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Devil's Playground #2
Rat Race
From Ashley Pines and Eden Emory comes a queer dark, smutty thriller set in a world where the rich pay handsomely to watch the live-streaming event of the year. The desperate sign-up to play a game with life-changing rewards and life-ending consequences.
Cam
Legacy. A word I reckon I’d heard a hundred times more than my own name.
It’s what I am, who I am. The product of generations of greatness.
And now, I was the Weston’s last chance to score big inside the arena.
It should’ve been like shootin’ fish in a barrel. But the moment I saw her, winning didn’t mean a hill of beans.
Was the Lord testin’ me? Punishin’ me for questioning the Ranch?
Or was i looking down the barrel of a gun right at my future?
Ain’t no way I was leavin’ without her.
Aubrey
I came for one reason and one only.
To kill the person that made my life hell.
But when things don't go as planned and a certain thembo cowboy catches my eye, they are suddenly all I think about.
All I want.
And for them, I'd do anything. Kill anyone. Even if they punish me for it.
Better yet, I hoped they'd punish me for it and I couldn't wait for everyone to watch.
This is the second book in a series of interconnected stand alone novels. While they can be read out of order, it is recommended to start from Hide n’ Seek. This is a dark book with many triggers, please see the TW on the authors' website before continuing.
Cam
Legacy. A word I reckon I’d heard a hundred times more than my own name.
It’s what I am, who I am. The product of generations of greatness.
And now, I was the Weston’s last chance to score big inside the arena.
It should’ve been like shootin’ fish in a barrel. But the moment I saw her, winning didn’t mean a hill of beans.
Was the Lord testin’ me? Punishin’ me for questioning the Ranch?
Or was i looking down the barrel of a gun right at my future?
Ain’t no way I was leavin’ without her.
Aubrey
I came for one reason and one only.
To kill the person that made my life hell.
But when things don't go as planned and a certain thembo cowboy catches my eye, they are suddenly all I think about.
All I want.
And for them, I'd do anything. Kill anyone. Even if they punish me for it.
Better yet, I hoped they'd punish me for it and I couldn't wait for everyone to watch.
This is the second book in a series of interconnected stand alone novels. While they can be read out of order, it is recommended to start from Hide n’ Seek. This is a dark book with many triggers, please see the TW on the authors' website before continuing.
246 pages, Unknown Binding
First published October 11, 2024
80 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
October 20, 2024
LETS GO LESBIANS
October 30, 2024
3.25 🌟🌟🌟 🔅
I liked it, I just wasn't invested in it like book 1
In the dystopian world Devil's Playground, there are three games
Hide n' Seek
Rat Race
Truth and Dare
The second book of the wlw series, we meet Cam a they/them cowboy raised in a cult with a Mommy vibe and Aubrey an After Dark girl who is so fucked up in the head that she puts Harlequin to shame.
both characters are competing in the Rat Race but for different reasons
I loved how none of the characters are likable😅 and by that, I mean that if I ever, heaven forbid, encounter anyone like them I would run as fast as I can.
Both Cam and Aubrey are extremely dark with over-the-line-morally-grey-touch-them-and-you-die vibes making them deservable for each other.
However, where in Hide n' Seek I got a full round understanding of the main characters, Vic and Khol, their background and motivations in addition to full comprehension of how the game is played, things are a bit vague here.
The Maze in Rat Race is not explained. I think the book relaied on readers knowing book 1. I think more world-building should have been present.
While I did get some background on Cam, Aubrey's was almost nonexistent. I did not know why she was this fucked up! I get that she was jealous of Natalie but why to the point of entering a deadly game just to kill her?!
There was a lot of repeated internal monologuing of the same thing that could have been cut off a bit to get more character dynamics. I found it extremely unfair that Aubrey got to come two times while Cam didn't.
overall, enjoyable and I am waiting for book 3
I liked it, I just wasn't invested in it like book 1
In the dystopian world Devil's Playground, there are three games
Hide n' Seek
Rat Race
Truth and Dare
The second book of the wlw series, we meet Cam a they/them cowboy raised in a cult with a Mommy vibe and Aubrey an After Dark girl who is so fucked up in the head that she puts Harlequin to shame.
both characters are competing in the Rat Race but for different reasons
I loved how none of the characters are likable😅 and by that, I mean that if I ever, heaven forbid, encounter anyone like them I would run as fast as I can.
Both Cam and Aubrey are extremely dark with over-the-line-morally-grey-touch-them-and-you-die vibes making them deservable for each other.
However, where in Hide n' Seek I got a full round understanding of the main characters, Vic and Khol, their background and motivations in addition to full comprehension of how the game is played, things are a bit vague here.
The Maze in Rat Race is not explained. I think the book relaied on readers knowing book 1. I think more world-building should have been present.
While I did get some background on Cam, Aubrey's was almost nonexistent. I did not know why she was this fucked up! I get that she was jealous of Natalie but why to the point of entering a deadly game just to kill her?!
There was a lot of repeated internal monologuing of the same thing that could have been cut off a bit to get more character dynamics. I found it extremely unfair that Aubrey got to come two times while Cam didn't.
overall, enjoyable and I am waiting for book 3
February 1, 2025
I’m definitely “crazier than a bedbug” for Cam.
Aubrey had me tweaking 1/3 of the book, but the thembo cowboy stole my morally grey lovin’ heart.
If purge constricted into a confined arena with death traps - this would be it - then you add the maze runners and viola = batshit-crazy, murdering lesbians 😍
3.4 I’m simpin for the cowboy.. I can’t help it so I gave 4 stars
Aubrey had me tweaking 1/3 of the book, but the thembo cowboy stole my morally grey lovin’ heart.
If purge constricted into a confined arena with death traps - this would be it - then you add the maze runners and viola = batshit-crazy, murdering lesbians 😍
3.4 I’m simpin for the cowboy.. I can’t help it so I gave 4 stars
February 18, 2025
3.5⭐️ guess we don’t care about UTIs anymore!
October 23, 2024
I really wanted to like this, but the characterization and motivations of the main characters were so lackluster and inconsistent that it was hard to read. With such a bonkers (though not bad!) premise, I needed something to keep me grounded and it was just sorely missing. I feel like there needed to be more in depth character development and at least two more rounds of edits for this one.
October 5, 2024
ARC Review
I recently reread Hide n Seek, which I highly recommend you read if you haven’t already, before reading Rat Race.
I really enjoyed this book, the twisted game that is Rat Race, the world building was so good and descriptive. I loved how unhinged the characters were in their own way!
I absolutely loved Aubrey and Cams dynamic together! (I just wish there were more spicy scenes in the maze!)
