What do you think?
Rate this book
Virginia Justice #1
Serial Games
The hunt is on...
FBI Agent Maggie Weston has profiled dangerous criminals. Her most challenging case returns to haunt her, and she'll have to prove she has what it takes when the pressure is on.
US Marshal Brandon Worth hunts because he has no other choice. He can't catch the one who destroyed his life five years ago, but he'll stop at nothing to keep Maggie safe from this evil, even if it means opening his heart to a love he can't return.
An interracial romance with a bit of faith weaved in.
FBI Agent Maggie Weston has profiled dangerous criminals. Her most challenging case returns to haunt her, and she'll have to prove she has what it takes when the pressure is on.
US Marshal Brandon Worth hunts because he has no other choice. He can't catch the one who destroyed his life five years ago, but he'll stop at nothing to keep Maggie safe from this evil, even if it means opening his heart to a love he can't return.
An interracial romance with a bit of faith weaved in.
236 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2012
48 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
About the author
K. Victoria Chase
23 books151 followersK. Victoria Chase is the author of romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and paranormal romance with pen names including Eliza Ellis and Zoë Lane. She's a graduate of Drexel University's MFA in Creative Writing program (2024) and a former co-managing editor for Drexel’s graduate literary magazine, Paper Dragon. She loves editing, HGTV shows, true crime podcasts, and traveling.
Visit K. Victoria Chase at http://www.kvictoriachase.com
Visit K. Victoria Chase at http://www.kvictoriachase.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 9, 2012
Serial Games is a gripping romantic suspense thriller. Maggie and Brandon are an FBI profiler and a Fugitive Retrieval Specialist US Marshal who team up to recapture a notorious serial killer who escapes custody.
What I liked about this story:
*Maggie is an appealing heroine. She is a black woman who doesn't pander to stereotypes that are all too prevalent. Not only is she reserved, cerebral, and very good at her job, she is a woman of faith who shows dedication and drive to catch a very cunning serial killer--one that she had been highly instrumental in putting away the first time. I liked how she carries herself--she's not focused on being sexy or catching a man. She's focused on doing a good job in her field, putting her intelligence and training to use to better the world, and is a bit of a workaholic--not very good at the life/work balance. Even though she has feelings for Brandon, she doesn't allow herself to be his punching bag or let him to take advantage of their attraction to each other. She juggles a family dynamic in which she feels competition with her older sister, who is a successful attorney who is also happily married with a child. Her mom constantly reminds her of her need to get married, but Maggie isn't worried about that, when her job keeps her so busy.
*Brandon is magnetic and scrumptious. He's a bit tortured after losing his fiancee' and he is nursing an anger with God as a result. He was definitely blowing hot and cold, and he knew it, but I liked the way he interacted with Maggie.
*The chemistry was great in this book. It's clean romance, but the author conveys the attraction and the developing relationship between Maggie and Brandon in an engaging way. It's good romance for Christians who have certain beliefs about how to conduct a relationship and a courtship. It's kind of hard to find books that show this well. It's usually one extreme or the other: no chemistry, and too 1950s or way too erotic with behaviors that don't fit what is expected of single Christians in a dating relationship. I liked how Chase uses kisses, dialogue, and physical interactions and body language to build the chemistry between Maggie and Brandon. I found it very believable.
*The suspense part was well done. I felt like I watching an episode of Breakout Kings or Criminal Minds. Chase doesn't make things gruesome, but she portrays the pathology and the darkness of the serial killer very realistically.
*Chase's writing style is active and her voice is confident and sophisticated. She did a good job of balancing the varied themes of this book, without sacrificing any in the end result. It's only fair to say that I am not a big fan of serial killer fiction. While I didn't think she was heavy-handed, Ms. Chase doesn't skimp or go lightweight on this aspect of the novel. On the other hand, I didn't yearn for more focus on the romance because she was spending too much time on the suspense angle. I think that while she does convey a spiritual message, she does it naturally, so I don't feel like this book was at all preachy. Instead, it's a good choice for a reader who wants a good romantic suspense novel that is on the clean side and with characters who have personal relationships with God that they are working through. A person who is open to reading a novel with a Christian message, one that isn't focused exclusively on that message, or a reader is not necessarily a Christian, might enjoy this book.
