean to Aaron and Greg!
This was a surprisingly deep and emotional read. Very very sexy too. A perfect novella to give us further insight into Aaron and Greg's relationship.
"One way or another, he was going to face down his demons and find out if the beast inside him could be allowed out ifs cage. He hoped it could, because whether he liked it or not, he didn't know how much longer it could be contained"
My thoughts:
In the last 4 books, every time Greg 'misbehaved', was rude or lost control of his anger, Aaron would start counting but we never got to find out what that meant. This book explores a side of Aaron and Greg's relationship that was hinted at but never elaborated on. What I especially enjoyed is that the writer obviously spent a lot of time researching BDSM and it's dynamics so that she could write about it as realistically as possible.
Reading the novella, I didn't feel like what they were doing was just kink, a preference to better their sex lives but establishing a deeper connection. They communicated, deeply and honestly, to figure out what they like and don't like. That scene in the restaurant, car and house was INTENSE , I LOVED it!! Perfection. For the first time, as a reader, I felt like I could really see Greg. He bared all which was great because he was always a little unapproachable and detached; there was a part of him that was hidden. However Greg wasn't the only one baring all, Aaron was discovering things about himself too. In the end, I felt like both characters reached a place where their relationship is at it's best. The change in both of them was amazing, I wanted the book to go on forever to be honest. That last chapter was beautiful, I was smiling so hard my face hurt.
All in all, I think this may be my favorite book in the entire series. The writing was top notch, the characters were even better than before, the plot and dialogue... just everything. Loved it! I actually feel like going back and rereading the series. For me, this was the perfect ending to Aaron and Greg's relationship. Looking forward to reading Tibby Armstrong's future releases. Highly recommended
P.S the sex ... Oh my!
An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
HALLELUJAH!! I finally get to know what the numbers mean to Aaron and Greg!
This was a surprisingly deep and emotional read. Very very sexy too. A perfect novella to give us further insight into Aaron and Greg's relationship.
"One way or another, he was going to face down his demons and find out if the beast inside him could be allowed out ifs cage. He hoped it could, because whether he liked it or not, he didn't know how much longer it could be contained"
My thoughts:
In the last 4 books, every time Greg 'misbehaved', was rude or lost control of his anger, Aaron would start counting but we never got to find out what that meant. This book explores a side of Aaron and Greg's relationship that was hinted at but never elaborated on. What I especially enjoyed is that the writer obviously spent a lot of time researching BDSM and it's dynamics so that she could write about it as realistically as possible.
Reading the novella, I didn't feel like what they were doing was just kink, a preference to better their sex lives but establishing a deeper connection. They communicated, deeply and honestly, to figure out what they like and don't like. That scene in the restaurant, car and house was INTENSE , I LOVED it!! Perfection. For the first time, as a reader, I felt like I could really see Greg. He bared all which was great because he was always a little unapproachable and detached; there was a part of him that was hidden. However Greg wasn't the only one baring all, Aaron was discovering things about himself too. In the end, I felt like both characters reached a place where their relationship is at it's best. The change in both of them was amazing, I wanted the book to go on forever to be honest. That last chapter was beautiful, I was smiling so hard my face hurt.
All in all, I think this may be my favorite book in the entire series. The writing was top notch, the characters were even better than before, the plot and dialogue... just everything. Loved it! I actually feel like going back and rereading the series. For me, this was the perfect ending to Aaron and Greg's relationship. Looking forward to reading Tibby Armstrong's future releases. Highly recommended
P.S the sex ... Oh my!
An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
April 25, 2014
When I first saw that Numbers Game steps into BDSM my initial reaction was like:
And then I won the giveaway like:
And then I got to reading:
Being the pervy person that I am I was expecting a darker picture. A physical journey of Greggie and Aaron, but not this emotional treading of their relationship. [altho there was still hot physical frick frack *hiss hiss*]
It was different from what I expected and from the first four books. But not in a bad way. It was like watching realizations about identities as individuals and as partners unfold beautifully. And I just can't. [subdued fangirling]
The changes in an already solid relationship [or figuring that something may not be solid in a relationship you thought it was] is scary and it just...
The first four books felt solid and grounded. This one felt trance-like and unearthly. It gives me that vibe.
Which leads me to why this is just four stars instead of five:
Though a beautiful enrichment of Greggie and Aaron's characters, it can't stand on it's own. It left me starving for more it felt like this part is a bridge to another book. Like if the author stopped writing about Greggie and Aaron I'd probably hyperventilate. Please tell me this is not the end in this series.
And then I won the giveaway like:
And then I got to reading:
Being the pervy person that I am I was expecting a darker picture. A physical journey of Greggie and Aaron, but not this emotional treading of their relationship. [altho there was still hot physical frick frack *hiss hiss*]
It was different from what I expected and from the first four books. But not in a bad way. It was like watching realizations about identities as individuals and as partners unfold beautifully. And I just can't. [subdued fangirling]
The changes in an already solid relationship [or figuring that something may not be solid in a relationship you thought it was] is scary and it just...
The first four books felt solid and grounded. This one felt trance-like and unearthly. It gives me that vibe.
Which leads me to why this is just four stars instead of five:
Though a beautiful enrichment of Greggie and Aaron's characters, it can't stand on it's own. It left me starving for more it felt like this part is a bridge to another book. Like if the author stopped writing about Greggie and Aaron I'd probably hyperventilate. Please tell me this is not the end in this series.
June 6, 2014
3.5 stars, reviewed by Colette.
I grabbed this to review because I am a fan of Tibby Armstrong’s M/F books, not realizing this was the fifth book in a series. While having a greater understanding of the past relationship between Aaron and Greg would have been great, not reading the other books didn’t detract from my enjoyment of Numbers Game. I enjoy the author’s writing style and love her strong characters.
Aaron and Greg have been together for over 15 years, since they were in school together and they are now married; their relationship has always included Domination and submission but neither had any real understanding of or training in BDSM. They played, but they really didn’t know what they were doing. Aaron is able to give Greg what he needs, but now Aaron needed something more in return, so he decides to get some formal training from a professional Dom. After working with Master Dex for six months Aaron is ready to show Greg what he has learned and take their sexual relationship to a new level, the problem is Aaron never told Greg what he was planning or about Master Dex.
There is an interesting dynamic to their relationship, while Aaron is the dominant partner, Greg manages to control most of their interactions “topping from the bottom”. They play a numbers game – for each infraction Greg gets a numbered penalty: Greg pushes Aaron responds; Greg being careful to push only as far as he is willing to go. Aaron sets up a dinner date with Greg, who is working on a screenplay and doesn’t show up allowing Aaron to put his plan in motion. What happens next is intense, a lot of truths are revealed, and there is pain and understanding and forgiveness. Aaron and Greg come through stronger both individually and as a couple. I liked this book and will definitely go back and read the rest of this series.
A copy of this book was provided for reveiewing purposes. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to this and many other reviews!
I grabbed this to review because I am a fan of Tibby Armstrong’s M/F books, not realizing this was the fifth book in a series. While having a greater understanding of the past relationship between Aaron and Greg would have been great, not reading the other books didn’t detract from my enjoyment of Numbers Game. I enjoy the author’s writing style and love her strong characters.
Aaron and Greg have been together for over 15 years, since they were in school together and they are now married; their relationship has always included Domination and submission but neither had any real understanding of or training in BDSM. They played, but they really didn’t know what they were doing. Aaron is able to give Greg what he needs, but now Aaron needed something more in return, so he decides to get some formal training from a professional Dom. After working with Master Dex for six months Aaron is ready to show Greg what he has learned and take their sexual relationship to a new level, the problem is Aaron never told Greg what he was planning or about Master Dex.
There is an interesting dynamic to their relationship, while Aaron is the dominant partner, Greg manages to control most of their interactions “topping from the bottom”. They play a numbers game – for each infraction Greg gets a numbered penalty: Greg pushes Aaron responds; Greg being careful to push only as far as he is willing to go. Aaron sets up a dinner date with Greg, who is working on a screenplay and doesn’t show up allowing Aaron to put his plan in motion. What happens next is intense, a lot of truths are revealed, and there is pain and understanding and forgiveness. Aaron and Greg come through stronger both individually and as a couple. I liked this book and will definitely go back and read the rest of this series.
A copy of this book was provided for reveiewing purposes. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to this and many other reviews!
December 26, 2014
The series comes to an end with the stars of the whole series.
Greg and Aaron have been through a lot; as individuals and as a couple. However, when they realise that their relationship dynamic needs to change there is a lot of misunderstanding and changes to be made.
I don't read BDSM. I don't like BDSM. In my "younger years" of reading M/M you'd be surprised at how many authors wrote BDSM and how much I read of it. To be honest I read some of the best BDSM when M/M was just a baby. However, as I've grown older and as the genre has changed (and not for the good) the genre is something I stay away from. Mainly because BDSM books always in their entirety become about sex.
Aaron and Greg have been playing in the BDSM culture, but not really understanding what they were doing. Aaron goes to someone for real and safe advise. I like that the author showed two men doing something away from the norm, and one of them effectively realising what they were doing was not safe.
This book was too short to really indulge into the whole mindset of these two men. I do feel uncomfortable with their BDSM practice because I still don't feel as a reader it comes from a healthy place. The author did her best to explain but when it comes to these two their sexual relationship will always be something I feel awkward and weireded out reading.
I do think the author wrote this well. Her prose is tight and she has a good knack of blending difficult topics with high emotions. I am sad to see this series end. I do believe Aaron and Greg are two of the most complex male characters to come out of this genre. I just wish the author developed their end a little more.
Greg and Aaron have been through a lot; as individuals and as a couple. However, when they realise that their relationship dynamic needs to change there is a lot of misunderstanding and changes to be made.
I don't read BDSM. I don't like BDSM. In my "younger years" of reading M/M you'd be surprised at how many authors wrote BDSM and how much I read of it. To be honest I read some of the best BDSM when M/M was just a baby. However, as I've grown older and as the genre has changed (and not for the good) the genre is something I stay away from. Mainly because BDSM books always in their entirety become about sex.
Aaron and Greg have been playing in the BDSM culture, but not really understanding what they were doing. Aaron goes to someone for real and safe advise. I like that the author showed two men doing something away from the norm, and one of them effectively realising what they were doing was not safe.
This book was too short to really indulge into the whole mindset of these two men. I do feel uncomfortable with their BDSM practice because I still don't feel as a reader it comes from a healthy place. The author did her best to explain but when it comes to these two their sexual relationship will always be something I feel awkward and weireded out reading.
I do think the author wrote this well. Her prose is tight and she has a good knack of blending difficult topics with high emotions. I am sad to see this series end. I do believe Aaron and Greg are two of the most complex male characters to come out of this genre. I just wish the author developed their end a little more.
June 23, 2014
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews - 4 hearts
Somehow I managed to come into this series via Book 5. While I admit it would most definitely be best to read the series in order for the appropriate context and perspective, I didn’t exactly feel lost and because this book was so enticing, it only made me want to start at the beginning so that I can reach (and re-read) Book 5 again!
It’s clear that despite being together and married for a number of years, Aaron and Greg have both issues and needs that have been simmering and never quite boiled over until now. The majority of the book (minus the very beginning and very end) takes place over less than a 24 hour period of time. In that time, Aaron pushes Greg’s boundaries enough to not only shake up his bad habit of maintaining control by topping from the bottom, but also gets to the core of some emotional and psychological baggage for both of them that has been controlling their relationship.
I’ve always enjoyed reading m/m BDSM and find the dynamic of the power exchange to be fascinating and hot. While I’ve always been aware that the dynamic is just as much mentally challenging/stimulating as it is physically, this book brought it so much more clearly into focus and made me really see just how intoxicating (or potentially damaging) the mental aspect of that dynamic can be. And that’s saying something, because the physical D/s that played out was hot enough to send out some smoke signals from my ereader!
I really loved this story and I will definitely be backtracking to start the series from the beginning now that I know what I have to look forward to at the end!
Somehow I managed to come into this series via Book 5. While I admit it would most definitely be best to read the series in order for the appropriate context and perspective, I didn’t exactly feel lost and because this book was so enticing, it only made me want to start at the beginning so that I can reach (and re-read) Book 5 again!
It’s clear that despite being together and married for a number of years, Aaron and Greg have both issues and needs that have been simmering and never quite boiled over until now. The majority of the book (minus the very beginning and very end) takes place over less than a 24 hour period of time. In that time, Aaron pushes Greg’s boundaries enough to not only shake up his bad habit of maintaining control by topping from the bottom, but also gets to the core of some emotional and psychological baggage for both of them that has been controlling their relationship.
I’ve always enjoyed reading m/m BDSM and find the dynamic of the power exchange to be fascinating and hot. While I’ve always been aware that the dynamic is just as much mentally challenging/stimulating as it is physically, this book brought it so much more clearly into focus and made me really see just how intoxicating (or potentially damaging) the mental aspect of that dynamic can be. And that’s saying something, because the physical D/s that played out was hot enough to send out some smoke signals from my ereader!
I really loved this story and I will definitely be backtracking to start the series from the beginning now that I know what I have to look forward to at the end!
November 21, 2021
Loved it so much, this couple is really a breath of fresh air, it makes you realize how much one can really love a person, and it made me feel breathless by the power they held in each other lives because even if they could survive it is clear they can't live without each other. An outstanding book, with amazing writing, and an interesting plot but real and raw. Recommend it absolutely.
June 5, 2014
3.5 Stars
I grabbed this to review because I am a fan of Tibby Armstrong’s M/F books, not realizing this was the fifth book in a series. While having a greater understanding of the past relationship between Aaron and Greg would have been great, not reading the other books didn’t detract from my enjoyment of Numbers Game. I enjoy the author’s writing style and love her strong characters.
Read the rest of the review on :
Love Bytes
I grabbed this to review because I am a fan of Tibby Armstrong’s M/F books, not realizing this was the fifth book in a series. While having a greater understanding of the past relationship between Aaron and Greg would have been great, not reading the other books didn’t detract from my enjoyment of Numbers Game. I enjoy the author’s writing style and love her strong characters.
Read the rest of the review on :
Love Bytes
May 2, 2023
That’s it, my reread of this series is complete.
This is my favourite story in the series. Focussed solely on Greg and Aaron with no external drama to contend with this is all about their relationship and feelings.
I am torn as to whether I want to increase my original rating from 4 to 5 stars so I’ll just add one little ⭐️ here so it can be either.
This is my favourite story in the series. Focussed solely on Greg and Aaron with no external drama to contend with this is all about their relationship and feelings.
I am torn as to whether I want to increase my original rating from 4 to 5 stars so I’ll just add one little ⭐️ here so it can be either.
August 22, 2015
I loved the little numbers game that Aaron played with Greg but I didn't like the secret he kept about Dex. I'm glad it turned out but that was only because Greg is sharp and knows what he wants and he wants Aaron. Always!!
Recommended!!!
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1st read - Aug 21, 2015
Recommended!!!
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1st read - Aug 21, 2015
July 24, 2014
I really enjoy this writer and this series..minus books #2 & #4 which were spin-offs featuring different characters that I had zero interest in reading about-so-I didn't.
June 25, 2014
Such a great ending to the series. I finally feel like they're really going to make it!!
September 22, 2014
Fantastic ending to the series. Just wished it were a bit longer.
November 10, 2017
The audio narration was terribly awkward. The mimics of gasps and orgasms done so... lackluster.
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