But the scenes that were there, my god! Interesting use of a baseball bat that’s for sure 🤣🤣 but I loved it!
Definitely recommend giving this a read. I love both these authors and will always buy and read what they write without a doubt.
Lastly, the cover? Is stunning 😍 absolutely love and can’t wait to buy a physical copy!
I recently reread Hide n Seek, which I highly recommend you read if you haven’t already, before reading Rat Race.
I really enjoyed this book, the twisted game that is Rat Race, the world building was so good and descriptive. I loved how unhinged the characters were in their own way!
I absolutely loved Aubrey and Cams dynamic together! (I just wish there were more spicy scenes in the maze!)
But the scenes that were there, my god! Interesting use of a baseball bat that’s for sure 🤣🤣 but I loved it!
Definitely recommend giving this a read. I love both these authors and will always buy and read what they write without a doubt.
Lastly, the cover? Is stunning 😍 absolutely love and can’t wait to buy a physical copy!
October 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(ARC)
I NEED A CAM IN MY LIFE PLEASE WHEN WILL IT BE MY TURN? I absolutely devoured this book it was fun and intense and I loved it so much. The banter between Cam and Aubrey was delightful, the spice was spicing like I found myself fanning myself multiple times throughout my read. The world that the series is set in is so interesting and really sucks you in and I cannot wait for more of it I will be front and center when truth or dare drops.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(ARC)
I NEED A CAM IN MY LIFE PLEASE WHEN WILL IT BE MY TURN? I absolutely devoured this book it was fun and intense and I loved it so much. The banter between Cam and Aubrey was delightful, the spice was spicing like I found myself fanning myself multiple times throughout my read. The world that the series is set in is so interesting and really sucks you in and I cannot wait for more of it I will be front and center when truth or dare drops.
February 23, 2025
3.7 ⭐️ I am sooooo gay *tilts cowboy hat*
I mean what can I say? If you want a she/they queer MC with religious trauma and muscles for days and a femme sapphic with anger and jealousy issues this is 100% for you.
This is not for the feint of heart, it is a more dystopian/horror leaning dark romance with a fair bit of gore around the wild spice scenes. I found it a really interesting premise however and really enjoyed the fusion of dark romance and dystopian genres here.
I suggest reading the TWs at the beginning which admittedly I did not. Helpfully the authors list everything in depth but I’ll list it below also.
Rep// White non-binary masc she/they queer MC, White she/her femme sapphic MC. Central romance is NBLW / sapphic.
TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want spoilers.
TW// depictions of torture, gore/violence, knife play, weapon of convenience, gun violence, murder, stabbing, sexual violence, biting, physical altercations, mutilation, mutilation of a corpse, toxic capitalism, getting caught in machinery, drowning, attempted murder, verbal, mental and physical abuse by a parent, crimes of passion, gaslighting, ableist
language, misgendering, homophobia, head injury, stalking, transphobia/transphobic language, bugs (mostly cockroaches), rats, animal death (rats), cult mentalities, mention of KN*FE WIFE, cults/manifestos and active cult behavior, religious paraphernalia, mentions of god/religion, beheading, stabbing, claustrophobic scenarios, being buried alive.
Spice TWs// use of a baseball bat, choking, degradation ‘who’re’, spanking, praise, fingering, oral, overstimulation, orgasm denial, voyerism (forced and unforced), blood play, shibari/rope play (lasso)
I mean what can I say? If you want a she/they queer MC with religious trauma and muscles for days and a femme sapphic with anger and jealousy issues this is 100% for you.
This is not for the feint of heart, it is a more dystopian/horror leaning dark romance with a fair bit of gore around the wild spice scenes. I found it a really interesting premise however and really enjoyed the fusion of dark romance and dystopian genres here.
I suggest reading the TWs at the beginning which admittedly I did not. Helpfully the authors list everything in depth but I’ll list it below also.
Rep// White non-binary masc she/they queer MC, White she/her femme sapphic MC. Central romance is NBLW / sapphic.
TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want spoilers.
TW// depictions of torture, gore/violence, knife play, weapon of convenience, gun violence, murder, stabbing, sexual violence, biting, physical altercations, mutilation, mutilation of a corpse, toxic capitalism, getting caught in machinery, drowning, attempted murder, verbal, mental and physical abuse by a parent, crimes of passion, gaslighting, ableist
language, misgendering, homophobia, head injury, stalking, transphobia/transphobic language, bugs (mostly cockroaches), rats, animal death (rats), cult mentalities, mention of KN*FE WIFE, cults/manifestos and active cult behavior, religious paraphernalia, mentions of god/religion, beheading, stabbing, claustrophobic scenarios, being buried alive.
Spice TWs// use of a baseball bat, choking, degradation ‘who’re’, spanking, praise, fingering, oral, overstimulation, orgasm denial, voyerism (forced and unforced), blood play, shibari/rope play (lasso)
October 3, 2024
ARC REVIEW:
I would like to start off by saying- holy shit
Ever since the arc arrived in my inbox today, I knew as soon as I got off work, I was going to devour this book. I devoured and left absolutely no crumbs. I didn’t do anything else but read!!!
If you’re a fan of Hide n’ Seek, you will definitely love this book as well!!
But please don’t forget to look at the trigger warnings because that is VERY important before you read!
I absolutely loved Aubrey and Cam. I loved the way their obsession with each other was written. I loved how jealous Aubrey became because of Ella. I loved that Cam is really the only one who can *control Aubrey-
With Cam, I can see parts of myself and relate with the growing up in an environment with religious and family traumas and I think that definitely played a huge part in cam’s development through the book- like not wanting to be or seem like a disappointment or a failure and the choices they make because of that fear. For Aubrey, I really appreciated seeing a character who let her crazy and darker side come out. It’s refreshing to have a main character that isn’t held back and reserved. it was definitely intriguing and amusing to see Aubrey’s dark side and to watch her bring out cam’s dark side as well!
At the beginning I really loved Ella’s character but I was expecting her to be killed off like Vic’s friend at the beginning of Hide n’ Seek- I’m glad we got to see a bit of Ella though and her interactions with Cam and Aubrey. I loved her verbal sparring with Aubrey. And her tenderness towards Cam.
When it gets to the spice- oh boy!!
The bat scene was one hell of a scene to read, but then again, so are all the spicy scenes- you’re truly in for a treat if you think you can handle it! (Pun intended?)
I really love this series, and I love the works of both authors respectively- they’re incredible writers, so no doubt this book is incredible itself!
If you haven’t read Hide n’ Seek yet, definitely give that a read. I wouldn’t say you necessarily HAVE to read Hide n’ Seek before Rat Race, but some concepts, people and other topics are explained throughly prior to rat race in Hide n seek. Like the whole Hiram stuff for the most part.