Overall Thoughts
My thanks to K. Victoria Chase for the opportunity to read Serial Games. I was happy to be able to explore some interracial romantic suspense that is clean, and not focused on eroticism. These are quite hard to find in this genre. I liked that this storyline is unique for the majority of the interracial content available. Maggie is a heroine that I could respect as a person and admire for her work ethic and her personal ethics. Brandon is definitely appealing as a hero, with a touch of the tortured aspect to his character, and also very good at his job. I felt the chemistry between them, and I can definitely see them building a life together. I would recommend this book.
What I liked about this story:
*Maggie is an appealing heroine. She is a black woman who doesn't pander to stereotypes that are all too prevalent. Not only is she reserved, cerebral, and very good at her job, she is a woman of faith who shows dedication and drive to catch a very cunning serial killer--one that she had been highly instrumental in putting away the first time. I liked how she carries herself--she's not focused on being sexy or catching a man. She's focused on doing a good job in her field, putting her intelligence and training to use to better the world, and is a bit of a workaholic--not very good at the life/work balance. Even though she has feelings for Brandon, she doesn't allow herself to be his punching bag or let him to take advantage of their attraction to each other. She juggles a family dynamic in which she feels competition with her older sister, who is a successful attorney who is also happily married with a child. Her mom constantly reminds her of her need to get married, but Maggie isn't worried about that, when her job keeps her so busy.
*Brandon is magnetic and scrumptious. He's a bit tortured after losing his fiancee' and he is nursing an anger with God as a result. He was definitely blowing hot and cold, and he knew it, but I liked the way he interacted with Maggie.
*The chemistry was great in this book. It's clean romance, but the author conveys the attraction and the developing relationship between Maggie and Brandon in an engaging way. It's good romance for Christians who have certain beliefs about how to conduct a relationship and a courtship. It's kind of hard to find books that show this well. It's usually one extreme or the other: no chemistry, and too 1950s or way too erotic with behaviors that don't fit what is expected of single Christians in a dating relationship. I liked how Chase uses kisses, dialogue, and physical interactions and body language to build the chemistry between Maggie and Brandon. I found it very believable.
*The suspense part was well done. I felt like I watching an episode of Breakout Kings or Criminal Minds. Chase doesn't make things gruesome, but she portrays the pathology and the darkness of the serial killer very realistically.
*Chase's writing style is active and her voice is confident and sophisticated. She did a good job of balancing the varied themes of this book, without sacrificing any in the end result. It's only fair to say that I am not a big fan of serial killer fiction. While I didn't think she was heavy-handed, Ms. Chase doesn't skimp or go lightweight on this aspect of the novel. On the other hand, I didn't yearn for more focus on the romance because she was spending too much time on the suspense angle. I think that while she does convey a spiritual message, she does it naturally, so I don't feel like this book was at all preachy. Instead, it's a good choice for a reader who wants a good romantic suspense novel that is on the clean side and with characters who have personal relationships with God that they are working through. A person who is open to reading a novel with a Christian message, one that isn't focused exclusively on that message, or a reader is not necessarily a Christian, might enjoy this book.
Overall Thoughts
My thanks to K. Victoria Chase for the opportunity to read Serial Games. I was happy to be able to explore some interracial romantic suspense that is clean, and not focused on eroticism. These are quite hard to find in this genre. I liked that this storyline is unique for the majority of the interracial content available. Maggie is a heroine that I could respect as a person and admire for her work ethic and her personal ethics. Brandon is definitely appealing as a hero, with a touch of the tortured aspect to his character, and also very good at his job. I felt the chemistry between them, and I can definitely see them building a life together. I would recommend this book.
April 9, 2012
I bought this book for two reasons. One, Chase is a fellow blogger and I wanted to support her first novel. Secondly, I love romantic suspenses and the premise and cover intrigued me.
