Fiendish Play

by Angela Richardson

When James Riley transfers to Cloverley University, he is instantly on the radar of the most elusive secret society on campus, the Lappell. James is an artist. A loner. A free thinker. He doesn't believe in secret societies and wants nothing to do with them. That is, until everything changes. Until he meets her. Anais. The girl who changes it all. The girl who makes him willing to do whatever it takes to own her heart. But the deeper he falls in love, the deeper he sinks into the secret society that has a hold of her. And the further he gets caught up in their world, the more he scrapes the edges about a past he knew nothing about. James has no idea how much of his life is a part of a story that once broke down the walls of the Lappell, many years ago. Who can he trust when love and lies collide? And what happens when the past becomes the present?

Secret Societies. Romance. Mystery. This is James’s story. The spin off story to the PIECES OF LIES trilogy. Can be read as a standalone series. Fiendish Play is new adult romance. It will be part of a two book series and contains some mature sexual content intended for 18+ readers.

Genres: College, Contemporary Romance, New Adult

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2014

About the author

I live in North Queensland, Australia, and I’m married with two beautiful children who rule my world. I grew up loving grunge rock, feminism and free thinking. I'm not great with feeding my social media, and don't like talking about myself, so I drift in and out online. If you know me, then you know too much ;-)
Romance, angst, darkness and adventure feed my writing obsession.

Official instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelarauthor/

If you'd like to drop me an email - my email address is angelarichardson1979@gmail.com

*new website / blog link coming*

LINKS:
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AXHNHLE

Author Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Books-b...

Pinterest page: http://pinterest.com/angeljayne79/

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★! Fiendish Play, book 1 of 2. Art student James Riley’s past & present collide under the watchful eye of secret society Lappell!

James’s story is a duet, a spin-off story to the Pieces of Lies trilogy. It can read as a stand-alone duet, but to get the full depth you’d benefit from reading the Pieces of Lies trilogy first.

Books in this duet must be read in order:
Book 1: Fiendish Play
Book 2: Untitiled - Late 2014

Fiendish Play (book 1) follows art student James Riley as he arrives at Cloverlay University to study modern sculpture under the renowned artist professor Liam Aston. On his way home from drinks with his new roommate he encounters a girl in distress, Anais Aston and rescues her.

This sets in motion a series of events (re-)introducing us to the secret society Lappell, which was featured in the Pieces of Lies trilogy, along with family of members of that series.

As James’ story unfolds an eerie link between his past and present starts to unravel taking us on a rollercoaster of danger, intrigue, mysteries, lies, deceit, suspense and even blackmail, all set against the backdrop of the watchful eye of the all-seeing Lappell….



JAMES RILEY:
21 years/art student, Cloverlay University/$$$$/brown hair/green eyes.

James Riley falls in the category of “oh so sweet hero”. James in present time was at times too young and in flashbacks too mature and I felt his POV was partly too talkative and long-winded. Seven words to describe James: Talented, naïve, honest, caring, noble, talkative and smart.



ANAIS ASTON:
21 years/philosophy student, Cloverlay University/$$$$/dark brown hair/brown eyes/virgin.

Since story is told from James’ POV I wasn’t able to connect as well with Anais Aston. Six words to describe Anais: Enigmatic, naïve, despondent, conflicted, impressionable and sweet.

At the 43% mark the full impact of the plot hit me and some of it was absolutely brilliant! But then some aspects were like trying to fit all the pieces in a puzzle that isn’t meant to be. So far the timeline was handled well, but I was torn apart by some revelations and worry about the effect once the truth is out.

As mentioned James fall in the “oh so sweet hero” category and part of was more interested in Byron’s story. That said I can see that plot might be heading towards a full-blown good versus evil and so James has an important part to play. Then again this might well be a battle that has to be won by evil…

Interesting and Intriguing plot, rich on legacy and mystery! Secrets, lies, deceit, danger and more… I’m giving it 4 stars for the potential the story holds, but as of now Byron is more my kind of hero.

***
Hero rating: 4- stars
Heroine rating: 3.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 3.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3.5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 4 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4- stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes as NA.
Would I re-read this series: Probably not.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.



ARC provided to me by author, Angela Richardson in exchange for an honest review.

[Fab Fun & Tantalizing Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars..not enough.

James Riley .. My Oh My...

Let me say first off I adored the Pieces of Lies trilogy. When I heard that she was giving us more. I squealed, literally squealed. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
You do not have to read the other books first, but I would suggest it. I think you would take more away from the story.

This book contains all the elements I desired and needed.

Danger - check
Mystery - check
Lies - check

Let us not forget the ever all knowing, all seeing, always away Lappell.



James Riley arrives at Cloverlay University and meets Anais Aston. The circumstances in which they meet. You must read. This starts the cards falling where they might. Once again Ms. Richardson takes us on a roller coaster ride of deceit and pure mystery. Page after page I was enthralled. I get lost in the words and the world she creates over and over.
Love James. (Brown hair, green eyes, sweet what is not to like? SWEET) Anais I want to know more. Byron.. Yes I want more of him too please.
I could go on and on but I am not going too. Period!
I want you to read this story. I want you to become engrossed in the pages and the intrigue.
If you are looking for a story that will take you places you didn’t even know you wanted to go, this is the book/writer for you.
Ms. Richardson made me realize I love a bit of mystery with my swooning.
BRAVO! I am fan.. cannot wait for more.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Secret Stars

So for a lot of the book I was like this....


But also a lot like this....


So you know how you can be excited and confused at the same time? That feeling in the pit of your stomach? That "what is going on and how much faster can I read?" feeling. You will have that here in buckets. Big buckets of what, where, who and oh yeah!

The story starts with a bang. Right in the middle of the story and has you hooked. Who are these people? Who are the good guys? There have to be good guys. Right?

James is new to town. New to the states. He has been raised in Europe and Australia with his family. He has come to the US to finish his last year of college and study under a famous professor. He wants to focus on his studies. Until he meets Anais.

Offer me her

Anais has been raised to not ask questions. She knows her place. She knows her fate. Not that she has to like it.

Worlds within worlds where you shouldn't trust anybody and anything.

This is the story of James and Anais and also Liam and Delia and several other pairs. We get the back story, forward story and some totally sideways stories. You will be making Venn Diagrams and family trees to get all this straight.

I had so many questions to go with all these answers

Oh yes, confused and trying to read as fast as possible to get the answers. Oh so fiendish of Ms Richardson. Can I have the next one please?

[Trish - Novels In Heels · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 WICKEDLY FIENDISH STARS

This story captivated me from the get go with its mystery and suspense of what was to come.
Angela Richardson had me on edge waiting for what was next.

James Riley, College art major in his final year. All round American boy next door. He is a talented artist, handsome, honest, caring, noble, smart and sometimes a little naïve.

Anais Aston is a beautifully captivating young woman. A philosophy student and a virgin captive in a world beyond her control. She is unhappy, conflicted, sweet and vulnerable all in the one package.

The story is told from James’ POV and I loved the fact that it was so mysterious and full of drama. He falls in love with Anais, but Anais has secrets as she is connected to a secret society.

James will do anything to help her and gets involved within the secret society only to bring more mystery to the story.

James past, which is eerie in itself, is fully of lies and secrets. He cannot connect the past and the present – like it has been wiped from his memory. He feels things but can’t understand why he does.

This story really takes us on a rollercoaster ride into unravelling James past and present which is full of secrets, lies, deceit and more.

Once the effects of the plot hit me I was in shock and loved every minute of it – just did not see it coming – what an eye opener. Just could not put the book down. Every character in this story is inter-twined with one another and putting the pieces to the puzzle together was fascinating.

A story so intriguing between good and evil - with a plot so rich with twists, turns, mystery and heritage, secrets, lies, deceit and danger – with a cliffhanger to leave you screaming for more.

Who will prevail – Good or Evil.

[Genney Blass · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE STARS PLUS...First and foremost, I must say Thank you to the author, for honoring me to read this book. Now here it goes: OMG, OMG, James, James, Adorable, sweet, so secure of himself. Love him dearly. This book had me on a thread, of Okay, huh, what, your kidding, that is what my mind was saying. I had to reread a couple of sentence, thought I miss something, but know, it was WOW, I am not going to go in it, because it was An eye opening. But Wow, I am utterly speechless. My Goodread Besties, if you haven't read the first two books of this author, please do. Again, Thank you to the author, A very good story. Bravo, bravisimo.

[Amy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, Angela.
Your twists are amazing!
I truely enjoyed how the characters from Pieces of Lies were brought into this book. I love the secret society.
Although I'm not so sure about Anais. I didn't feel a true connection with her. Whether it be her connection with James or with me..
It just seemed too fast. I didn't believe in them as a couple. Even though it might not have been meant to be insta-love, that's what I felt.
I will most definitely read the next book!
Thank you Angela for providing a copy for an honest review.

[Desiree Mosley - A Love Affair With Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 hearts!

WOW! I didn't know where Angela could go with this spin off story but I definitely wasn't prepared for this! It's like she is re-writing the ending to the "Pieces of Lies" and teasing us with some freaking awesome secrets!

With tales of secret societies, rich and powerful men and women, good vs. evil and then throw in some steam....."Fiendish Play" is born!

To read the rest of my review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never saw it coming! I'm in shock and I need more. I cannot believe there is another wait...Ahhh. I'll be as patient as I can, but this ones going to be in my mind for awhile!. What a terrific series. I have to say that when I look for a new book to read I find myself comparing a lot of books to the Pieces series. I have never read anything like them. I love the characters, the depth of the story, and you can feel how much heart Angela Richardson has put into these novels. She gets all praise from me and I cannot wait to get the final installment!!!

[Raj]

DNF

Oh boy, he's too 'talkative' for a guy. Things are kind of vague, which I know is for a reason. It was okay, skipped here and there and oh! too many words, it totally made the novel boring.... One thing a writer should always remember is to never bombard the readers with too much useless info in the first few chapters, or in the 1st two chapters at least!

I was actually pretty excited to read this but I ended up really disappointed.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading James story!!! James is such a confident, free-spirited boy who falls in love with Anais whose a sweet girl but is apart of the Lappell. James gets himself with the Lappell, secrets start coming out, truths being found out...its just an awesome spin off of the Pieces of Lies series and I cannot wait for book 2!!!!

[Cherry Hurtado · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Arc provided to our blog for review***

This book hooked me from beginning to end! The book had me guessing what why who? But it was so addicting I had to keep reading... The book has some twist. I really enjoyed James! Wow was he super secured of himself and I loved it!!!! I also loved the girl in this book! What else can be said just read it you won't regret it!!!!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense! Addicting! Oh together a fantastic read!!! No spoilers but we get a glimpse of a seriously hot, sweet, smart, and all around yummy guy! Yay!!!!!!

[Stephanie Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Riley had no idea about the secrets of his past, his mother and step-father made certain to keep those buried for as long as possible. So James had no idea what he was walking into when he decided to transfer to the States to finish his last year of college with his mentor, Liam Ashton.
James was going to be rooming with Marcus, who was a son to friends to his parents. Upon his first night at Cloverley University, he had no idea the can of worms he was opening when he stepped in to help a girl who was being attacked by two men. But James was a very kind, selfless individual that was an all around good guy, who didn’t like violence but knew how to take care of himself when it was needed.
Anais was a legacy to the secret society that was known as the Lappell. James didn’t care who she was or what this club meant all he knew was he saw an angel in front of him and he felt an instant connection to her.
The turn of events set in motion by James knocking out the two men attacking Anais and winning the car race to help Anais’ cousin Seth, set into motion a destiny that was never meant to be but without all the information to understand, James was walking right into the battle that many people have spent their lives trying to avoid.
This is not a simple story of boy meets girl and fall in love. No, this is a story of what happens when money and power makes people think they can control the world and mold it into what they want no matter what the consequences. The connection between Anais and James is sweet and pretty hot at times. James is an artist pure and simple and demonstrates it in many ways to Anais, first by the dedication of his sculpture that he is building and then also by the words he speaks. Like in the book when they are in the moonlight and Anais is trying to convince James that she has a darkness that he fails to see, he states,
“I think you are the moonlight…because even the moonlight needs darkness to shine”
This book traveled back and forth between current time and past, to help the reader put together what all James was blocking and what exactly the past had to do with the present. I enjoyed this book and was amazed at many of the turns in the plot that I didn’t always see coming. This cliffhanger was a tough one to take, so I can’t wait to be able to read the second part of this story when it is released to see how it ends. What will be the fate of James and Anais? Will the Lappell finally be taken down or will power and money win????

[Alwaysreadingbooks - Reading Drinking and Relaxing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anytime a book starts off good I'm immediately hooked and I was most definitely hook on this book. It had everything I didn't really know I wanted and more. James was the smart guy that thought he had he all but what happens when he finds out that everything that he believed was a lie. James finally leaves his family to go live in the states only to realize that things are not the same. I loved the dynamics of the story and the way that it kept me intrigued until the end. All of the characters were just what the story needed and I can't wait to read the next installment in this series to see where this will go.

[Amanda Hagemeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

What? Huh? But? What the hell?!?!?! OMG! Ugh! Angela Richardson will continue to captivate you in Fiendish Play. James' story does not require you to have read the Pieces of Lies Trilogy but I highly recommend that you do because it will give you the backstory but most importantly because it's freaking awesome! Be warned of an adrenaline rush while reading this book. Absolutely fantastic read with one hell of a cliff hanger!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh!! I love the "pieces" trilogy so much, when I saw this book I think I about passed out! This book has brought up old feelings and it has left it's mark. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. I wish there would be more than one more though. I can't wait to see how Nora reacts to everything. Ugh this next book better come out fast!!!

[Reckless Readers · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Arc provided to our blog for review***

This book hooked me from beginning to end! The book had me guessing what why who? But it was so addicting I had to keep reading... The book has some twist. I really enjoyed James! Wow was he super secured of himself and I loved it!!!! I also loved the girl in this book! What else can be said just read it you won't regret it!!!!

[Wendi Pascoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it! I really loved this spin off. The different twists.... James is ultra confident and swoon worthy.... and ah the ending Woah!!! Can't wait for the second!! well done Angela... another great read :-)

[Shauna Mc alary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaarrrrggghhh why did it have to end. Absolutely loved this book especially the way the flashbacks explained a lot of things from the other 3 previous books. Dreading the wait till the end of the year till find out what happens next

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided for honest review

Angela has done it again! I am a huge fan of the Pieces of Lies series and this did not disappoint! More detailed review after release date.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing spin off from the pieces of lies trilogy. The ending was my absolute favorite. Without giving anything away...I didn't know but always hoped!!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It ended right when it was starting to get really interesting!!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This is one of my top favorite book series ever.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!! I'm such a fan of Angela's writing and you never know what will be the ending till the very end.
Love, love James.. Can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Coribooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Very different to what I normally read but couldn't put it down. Only reason I didn't give it 5 is for the cliff hanger lol

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts out dripping in mystery right from the beginning, when we meet James Riley in a strange situation for the first chapter and then we are taken back six weeks earlier in the second chapter.

James has lived his entire life with his mother and step father, His biological father killed in a car accident, they have moved a lot never staying in the same place for more than a couple of years. But the last few years he had been in France, finishing his high school and his first few years for collage.

Starting his last year of collage as a prodigy of art. He has the rare opportunity to study under his highest held mentor. So he is set up to room with a cousin, no worries about finances and with his promise to take caution and keep contact with his parents he is off.

"It was three words the compelled me to fight for it. Professor Liam Aston. The world renowned artist was teaching this year at Cloverley, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to study under one of my greatest idols."

James arrives, settles in with his new place and roomy, and has a very strange encounter his first night.

Leaving a party early he is walking to the car and hears noises. Finding a girl tied to a tree by two men, he becomes her rescuer. But even though she was sure to be raped and already being attacked, she doesn't seem very appreciative of her rescue by James and pushes him away.

"You shouldn't have done what you did," she said, shocking me. But she had said it so weakly,

He is strangely and strongly attracted to her but she is full of mystery and shadow.

Even stranger, he discovers after his meeting the next day with the professor, that Anais Aston is the great Professor Liam Aston's niece.



Cue in the cutesie "love at first sight" love story. Throw in the whole "Romeo and Juliet" can never ever be together, with a whole lot of puzzle pieces to keep track of.

The story seemed to be well thought out but the book has several POVs and lots of flashbacks. There is A LOT going on, "Secret Society", "Revolutions" Who's who and what's what.

Don't expect too much Hot Steamy Sex either. The book is intended for adults but you won't get much.

My main disappointment with this book is that from the start to the "ending", is a matter of about ten minutes. Everything in between is a flashback with flashbacks! When I finished the book I felt like the book didn't really take me anywhere. I was still standing in the same spot. This book felt more like a prequel.

This book comes with my warning of a HUGE cliffhanger. I personally am not bothered by a cliffy at all and it is not why I don't rate it higher. Cliffhangers are controversial so you have been warned.

*I was given a copy of this book by the author for a fair and honest review* Thanks!!

[Sahar · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS WAS BETTER THAN I EXPECTED OMG. JOSHUA IS ALIVE IM SCREAMIN FFS WE ALL THOUGHT HE WAS DEAD?!!! POOR JAMES OMG I CANT WAIT FOR THE SECOND BOOK HOLY HECK

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! This continuation from the "Pieces of Lies" trilogy books is superbly written. When's the next book.... gotta have it.

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. I think you need to read the first trilogy, to understand this one. The characters overlap and it will make it easier to understand

[♡❤Jennifer♡❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!