I really personally loved this book. I really think if Hide n’ Seek was a book you enjoyed then Rat Race is definitely be your next read!
I would like to start off by saying- holy shit
Ever since the arc arrived in my inbox today, I knew as soon as I got off work, I was going to devour this book. I devoured and left absolutely no crumbs. I didn’t do anything else but read!!!
If you’re a fan of Hide n’ Seek, you will definitely love this book as well!!
But please don’t forget to look at the trigger warnings because that is VERY important before you read!
I absolutely loved Aubrey and Cam. I loved the way their obsession with each other was written. I loved how jealous Aubrey became because of Ella. I loved that Cam is really the only one who can *control Aubrey-
With Cam, I can see parts of myself and relate with the growing up in an environment with religious and family traumas and I think that definitely played a huge part in cam’s development through the book- like not wanting to be or seem like a disappointment or a failure and the choices they make because of that fear. For Aubrey, I really appreciated seeing a character who let her crazy and darker side come out. It’s refreshing to have a main character that isn’t held back and reserved. it was definitely intriguing and amusing to see Aubrey’s dark side and to watch her bring out cam’s dark side as well!
At the beginning I really loved Ella’s character but I was expecting her to be killed off like Vic’s friend at the beginning of Hide n’ Seek- I’m glad we got to see a bit of Ella though and her interactions with Cam and Aubrey. I loved her verbal sparring with Aubrey. And her tenderness towards Cam.
When it gets to the spice- oh boy!!
The bat scene was one hell of a scene to read, but then again, so are all the spicy scenes- you’re truly in for a treat if you think you can handle it! (Pun intended?)
I really love this series, and I love the works of both authors respectively- they’re incredible writers, so no doubt this book is incredible itself!
If you haven’t read Hide n’ Seek yet, definitely give that a read. I wouldn’t say you necessarily HAVE to read Hide n’ Seek before Rat Race, but some concepts, people and other topics are explained throughly prior to rat race in Hide n seek. Like the whole Hiram stuff for the most part.
I really personally loved this book. I really think if Hide n’ Seek was a book you enjoyed then Rat Race is definitely be your next read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2024
*ARC REVIEW*
I said this with Hide N Seek and I will say it again, “what the f**k did I just read.” The plot twists in both Rat Race and Hide N Seek are phenomenal, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the future. Aubrey is an unhinged, bada$$ Barbie, and I loved every second of her in the maze. Cam…they can punish me any day. I loved how much they tried to be a better person until it came to someone messing with Aubrey.
I said this with Hide N Seek and I will say it again, “what the f**k did I just read.” The plot twists in both Rat Race and Hide N Seek are phenomenal, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the future. Aubrey is an unhinged, bada$$ Barbie, and I loved every second of her in the maze. Cam…they can punish me any day. I loved how much they tried to be a better person until it came to someone messing with Aubrey.
October 7, 2024
Welp. From what I've noticed it's best to have read Hide n Seek first so don't make the same mistake as me. 😅
This was a fun and chaotic story! The playful fun between Cam and Aubrey is refreshing. Spice. Oh boy the spice. Never seen such h0rny characters in my life! No complaints from me though!
I truly did enjoy it but plan to start from the beginning and work my way back to this story. Again!
This was a fun and chaotic story! The playful fun between Cam and Aubrey is refreshing. Spice. Oh boy the spice. Never seen such h0rny characters in my life! No complaints from me though!
I truly did enjoy it but plan to start from the beginning and work my way back to this story. Again!
October 14, 2024
For starters, if you're thinking of checking this book out, I HIGHLY recommend it. The games are dark and twisted. It literally makes me think of dark romance meets the Hunger Games with a heavy dash of gore. That's the only way I can describe it without giving anything away. Also, the spice level? HOT DAMN. I need me a muscle mommy cowboy.
April 12, 2025
I loved this book way more than I thought I would! I really liked both the main characters and loved their sense of humor! kinda sad this is the end of their story, I really hope the next book comes out soon!
August 25, 2025
This was not as good as the first one (which is one of my top books for this year) but I still had a good time! I just wasn't as invested in the characters and their motivations as I was in the first one but I love the premise still!
October 5, 2024
I loved it. Only reason it was 5 stars was because I wanted a little more of cam and Aubrey a little more out of the maze. I’m going back to read hide n seek now cause I’m so invested.
November 5, 2024
This book was such an adventure! It was a lot more spicy than I thought it was gonna be, and as someone who’s nonbinary/genderfluid I felt such a connection to this book!
October 10, 2024
ARC review - rat race definitely gave me the hunger games and the purge had a very queer baby who was in a church cult vibes (loved it) The dynamic between Cam and Aubrey had me absolutely hooked ! I could not put it down !
October 8, 2024
*ARC REVIEW*
I want to start off by saying I reaalllyy wanted to love this book. I adore Hide n' Seek and it's genuinely one of my favorite books, so I was excited as hell to receive this ARC. Unfortunately though I did have some issues with it overall.
I think the biggest issue with it is that it felt like it should have been longer. Certain things aren't described very well, like the inside of the maze for example. It's said that it's concrete but there isn't really much description otherwise, like lighting or sounds inside the maze so it's pretty vague. The atmosphere and traps had a lot of potential but I don't think they were given enough time.
That feeling also extends to characters. Elijah doesn't really have anything other than he trained at the Ranch and that's basically it. He's there to be a weird villain but he doesn't really have anything interesting about him. He wants to win and dislikes Cam, but there isn't a well described reason for his hatred of them or why he's so okay killing players. He just shows up, is kinda an asshole, and then leaves and that's that. I feel like he had a lot of potential but it's not used. His final appearance is just there long enough to taunt a bit, only to get a knife between the eyes and then that's it. It's underwhelming in my opinion, although I did enjoy Aubrey worrying that Cam was going to leave her.
Cam is another issue. I know this is a personal opinion and others will disagree so be aware of that, but Cam seemed way too cartoony for my taste. It was endless similes that weren't always funny but kinda just made me roll my eyes a lot of the time. I can see other people loving Cam but I wasn't in that club. I also think that their connection with the Ranch, their family dynamics (including more about their siblings) and the weird cult part of it could have been so interesting but again it just wasn't explored enough for my tastes. I do love their obsession with Aubrey though and how she brings out their darker side. Love it when obsession changes people.
Aubrey however was a delight. She's fucking nuts and I absolutely adore that. Not only is she fucking nuts, but there's no effort to change her or make her feel guilty, she's just there for revenge and when that is taken away from her she loses it. She doesn't really go into a lot of detail on why she hates the girl she's there to kill, but in a weird way it sort of works. She's so full of hate that she's willing to risk her life just to get back at someone which honestly? Queen behavior and I love it. She's such a brat and it was really good watching Cam put her in her place. She's absolutely the highlight of the book for me and I adored all of her chapters so she saves a lot of the book for me.
I think the smut was really good but I wish there was more! I don't want to compare it to the first book too much because they are separate entities but if I was to, then I wish the smut levels were equal or at least slightly closer. The scene with the bat and the spanking scratched an itch in my brain since I LOVE when Cam goes into Dom mode.
Seeing Vic and Kohl show up did make me smile and kick my feet because the two of them have permanently altered my brain chemistry.
Overall I am still excited for book three because Rat Race had a lot of potential if it had just gone into more detail so I think the third can do wonders. I'll definitely pick it up once it does since it's not like this book ruined the series or anything, it's just not my favorite and I think it needs work.
I want to start off by saying I reaalllyy wanted to love this book. I adore Hide n' Seek and it's genuinely one of my favorite books, so I was excited as hell to receive this ARC. Unfortunately though I did have some issues with it overall.
I think the biggest issue with it is that it felt like it should have been longer. Certain things aren't described very well, like the inside of the maze for example. It's said that it's concrete but there isn't really much description otherwise, like lighting or sounds inside the maze so it's pretty vague. The atmosphere and traps had a lot of potential but I don't think they were given enough time.
That feeling also extends to characters. Elijah doesn't really have anything other than he trained at the Ranch and that's basically it. He's there to be a weird villain but he doesn't really have anything interesting about him. He wants to win and dislikes Cam, but there isn't a well described reason for his hatred of them or why he's so okay killing players. He just shows up, is kinda an asshole, and then leaves and that's that. I feel like he had a lot of potential but it's not used. His final appearance is just there long enough to taunt a bit, only to get a knife between the eyes and then that's it. It's underwhelming in my opinion, although I did enjoy Aubrey worrying that Cam was going to leave her.
Cam is another issue. I know this is a personal opinion and others will disagree so be aware of that, but Cam seemed way too cartoony for my taste. It was endless similes that weren't always funny but kinda just made me roll my eyes a lot of the time. I can see other people loving Cam but I wasn't in that club. I also think that their connection with the Ranch, their family dynamics (including more about their siblings) and the weird cult part of it could have been so interesting but again it just wasn't explored enough for my tastes. I do love their obsession with Aubrey though and how she brings out their darker side. Love it when obsession changes people.
Aubrey however was a delight. She's fucking nuts and I absolutely adore that. Not only is she fucking nuts, but there's no effort to change her or make her feel guilty, she's just there for revenge and when that is taken away from her she loses it. She doesn't really go into a lot of detail on why she hates the girl she's there to kill, but in a weird way it sort of works. She's so full of hate that she's willing to risk her life just to get back at someone which honestly? Queen behavior and I love it. She's such a brat and it was really good watching Cam put her in her place. She's absolutely the highlight of the book for me and I adored all of her chapters so she saves a lot of the book for me.
I think the smut was really good but I wish there was more! I don't want to compare it to the first book too much because they are separate entities but if I was to, then I wish the smut levels were equal or at least slightly closer. The scene with the bat and the spanking scratched an itch in my brain since I LOVE when Cam goes into Dom mode.
Seeing Vic and Kohl show up did make me smile and kick my feet because the two of them have permanently altered my brain chemistry.
Overall I am still excited for book three because Rat Race had a lot of potential if it had just gone into more detail so I think the third can do wonders. I'll definitely pick it up once it does since it's not like this book ruined the series or anything, it's just not my favorite and I think it needs work.
August 4, 2025
Okay… this book…
Right away, this book needs SERIOUS EDITING. OHMYLANTA- the TYPOS AND ERRORS DROVE ME NUTS! It read like a second draft with no beta or arc readers.
Second, while its a very intriguing story line, I think the gore amount was…a little much, but I understand why there was so much of it. Its a gory plot, and needed the blood and death for emphasis! Its was okay, but definitely could have been expanded a bit more.
The Rat Race: a twisted sick game in which players kill each other in order to win it all. And Cam is in the thick of it.
Raised on a farm where death was part of life itself, they were raised to kill. To win. To eliminate anything and anyone who got in their way. The games were no different.
Until they meet Aubrey. The world shatters and is completely rebuilt. Aubrey becomes their everything. This feisty little rocket has no filter, a trigger happy finger, and absolutely nothing to apologize for. Facing down anyone in her path, Aubrey has no qualms about going toe to toe with a dinosaur.
Spicy, twisty, and gory, this sapphic romance sparks a story of teamwork, delectable spice, and a fight to the death. The last one standing wins.
Okay now on to the negative side…
1. while I understand she is country, Cam’s sentences do not need apostrophes after every single word ending with an “ing”😭😭😭 ohmygod for the love of punctuation-STOP. As a country gal myself, I do not talk like that… but I could see it if she was realllly down south like Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, etc. But GODDAMN- 😩😩 please take it easy!
2. There were also a bunch of misspelled words, bad punctuation, and quite a few errors and typos but other than that, it was good. For example: page 130: I cleared my throat, ready to share ideas with the team. “Seems like some people-“ “Hey!” Shouted, her voice bouncing off the walls. “I need that”. EXAMPLE 2: Page 160: I got in a few good punched to his head…” EXAMPLE 3: page 171: She made a pathetic sound that had my pussy clentching. FOR REAL, did anyone actually BETA read this?? OR EVEN JUST REVIEW IT FOR ERRORS?!?!
3. Ohmygod- THE BICKERING BETWEEN AUBREY AND ELLA IS FUCKING ANNOYING!! BISH GO. AWAY. FOR. REAL. Also, SHUT THE FUCK UP BOTH OF YOU AND QUIT TRYNA ONE UP THE OTHER!
After all that, I rate this book a solid 3/5, or a 7/10, ONLY because of the damn typos and punctuation errors! 😩
Great base, but seriously needs some work.
Right away, this book needs SERIOUS EDITING. OHMYLANTA- the TYPOS AND ERRORS DROVE ME NUTS! It read like a second draft with no beta or arc readers.
Second, while its a very intriguing story line, I think the gore amount was…a little much, but I understand why there was so much of it. Its a gory plot, and needed the blood and death for emphasis! Its was okay, but definitely could have been expanded a bit more.
The Rat Race: a twisted sick game in which players kill each other in order to win it all. And Cam is in the thick of it.
Raised on a farm where death was part of life itself, they were raised to kill. To win. To eliminate anything and anyone who got in their way. The games were no different.
Until they meet Aubrey. The world shatters and is completely rebuilt. Aubrey becomes their everything. This feisty little rocket has no filter, a trigger happy finger, and absolutely nothing to apologize for. Facing down anyone in her path, Aubrey has no qualms about going toe to toe with a dinosaur.
Spicy, twisty, and gory, this sapphic romance sparks a story of teamwork, delectable spice, and a fight to the death. The last one standing wins.
Okay now on to the negative side…
1. while I understand she is country, Cam’s sentences do not need apostrophes after every single word ending with an “ing”😭😭😭 ohmygod for the love of punctuation-STOP. As a country gal myself, I do not talk like that… but I could see it if she was realllly down south like Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, etc. But GODDAMN- 😩😩 please take it easy!
2. There were also a bunch of misspelled words, bad punctuation, and quite a few errors and typos but other than that, it was good. For example: page 130: I cleared my throat, ready to share ideas with the team. “Seems like some people-“ “Hey!” Shouted, her voice bouncing off the walls. “I need that”. EXAMPLE 2: Page 160: I got in a few good punched to his head…” EXAMPLE 3: page 171: She made a pathetic sound that had my pussy clentching. FOR REAL, did anyone actually BETA read this?? OR EVEN JUST REVIEW IT FOR ERRORS?!?!
3. Ohmygod- THE BICKERING BETWEEN AUBREY AND ELLA IS FUCKING ANNOYING!! BISH GO. AWAY. FOR. REAL. Also, SHUT THE FUCK UP BOTH OF YOU AND QUIT TRYNA ONE UP THE OTHER!
After all that, I rate this book a solid 3/5, or a 7/10, ONLY because of the damn typos and punctuation errors! 😩
Great base, but seriously needs some work.
October 5, 2024
ARC Review
This is the second in the series, while this isn't a direct continuation I do think that you need to read the first book for this to fully make sense. I did not expect to like this series as much as I have, just because normally I can't do dark fiction. But this is incredible. Like ok, imagine hunger games but the games are more organised with rules and stuff, and the MCs are just way too horny. It's so hard not to say too much because the parts I absolutely loved are like major spoilers. I found that the gore was often describing what someone is looking at post-mutilation rather than being in someone's head while they are doing it. A lot of it is centred around "I have to do this to survive" rather than for funsies or something psycho like that. The one criticism I have? "Play hard, win-win", is such a dumb saying/chant, maybe it's my accent or something but I hate it, I'm so sorry.
C/Ws- Depictions of torture, choking (nonsexual), gore/violence, weapon of convenience, gun violence, murder, stabbing, sexual violence, physical altercations, mutilation, mutilation of a corpse, toxic capitalism, getting caught in machinery, drowning, attempted murder, verbal, mental and physical abuse by a parent, crimes of passion, gaslighting, ableist language, misgendering, homophobia, head injury, stalking, transphobia/transphobic language, bugs (mostly cockroaches), rats, animal death (rats), cults mentalities, mention of cults/manifestos and active cult behaviour, religious paraphernalia, mentions of god/religion, beheading, stabbing, claustrophic scenarios, being buried alive.
Spice- choking (sexual), blood play, knife play, shibari/rope play, overstimulation, orgasm denial, voyeurism (forced and unforced), biting, inappropriate use of a baseball bat
Read Again- Absolutely, definitely, be reading both of these before the next one is released.
Recommend- if you have ever wished your post-capitalistic dystopia was just a touch hornier then this is the book for you.
This is the second in the series, while this isn't a direct continuation I do think that you need to read the first book for this to fully make sense. I did not expect to like this series as much as I have, just because normally I can't do dark fiction. But this is incredible. Like ok, imagine hunger games but the games are more organised with rules and stuff, and the MCs are just way too horny. It's so hard not to say too much because the parts I absolutely loved are like major spoilers. I found that the gore was often describing what someone is looking at post-mutilation rather than being in someone's head while they are doing it. A lot of it is centred around "I have to do this to survive" rather than for funsies or something psycho like that. The one criticism I have? "Play hard, win-win", is such a dumb saying/chant, maybe it's my accent or something but I hate it, I'm so sorry.
C/Ws- Depictions of torture, choking (nonsexual), gore/violence, weapon of convenience, gun violence, murder, stabbing, sexual violence, physical altercations, mutilation, mutilation of a corpse, toxic capitalism, getting caught in machinery, drowning, attempted murder, verbal, mental and physical abuse by a parent, crimes of passion, gaslighting, ableist language, misgendering, homophobia, head injury, stalking, transphobia/transphobic language, bugs (mostly cockroaches), rats, animal death (rats), cults mentalities, mention of cults/manifestos and active cult behaviour, religious paraphernalia, mentions of god/religion, beheading, stabbing, claustrophic scenarios, being buried alive.
Spice- choking (sexual), blood play, knife play, shibari/rope play, overstimulation, orgasm denial, voyeurism (forced and unforced), biting, inappropriate use of a baseball bat
Read Again- Absolutely, definitely, be reading both of these before the next one is released.
Recommend- if you have ever wished your post-capitalistic dystopia was just a touch hornier then this is the book for you.
October 18, 2024
Huge thank you to Ashley and Eden for the opportunity to read and review!
𝕰𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖞 𝖕𝖆𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖙𝖎𝖈 𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖙𝖑𝖊 𝖒𝖔𝖆𝖓 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖜𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖊 𝖋𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖋𝖗𝖔𝖒 𝖍𝖊𝖗 𝖑𝖎𝖕𝖘 𝖜𝖆𝖘 𝖇𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕯𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖑'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖉𝖉𝖑𝖊 𝖎𝖙𝖘𝖊𝖑𝖋, 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝕵𝖊𝖘𝖚𝖘, 𝖜𝖆𝖘 𝕴 𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖎𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖒𝖔𝖔𝖉 𝖙𝖔 𝖕𝖑𝖆𝖞.
First, I’m going to start with this: I may now have a slight obsession with the idea of a hot, tattoed yeehaw thembo. And the blame is you two, fully.
𝕴𝖋 𝕴 𝖜𝖆𝖘 𝖔𝖋𝖋 𝖙𝖔 𝖍𝖊𝖑𝖑 𝖎𝖓 𝖆 𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖇𝖆𝖘𝖐𝖊𝖙, 𝖒𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖆𝖘 𝖜𝖊𝖑𝖑 𝖊𝖓𝖏𝖔𝖞 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖗𝖎𝖉𝖊.
ANYWAY, if you read Hide n’ Seek (highly recommended), you already have the backstory on the games and how it’s set up. Rat Race follows the next game, with our legacy Cam, following the greatness of the games and their family line… and our bloodthirsty Aubrey, a social media hottie using the games to dish out revenge.
𝕭𝖚𝖙 𝖉𝖔𝖜𝖓 𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊? 𝕮𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉𝖓'𝖙 𝕴 𝖒𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖆 𝖇𝖎𝖙 𝖔𝖋 𝖒𝖞 𝖔𝖜𝖓 𝖍𝖊𝖆𝖛𝖊𝖓? 𝕾𝖙𝖊𝖆𝖑 𝖆 𝖘𝖑𝖎𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖔𝖋 𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖕𝖎𝖓𝖊𝖘𝖘 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖒𝖞𝖘𝖊𝖑𝖋?
And let me just say, these two were something else. I absolutely loved Cam and Aubrey. Cam was such a gentle giant in a lot of ways, questioning the games and the legacy, cultish behavior… and Aubrey was definitely a little bit psychotic. But she was so funny, and ended up being so protective and defensive over Cam. I loved the banter they had between each other, and when things got steamy? My, my, my.
“𝕸𝖞 𝖔𝖜𝖓 𝖋𝖚𝖈𝖐𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖗𝖚𝖎𝖓. 𝕸𝖆𝖞𝖇𝖊 𝖌𝖔𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖔 𝖍𝖊𝖑𝖑 𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖇𝖊 𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖍 𝖎𝖙.”
This was such a FUN read. I ate it up instantly. I’m here for the dystopian, The Purge x Squid Game x QUEER vibes, and that’s where I shall stay. It was fast-paced, spicy, funny, messy, a kick in the ass. There’s blood, a hot thembo with a southern drawl and a lasso, Bloodshed Barbie, and it provides more than one way to use a baseball bat (iykyk).
“𝕲𝖎𝖛𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖆𝖚𝖉𝖎𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖊 𝖆 𝖘𝖍𝖔𝖜, 𝖉𝖆𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖓’. 𝕿𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖒𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖋𝖆𝖒𝖔𝖚𝖘.”
5 ⭐️ 3 🌶️
𝕰𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖞 𝖕𝖆𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖙𝖎𝖈 𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖙𝖑𝖊 𝖒𝖔𝖆𝖓 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖜𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖊 𝖋𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖋𝖗𝖔𝖒 𝖍𝖊𝖗 𝖑𝖎𝖕𝖘 𝖜𝖆𝖘 𝖇𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕯𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖑'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖉𝖉𝖑𝖊 𝖎𝖙𝖘𝖊𝖑𝖋, 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝕵𝖊𝖘𝖚𝖘, 𝖜𝖆𝖘 𝕴 𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖎𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖒𝖔𝖔𝖉 𝖙𝖔 𝖕𝖑𝖆𝖞.
First, I’m going to start with this: I may now have a slight obsession with the idea of a hot, tattoed yeehaw thembo. And the blame is you two, fully.
𝕴𝖋 𝕴 𝖜𝖆𝖘 𝖔𝖋𝖋 𝖙𝖔 𝖍𝖊𝖑𝖑 𝖎𝖓 𝖆 𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖇𝖆𝖘𝖐𝖊𝖙, 𝖒𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖆𝖘 𝖜𝖊𝖑𝖑 𝖊𝖓𝖏𝖔𝖞 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖗𝖎𝖉𝖊.
ANYWAY, if you read Hide n’ Seek (highly recommended), you already have the backstory on the games and how it’s set up. Rat Race follows the next game, with our legacy Cam, following the greatness of the games and their family line… and our bloodthirsty Aubrey, a social media hottie using the games to dish out revenge.
𝕭𝖚𝖙 𝖉𝖔𝖜𝖓 𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊? 𝕮𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉𝖓'𝖙 𝕴 𝖒𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖆 𝖇𝖎𝖙 𝖔𝖋 𝖒𝖞 𝖔𝖜𝖓 𝖍𝖊𝖆𝖛𝖊𝖓? 𝕾𝖙𝖊𝖆𝖑 𝖆 𝖘𝖑𝖎𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖔𝖋 𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖕𝖎𝖓𝖊𝖘𝖘 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖒𝖞𝖘𝖊𝖑𝖋?
And let me just say, these two were something else. I absolutely loved Cam and Aubrey. Cam was such a gentle giant in a lot of ways, questioning the games and the legacy, cultish behavior… and Aubrey was definitely a little bit psychotic. But she was so funny, and ended up being so protective and defensive over Cam. I loved the banter they had between each other, and when things got steamy? My, my, my.
“𝕸𝖞 𝖔𝖜𝖓 𝖋𝖚𝖈𝖐𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖗𝖚𝖎𝖓. 𝕸𝖆𝖞𝖇𝖊 𝖌𝖔𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖔 𝖍𝖊𝖑𝖑 𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖇𝖊 𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖍 𝖎𝖙.”
This was such a FUN read. I ate it up instantly. I’m here for the dystopian, The Purge x Squid Game x QUEER vibes, and that’s where I shall stay. It was fast-paced, spicy, funny, messy, a kick in the ass. There’s blood, a hot thembo with a southern drawl and a lasso, Bloodshed Barbie, and it provides more than one way to use a baseball bat (iykyk).
“𝕲𝖎𝖛𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖆𝖚𝖉𝖎𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖊 𝖆 𝖘𝖍𝖔𝖜, 𝖉𝖆𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖓’. 𝕿𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖒𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖋𝖆𝖒𝖔𝖚𝖘.”
5 ⭐️ 3 🌶️
October 13, 2024
ARC Review
This book was an amazingly fun read. I’ve read quite a few of Eden Emory’s books and been thrilled with them all - this one was no different. The whole concept of the game is perfectly dystopian. I struggle with picturing things in my head so I do wish the description towards the maze was a bit more detailed however it was enough to build an image.
The characters are so snarky and loveable as a couple. Cam in particular holds a special place in my heart now. Cam was just so hilarious at times: ”Say that again, Polly Pocket.", ‘The rats quickly overtook me, climbin’ up my boots and aimin’ to sink their sharp fangs into my skin like a hearty gouda.’ I love that Cam’s POV was written with the accent because it adds to their personality. My favourite line that really made me laugh and relate: ‘Better than a cold beer after mowin’ the lawn.’
The spice was very detailed and well written. I can only criticise that there wasn’t more scenes. However, I do think the scenes that are present add to the plot, rather than being porn without a plot. Rat Race had the perfect blend of spice and plot. I definitely recommend this book to everyone that thinks they might enjoy it. It’s well worth the read.
This book was an amazingly fun read. I’ve read quite a few of Eden Emory’s books and been thrilled with them all - this one was no different. The whole concept of the game is perfectly dystopian. I struggle with picturing things in my head so I do wish the description towards the maze was a bit more detailed however it was enough to build an image.
The characters are so snarky and loveable as a couple. Cam in particular holds a special place in my heart now. Cam was just so hilarious at times: ”Say that again, Polly Pocket.", ‘The rats quickly overtook me, climbin’ up my boots and aimin’ to sink their sharp fangs into my skin like a hearty gouda.’ I love that Cam’s POV was written with the accent because it adds to their personality. My favourite line that really made me laugh and relate: ‘Better than a cold beer after mowin’ the lawn.’