I didn't know what to expect but I honestly didn't expect to immediately be sucked in! The heroine is a government profiler who specializes in profiling serial killers. When a killer she helped put behind bars escapes, her life is kind of thrown into turmoil. She has to not only prove herself again (he was the first guy she helped catch) but try to stop him before he hurts anyone else. Then there's the hunky tracker who is helping in the investigation...he has issues of his own yet finds himself drawn to Maggie (the heroine) despite his determination to stay away from women.
While I really liked the characters and could relate to Maggie in a few different ways, what really sucked me into this story was the pacing and authenticity. This story FELT real. The way things are handled, the dialogue. And the pacing was fabulous. I didn't want to put the book down. Even though the ending wasn't exactly a surprise, I couldn't stop reading until I got there. There are some editing issues in the edition I read but overall, they did not affect my reading satisfaction. I can't wait to read more from Chase!
I didn't know what to expect but I honestly didn't expect to immediately be sucked in! The heroine is a government profiler who specializes in profiling serial killers. When a killer she helped put behind bars escapes, her life is kind of thrown into turmoil. She has to not only prove herself again (he was the first guy she helped catch) but try to stop him before he hurts anyone else. Then there's the hunky tracker who is helping in the investigation...he has issues of his own yet finds himself drawn to Maggie (the heroine) despite his determination to stay away from women.
While I really liked the characters and could relate to Maggie in a few different ways, what really sucked me into this story was the pacing and authenticity. This story FELT real. The way things are handled, the dialogue. And the pacing was fabulous. I didn't want to put the book down. Even though the ending wasn't exactly a surprise, I couldn't stop reading until I got there. There are some editing issues in the edition I read but overall, they did not affect my reading satisfaction. I can't wait to read more from Chase!
September 14, 2015
A great start to a the series "Serial Games".
Maggie Weston is a top profiler for the FBI, years ago she helped capture a notorious serial killer by the name of John Michael Burrows who is scheduled to be put to death for his crimes. She has battled nightmares for a while during the chase and after he had been caught. So the town of Culpepper, Virginia can breathe a lot easier now especially realizing that it was one of their very own long time residents in the town. But years later the unthinkable happens, as prisoner Burrows is being transported to a super maximum facility, he escapes and is now on the run.
Top Tracker Marshal Brandon Worth has been called upon to bring Burrows back to custody, he has also been tasked to contact Maggie Weston, the FBI profiler who help to capture Burrows in the first place. As Marshal Worth is brought into Maggie's office, his heart stops, stutters and begins beating again, when Maggie sees the Marshal, she wants to just faint because no way is this man causing her to feel this way. But its soon dashed as if cold water hit her when he comes with the news of Burrows escape. Now these two must work together to recapture this killer.
Agent West and Marshal Worth are two people with a lot emotional pain between them both. Maggie believes in God totally but feels as if maybe he has forgotten about her. Brandon has turned his back completely on God and his faith after losing his fiance so tragically. But God always has a plan oftentimes we struggle to see what it is he is doing, We struggle with maybe he doesn't remember me or maybe he has forgotten about me. Or how could God let this happen to me. But God is always faithful and his timing is perfect just when it appears as if our backs are against the wall and defeat is inevitable, God Shows Up and Shows Out. "For thou art my hope, O Lord God, thou art my trust from my youth" (Psalm 71:5)".
Maggie and Brandon must work together to catch a killer who seems to be right underneath their noses but remains elusive. And they must also try and let down their guards to allow God to work in their lives individually so that they maybe there will be a chance for them to find love.
Well Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!
Maggie Weston is a top profiler for the FBI, years ago she helped capture a notorious serial killer by the name of John Michael Burrows who is scheduled to be put to death for his crimes. She has battled nightmares for a while during the chase and after he had been caught. So the town of Culpepper, Virginia can breathe a lot easier now especially realizing that it was one of their very own long time residents in the town. But years later the unthinkable happens, as prisoner Burrows is being transported to a super maximum facility, he escapes and is now on the run.
Top Tracker Marshal Brandon Worth has been called upon to bring Burrows back to custody, he has also been tasked to contact Maggie Weston, the FBI profiler who help to capture Burrows in the first place. As Marshal Worth is brought into Maggie's office, his heart stops, stutters and begins beating again, when Maggie sees the Marshal, she wants to just faint because no way is this man causing her to feel this way. But its soon dashed as if cold water hit her when he comes with the news of Burrows escape. Now these two must work together to recapture this killer.
