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Let the Game Begin
A bingeable dark college romance featuring a chilling cat-and-mouse suspense subplot from Italian bestseller and BookTok sensation Kira Shell.
Love the players. Hate the game.
Selene Anderson reluctantly moves to New York to live with her estranged father and his new family for her first year of college. She’s immediately drawn to Neil Miller like a moth to a flame. Neil is the eldest son of her father’s new wife; constantly battling a sinister past that gives him no respite. Selene would do anything to break down the walls Neil has built around his heart. But Neil is not ready to open up to anyone, believing himself to be too damaged to be loved.
As Selene and Neil wrestle with conflicting emotions and forbidden fantasies, in the shadows lurks Player 2511—a stalker looking for revenge against Neil. With his riddles, threats and attacks, the ruthless stranger drags Neil into a wicked game that he must play if he wants his family to live—and win if he wants a future with Selene.
Let the Game Begin is the first in the Kiss Me Like You Love Me dark romance series. It features mature themes and explicit content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised. Please check the content warning at the beginning of the book.
This work has been translated with the contribution of the Center for Books and Reading of the Italian Ministry of Culture.
Love the players. Hate the game.
Selene Anderson reluctantly moves to New York to live with her estranged father and his new family for her first year of college. She’s immediately drawn to Neil Miller like a moth to a flame. Neil is the eldest son of her father’s new wife; constantly battling a sinister past that gives him no respite. Selene would do anything to break down the walls Neil has built around his heart. But Neil is not ready to open up to anyone, believing himself to be too damaged to be loved.
As Selene and Neil wrestle with conflicting emotions and forbidden fantasies, in the shadows lurks Player 2511—a stalker looking for revenge against Neil. With his riddles, threats and attacks, the ruthless stranger drags Neil into a wicked game that he must play if he wants his family to live—and win if he wants a future with Selene.
Let the Game Begin is the first in the Kiss Me Like You Love Me dark romance series. It features mature themes and explicit content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised. Please check the content warning at the beginning of the book.
This work has been translated with the contribution of the Center for Books and Reading of the Italian Ministry of Culture.
624 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2025
18 people are currently reading
5342 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 11, 2025
⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I don’t hate a lot of books, but I truly hated this one. The characters were unbearable, especially Neil who had zero redeeming qualities. Maybe that was the point, but it didn’t work for me.
The side characters weren’t any better, the “spicy” scenes were cringey, and I cannot stand when an author refers to a p*nis as his “member.”
Add in the jealousy trope and the repetitive plot, and I just felt like I was stuck in a bad dream. It was the same things happening over and over while I kept waiting for something big to happen, and it never did.
The only positives for me were the mystery and suspense around figuring out who player 2511 was, though that was rare.
The writing itself was strong, very detailed but undeniably well done.
The narrators were also excellent and did a great job keeping me engaged even when the story dragged.
Overall, this one wasn’t for me.
Thank you Sourcebooks audio for an ALC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I don’t hate a lot of books, but I truly hated this one. The characters were unbearable, especially Neil who had zero redeeming qualities. Maybe that was the point, but it didn’t work for me.
The side characters weren’t any better, the “spicy” scenes were cringey, and I cannot stand when an author refers to a p*nis as his “member.”
Add in the jealousy trope and the repetitive plot, and I just felt like I was stuck in a bad dream. It was the same things happening over and over while I kept waiting for something big to happen, and it never did.
The only positives for me were the mystery and suspense around figuring out who player 2511 was, though that was rare.
The writing itself was strong, very detailed but undeniably well done.
The narrators were also excellent and did a great job keeping me engaged even when the story dragged.
Overall, this one wasn’t for me.
Thank you Sourcebooks audio for an ALC.
October 7, 2025
Dnf on page 155! This book is just very cringe and I’m 30% in and still no stalker to talk about! I don’t care at all about the relationship and the way the author describes Neil it makes him sound like a little boy and her obsession over Disney🤢🤢🤢😳
October 16, 2025
This book is a lot to unpack to me. You’ve got Neil who has so much internal demons he’s dealing with that make him an asshole. Then you’ve got Selene who is your typical good girl that’s falling for the bad boy and no matter what he does she just can’t say no to him. Then there’s Player 2511 who wants revenge for something. I’ll be dying to read the rest of these books to see how it ends.