The spice was very detailed and well written. I can only criticise that there wasn’t more scenes. However, I do think the scenes that are present add to the plot, rather than being porn without a plot. Rat Race had the perfect blend of spice and plot. I definitely recommend this book to everyone that thinks they might enjoy it. It’s well worth the read.
October 15, 2024
ARC review, this is a review of my own volition!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
The world building is so good I actually love it. The scene is really set almost from the get go with this book!
Cam is a thembo cowboy and I love them (if you know my TikTok keep an eye over there 👀). The fact they don’t want to be like their siblings and don’t want to kill anyone, but then having to. Ugh I love them so much! I actually giggled and kicked my feet every time they said Darlin’
Aubrey is honestly a bit of a bitch but I did end up loving her. I too had the immediate response of simping over Cam as soon as we meet them. I love this little brat 😂!
There wasn’t much spice in this one, but the baseball bat scene had me like 🥵. Thought there wasn’t much spice I understand why there wasn’t I mean this is literally a murder maze sooo!
Overall I would recommend to anyone who wants a queer, murder games, streamed, darkish romance story! These authors are honestly Auto-buy authors for me and I will always read whatever they release, I love the way they both are able to create such dynamic characters!
Would’ve been a 5 star but I don’t trust the authors not to kill off these two in truth or dare (which I’m pretty sure is the next book based on the epilogue)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
The world building is so good I actually love it. The scene is really set almost from the get go with this book!
Cam is a thembo cowboy and I love them (if you know my TikTok keep an eye over there 👀). The fact they don’t want to be like their siblings and don’t want to kill anyone, but then having to. Ugh I love them so much! I actually giggled and kicked my feet every time they said Darlin’
Aubrey is honestly a bit of a bitch but I did end up loving her. I too had the immediate response of simping over Cam as soon as we meet them. I love this little brat 😂!
There wasn’t much spice in this one, but the baseball bat scene had me like 🥵. Thought there wasn’t much spice I understand why there wasn’t I mean this is literally a murder maze sooo!
Overall I would recommend to anyone who wants a queer, murder games, streamed, darkish romance story! These authors are honestly Auto-buy authors for me and I will always read whatever they release, I love the way they both are able to create such dynamic characters!
Would’ve been a 5 star but I don’t trust the authors not to kill off these two in truth or dare (which I’m pretty sure is the next book based on the epilogue)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2024
First I want to commend the authors for building a dystopian world that is so incredibly fucked up that its equally as concerning as it is addicting.
Aubrey is the perfect balance of hilarious and absolutely insane. She's psychotic and possessive in the hottest way. Cam is so strong, and shockingly sweet. Everything about them is so swoon-worthy, you can't help but love them, and love the two of them even more together. They both have such strong personalities and it assures that there isn't a dull moment in the story.
The use of internal monologue was done very well here. It gave a lot more depth to the characters in the short time you get to know them, and added such a comedic break amongst the intensity. There were some lines that actually made me laugh out loud. The chapter titles were such an intriguing, funny touch as well.
This book is fast, messy and insane in the best way possible. The chaos is the best part of it, and the spice of course because wow. The pet names, the mutual obsession, the danger, I loved it all.
If you want a quick and crazy read that will keep you gripped from beginning to end, I highly recommend checking this out! Make sure you read all the trigger warnings!!!
Aubrey is the perfect balance of hilarious and absolutely insane. She's psychotic and possessive in the hottest way. Cam is so strong, and shockingly sweet. Everything about them is so swoon-worthy, you can't help but love them, and love the two of them even more together. They both have such strong personalities and it assures that there isn't a dull moment in the story.
The use of internal monologue was done very well here. It gave a lot more depth to the characters in the short time you get to know them, and added such a comedic break amongst the intensity. There were some lines that actually made me laugh out loud. The chapter titles were such an intriguing, funny touch as well.
This book is fast, messy and insane in the best way possible. The chaos is the best part of it, and the spice of course because wow. The pet names, the mutual obsession, the danger, I loved it all.
If you want a quick and crazy read that will keep you gripped from beginning to end, I highly recommend checking this out! Make sure you read all the trigger warnings!!!
October 16, 2024
ARC review!
I lovingly refer to this series as the adult sapphic version of the hunger games. The absolute chaos these character are put through is insane and had me yelling at my kindle and getting so pissed off, I couldn’t put the book down!
I absolutely devoured this book! The pacing was perfect and kept me pulled in making it feel like I was watching a horror movie.
I love the voice that was given to Cam! It’s probably the first time I’ve read a book where the author had me imagining the actual voice a character would have. That deep Texas accent just leapt off the page. I often found myself reading Cam’s chapters aloud to myself just to enjoy how well the accent was portrayed through text.
The energy between Cam and Aubrey was very well done and their push and pull between each other really felt like Aubrey was giving Cam a run for their money and making them work for it. For a split second though, I thought for sure Cam was going to take the win and leave Aubrey behind in the maze and I was dyyyyyying!
I did also love the snippet we got of our Hide N’ Seek champs and cannot wait for the next to come out already!
I lovingly refer to this series as the adult sapphic version of the hunger games. The absolute chaos these character are put through is insane and had me yelling at my kindle and getting so pissed off, I couldn’t put the book down!
I absolutely devoured this book! The pacing was perfect and kept me pulled in making it feel like I was watching a horror movie.
I love the voice that was given to Cam! It’s probably the first time I’ve read a book where the author had me imagining the actual voice a character would have. That deep Texas accent just leapt off the page. I often found myself reading Cam’s chapters aloud to myself just to enjoy how well the accent was portrayed through text.
The energy between Cam and Aubrey was very well done and their push and pull between each other really felt like Aubrey was giving Cam a run for their money and making them work for it. For a split second though, I thought for sure Cam was going to take the win and leave Aubrey behind in the maze and I was dyyyyyying!
I did also love the snippet we got of our Hide N’ Seek champs and cannot wait for the next to come out already!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2024
Reviewed by Natalie for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
Wow that was one intense read and I'm definitely here for it.
Recommended to read Hide n Seek first but I don't think I for one missed anything by not reading it first.
This was a fast paced, very steamy and dark fantasy book that had so many twists and turns! It will keep you guessing until the very end.
The main characters, Cam and Aubrey sizzled on the pages even while navigating the deadly game with millions of viewers watching their every move.
Not for the faint of heart, but if you enjoy dark with a few mind f*&ks thrown in then this is the book for you!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Wow that was one intense read and I'm definitely here for it.
Recommended to read Hide n Seek first but I don't think I for one missed anything by not reading it first.
This was a fast paced, very steamy and dark fantasy book that had so many twists and turns! It will keep you guessing until the very end.
The main characters, Cam and Aubrey sizzled on the pages even while navigating the deadly game with millions of viewers watching their every move.
Not for the faint of heart, but if you enjoy dark with a few mind f*&ks thrown in then this is the book for you!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
October 17, 2024
Would've been five ⭐'s but choosing a playlist for it took a while and I didn't read Hide N' Seek.
ARC read it so here's my opinion:
I liked it a lot and the pacing was just what I needed to read right now. Fast and to the point.
It felt like I probably should've read the first book, since they're interconnected, to really get the full experience of understanding the world building and the society they live in, but it wasn't really a bother for me.
Going into the story in general, it has so much bloodthirstiness and simping that I'm surprised the main couple didn't just jump each other the first chance they got. (Like immediately after the blood scene) They had amazing compatibility and I'm literally screaming into pillows thinking about the next book in this world and them appearing in it.
To sum it up, loved how fast I could finish it and the psycho fuckers being so perfect together. Would recommend reading if you have something you're procrastinating or just in between classes (*in class also works for those brave enough*).
ARC read it so here's my opinion:
I liked it a lot and the pacing was just what I needed to read right now. Fast and to the point.
It felt like I probably should've read the first book, since they're interconnected, to really get the full experience of understanding the world building and the society they live in, but it wasn't really a bother for me.
Going into the story in general, it has so much bloodthirstiness and simping that I'm surprised the main couple didn't just jump each other the first chance they got. (Like immediately after the blood scene) They had amazing compatibility and I'm literally screaming into pillows thinking about the next book in this world and them appearing in it.
To sum it up, loved how fast I could finish it and the psycho fuckers being so perfect together. Would recommend reading if you have something you're procrastinating or just in between classes (*in class also works for those brave enough*).
October 3, 2024
Well, what can I say…. First if you haven’t read the first in the series Hide and Seek go read that. You don’t have to have read it to follow this book but it helps and is on it’s own a superb book.
Now onto Rat Race, this is a fast paced dark dystopian story with many a trigger (read the warnings) and it is beautifully written. The characters are, let’s face it messed up but that doesn’t stop you from rooting for them and not always in the way you would originally think. You find yourself easily picturing the darkness of the maze and it’s many traps. Just overall worth every one of the five stars and I would give more if I could.
Oh and if we’ll written characters, descriptive settings and a beautifully dark storyline aren’t enough for you then add some spicy sex scenes and you’ve hit the jackpot.
I was give an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m not sure what is says about me but I smashed through this book in a day and enjoyed every moment of it.
Now onto Rat Race, this is a fast paced dark dystopian story with many a trigger (read the warnings) and it is beautifully written. The characters are, let’s face it messed up but that doesn’t stop you from rooting for them and not always in the way you would originally think. You find yourself easily picturing the darkness of the maze and it’s many traps. Just overall worth every one of the five stars and I would give more if I could.
Oh and if we’ll written characters, descriptive settings and a beautifully dark storyline aren’t enough for you then add some spicy sex scenes and you’ve hit the jackpot.
I was give an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m not sure what is says about me but I smashed through this book in a day and enjoyed every moment of it.
October 11, 2024
I read this ARC not realizing it’s part of a series 😂 so I’m gonna have to go back and read Hide N’ Seek but I very much loved this! It was a rather quick read and the plot was pretty fast paced once the characters were in the maze and especially once Cam and Aubrey finally met.
Speaking of which, I absolutely loved their dynamic and am completely obsessed. Their quips and fighting were amusing and I loved how so down Aubrey was to fuck a bitch up for Cam right away and how much Cam loved it lol. Cam was honestly my fave - I enjoyed reading their struggle against what they were indoctrinated to believe and do by their family and church vs wanting to be a better person aka not murdering people for no reason. I also loved how bossy they were and the spicy scenes between them and Aubrey were so 🥵🥵🥵🥵
I am definitely going back to read the other book because I am obsessed with The Purge/Hunger Games vibe the Games are giving and I really enjoyed the pace and writing from these authors!
Speaking of which, I absolutely loved their dynamic and am completely obsessed. Their quips and fighting were amusing and I loved how so down Aubrey was to fuck a bitch up for Cam right away and how much Cam loved it lol. Cam was honestly my fave - I enjoyed reading their struggle against what they were indoctrinated to believe and do by their family and church vs wanting to be a better person aka not murdering people for no reason. I also loved how bossy they were and the spicy scenes between them and Aubrey were so 🥵🥵🥵🥵
I am definitely going back to read the other book because I am obsessed with The Purge/Hunger Games vibe the Games are giving and I really enjoyed the pace and writing from these authors!
November 13, 2024
bro
I am speechless for two reasons.
1. the story gave me anxiety and adrenaline as if I was a part of the race too and I loved every second.
The CHEMISTRY 😩😩 between characters is so insane I was eating that shit up like a fiend. The switch at the end to Vic and Kohl *chefs kiss*. I love love.
HOWEVER
2. WTF WAS THAT ENDING??? Cam and Aubrey’s story felt so lacking! Like book 1 gave us so much insight and detail on Kohl and Vic as people separately and as a couple and this book 2 was a half full glass in comparison. Then the way everything played out so so quickly I feel a little ..unfulfilled maybe? I don’t quite understand my own feelings yet. AND THE WAY THEY INTRODUCE A NEW CHARACTER like what about the foreshadowing of the girl on the train in book 1?? Was that interaction with Vic even necessary?? (Was that even foreshadowing or did I gaslight myself into thinking it was?? lmfao)
If I have to wait another year for book 3 I’m going to go insane
I am speechless for two reasons.
1. the story gave me anxiety and adrenaline as if I was a part of the race too and I loved every second.
The CHEMISTRY 😩😩 between characters is so insane I was eating that shit up like a fiend. The switch at the end to Vic and Kohl *chefs kiss*. I love love.
HOWEVER
2. WTF WAS THAT ENDING??? Cam and Aubrey’s story felt so lacking! Like book 1 gave us so much insight and detail on Kohl and Vic as people separately and as a couple and this book 2 was a half full glass in comparison. Then the way everything played out so so quickly I feel a little ..unfulfilled maybe? I don’t quite understand my own feelings yet. AND THE WAY THEY INTRODUCE A NEW CHARACTER like what about the foreshadowing of the girl on the train in book 1?? Was that interaction with Vic even necessary?? (Was that even foreshadowing or did I gaslight myself into thinking it was?? lmfao)
If I have to wait another year for book 3 I’m going to go insane
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