Agent West and Marshal Worth are two people with a lot emotional pain between them both. Maggie believes in God totally but feels as if maybe he has forgotten about her. Brandon has turned his back completely on God and his faith after losing his fiance so tragically. But God always has a plan oftentimes we struggle to see what it is he is doing, We struggle with maybe he doesn't remember me or maybe he has forgotten about me. Or how could God let this happen to me. But God is always faithful and his timing is perfect just when it appears as if our backs are against the wall and defeat is inevitable, God Shows Up and Shows Out. "For thou art my hope, O Lord God, thou art my trust from my youth" (Psalm 71:5)".
Maggie and Brandon must work together to catch a killer who seems to be right underneath their noses but remains elusive. And they must also try and let down their guards to allow God to work in their lives individually so that they maybe there will be a chance for them to find love.
Well Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!
April 29, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. It was a great mystery, yet combined a sweet romance. The story starts with FBI Profiler Special Agent Margaret Weston meeting US Marshall Brandon Worth. The meeting is a surprise because he is there for help in re-capturing John Michael Burrows. John Michael Burrows was her major case and he has escaped.
I loved the interaction between Weston & Worth. Their banter was witty. I also loved the frienship between Brandon and his pal Bernie. This was quite enjoyable.
I loved the interaction between Weston & Worth. Their banter was witty. I also loved the frienship between Brandon and his pal Bernie. This was quite enjoyable.
July 5, 2012
In this romantic suspense novel we find intrigue, conflict, shaken faith, love issues, and a serial killer- a combination which really appealed to me! I’m a “Criminal Minds” kind of girl, and appreciate how author Tori Chase blends a smart storyline with strong characters.
Chase’s professional experience in the field is evident, and makes the novel believable. The story involves an escaped serial killer, whom FBI profiler Maggie had previously put behind bars. Maggie’s life is horribly shaken when his case returns to her desk, along with handsome US Marshal Brandon, who brings his own set of insecurities- in spite of his bravado. As the serial killer toys with the FBI, Brandon toys with Maggie’s heart, and wounds both emotional and physical demand attention.
Maggie and Brandon are characters many can relate to, dealing with past hurts, fears, insecurities, faith struggles, and the desire for a loving relationship. SERIAL GAMES had me hooked from the very beginning, and I found myself slowing down towards the end of the book to make it last longer- a sure sign of a great book! I look forward to reading more from Ms. Chase, and thoroughly recommend this exciting read!
Chase’s professional experience in the field is evident, and makes the novel believable. The story involves an escaped serial killer, whom FBI profiler Maggie had previously put behind bars. Maggie’s life is horribly shaken when his case returns to her desk, along with handsome US Marshal Brandon, who brings his own set of insecurities- in spite of his bravado. As the serial killer toys with the FBI, Brandon toys with Maggie’s heart, and wounds both emotional and physical demand attention.
Maggie and Brandon are characters many can relate to, dealing with past hurts, fears, insecurities, faith struggles, and the desire for a loving relationship. SERIAL GAMES had me hooked from the very beginning, and I found myself slowing down towards the end of the book to make it last longer- a sure sign of a great book! I look forward to reading more from Ms. Chase, and thoroughly recommend this exciting read!
Want to read
April 2, 2012I just won this on a giveaway!!!I m freaking happy!!!!
January 16, 2013
This book received a Diverse Pages "I loved it" which equals 4 stars, but is equivalent to a Goodreads 5 stars
Equal parts romance and thriller, the romantic tension is handled nicely throughout. The thriller part of the storyline didn’t seem all that thrilling at times--the antagonist occasionally taunts our heroes with cryptic notes, but he doesn’t seem all that menacing through much of the story--but when it picks up, it really picks up.
Most impressive of all is that, even though the book may be geared toward a Christian audience, it never feels that way. It doesn’t dismiss or denigrate others in its promotion of the emotional healing powers of the Christian faith. And Maggie comes off as a genuine, three-dimensional believer with some occasional doubts of her own. She’s no fire-breathing proselytizer.