August 11, 2025
Let the Game Begin is the kind of dark, obsessive romance that hijacks your weekend and makes you feral for the next book. Kira Shell’s U.S. debut blends stepsibling tension, high heat, and a stalker subplot into a cat-and-mouse game you cannot look away from. Fans of Penelope Douglas and L.J. Shen should clear their schedules because you’re not putting this down.
December 1, 2025
A dark, intriguing prologue pulled me in… but the lack of coherence and the rushed pacing pushed me right back out.
The prologue immediately sets a dark tone. I was genuinely curious to see where the story would go.
But the further I read, the more several elements started to bother me. Enough that I ended up DNFing around the 20% mark.
1⭐️/5 — 4🌶️/5 (13 chapitre/42)
👥 Character age vs. their situation
This was my biggest issue.
Selene is 21, yet she agrees to live with her father for months simply because her mother asked, even though she clearly doesn’t want to. She’s an adult, she could just say no.
Logan and Neil are roughly the same age or a bit older, come from a wealthy family… yet they all live at home, in a way that feels more YA high-school drama than adult dark romance.
For the themes the book tries to tackle, this lack of independence doesn’t make sense.
Back to Selene, she often behaves more like a teenager than a 21-year-old woman:
- she avoids communication
- she makes zero effort to speak with her father
- she passively accepts situations she doesn’t want
- she makes questionable decisions without real introspection
In a dark romance, even if the heroine is messy or flawed, I need to feel some kind of emotional arc, and I didn’t get that here.
⏱ The pacing is way too fast to build tension
The sequence of events is logical, but happens far too quickly:
- Selene meets Logan and Chloe
- She goes out alone and meets Neil
- She spends a day on campus
- Neil is already obsessed with her
- They kiss in the pool… in chapter 4
There’s no space for slow burn, emotional buildup, or hate-to-lover tension. I expected something closer to My Fault (complicated dynamic, tension that grows over time), but everything happens before the chemistry has time to land.
📖 A very “Wattpad-style” structure
Not in a derogatory way, just a factual observation.
While reading, I could tell immediately that this was originally a “Wattpad-author” :
- chapter length is extremely uneven
- the story focuses almost exclusively on character interactions
- very little worldbuilding or contextual grounding
- scenes jump from one emotional interaction to another with little breathing room
🔥 Dark romance that leans heavily into smut
Up to chapter 17, it felt mostly like:
- dark romance
- lots of smut
- lots of trauma
- but very little plot
13 smut chapters /42 chapters. So, roughly 1/3 of the book.
Then the “player 2511” chapter suddenly introduces a thriller/mystery element that’s genuinely interesting… but I don't know I wasn't caught in the story.
There were promising elements:
✔ a compelling, ominous prologue
✔ potential with the “player 2511” storyline
But for me:
✘ the age/situation of the characters isn’t convincing
✘ the pacing is too rushed to build tension
✘ the Wattpad structure is still very noticeable
✘ the smut overwhelms the actual story
I couldn’t connect with Selene, nor with the overall narrative, and eventually stopped reading.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for sending me this ARC in exchange of an honest review.
The prologue immediately sets a dark tone. I was genuinely curious to see where the story would go.
But the further I read, the more several elements started to bother me. Enough that I ended up DNFing around the 20% mark.
1⭐️/5 — 4🌶️/5 (13 chapitre/42)
👥 Character age vs. their situation
This was my biggest issue.
Selene is 21, yet she agrees to live with her father for months simply because her mother asked, even though she clearly doesn’t want to. She’s an adult, she could just say no.
Logan and Neil are roughly the same age or a bit older, come from a wealthy family… yet they all live at home, in a way that feels more YA high-school drama than adult dark romance.
For the themes the book tries to tackle, this lack of independence doesn’t make sense.
Back to Selene, she often behaves more like a teenager than a 21-year-old woman:
- she avoids communication
- she makes zero effort to speak with her father
- she passively accepts situations she doesn’t want
- she makes questionable decisions without real introspection
In a dark romance, even if the heroine is messy or flawed, I need to feel some kind of emotional arc, and I didn’t get that here.
⏱ The pacing is way too fast to build tension
The sequence of events is logical, but happens far too quickly:
- Selene meets Logan and Chloe
- She goes out alone and meets Neil
- She spends a day on campus
- Neil is already obsessed with her
- They kiss in the pool… in chapter 4
There’s no space for slow burn, emotional buildup, or hate-to-lover tension. I expected something closer to My Fault (complicated dynamic, tension that grows over time), but everything happens before the chemistry has time to land.
📖 A very “Wattpad-style” structure
Not in a derogatory way, just a factual observation.
While reading, I could tell immediately that this was originally a “Wattpad-author” :
- chapter length is extremely uneven
- the story focuses almost exclusively on character interactions
- very little worldbuilding or contextual grounding
- scenes jump from one emotional interaction to another with little breathing room
🔥 Dark romance that leans heavily into smut
Up to chapter 17, it felt mostly like:
- dark romance
- lots of smut
- lots of trauma
- but very little plot
13 smut chapters /42 chapters. So, roughly 1/3 of the book.
Then the “player 2511” chapter suddenly introduces a thriller/mystery element that’s genuinely interesting… but I don't know I wasn't caught in the story.
There were promising elements:
✔ a compelling, ominous prologue
✔ potential with the “player 2511” storyline
But for me:
✘ the age/situation of the characters isn’t convincing
✘ the pacing is too rushed to build tension
✘ the Wattpad structure is still very noticeable
✘ the smut overwhelms the actual story
I couldn’t connect with Selene, nor with the overall narrative, and eventually stopped reading.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for sending me this ARC in exchange of an honest review.
March 11, 2026
There are some books you pick up thinking you’re getting a dark romance… and then suddenly you’re 3 hours deep, heart racing, whispering “just one more chapter” like your life depends on it.
Selene’s move to New York already comes with emotional baggage from strained family dynamics, a new stepfamily she never asked for, and a college life she’s trying to survive more than enjoy. Then she meets Neil. And wow… Neil is not just a walking red flag...he’s a full psychological storm wrapped in charm, arrogance, and pain he doesn’t even try to hide.
Their connection is instant, toxic, magnetic, and honestly impossible to look away from.
He pushes. She pulls.
She challenges him in ways no one else ever has. And underneath all the tension and forbidden desire is a deep emotional layer dealing with trauma, mental health struggles, and the fear of being unlovable.
What really elevated this story for me was the suspense element. The stalking subplot adds a constant sense of unease like something dark is always lurking just outside the frame. The riddles, threats, and psychological games kept the tension simmering even in quieter moments.
Selene surprised me the most. I initially expected a softer, more passive heroine, but she has a quiet strength and stubborn determination that makes her a perfect match for Neil’s chaos. She doesn’t fix him, she confronts him. And that dynamic made their scenes feel intense, messy, and emotionally charged.
The pacing starts a bit slower while building Neil’s inner conflict, but once the story picks up, it becomes incredibly bingeable. The ending was pretty brutal. Cliffhanger energy that will absolutely have you diving straight into book two.
Dark, obsessive, emotional, and addictive...this is a series starter that definitely leaves a mark.
Tropes & vibes:
🖤 Forbidden / Step sibling romance
🎓 Dark college romance
🧠 Trauma & mental health themes
🔥 Toxic attraction / obsessive MMC
🕵️ Stalker suspense subplot
⚡ Emotional slow burn
💔 “I’m too broken to be loved” energy
⛓️ Push pull tension
📖 Cliffhanger ending
Selene’s move to New York already comes with emotional baggage from strained family dynamics, a new stepfamily she never asked for, and a college life she’s trying to survive more than enjoy. Then she meets Neil. And wow… Neil is not just a walking red flag...he’s a full psychological storm wrapped in charm, arrogance, and pain he doesn’t even try to hide.
Their connection is instant, toxic, magnetic, and honestly impossible to look away from.
He pushes. She pulls.
She challenges him in ways no one else ever has. And underneath all the tension and forbidden desire is a deep emotional layer dealing with trauma, mental health struggles, and the fear of being unlovable.
What really elevated this story for me was the suspense element. The stalking subplot adds a constant sense of unease like something dark is always lurking just outside the frame. The riddles, threats, and psychological games kept the tension simmering even in quieter moments.
Selene surprised me the most. I initially expected a softer, more passive heroine, but she has a quiet strength and stubborn determination that makes her a perfect match for Neil’s chaos. She doesn’t fix him, she confronts him. And that dynamic made their scenes feel intense, messy, and emotionally charged.
The pacing starts a bit slower while building Neil’s inner conflict, but once the story picks up, it becomes incredibly bingeable. The ending was pretty brutal. Cliffhanger energy that will absolutely have you diving straight into book two.
Dark, obsessive, emotional, and addictive...this is a series starter that definitely leaves a mark.
Tropes & vibes:
🖤 Forbidden / Step sibling romance
🎓 Dark college romance
🧠 Trauma & mental health themes
🔥 Toxic attraction / obsessive MMC
🕵️ Stalker suspense subplot
⚡ Emotional slow burn
💔 “I’m too broken to be loved” energy
⛓️ Push pull tension
📖 Cliffhanger ending
May 4, 2026
3/5 Stars
Quick Summary: Selena goes to New York to make amends with her dad, but ends up falling for the Bad Boy.
I wanted to like this book so much, but I feel like it was all over the place. The premise of the book, with Selena going to New York to make amends with her father, takes a back seat in this book. They were together for maybe 20 pages total in this whole 600-page book.
The main plot of this book follows Neil and Selena as they go back and forth with each other from being cuddly and cute to hating each other on the next page. Selena is quite hard to like as she knows Neil and how he acts, but continues to get upset when he does exactly what he says she does. She mentions that she knows she is petulant, but does nothing to change it throughout the book. Neil has some development, but once again, he is stuck in who he is and kind of refuses to change.
Amongst everything going on, there is another plot of mystery of someone who is out to hurt everyone in Neil's family (including Selena), but once again, it comes and goes, and the cliffhanger was confusing, but I will say intriguing.
Overall, the plot of this book seemed to be all over the place, which made it hard for me to enjoy this book, given how long it was. It was written with a lot of description, but unfortunately, writing descriptively to make the book longer doesn't help the plot.
Thank you to Kira Shell, Sourcebook Casablanca, and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Given this review, I am continuing to consider whether or not I want to continue on with this series.
Quick Summary: Selena goes to New York to make amends with her dad, but ends up falling for the Bad Boy.
I wanted to like this book so much, but I feel like it was all over the place. The premise of the book, with Selena going to New York to make amends with her father, takes a back seat in this book. They were together for maybe 20 pages total in this whole 600-page book.
The main plot of this book follows Neil and Selena as they go back and forth with each other from being cuddly and cute to hating each other on the next page. Selena is quite hard to like as she knows Neil and how he acts, but continues to get upset when he does exactly what he says she does. She mentions that she knows she is petulant, but does nothing to change it throughout the book. Neil has some development, but once again, he is stuck in who he is and kind of refuses to change.
Amongst everything going on, there is another plot of mystery of someone who is out to hurt everyone in Neil's family (including Selena), but once again, it comes and goes, and the cliffhanger was confusing, but I will say intriguing.
Overall, the plot of this book seemed to be all over the place, which made it hard for me to enjoy this book, given how long it was. It was written with a lot of description, but unfortunately, writing descriptively to make the book longer doesn't help the plot.
Thank you to Kira Shell, Sourcebook Casablanca, and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Given this review, I am continuing to consider whether or not I want to continue on with this series.
March 5, 2026
This book pleasantly surprised me. I was expecting a bog standard dark romance but instead, read a suspenseful, edge of your seat, page turner!
I got this book in a blind date with a book and immediately was drawn in by the cover. I was a little bit worried to start with as the reviews on goodreads aren’t the most positive but I really enjoyed it. I found myself reading for hours at a time, getting sucked in and majorly invested in the world Kira has created.
I really felt for Neil throughout the book. He’s a very troubled character who just wants to do right, but struggles with the voices inside his head. I liked how mysterious he was perceived at the start but as the book developed and we found out more about him, I really felt for him.
Selene surprised me as a character. To start off with I expected her to be a weak FMC but I had jumped to the wrong conclusion! I loved her caring nature but she also had a feisty side which was fun to read about whenever it was presented.
I do wish there was a bit more about the stalker in the book. It’s not really a main plot point, more of a side story. It was briefly mentioned every once in a while within the book as if it was reminding us that it was supposed to be part of the plot. Hopefully book 2 has a bit more development with that!
I got this book in a blind date with a book and immediately was drawn in by the cover. I was a little bit worried to start with as the reviews on goodreads aren’t the most positive but I really enjoyed it. I found myself reading for hours at a time, getting sucked in and majorly invested in the world Kira has created.
I really felt for Neil throughout the book. He’s a very troubled character who just wants to do right, but struggles with the voices inside his head. I liked how mysterious he was perceived at the start but as the book developed and we found out more about him, I really felt for him.
Selene surprised me as a character. To start off with I expected her to be a weak FMC but I had jumped to the wrong conclusion! I loved her caring nature but she also had a feisty side which was fun to read about whenever it was presented.
I do wish there was a bit more about the stalker in the book. It’s not really a main plot point, more of a side story. It was briefly mentioned every once in a while within the book as if it was reminding us that it was supposed to be part of the plot. Hopefully book 2 has a bit more development with that!
November 29, 2025
I have a new book obsession: the Kiss Me Like You Love Me series. A must-read for dark romance readers who enjoy a forbidden step-sibling romance with tension for days! Neil and Selene are intriguing on their own, but together they are enthralling.
Selene is headed to New York to appease her mother's plea to spend time with her father. Their relationship has been strained ever since her parents' split. To her, he has a new family and doesn't deserve her attention, but can they repair what's broken?
When she arrives, she is introduced to her step-siblings and feels a strong connection to one of them, Neil. He is a playboy who can have anyone he wants, so why does he choose to tease her? Selene is a 'good girl' who has only had a couple of boyfriends. She may be inexperienced, but Neil is willing to teach her.
This is a whirlwind of emotions because it isn't just a romance; it handles tough subjects like childhood trauma and mental health. Neil can be a huge jerk, especially to those he actually cares about, but it is a wall he puts up. He is hard to love, and he even has doubts about whether he is worthy of it. Such a complex story that I couldn't stop reading. So good that right after I finished this book, I began the second!
Selene is headed to New York to appease her mother's plea to spend time with her father. Their relationship has been strained ever since her parents' split. To her, he has a new family and doesn't deserve her attention, but can they repair what's broken?
When she arrives, she is introduced to her step-siblings and feels a strong connection to one of them, Neil. He is a playboy who can have anyone he wants, so why does he choose to tease her? Selene is a 'good girl' who has only had a couple of boyfriends. She may be inexperienced, but Neil is willing to teach her.
This is a whirlwind of emotions because it isn't just a romance; it handles tough subjects like childhood trauma and mental health. Neil can be a huge jerk, especially to those he actually cares about, but it is a wall he puts up. He is hard to love, and he even has doubts about whether he is worthy of it. Such a complex story that I couldn't stop reading. So good that right after I finished this book, I began the second!
December 7, 2025
Review of Let The Game Begin by Kira Shell
* * * * *
Thank you to Netgalley for provding me a copy of this fantastic read. Dark, wild, insane, dramatic and it's only the beginning!
Selene, in a forced reluctant effort to grow a relationship with her father - a man whom she despises for breaking apart her family with his choices - she's moved to stay with him temporarily as she continues her education.
She knew there would be stepsiblings, what she didn't count on was Neil.
Chaotic. Rude. Seductive. Angry. Secretive.
Something haunts Neil. With every decision he makes he battles something internal all the while unable to avoid his stepsister who is nothing like all the other women he uses.
Their connection toxic and magnetic, their own personal problems just seemt to sky rocket as disturbing riddles and gifts are left for them.
Death is coming.
For who? That's what they need to figure out.
Wowzers. What a relationship! What chemisty! What a reason for these two to seriously seek proper therapy! Their parents sick. Friend choices are questionable. Sexual partners...seriously, improve your taste guys. Logan rules! What is with the crazy chick? That evil horrible woman - you know who I am talking about - deserves a painful end!!!!
I am invested!!!
* * * * *
Thank you to Netgalley for provding me a copy of this fantastic read. Dark, wild, insane, dramatic and it's only the beginning!
Selene, in a forced reluctant effort to grow a relationship with her father - a man whom she despises for breaking apart her family with his choices - she's moved to stay with him temporarily as she continues her education.
She knew there would be stepsiblings, what she didn't count on was Neil.
Chaotic. Rude. Seductive. Angry. Secretive.
Something haunts Neil. With every decision he makes he battles something internal all the while unable to avoid his stepsister who is nothing like all the other women he uses.
Their connection toxic and magnetic, their own personal problems just seemt to sky rocket as disturbing riddles and gifts are left for them.
Death is coming.
For who? That's what they need to figure out.
Wowzers. What a relationship! What chemisty! What a reason for these two to seriously seek proper therapy! Their parents sick. Friend choices are questionable. Sexual partners...seriously, improve your taste guys. Logan rules! What is with the crazy chick? That evil horrible woman - you know who I am talking about - deserves a painful end!!!!
I am invested!!!
September 16, 2025
🎧 I got the opportunity to listen to this book, narrated by Kat Riley and Edward Black. They did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life.
Selene moves to New York to live with her estranged father and attend college. Her father’s new family includes his new wife’s children, the eldest being Neil.
Selene is captivated by Neil but he is not quite ready to open himself up to anyone, let alone her.
Amidst this college, dark romance there is a cat and mouse game being played by Player 2511, who is out for vengeance.
For whatever reason, I could not get into this book and struggled to enjoy it. Timing, lack of connection with the characters, who knows but it just was not a memorable read for me. That being said, I always recommend you decide for yourself!
The plot caught my attention and I gave it a shot. I did like the cat and mouse stalker aspect so bright side! If you can find something you enjoyed then it’s worth it.
Thank you to the author, Kira Shell, and Sourcebooks Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book. I received a gifted copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Selene moves to New York to live with her estranged father and attend college. Her father’s new family includes his new wife’s children, the eldest being Neil.
Selene is captivated by Neil but he is not quite ready to open himself up to anyone, let alone her.
Amidst this college, dark romance there is a cat and mouse game being played by Player 2511, who is out for vengeance.
For whatever reason, I could not get into this book and struggled to enjoy it. Timing, lack of connection with the characters, who knows but it just was not a memorable read for me. That being said, I always recommend you decide for yourself!
The plot caught my attention and I gave it a shot. I did like the cat and mouse stalker aspect so bright side! If you can find something you enjoyed then it’s worth it.
Thank you to the author, Kira Shell, and Sourcebooks Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book. I received a gifted copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 8, 2025
Unfortunately, 𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡 𝗯𝘆 𝗞𝗶𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹 didn’t work for me. I went in expecting a dark, bingeable college romance with suspenseful cat-and-mouse vibes, but I ended up feeling more frustrated than entertained. The characters were my biggest hurdle. Selene was flat, and Neil—supposedly the brooding, damaged love interest—had no redeeming qualities. Instead of compelling or layered, he came across as exhausting. The side characters didn’t add much either, and the “spice” felt more cringeworthy than steamy. The story quickly grew repetitive, circling the same jealousy-driven drama without real progression. I kept waiting for something big to happen with the stalker subplot, but the suspense never paid off in a satisfying way. That said, I’ll give credit where it’s due: the prose itself is strong, very descriptive, and the audiobook narrators delivered a solid performance that made it easier to push further than I otherwise might have.
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
🔥 Forbidden romance
🔥 Jealousy/possessiveness
🔥 Dark past trauma
🔥 College romance setting
🔥 Cat-and-mouse suspense
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
🔥 Forbidden romance
🔥 Jealousy/possessiveness
🔥 Dark past trauma
🔥 College romance setting
🔥 Cat-and-mouse suspense
November 17, 2025
I actually enjoyed this book. Not one of my favorites at all but has me convinced to read the next book that comes out soon.
Nail, he’s a lot he is possessive but yet lets other women use him. He also finds comfort in his sexual activities but only for a short time with blonde women who remind him of her due to what happens as a kid. It’s very sad and his character is really complex due to all his trauma. I really didn’t enjoy how his character development lacked in areas. I continued reading it because i wanted more and that’s important when reading at least for me i wanted more out of it.
Selene, she was alright her character development LACKED majorly. I get she wants to get closer to Nail, but at the same time her acting like she’s higher than him blows my mind and made me mad. I kept rolling my eyes but nonetheless i still continued reading.
This book is not for the faint heart at all and i truly believe this series can be good i see the potential. So i will be getting the next book.
Nail, he’s a lot he is possessive but yet lets other women use him. He also finds comfort in his sexual activities but only for a short time with blonde women who remind him of her due to what happens as a kid. It’s very sad and his character is really complex due to all his trauma. I really didn’t enjoy how his character development lacked in areas. I continued reading it because i wanted more and that’s important when reading at least for me i wanted more out of it.
Selene, she was alright her character development LACKED majorly. I get she wants to get closer to Nail, but at the same time her acting like she’s higher than him blows my mind and made me mad. I kept rolling my eyes but nonetheless i still continued reading.
This book is not for the faint heart at all and i truly believe this series can be good i see the potential. So i will be getting the next book.
December 2, 2025
First, a huge thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of Let the Game Begin. This book delves into a complex, high-stakes relationship that promises drama and intensity, which the author certainly delivers. However, this is a title that comes with a distinct set of reservations, meaning it is an okay book, but definitely not for everyone. The Lit Whisperer's analysis found the core relationship dynamic deeply challenging, primarily due to the prominent abuse of power within the partnership. Furthermore, the narrative contained scenes and elements that felt unnecessarily violent, which, in my view, crossed the line into being genuinely uncomfortable rather than just intense. While the writing is competent and the plot pushes forward, the ethical lines blurred by these factors significantly impacted my enjoyment. Proceed with caution and a clear understanding of the dark themes.
Go to my profile for more reviews @TheLitWhisperer
Go to my profile for more reviews @TheLitWhisperer
December 1, 2025
la storia parla di una ragazza di nome Selene che si trasferisce a New York per ricucire i rapporti con il padre. il padre vive con la compagna e tre figli di lei. uno dei tre è proprio Neil, un ragazzo tenebroso dall'aspetto affascinante con un passato che non gli dà tregua. mentre Selene si trova sempre più calamitata verso Neil , l'unica cosa che lui vuole è il contatto fisico e si allontanerà sempre di più da Selene dopo la comparsa di un misterioso stalker.
mi sono piaciuti molto i personaggi anche se trovo che Neil per certi sia decisamente troppo tossico. non mi fanno impazzire i capitoli lunghissimi, che possono arrivare a durare 70 pagine.
lo consiglio a lettori di dark romance maturi perchè oltre allo spicy tratta tematiche molto delicate, forse dai 16 anni in su.
il libro è scorrevole e una pagina tira l'altra ma alcune parti sono meno belle rispetto ad altre.
mi sono piaciuti molto i personaggi anche se trovo che Neil per certi sia decisamente troppo tossico. non mi fanno impazzire i capitoli lunghissimi, che possono arrivare a durare 70 pagine.
lo consiglio a lettori di dark romance maturi perchè oltre allo spicy tratta tematiche molto delicate, forse dai 16 anni in su.
il libro è scorrevole e una pagina tira l'altra ma alcune parti sono meno belle rispetto ad altre.
December 24, 2025
This book had no business being 600 pages! We definitely could’ve skimmed some of the fat here. I liked the plot but let’s face it, it took forever just to get there. Nearly half way through the book I was wondering when the stalker will come in… I will say Kira Shell knows how to write a broken damaged MMC. There were times I wanted to bash his head for doing all that stupid shit and constantly putting Selene in a situation that has you picking the other girl hurts me. She deserves so much more. I cried so many times for all the hurtful and messed up shit he puts her through. This really is a toxic relationship. But in some ways I can understand his actions due to his trauma. The amount of mental health and abuse that is portrayed in this book is heavy to unpack. I feel so much for these characters. I really do hope they get the ending they deserve.
September 21, 2025
Although the plot was decent, I couldn’t get past the amount of grammatical errors throughout the entire book. There was also a lot of repetitiveness I couldn’t quite wrap my head around. Between the kind of car that Neil drove, to the color of his eyes, to how he smelled, to him incessantly calling Selene by the nickname he gave her, to dwelling on his let’s just say “extracurricular activities”. It seemed a little uncalled for. As you read along, you can also pinpoint a bit of hypocrisy with Selene with her relationships. It’s comparative to how Neil acts throughout the book. I was also hoping we would’ve gotten more of Neil’s backstory in detail, but I guess we’ll just have to see what happens in book two.
January 6, 2026
I am actually speechless.
I finished Let the Game Begin in December and I can’t stop thinking about how perfect this book is.Kira Shell has completely ruined me in the best way possible.
If you like your romance dark, intense, and a little bit dangerous, you need to stop what you’re doing and read this right now. The tension between the characters is insane. I felt like I was holding my breath through half the chapters.
I loved everything about this book from the psychological back-and-forth. It’s smart, twisted, and kept me guessing the whole time.
And most importantly the Chemistry; It’s not just "spice" even thought the spice is unbelievable it’s the magnetic pull between the characters. It felt so real and desperate.
I finished Let the Game Begin in December and I can’t stop thinking about how perfect this book is.Kira Shell has completely ruined me in the best way possible.
If you like your romance dark, intense, and a little bit dangerous, you need to stop what you’re doing and read this right now. The tension between the characters is insane. I felt like I was holding my breath through half the chapters.
I loved everything about this book from the psychological back-and-forth. It’s smart, twisted, and kept me guessing the whole time.
And most importantly the Chemistry; It’s not just "spice" even thought the spice is unbelievable it’s the magnetic pull between the characters. It felt so real and desperate.
February 4, 2026
I can’t with this book. Two chapters in and it’s already a no for me. The book description says she’s in her first year of college but in the book it’s her second year and she’s 21, and her mom is forcing her to go live with her dad who was an absolutely terrible dad and husband who abandoned them for an entirely new family. That in itself doesnt even make sense. what 21 year old is forced to do that by her own mother? The step brother calling her tinkerbell so much already is cringey and i cannot read 600 plus pages of him calling her that. Her sexualization of him any time he’s in her proximity is honestly just weird and over the top especially when he’s been such a douche bag from the get go. I can’t do it. I tried but it’s cringey and the story choices are just silly.
October 14, 2025
This book started off kinda slow and seemed very repetitive throughout the first half of the book but I believe it was to explain Neil’s character. Butttttt the second half of the book was 😘💦💕🥵🫶🏻 great. The ending left on a huge cliff hanger and I am now currently stuck between starting a new series or waiting until January for the second book . I would definitely would have waited to read until the second book comes out because I am a mess and it’s going to live rent free in my head until I get answers 🤦🏼♀️
November 7, 2025
ok I think that this book has potential but it really was frustrating how Selene never really said no to Neil & was just constantly coming back after he kept sleeping with other people? Also I think we didn’t get much insight on player 2511 or whatever the @ is LOL.
Spicy: but repetitive
Plot: 7:10
overall I can’t lie I binge read the entire thing in two days but after reflecting on it, I just really hate how weak the FMC ended up being written. I wish they could’ve written her as a stronger FMC and not some weak girl who can never say no to MMC lol.
Spicy: but repetitive
Plot: 7:10
overall I can’t lie I binge read the entire thing in two days but after reflecting on it, I just really hate how weak the FMC ended up being written. I wish they could’ve written her as a stronger FMC and not some weak girl who can never say no to MMC lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
I definitely fell for the cool cover and the ominous summary on the back. Though it was a dark romance and that portion was well written, I feel like the author started losing the plot towards the end of the book. (Now, mind you I don’t know it was a series) As I got closer to the end I was really suspicious that things weren’t going to get wrapped up by the end (hence me finding out it is in a series). The plot (outside of the romance) is definitely intriguing but I don’t know if I’ll go out of my way to get the other books.
April 7, 2026
I saw this book in my local library and I like the title of this book and as I saw it was a dark romance I check it out. This story started off slow but the back in fourth with the two main characters kind of threw me off just a little bit. I get why he didn’t want to be her but he kept coming back to her. It really didn’t feel like a dark romance to be till the player came into the story and then the games had started with everything. I have no clue who is behind the game and I have so many questions.
April 21, 2026
This book was.. a lot. So much going on in this story. Some parts I was able to devour, but others were a bit of a drag.
My heart feels for Neil, and all the Neils out there.
While I am a bit invested to find out what happens next, I do feel like there’s more context than necessary which makes this not as enjoyable.
Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca & Kira Shell for a copy of this book.
I did buy this audiobook to be able to read this, and I have to say that I enjoyed listening to Kat Riley & Edward Black narrate this book.
My heart feels for Neil, and all the Neils out there.
While I am a bit invested to find out what happens next, I do feel like there’s more context than necessary which makes this not as enjoyable.
Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca & Kira Shell for a copy of this book.
I did buy this audiobook to be able to read this, and I have to say that I enjoyed listening to Kat Riley & Edward Black narrate this book.
November 3, 2025
It was over 600 pages when it could have been 3-400. This was a long drawn out book about very little other than a mans poor coping skills with childhood trauma. It ends in a cliff hanger that sadly I have no more interest in. Spicy scenes got repetitive and it became predictable. It started off so promising then took me forever to finish. I had higher hopes. 💔
December 1, 2025
The plot had so much potential but unfortunately it wasn’t for me.
Neil obviously has inner demons but his character became more cringey and unbearable through the story.
I do have to say, the book is very descriptive and well written but I think it could have been written in less pages and things got a bit repetitive.
Neil obviously has inner demons but his character became more cringey and unbearable through the story.
I do have to say, the book is very descriptive and well written but I think it could have been written in less pages and things got a bit repetitive.
January 20, 2026
I must confess I could not get into this book and struggled to enjoy it. I usually like this genre, but this one was a bit dificcult for me.
The plot caught my attention and I gave it a shot. I did like the cat and mouse aspect of the story!
The plot caught my attention and I gave it a shot. I did like the cat and mouse aspect of the story!
August 30, 2025
It moved a little slow but i’m ready for book #2
October 5, 2025
Devastated, yearning, need more also, hey…. Stop making me cry like this.
November 10, 2025
meh another neverland story nope
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