A fun and fast-paced story, even if the text could’ve used a little touching up in a few spots--it’s a little too detailed when it comes to descriptions of character’s actions. And, at times, the characters ponder the same things over and over, finally realizing something obvious pages or chapters after the reader already has. But these are minor quibbles.
A must-read for fans of romantic thrillers.
Unedited review submitted by Harambee Grey-Sun at Diverse Pages.
Equal parts romance and thriller, the romantic tension is handled nicely throughout. The thriller part of the storyline didn’t seem all that thrilling at times--the antagonist occasionally taunts our heroes with cryptic notes, but he doesn’t seem all that menacing through much of the story--but when it picks up, it really picks up.
Most impressive of all is that, even though the book may be geared toward a Christian audience, it never feels that way. It doesn’t dismiss or denigrate others in its promotion of the emotional healing powers of the Christian faith. And Maggie comes off as a genuine, three-dimensional believer with some occasional doubts of her own. She’s no fire-breathing proselytizer.
A fun and fast-paced story, even if the text could’ve used a little touching up in a few spots--it’s a little too detailed when it comes to descriptions of character’s actions. And, at times, the characters ponder the same things over and over, finally realizing something obvious pages or chapters after the reader already has. But these are minor quibbles.
A must-read for fans of romantic thrillers.
Unedited review submitted by Harambee Grey-Sun at Diverse Pages.
June 28, 2012
Although this book started with good potential for a suspenseful romance, I felt that it missed it's mark by trying to take on too much. Despite a complicated premise of an escaped serial killer with no bodies recovered and a massive manhunt, I didn't feel the suspense of it since too much of the story was slow, choppy and not focused on the search. With a strong Christian theme bordering on preachy, the main character's backgrounds are intense. They were interesting, but didn't have time to really come out and shine like I would have wanted, with little time for personal growth. The romance was interesting and fun, though a bit confusing at times. Overall an interesting idea that fell a little short of its potential.
www.cleanromancereviews.com
www.cleanromancereviews.com
November 10, 2012
Serial Games is an exciting ride from beginning to end! FBI profiler Maggie Weston must team up with hunky U.S.Marshal Brandon Worth to catch a killer. And not just any killer - a serial killer. There's plenty of electricity between Maggie and Brandon right from the beginning, and it builds until the nail-biting finale. With their penchant for finding trouble, you stay hooked from beginning to end. All in all a great read.
March 2, 2015
I really liked it.
It is refreshing to read a love story that isn't full of foul language and extremely pornographic love scenes. I really loved the religious element to the story as well. I just wish it were longer and delved more into their love story.
It is refreshing to read a love story that isn't full of foul language and extremely pornographic love scenes. I really loved the religious element to the story as well. I just wish it were longer and delved more into their love story.
July 1, 2015
Love it
This is such a good book. Kept me on my toes and was very happy about the ending. I can't wait to read the other books
This is such a good book. Kept me on my toes and was very happy about the ending. I can't wait to read the other books
April 11, 2019
Good vs Bad...
Fairly straightforward yarn about a class A psycho bought to justice after leaving a trail of destruction for years. The lead profiler Maggie and the U.S. Marshall in charge, Brandon are our H&H. I liked this tale mostly because I have a deep interest in all aspects of law enforcement. Of course I guessed most of the questions in the plot..but I didn't mind. There is not a glut of heavy or light sex scenes..just hints of sweet romance. I for one was ok with this aspect. Sometimes there are just too many or worse too skeezy.😒 And please take note of the supporting cast as they appear going forward. Onto the next in the series...
Fairly straightforward yarn about a class A psycho bought to justice after leaving a trail of destruction for years. The lead profiler Maggie and the U.S. Marshall in charge, Brandon are our H&H. I liked this tale mostly because I have a deep interest in all aspects of law enforcement. Of course I guessed most of the questions in the plot..but I didn't mind. There is not a glut of heavy or light sex scenes..just hints of sweet romance. I for one was ok with this aspect. Sometimes there are just too many or worse too skeezy.😒 And please take note of the supporting cast as they appear going forward. Onto the next in the series...
November 18, 2018
The drama was OK but the romance was lacking
The romance part of the book was lacking. A mean a few days and she expects undying love? Maggie is supposed to be a mature profiler but she comes across as a teenage Virgin. Her lack of understanding in the name of God was annoying and not very Christian. Why is it that these books always go for petty jalosy. His ex fiancee is dead, he can wear the cross and still love you. There is space is people heart for more than one person.
The romance part of the book was lacking. A mean a few days and she expects undying love? Maggie is supposed to be a mature profiler but she comes across as a teenage Virgin. Her lack of understanding in the name of God was annoying and not very Christian. Why is it that these books always go for petty jalosy. His ex fiancee is dead, he can wear the cross and still love you. There is space is people heart for more than one person.
July 19, 2017
A likable read.
August 6, 2014
I liked it. I won this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway. This is a clean romance with some Christian aspects also. Honestly, that usually ain't my thing. I usually like a bit more smut to my romance reading. But I liked the chemistry between our H/h, Brandon and Maggie. Though they try to fight the attraction building between them. Honestly they have bigger things to focus on, like trying to capture the villain, escaped serial killer John Michael Burrows. (Three names are almost a requirement for serials, right?) Special Agent Maggie Weston is a smart woman that is focused and accomplished in her own rights as a profiler for the FBI. US Marshall Brandon Worth is lost and angry from a devastation that occurs in his life years ago. Read along as they fight love and see if Brandon can heal and find his way back to faith while on the hunt for a serial.
July 22, 2014
I enjoyed this book. I found the relationship between Maggie & Brandon believable and just the right amount of heat for a developing relationship while working a major case. My only frustrating moment is the case itself and certain clues being missed. Otherwise good story and want to know what happens with them in the next part of the series. (Based on Original release.)
*Longer review will be posted a my blog.*
*Longer review will be posted a my blog.*
March 20, 2015
Nice Mystery Romance Story
I like this book. Tormented hero meets strong courageous heroine and sparks fly while both of search for an elusive serial killer. The play between the two of them made me think about Ichabod and Abby in Sleepy Hollow. Can't wait to read the second novel in this series.
I like this book. Tormented hero meets strong courageous heroine and sparks fly while both of search for an elusive serial killer. The play between the two of them made me think about Ichabod and Abby in Sleepy Hollow. Can't wait to read the second novel in this series.
Read
May 5, 2016Haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I won. 6/30/14
Received my copy and hope to start soon. I have 3 others plus my current read in front. 7/7/14 I actually marked the wrong book. I haven't received this one yet.
April 22, 2015
It just didn't hold my attention. That and the heroine seemed to have a chip on her shoulder toward the hero just for finding him attractive. Oh, and she let her family treat her like crap. I'm not in the mood and clearly haven't been since February. I give up.
Read
April 19, 2016Murder and Love!!!
This was an enjoyable read, even though I felt that their love developed quite quickly. The Christian themes were a nice surprise and I felt that the serial killer aspect was handled quite credibly.
This was an enjoyable read, even though I felt that their love developed quite quickly. The Christian themes were a nice surprise and I felt that the serial killer aspect was handled quite credibly.
June 4, 2015
Is this what they call 'sweet romance'?
March 25, 2015
Realistically it seems improbable that the two main investigative LEO would be romantically exploring while trying to locate and recapture a serial killer.
inspirational-suspense-romance
April 9, 2015kindle freebie
May 15, 2015
Good read
The story line was easy to follow and flow smoothly. It did not say what happened to the friend of the killer.
The story line was easy to follow and flow smoothly. It did not say what happened to the friend of the killer.
June 26, 2015
Intriguing
It kept me reading wanting to know what happened next. I wish there was more on the love story between the characters
It kept me reading wanting to know what happened next. I wish there was more on the love story between the characters
July 30, 2015
I liked the book. Even thou the plot was predictable, it was very nicely executed. I would refer it to a friend.
Read
April 13, 2016It's a good book, but it takes too long to get to a point. I don't have patience for books that are too descriptive that they take too long to get to the point!!!
October 17, 2015
I enjoyed the actual case... Not much of a fan of the hint of romance and the light religious mentions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2016
very good read!
August 16, 2016
A very good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews