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MMG #1
His End Game
Ellie Davis has finally begun to mend the pieces of her shattered heart. With a new job slinging drinks behind the bar at Charlotte’s latest hot spot and a crush on her deliciously sexy bar manager, things are finally starting to look up. New job plus new man equals the perfect anecdote to help Ellie forget all about bad boy Max McLellan…or so she thinks.
This is Ellie’s journey and it isn’t always pretty.
It isn’t always neat.
It isn’t always happy.
But it’s hers.
*This book is MA. It is intended for readers 18 and older and is the first in a series.
This is Ellie’s journey and it isn’t always pretty.
It isn’t always neat.
It isn’t always happy.
But it’s hers.
*This book is MA. It is intended for readers 18 and older and is the first in a series.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2014
201 people are currently reading
842 people want to read
About the author
R.B. Hilliard
22 books1,188 followersRB Hilliard lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, two kids, and crazy dog, Oscar. She loves books, music, red wine, chocolate, and writing suspensefully twisted stories. Hilliard published her first novel in 2014 and has since published multiple novels across several different genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
October 8, 2020
Spoilers
If you like arrogant, stubborn heroes who are never wrong, don't need to apologise or explain themselves, you'll love this.
If you like a pathetic, weak heroine who stops living for FIVE YEARS after her high-school boyfriend vanishes - and they were only together handful of months - this is for you.
I read reviews about this story that alluded to Kristen Ashley, but I didn't believe it was that bad.
I was wrong. It was worse.
The writer clearly took a page from the old KA playbook of Alpha rectal orifices and doormat heroines and wrote a story about their junior versions.
Dysfunctional relationships, YA-style.
This book infuriated me. I mean, it was a good story in the making, the writing had few errors, the dialogue was decent. But it lacked a heroine. There is no purpose to Ellie, who isn't even strong enough to convince the boy she has a crush on to not call her by a name she hates. I hate the whole idea that it's okay for a hero to disregard the heroine's wishes because after all, he knows what's right for her. Lord knows the little woman couldn't possibly know her own mind. Never mind that this is an 18-year-old BOY who has all this insight.
God, what is wrong with everyone that they find that sexist, controlling crap sexy or romantic?
And this was an NA book, which means young girls will read it and think it's swoon-worthy.
Here's the rundown, and you've been warned of spoilers -
Sad young girl with abandonment issues develops crush on high-school manwhore.
Carries a torch for years while he hooks up with everyone but her.
Finally gets with him and believes enough of his b.s to let him punch her V-card - and yes, the experience was perfection like we all 'know' the first time is (heavy sarcasm).
Has a few idyllic weeks with him before he vanishes without a trace, then exists on autopilot for years.
Briefly toys with getting with another guy who is playing her until *poof* the hero returns.
She immediately sleeps with him without an explanation for where he's been, he lies about being faithful and then when he admits he wasn't she doesn't blink.
Insert a crapload of silly drama perpetuated by the hero and 12 dozen other secondary characters to keep track.
Heroine gets pregnant, everything is roses, HEA, the end.
What a joke.
If you're a strong woman who knows her own mind, skip this rubbish.
If you like arrogant, stubborn heroes who are never wrong, don't need to apologise or explain themselves, you'll love this.
If you like a pathetic, weak heroine who stops living for FIVE YEARS after her high-school boyfriend vanishes - and they were only together handful of months - this is for you.
I read reviews about this story that alluded to Kristen Ashley, but I didn't believe it was that bad.
I was wrong. It was worse.
The writer clearly took a page from the old KA playbook of Alpha rectal orifices and doormat heroines and wrote a story about their junior versions.
Dysfunctional relationships, YA-style.
This book infuriated me. I mean, it was a good story in the making, the writing had few errors, the dialogue was decent. But it lacked a heroine. There is no purpose to Ellie, who isn't even strong enough to convince the boy she has a crush on to not call her by a name she hates. I hate the whole idea that it's okay for a hero to disregard the heroine's wishes because after all, he knows what's right for her. Lord knows the little woman couldn't possibly know her own mind. Never mind that this is an 18-year-old BOY who has all this insight.
God, what is wrong with everyone that they find that sexist, controlling crap sexy or romantic?
And this was an NA book, which means young girls will read it and think it's swoon-worthy.
Here's the rundown, and you've been warned of spoilers -
Sad young girl with abandonment issues develops crush on high-school manwhore.
Carries a torch for years while he hooks up with everyone but her.
Finally gets with him and believes enough of his b.s to let him punch her V-card - and yes, the experience was perfection like we all 'know' the first time is (heavy sarcasm).
Has a few idyllic weeks with him before he vanishes without a trace, then exists on autopilot for years.
Briefly toys with getting with another guy who is playing her until *poof* the hero returns.
She immediately sleeps with him without an explanation for where he's been, he lies about being faithful and then when he admits he wasn't she doesn't blink.
Insert a crapload of silly drama perpetuated by the hero and 12 dozen other secondary characters to keep track.
Heroine gets pregnant, everything is roses, HEA, the end.
What a joke.
If you're a strong woman who knows her own mind, skip this rubbish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2015
FIVE ‘YOU ARE MY ENDGAME’ STARS!
This is the impressive debut novel from RB Hilliard. Ms. Hilliard has a natural storyteller’s gift, and she’s able to capture her characters’ emotions getting them on to the page in such a way that the reader cannot help but feel as well. Ms. Hilliard has given her readers a highly emotional story about young lovers, gut-wrenchingly torn apart, and their painful journey back to each other.
Ellison Davis, the product of a high school hook up, was unwanted from birth. Left by young parents who didn’t want or acknowledge her, Ellie was raised by her father’s sister. She first lays eyes on Max McLellan on the first day of her freshman year, but she knows immediately he is way out of her league. She loses her childhood best friend, Piper, when she is shipped off to boarding school before their sophomore year leaving Ellie very much alone. That summer, she meets and befriends, Joss.
Max McLellan is much older than his years. He may be in high school but in his short life, he has been dealt a tough hand that has forced him to mature quickly and step up for not only himself, but also his 12-year-old sister, Sarah. His father is a mean drunk who uses their home basically as a crash pad, leaving Max and Sarah to their own devices. Max has had his eye on Ellie for years, but he knows he’s too angry, and she isn’t ready for him. He bides his time with other “distractions” waiting for Ellie to mature.
”Life couldn’t get any better than this.”
Max and Ellie finally connect, and it’s that beautiful, all consuming, heart bursting, first true love with both of them falling fast and hard. They are inseparable; they are sharing their lives and pasts with each other and are planning their future. Joss has hooked up with Max’s best friend, Kurt, and life is just good. Until one day, very suddenly and without a word to anyone, Max, Sarah and their father completely disappear, leaving behind a broken-hearted and confused Ellie. Her utter desolation was palpable, and I positively ached for young Ellie and the pain she felt.
”He wouldn’t just leave without telling someone.”
Ellie manages to move forward with her life, but she’s never really moved on, she has never forgotten or gotten over Max. Kurt, nursing his own grief over the loss of his best friend, bonds with Ellie over their shared pain at losing Max so mysteriously. She leaves for college in Greensboro and plans to stay there, having secured a job after graduation. Unfortunately, life hasn’t finished landing it’s blows on Ellie, and she’s called back to Charlotte for yet another tragedy. For a girl who was unacknowledged her entire life by both her parents and who lost the love of her young life in such a perplexing way, this latest loss is a huge blow to her already battered and abandoned soul, and she moves back to Charlotte, to her home and her friends, to deal with the aftermath.
”…all I could think about was making my way back to you.”
Ellie settles into life in Charlotte again. She is surrounded by memories of Max, but it’s been five years, and she finally begins to accept that Max is not coming back and may even be dead. As she is on the cusp of opening herself up to the possibility of another man, Max reappears in their lives. He is determined to pick up where they left off, and he pursues Ellie relentlessly. His reason for leaving was surprisingly valid, and it was clearly a painful, heart-breaking decision for him. The author skillfully takes us through their reconnection, full of its ups and downs, its miscommunications and misunderstandings, and she lands us happily on the other side.
Max and Ellie’s story was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I felt every single one, every single step of the way. This is where RB Hilliard’s writing shines, in her ability to so expertly draw you in to what her characters are feeling and going through, while painting a rich story of young love lost and then found again. This was a remarkable first offering from this author, and I am truly excited about what the very talented RB Hilliard will give us next.
This is the impressive debut novel from RB Hilliard. Ms. Hilliard has a natural storyteller’s gift, and she’s able to capture her characters’ emotions getting them on to the page in such a way that the reader cannot help but feel as well. Ms. Hilliard has given her readers a highly emotional story about young lovers, gut-wrenchingly torn apart, and their painful journey back to each other.
Ellison Davis, the product of a high school hook up, was unwanted from birth. Left by young parents who didn’t want or acknowledge her, Ellie was raised by her father’s sister. She first lays eyes on Max McLellan on the first day of her freshman year, but she knows immediately he is way out of her league. She loses her childhood best friend, Piper, when she is shipped off to boarding school before their sophomore year leaving Ellie very much alone. That summer, she meets and befriends, Joss.
Max McLellan is much older than his years. He may be in high school but in his short life, he has been dealt a tough hand that has forced him to mature quickly and step up for not only himself, but also his 12-year-old sister, Sarah. His father is a mean drunk who uses their home basically as a crash pad, leaving Max and Sarah to their own devices. Max has had his eye on Ellie for years, but he knows he’s too angry, and she isn’t ready for him. He bides his time with other “distractions” waiting for Ellie to mature.
”Life couldn’t get any better than this.”
Max and Ellie finally connect, and it’s that beautiful, all consuming, heart bursting, first true love with both of them falling fast and hard. They are inseparable; they are sharing their lives and pasts with each other and are planning their future. Joss has hooked up with Max’s best friend, Kurt, and life is just good. Until one day, very suddenly and without a word to anyone, Max, Sarah and their father completely disappear, leaving behind a broken-hearted and confused Ellie. Her utter desolation was palpable, and I positively ached for young Ellie and the pain she felt.
”He wouldn’t just leave without telling someone.”
Ellie manages to move forward with her life, but she’s never really moved on, she has never forgotten or gotten over Max. Kurt, nursing his own grief over the loss of his best friend, bonds with Ellie over their shared pain at losing Max so mysteriously. She leaves for college in Greensboro and plans to stay there, having secured a job after graduation. Unfortunately, life hasn’t finished landing it’s blows on Ellie, and she’s called back to Charlotte for yet another tragedy. For a girl who was unacknowledged her entire life by both her parents and who lost the love of her young life in such a perplexing way, this latest loss is a huge blow to her already battered and abandoned soul, and she moves back to Charlotte, to her home and her friends, to deal with the aftermath.
”…all I could think about was making my way back to you.”
Ellie settles into life in Charlotte again. She is surrounded by memories of Max, but it’s been five years, and she finally begins to accept that Max is not coming back and may even be dead. As she is on the cusp of opening herself up to the possibility of another man, Max reappears in their lives. He is determined to pick up where they left off, and he pursues Ellie relentlessly. His reason for leaving was surprisingly valid, and it was clearly a painful, heart-breaking decision for him. The author skillfully takes us through their reconnection, full of its ups and downs, its miscommunications and misunderstandings, and she lands us happily on the other side.
Max and Ellie’s story was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I felt every single one, every single step of the way. This is where RB Hilliard’s writing shines, in her ability to so expertly draw you in to what her characters are feeling and going through, while painting a rich story of young love lost and then found again. This was a remarkable first offering from this author, and I am truly excited about what the very talented RB Hilliard will give us next.
April 17, 2022
The beginning of this book felt quite rushed but once it settled in to the present time it seemed to find its stride.
SPOILER ALERT! (I can't say this next part without giving away a little spoiler so feel free to jump the next part)
I can't say that I loved Max in the latter half of the book and was quite annoyed that he had been seeing other women while he was away. He claimed Ellie was the love of his life and he was returning to her so why would he want other women? I can understand Ellie seeing other men as she had no idea what had happened to him and he may have been dead for all she knew, but he knew the truth and still couldn't keep it in his pants. If they had legitimately split up and moved on to other people it wouldn't have bothered me, but for the way it happened, it doesn't profess his undying love for her and don't think she should have forgiven him so easily for it.
SPOILER OVER!!!
Overall the story was ok and had enough of a grip to encourage me to read the next book in the series.
SPOILER ALERT! (I can't say this next part without giving away a little spoiler so feel free to jump the next part)
I can't say that I loved Max in the latter half of the book and was quite annoyed that he had been seeing other women while he was away. He claimed Ellie was the love of his life and he was returning to her so why would he want other women? I can understand Ellie seeing other men as she had no idea what had happened to him and he may have been dead for all she knew, but he knew the truth and still couldn't keep it in his pants. If they had legitimately split up and moved on to other people it wouldn't have bothered me, but for the way it happened, it doesn't profess his undying love for her and don't think she should have forgiven him so easily for it.
SPOILER OVER!!!
Overall the story was ok and had enough of a grip to encourage me to read the next book in the series.
February 19, 2020
Liked it till the end
The end really killed this book for me. I am not understanding of Max and his thinking at all. I think he is a jerk of the most high. How can someone who says the girl of his dreams is his endgame and knew he was going back to her would sleep around?
Ok I can see that Ellison had a boyfriend she never thought he was ever coming back. Max on the other hand KNEW he was going to go back to her and KNEW what happened, but got his rocks off mere months before he came back. And not only did he have sex with the girl once but multiple times. REALLY!!!!!!!! ????!!What a freaking creep! You have a hand use it! Then Ellison just takes it in stride and still stays with him! REALLY!!!!!!!?????!!!! Then Max has the nerve to get mad at Ellison for being upset. He said he came back for her because he was sooooo in love (yet banging everyone he wanted) but he lied and treated her like crap? Ellison sure lost her mind.
Yuk! I loved it till the end. I so want to give it 2 stars! I am not sure I am going to continue the series or not. I can’t stand a jerk for a H and a TSTL h.
The end really killed this book for me. I am not understanding of Max and his thinking at all. I think he is a jerk of the most high. How can someone who says the girl of his dreams is his endgame and knew he was going back to her would sleep around?
Ok I can see that Ellison had a boyfriend she never thought he was ever coming back. Max on the other hand KNEW he was going to go back to her and KNEW what happened, but got his rocks off mere months before he came back. And not only did he have sex with the girl once but multiple times. REALLY!!!!!!!! ????!!What a freaking creep! You have a hand use it! Then Ellison just takes it in stride and still stays with him! REALLY!!!!!!!?????!!!! Then Max has the nerve to get mad at Ellison for being upset. He said he came back for her because he was sooooo in love (yet banging everyone he wanted) but he lied and treated her like crap? Ellison sure lost her mind.
Yuk! I loved it till the end. I so want to give it 2 stars! I am not sure I am going to continue the series or not. I can’t stand a jerk for a H and a TSTL h.
February 17, 2015
Absolutely Amazing
When I read a book I want to feel. This book made me feel like no other. I felt Ellie's heartbreak, struggle, anger, fear, and helplessness but I also felt her hope, joy, and ultimately her complete happiness. Her relationship with Max isn't easy. Their journey is filled with a lot of pain but in the end it is worth it. Both have had rough lives and meeting and loving each other inevitably saves them. This story is one of the best I've ever read and I am looking forward to ready the other books in this series.
When I read a book I want to feel. This book made me feel like no other. I felt Ellie's heartbreak, struggle, anger, fear, and helplessness but I also felt her hope, joy, and ultimately her complete happiness. Her relationship with Max isn't easy. Their journey is filled with a lot of pain but in the end it is worth it. Both have had rough lives and meeting and loving each other inevitably saves them. This story is one of the best I've ever read and I am looking forward to ready the other books in this series.
June 20, 2014
For more on this review, please see...
http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.c...
See that genre section up above, sometimes I have a love/hate relationship trying to fit a book to a specific criteria and for the record, His End Game ticks the boxes on a few sub-genres. The story begins with Ellie and Max in high school so check the New Adult box but the college stage is quickly glazed over and although there is flip between present and past, you eventually move solidly into post college life so check the Contemporary box. Finally, there are numerous anxiety inducing characters on top of an already huge mystery so check the Suspense box.
His End Game came our way courtesy of an actively commenting follower of the blog whom we had no idea was an author until she sent us a review request for her first published story. R.B. Hilliard, stand up and take a bow. Your story kept me up until 3:00 am because dammit, I needed answers to the who, what, when, where, why, and possibly, who else? It took everything in me not to flip ahead to satisfy my raging curiosity and that alone should earn me a standing ovation because I am notorious for reading the last chapter or epilogue when I can't handle the stress of suspense any longer. Honestly, this is a hard review to write and it isn't because I didn't like it. I loved the story but there is an element of suspense to the book so I can't really say too much about the story without giving something away so basically, I am just going to share some of my thoughts I had along the way.
As I mentioned, His End Game by R.B. Hilliard starts off with teenaged Ellie and Max in high school. Yes, there are the typical bitchy, slutty cheerleaders that spread more than their pom poms, but I never found Ellie or Max immature or hard to read. With the success of such series as Fall Away by Penelope Douglas or Fallen Crest High by Tijan, both of which I have read and enjoyed (yes, there is my dirty little indulgence, maybe I never outgrew my Sweet Valley High love as a teenager?) but I am not the only one, these books have a huge following amongst grown women. So as I am only a few chapters into His End Game, my initial thoughts were that this book fits nicely within this latest new adult niche. But then some unexpected is thrown at you and the story fast forwards in time.
There are a lot of well thought out characters that are brilliantly placed throughout the story that range from Max and Ellie's friends, co-workers, significant others, family members, and random strangers that show up unexpectedly and seem to know who Ellie is, even though she can't reciprocate. My head was reeling trying to figure out possible connections and ulterior motives. The motto 'everything is not always as it seems' is a ringing endorsement for the pendulum my emotions were riding. I could go from happy to sad with shocked, angry and stressed all vying for equal attention. Snatch that bitch by the hair, knee that f*cker in the balls and run, Ellie, run were a number of silent pleas I silently willed her way but thankfully the crazy is balanced nicely with the right mix of sweet. And why is it that gorgeous, unattainable men with commitment issues always seem to purchase that ticket to pound town on the crazy bitch train? Enquiring minds want to know.
Ellie is a warrior of a heroine. The loss this poor girl suffers throughout her life almost breaks her at times but amongst her residual sadness and abandonment issues she is hopeful and she never hesitates to open up her heart or home to those she cares about regardless of how unlucky in love she seems to be. Max is the sexy bad ass hero with a tender heart and protective instinct even as a teenage boy. Package that into a grown man with an alpha demeanor and physique to back up his possessiveness and I swear I was dealing with a Kristen Ashley hero in-training. His gruff, need to know, standoffish attitude wreaks havoc on sweet Ellie at times but when he f*cks up, he owns it. And really, what woman stands a chance against a man who will tear down everything in his path to get to the woman he loves?
“You are my end game and, when I am with you, wherever it may be, I am finally home.”
http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.c...
See that genre section up above, sometimes I have a love/hate relationship trying to fit a book to a specific criteria and for the record, His End Game ticks the boxes on a few sub-genres. The story begins with Ellie and Max in high school so check the New Adult box but the college stage is quickly glazed over and although there is flip between present and past, you eventually move solidly into post college life so check the Contemporary box. Finally, there are numerous anxiety inducing characters on top of an already huge mystery so check the Suspense box.
His End Game came our way courtesy of an actively commenting follower of the blog whom we had no idea was an author until she sent us a review request for her first published story. R.B. Hilliard, stand up and take a bow. Your story kept me up until 3:00 am because dammit, I needed answers to the who, what, when, where, why, and possibly, who else? It took everything in me not to flip ahead to satisfy my raging curiosity and that alone should earn me a standing ovation because I am notorious for reading the last chapter or epilogue when I can't handle the stress of suspense any longer. Honestly, this is a hard review to write and it isn't because I didn't like it. I loved the story but there is an element of suspense to the book so I can't really say too much about the story without giving something away so basically, I am just going to share some of my thoughts I had along the way.
As I mentioned, His End Game by R.B. Hilliard starts off with teenaged Ellie and Max in high school. Yes, there are the typical bitchy, slutty cheerleaders that spread more than their pom poms, but I never found Ellie or Max immature or hard to read. With the success of such series as Fall Away by Penelope Douglas or Fallen Crest High by Tijan, both of which I have read and enjoyed (yes, there is my dirty little indulgence, maybe I never outgrew my Sweet Valley High love as a teenager?) but I am not the only one, these books have a huge following amongst grown women. So as I am only a few chapters into His End Game, my initial thoughts were that this book fits nicely within this latest new adult niche. But then some unexpected is thrown at you and the story fast forwards in time.
There are a lot of well thought out characters that are brilliantly placed throughout the story that range from Max and Ellie's friends, co-workers, significant others, family members, and random strangers that show up unexpectedly and seem to know who Ellie is, even though she can't reciprocate. My head was reeling trying to figure out possible connections and ulterior motives. The motto 'everything is not always as it seems' is a ringing endorsement for the pendulum my emotions were riding. I could go from happy to sad with shocked, angry and stressed all vying for equal attention. Snatch that bitch by the hair, knee that f*cker in the balls and run, Ellie, run were a number of silent pleas I silently willed her way but thankfully the crazy is balanced nicely with the right mix of sweet. And why is it that gorgeous, unattainable men with commitment issues always seem to purchase that ticket to pound town on the crazy bitch train? Enquiring minds want to know.
Ellie is a warrior of a heroine. The loss this poor girl suffers throughout her life almost breaks her at times but amongst her residual sadness and abandonment issues she is hopeful and she never hesitates to open up her heart or home to those she cares about regardless of how unlucky in love she seems to be. Max is the sexy bad ass hero with a tender heart and protective instinct even as a teenage boy. Package that into a grown man with an alpha demeanor and physique to back up his possessiveness and I swear I was dealing with a Kristen Ashley hero in-training. His gruff, need to know, standoffish attitude wreaks havoc on sweet Ellie at times but when he f*cks up, he owns it. And really, what woman stands a chance against a man who will tear down everything in his path to get to the woman he loves?
“You are my end game and, when I am with you, wherever it may be, I am finally home.”
November 30, 2016
Ellie Davis is a sweet, but naive high school girl, who has a huge crush on the biggest bad boy of all, Max McLellan. She's been watching from afar as he goes through women, but for some reason he finally looks at her. They start a beautiful relationship, until the day he disappears, and she doesn't know what happened to him. Five years later, she never stopped loving him, but is finally ready to try and move on. She moves home, starts work at her friend's bar, and finally finds another man very interesting. As she comes to accept the fact that Max is never coming back, he suddenly reappears in her life. Ellie knows that she never stopped loving him, but will she ever be able to trust him again to not leave her?
Every dramatic girly girl emotion is out in force after reading His End Game, so you have been warned. First of all, the all consuming rage I feel for Max is burning out of control. I get why he left like he did, but he swears he never got over her, and yet, he never stopped sleeping around, while Ellie was dying more inside each day. If that wasn't enough, he still kept secrets from her, and while I LOVED Ellie, especially her evolving into an adult, I wanted her to throat punch him, or just make it harder for him to come back. I understand all consuming love forgives all things, I'm just saying she should have punched him in the junk once or twice. Now as much as the character development is great, the entertaining, and mysterious cast of secondaries were fantastic, and I can't wait to read their stories! RB Hilliard has a talented writing style that had me wearing all my emotions on my sleeve, while making sure that I didn't put the book down until the very end. And now I'm chomping at the bit for more! Her diabolical twists and turns made for crazy f-bomb dropping moments that have me all kinds of twisted up, since some have been answered, and others, not so much. I CANNOT WAIT to read the rest of this series, and while I'm still super pissed at Max, on the flip side, I do love him. Bottom line, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND this emotional journey through the valley of angst!
Every dramatic girly girl emotion is out in force after reading His End Game, so you have been warned. First of all, the all consuming rage I feel for Max is burning out of control. I get why he left like he did, but he swears he never got over her, and yet, he never stopped sleeping around, while Ellie was dying more inside each day. If that wasn't enough, he still kept secrets from her, and while I LOVED Ellie, especially her evolving into an adult, I wanted her to throat punch him, or just make it harder for him to come back. I understand all consuming love forgives all things, I'm just saying she should have punched him in the junk once or twice. Now as much as the character development is great, the entertaining, and mysterious cast of secondaries were fantastic, and I can't wait to read their stories! RB Hilliard has a talented writing style that had me wearing all my emotions on my sleeve, while making sure that I didn't put the book down until the very end. And now I'm chomping at the bit for more! Her diabolical twists and turns made for crazy f-bomb dropping moments that have me all kinds of twisted up, since some have been answered, and others, not so much. I CANNOT WAIT to read the rest of this series, and while I'm still super pissed at Max, on the flip side, I do love him. Bottom line, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND this emotional journey through the valley of angst!
June 21, 2017
God save me from men who need "a release." And whiny pathetic heroines who put up with crap from everyone in her life, it doesn't make her nice it makes her a doormat. Both men heroine was involved with were disgusting, immature, selfish, pathetic, no self control dick less wonders. Max abandoned her for five years, something to do with fbi, but he could have come back sooner, he knew he was coming back for Ellison, but still slept with a psycho woman within a year before he came back to claim her because he needed a release. Ugh!!!
Dillon the other potential, was another idiot, he's hooking up with a real nasty spiteful woman, who every one of his friends does not like and he knows this, but still he lets her insult everyone. He arranges to sleep with Ellison, but she turns up early to the bar catches him talking dirty to his gf, sees him kissing her outside later and still doesn't just tell him to get lost. Any how, max turns up and as every other abandoned heroine book, he thinks he can just come back and pick up where he left off, order the heroine around, tell her who she can talk to, and like every other heroine, she lets him. PATHETIC. He never in five years managed to sneak her a note to let her know he was alive, but managed to keep tabs on her, sneaking a guard pretend to be her friend, but he was too busy to come back himself. I absolutely hate when the "hero" orders the heroine around, carrying them off and the women find it hot, no way, he'd have a kick in the balls from me if he tried carrying me off when I told him to get lost. Five years, she thought he was dead and he was just building his business and needing a release ughhhhh. I hate this hero so much.
Dillon the other potential, was another idiot, he's hooking up with a real nasty spiteful woman, who every one of his friends does not like and he knows this, but still he lets her insult everyone. He arranges to sleep with Ellison, but she turns up early to the bar catches him talking dirty to his gf, sees him kissing her outside later and still doesn't just tell him to get lost. Any how, max turns up and as every other abandoned heroine book, he thinks he can just come back and pick up where he left off, order the heroine around, tell her who she can talk to, and like every other heroine, she lets him. PATHETIC. He never in five years managed to sneak her a note to let her know he was alive, but managed to keep tabs on her, sneaking a guard pretend to be her friend, but he was too busy to come back himself. I absolutely hate when the "hero" orders the heroine around, carrying them off and the women find it hot, no way, he'd have a kick in the balls from me if he tried carrying me off when I told him to get lost. Five years, she thought he was dead and he was just building his business and needing a release ughhhhh. I hate this hero so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2015
An amazing story.
Curious all the way through, causing the book a serious page turner.
Curious for when the real part of the story will kick. then curious to what he hell happened. Then when finding that out curious as to how it will end up, and not disappointed at all, with how it did end up.
And now really curious for Pipper's story :)
For a first time i'm blown away and will keep an intensive eye out for future books :)
Curious all the way through, causing the book a serious page turner.
Curious for when the real part of the story will kick. then curious to what he hell happened. Then when finding that out curious as to how it will end up, and not disappointed at all, with how it did end up.
And now really curious for Pipper's story :)
For a first time i'm blown away and will keep an intensive eye out for future books :)
January 21, 2015
It's official, I loved this book! 5 big Stars! The mystery of what happened, the love and friendships with all of the characters, and mostly the love between Max and Ellison. I read this book in 12 hours. I couldn't put it down literally! It had me on my toes to see what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this book and I can not wait to read the second book in this series! Am defiantly curious to see what's going on with Piper and Gage!
September 19, 2014
Loved it. Read it in one night. Couldn't put it down!
March 18, 2015
Loved this book :)
August 15, 2020
This book had a lot of ups and downs. Between Ellison and Max to Ellison and Dillan I didn’t know who to cheer on and who to punch. And then all the mini stories going on with all the other characters. Definitely kept me interested.
February 4, 2015
This book ticks a lot of boxes, so much so I don’t know what genre to put it in!
It starts out as Young Adult and brings you on a crush-heavy, teenage angst and lust filled heady journey with Ellie’s 3-year long attraction to Max and him eventually admitting his strong feelings for her. Both Max and Ellie have had unconventional family backgrounds, but they are crazy about each-other and soon realise that they are each-other’s soul mates.
“He filled up the empty spaces inside of me that I didn’t know existed, and for the first time in seventeen years, I felt that I mattered.”
It looks like, for once, everything might turn out okay for them, until BOOM… the story took a turn that I was not expecting and blew by mind!
So just at this stage I was ready to turn in for the night…. But no, I was hooked and had to keep reading…. I read the whole book in one sitting, eventually putting my kindle down after 2am… my head buzzing with the story I had just read.
Five years later, the story brings us up to date on Ellie’s life and where she’s at, mentally, emotionally, career-wise and where she thinks her life is taking her (Contemporary & Romance genre boxes ticked). We then get flashbacks to 5 years previously (the events that occurred after the aforementioned BOOM moment) and we are brought on a rollercoaster, suspense filled ride (Mystery genre ticked) that brings us back to present day.
This is a tricky review to write, because one wrong word from me and I will ruin the plot twist for you and I do want to encourage you to read His End Game and experience it for yourself.
In the main, Hilliard’s characters are well written and well developed. Despite their youth and crappy personal circumstances, both Ellie and Max are mature and level headed.
Ellie is a realist. She sees life how it is but she is fierce in her love and loyalty to her friends and is head over heels in love with Max.
Max’s alpha-male-ness was annoying initially, but when we learn about his personal circumstances we understand him and his reactions better. His protective, caring side, which has been well disguised under a gruff exterior, is brought to the fore and it is Ellie who we have to thank for that.
Piper, Joss and Kurt, best friends to the couple, are fantastic characters, each with their own sub-stories interwoven into the plot (I know that there will be a Piper story in the future).
In the early stages of the story the super-bitchy, super-slutty cheerleader witch is par for the course in YA, but I felt bringing Jennifer back into the story 5 years on was a tad overkill to me. The story would have flowed better without her and Dana in my opinion, but my opinion may be tarnished by the fact that I really hated the two of them! (This too is testament to well written characters who invoke strong feelings in the reader). There is a sizeable cast of characters in the latter half of the story that I had a little trouble keeping straight at times, partly because I was so anxious to have the mystery solved for me that I didn’t want to invest my mental energy on them. The introduction of Priscilla was unnecessary to the story and only served to annoy me rather than appease me (sorry for the vagueness, I just don’t want to ruin the storyline).
Having said that however, this is the first novel by R.B. Hilliard and it is pretty darn accomplished for a first time author. As the synopsis mentioned
“This is Ellie’s journey and it isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always neat. It isn’t always happy.”
I give His End Game 4 hearts and wish the author every success with her new writing career. I look forward to reading Piper’s story as there is a lot of unanswered questions that I need to get to the bottom of!
4 stars
Full review on www.aloveaffairwithbooks.com
June 30, 2015
RB Hillard mixed it up hard and served it on the rocks with the agony, pain, love, and deciet in this story. Ellie spent her life not knowing her parents, being put up for adoption as a baby. She was lucky enough that her father's sister stepped in and was the one to adopt her, but it didn't make the pain of not knowing your birth parents any easier, especially since her aunt wasn't really one to show much affection. Ellie was one of the most beautiful girls in school, at least in everyone else's eyes, she herself never really felt like more than the girl next door where her looks were concerned.
She couldn't help herself from noticing the most attractive guy in her high school though she never in a million years thought she would ever stand a chance with him. Max was one who drew the attention of all the girls and had one who followed him around regularly, Jennifer. Jennifer was the type that lived on drama, the head of her little clique, the kind who would berate you just because she could. Ellie knew she couldn't have Max but that didn't stop her from daydreaming about him with her best friend Piper. Ellie and Piper were inseperable, Ellie spending more time with Piper and Piper's family than at home with her aunt. That is until her junior year of high school.
The summer before Junior year Piper told Ellie her family was sending her off to a boarding school in Virginia. Ellie was lost seeing Piper was her best friend and one she relied on to get her through. Thankfully Joss had just moved to town and had become close friends with Ellie and Piper, that meant Ellie wouldn't be completely alone. Piper tried to remain in contact but found it difficult at times and Joss took over the supportive role Piper once played in Ellie's life.
A good thing seeing that the man who had always caught Ellie's attention seemed to now have eyes for her as well. Max had moved beyond his childish filling his wild oats stage and was ready to make a go of it with Ellie. They started dating and things heated up, the love between them evident to everyone they were around. This was cause for more than one attempted derailing by Jennifer, though they came close to separating their love brought them through. There seemed to be nothing that could break Ellie and Max apart.
Until the day Max went missing. Max's mother had died when he was young and shortly there after his father turned to alcohol and that seemed to be all he knew. Often running off and getting into trouble with the wrong crowd, which Max had no respect for seeing that he had a young sister at home who needed a positive role model. The day Max disappeared his friends thought that maybe he had just left for college early, but when he didn't show up there they became worried. Ellie and her friends attempted to find Max any way they could, but somehow he had fallen off the map and couldn't be found. This forced them all to have to move on.
Ellie graduated high school, went to college and was looking forward to starting her new job when she got a call from home with some horrible news. This call changed Ellie's life forever. She decided to move back home and start working at her friends bar, where she met a very attractive bartender. They harmlessly flirted at first but as things started to heat up, everything exploded. Ellie's life suddenly changed all over again and she had some tough decisions to make. The game was definitely on and if she didn't make the right choice she may be forced to live a life of regret.
I definitely cannot wait to read the next book, this ones had so many curves it was like riding a rollercoaster. A ride that I can't wait to go on again. I must know who, what, and why things are the way they are. This is a story you will not regret reading.
She couldn't help herself from noticing the most attractive guy in her high school though she never in a million years thought she would ever stand a chance with him. Max was one who drew the attention of all the girls and had one who followed him around regularly, Jennifer. Jennifer was the type that lived on drama, the head of her little clique, the kind who would berate you just because she could. Ellie knew she couldn't have Max but that didn't stop her from daydreaming about him with her best friend Piper. Ellie and Piper were inseperable, Ellie spending more time with Piper and Piper's family than at home with her aunt. That is until her junior year of high school.
The summer before Junior year Piper told Ellie her family was sending her off to a boarding school in Virginia. Ellie was lost seeing Piper was her best friend and one she relied on to get her through. Thankfully Joss had just moved to town and had become close friends with Ellie and Piper, that meant Ellie wouldn't be completely alone. Piper tried to remain in contact but found it difficult at times and Joss took over the supportive role Piper once played in Ellie's life.
A good thing seeing that the man who had always caught Ellie's attention seemed to now have eyes for her as well. Max had moved beyond his childish filling his wild oats stage and was ready to make a go of it with Ellie. They started dating and things heated up, the love between them evident to everyone they were around. This was cause for more than one attempted derailing by Jennifer, though they came close to separating their love brought them through. There seemed to be nothing that could break Ellie and Max apart.
Until the day Max went missing. Max's mother had died when he was young and shortly there after his father turned to alcohol and that seemed to be all he knew. Often running off and getting into trouble with the wrong crowd, which Max had no respect for seeing that he had a young sister at home who needed a positive role model. The day Max disappeared his friends thought that maybe he had just left for college early, but when he didn't show up there they became worried. Ellie and her friends attempted to find Max any way they could, but somehow he had fallen off the map and couldn't be found. This forced them all to have to move on.
Ellie graduated high school, went to college and was looking forward to starting her new job when she got a call from home with some horrible news. This call changed Ellie's life forever. She decided to move back home and start working at her friends bar, where she met a very attractive bartender. They harmlessly flirted at first but as things started to heat up, everything exploded. Ellie's life suddenly changed all over again and she had some tough decisions to make. The game was definitely on and if she didn't make the right choice she may be forced to live a life of regret.
I definitely cannot wait to read the next book, this ones had so many curves it was like riding a rollercoaster. A ride that I can't wait to go on again. I must know who, what, and why things are the way they are. This is a story you will not regret reading.
August 17, 2015
I was hanging out in the hotel bar a couple days before an author signing I was going to. I happen to meet an author and started chatting with her. She was super sweet and we hung out here and there throughout the weekend. I had never read anything she had written so I put her on my tbr and as soon as I had a break in my reading list I knew I wanted to squeeze in one of her books. So herein, lies the rub, you meet a really wonderful person and you're going to read her book but what if the worst happens and you don't like it. I mean this is always a bit of a dilemma when you happen to meet or know an author. I mean I don't have a fake bone in my body so I always know I am going to write an unbiased, honest review. So I was really hoping that I would like her book and thankfully it is so easy for me to give this book a great review, because this woman can write.
First before I go any further, I must say that New Adult or YA, not sure how this book is classified (high schoolers falling in love) is really not my thing. I'm just not into reading about young love. But I loved this book. I loved the characters. I loved Ellie, who although her parents gave her up at birth and she is adopted and raised by her not overly loving aunt is such a sweet and down to earth character. And Max...he is such a good book boyfriend. He is the typical player who uses girls for his personal pleasure, but manages to fall head over heels for Ellie. They had a sweet love story, but you know all is not going to be sunshine and roses, so you are just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Well when it happened I absolutely had no clue just how hard it was going to drop. I just didn't see this coming at all. I'm not even going to lie, I may have shed a tear or two. I'm not going to ruin it and tell you what happens but you will feel a bit of heartache and you will wonder what the heck happened and you will hurt for Ellie because she just doesn't get over it well. Max was her true love and she just can’t seem to totally move on from those feelings.
As in real life, even when your life blows up you must move on and so Ellie does. She goes on to graduate from college and deals with what life comes at her. He aunt dies and she goes back to her hometown and decides to settle there. She finally finds another guy that finally makes her feel something when she has really felt nothing all these years and then of course, you get the twist in the story. You just have to read it to see what all happens.
Standalone: This is a standalone in a series.
POV: Ellie's
Characters: There are lots of different characters. Ellie has some really great friends. Kurt, Joss, Piper. They are really likable characters. You have Dillon the possible new love. I personally couldn't quite like him and I don't know why but something was just off on this character for me. You have a few really mean girls. I hate mean girls and these girls were well and truly mean liars.
First before I go any further, I must say that New Adult or YA, not sure how this book is classified (high schoolers falling in love) is really not my thing. I'm just not into reading about young love. But I loved this book. I loved the characters. I loved Ellie, who although her parents gave her up at birth and she is adopted and raised by her not overly loving aunt is such a sweet and down to earth character. And Max...he is such a good book boyfriend. He is the typical player who uses girls for his personal pleasure, but manages to fall head over heels for Ellie. They had a sweet love story, but you know all is not going to be sunshine and roses, so you are just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Well when it happened I absolutely had no clue just how hard it was going to drop. I just didn't see this coming at all. I'm not even going to lie, I may have shed a tear or two. I'm not going to ruin it and tell you what happens but you will feel a bit of heartache and you will wonder what the heck happened and you will hurt for Ellie because she just doesn't get over it well. Max was her true love and she just can’t seem to totally move on from those feelings.
As in real life, even when your life blows up you must move on and so Ellie does. She goes on to graduate from college and deals with what life comes at her. He aunt dies and she goes back to her hometown and decides to settle there. She finally finds another guy that finally makes her feel something when she has really felt nothing all these years and then of course, you get the twist in the story. You just have to read it to see what all happens.
Standalone: This is a standalone in a series.
POV: Ellie's
Characters: There are lots of different characters. Ellie has some really great friends. Kurt, Joss, Piper. They are really likable characters. You have Dillon the possible new love. I personally couldn't quite like him and I don't know why but something was just off on this character for me. You have a few really mean girls. I hate mean girls and these girls were well and truly mean liars.
December 18, 2014
This book has to be on my list of favourite reads for 2014 and one of my favourite new found authors.
Sometimes when I read the synopsis of a book and it tells me where the story is going, particularly that there will be angst, I can become a bit disconnected from feeling the full depth of the emotion when I come to read it, but not with His End Game.
I felt everything.
Ellie and Max's story just drew me in from page one and it never let go. At times, my heart was beating erratically, my eyes were leaking big fat tears, and my heart was overflowing with intense emotion, from joy to sadness.
I connected with Ellie immediately, finding her easy to relate to, understanding her thought processes, feeling each and every turn of events and how it affected her, right down to her soul. She was such a strong character and I admired her for the choices she made and how she reacted to the situations she found herself in, and was confronted with. Her love for Max was absolute and she was loyal and fiercely protective of those she held dear. She also had a great group of friends for support and I just loved that whole friendship circle. Each secondary character had their rightful place in this story, each one engaging as the other, with just enough to entice us to find out much more about them.
As for Max, well I just loved Max as well. He has his own story to tell, that you must discover on your own, with no hints from me. Suffice to say that he will inhabit your heart just as much as Ellie has. I loved the way he steps up when he needs too, he does admit his mistakes and then goes about making sure there are no more grey areas or assumptions. His alpha protective nature, his brooding, sexy bad ass nature, coupled with his utter devotion to Ellie made him one of the most attractive men out there.
Together Ellie and Max sizzled my ereader and lodged themselves firmly in my heart. Their story is heartbreaking, their love is that once in a lifetime love and it shows.
I just loved so much about this book. It was the perfect blend of romance, heartbreak, angst and suspense. The glimpse into the other characters lives set us up beautifully for the next book in the series. To say too much more about it would give too much away so I will say no more, other than the fact that I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Sometimes when I read the synopsis of a book and it tells me where the story is going, particularly that there will be angst, I can become a bit disconnected from feeling the full depth of the emotion when I come to read it, but not with His End Game.
I felt everything.
Ellie and Max's story just drew me in from page one and it never let go. At times, my heart was beating erratically, my eyes were leaking big fat tears, and my heart was overflowing with intense emotion, from joy to sadness.
I connected with Ellie immediately, finding her easy to relate to, understanding her thought processes, feeling each and every turn of events and how it affected her, right down to her soul. She was such a strong character and I admired her for the choices she made and how she reacted to the situations she found herself in, and was confronted with. Her love for Max was absolute and she was loyal and fiercely protective of those she held dear. She also had a great group of friends for support and I just loved that whole friendship circle. Each secondary character had their rightful place in this story, each one engaging as the other, with just enough to entice us to find out much more about them.
As for Max, well I just loved Max as well. He has his own story to tell, that you must discover on your own, with no hints from me. Suffice to say that he will inhabit your heart just as much as Ellie has. I loved the way he steps up when he needs too, he does admit his mistakes and then goes about making sure there are no more grey areas or assumptions. His alpha protective nature, his brooding, sexy bad ass nature, coupled with his utter devotion to Ellie made him one of the most attractive men out there.
Together Ellie and Max sizzled my ereader and lodged themselves firmly in my heart. Their story is heartbreaking, their love is that once in a lifetime love and it shows.
I just loved so much about this book. It was the perfect blend of romance, heartbreak, angst and suspense. The glimpse into the other characters lives set us up beautifully for the next book in the series. To say too much more about it would give too much away so I will say no more, other than the fact that I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
October 16, 2014
Favorite Lines or Quotes:
“You know, you really shouldn’t talk on the phone while pumping gas or you could blow the station up and for goodness sake, whatever you do, do not light up a cigarette.”
NADBB got the honor to review two books by R.B. Hillard. You never know what to expect when you read an author’s first book and we were more than pleasantly surprised by this one.
The Synopsis
This book is about Elle and Max. A couple which truly had to grow into each other. The book begins with the couple in high school—and not being a couple per say. Elle is a shy awkward girl and Max is everything she imagines she could want or need.
The kicker is that young love often has problems sticking. Sometimes it’s all you can do to face the hand you’ve been dealt and how that shapes the person you are.
Will Elle and Max? Survive the journey?
This question made us read all night.
The Review:
The Good: RB Hillard has a knack. A knack for giving the reader a scene of awkward funny characters who have more angst, heartbreak and resiliency worthy of a character of any Aaron Spelling television show. This was never more true than in her character of Elle. We loved this girl. From the awkward shy scene at the gas station, which ultimately made us giggle like a high school girl we were reading, to the heart break and heavy load she carries that unfurls for us as the story moves along.
Ms. Hillard writes characters who are complete. Characters we like. Characters we would want to be friends with.
The Bad: On the same side of that coin, we grew to not like Max very much. As true to life as he was and probably his actions were exactly what would happen…. We hold book boyfriends up to higher standards. It’s our world, we make the rules damn it.
The Rating: 4.3ish Stars Depending on how much our men tick us off, or chocolate we have consumed it could move to 4.4 or 4.1 It’s not easy being young.
We recommend this book to you crazy people. There is a reason Elle is one of our all time favorite heroines.
“You know, you really shouldn’t talk on the phone while pumping gas or you could blow the station up and for goodness sake, whatever you do, do not light up a cigarette.”
NADBB got the honor to review two books by R.B. Hillard. You never know what to expect when you read an author’s first book and we were more than pleasantly surprised by this one.
The Synopsis
This book is about Elle and Max. A couple which truly had to grow into each other. The book begins with the couple in high school—and not being a couple per say. Elle is a shy awkward girl and Max is everything she imagines she could want or need.
The kicker is that young love often has problems sticking. Sometimes it’s all you can do to face the hand you’ve been dealt and how that shapes the person you are.
Will Elle and Max? Survive the journey?
This question made us read all night.
The Review:
The Good: RB Hillard has a knack. A knack for giving the reader a scene of awkward funny characters who have more angst, heartbreak and resiliency worthy of a character of any Aaron Spelling television show. This was never more true than in her character of Elle. We loved this girl. From the awkward shy scene at the gas station, which ultimately made us giggle like a high school girl we were reading, to the heart break and heavy load she carries that unfurls for us as the story moves along.
Ms. Hillard writes characters who are complete. Characters we like. Characters we would want to be friends with.
The Bad: On the same side of that coin, we grew to not like Max very much. As true to life as he was and probably his actions were exactly what would happen…. We hold book boyfriends up to higher standards. It’s our world, we make the rules damn it.
The Rating: 4.3ish Stars Depending on how much our men tick us off, or chocolate we have consumed it could move to 4.4 or 4.1 It’s not easy being young.
We recommend this book to you crazy people. There is a reason Elle is one of our all time favorite heroines.
October 8, 2014
His end game. R B Hilliard
I was asked to review "His end game" which I was very happy to do. I had not heard of the author before, but after reading the synopsis and reading the reviews I was more than happy to review "his end game " as the book looked like something that is enjoy very much. I was also very keen to help out a new author to get their name out there and the 2 books "his end game" and " Not letting go" so more people coud read these 2 wonderful books that they may not of heard of as yet.
The book was full of mystery, romance, hot sex, great characters, suspense and a great first book.
I really enjoyed the plot. I found that I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
The characters were great and easy to connect with. The story flips between past and present, which I found was very good and necessary so you found out exactly what happened in the past, not just a paragraph and not enough detail about the past. Ellie and Max had a massive connection for a long time.. Everyone wanted what they had, but they were in there own world and completly loved up.they wanted kids and were planning a future together, until one day Max just disappears. Know body knows where he's gone or why. Ellie is left deverstated, destrought and heart broken not knowing where Max has gone, or why?!.
5 years later Eliie still has no idea what's happened to Max, and makes the extremely hard decision to finally move on with her life.
I loved a Ellie has a character. She is a complete heroine. She lost so much and had no idea why or what had happened. It old take one strong person to gt over that, move forward and trust again. She has massive abandonment issues and never lets any one get close to her. I admired her so much.
I guessed the mystery from the beginning but I was happy to find out the mystery and to check I was right.
The story was very well written and as a first book it was very well written. There was afew grammar mistakes but other than that it was a good story.
4 stars
I was asked to review "His end game" which I was very happy to do. I had not heard of the author before, but after reading the synopsis and reading the reviews I was more than happy to review "his end game " as the book looked like something that is enjoy very much. I was also very keen to help out a new author to get their name out there and the 2 books "his end game" and " Not letting go" so more people coud read these 2 wonderful books that they may not of heard of as yet.
The book was full of mystery, romance, hot sex, great characters, suspense and a great first book.
I really enjoyed the plot. I found that I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
The characters were great and easy to connect with. The story flips between past and present, which I found was very good and necessary so you found out exactly what happened in the past, not just a paragraph and not enough detail about the past. Ellie and Max had a massive connection for a long time.. Everyone wanted what they had, but they were in there own world and completly loved up.they wanted kids and were planning a future together, until one day Max just disappears. Know body knows where he's gone or why. Ellie is left deverstated, destrought and heart broken not knowing where Max has gone, or why?!.
5 years later Eliie still has no idea what's happened to Max, and makes the extremely hard decision to finally move on with her life.
I loved a Ellie has a character. She is a complete heroine. She lost so much and had no idea why or what had happened. It old take one strong person to gt over that, move forward and trust again. She has massive abandonment issues and never lets any one get close to her. I admired her so much.
I guessed the mystery from the beginning but I was happy to find out the mystery and to check I was right.
The story was very well written and as a first book it was very well written. There was afew grammar mistakes but other than that it was a good story.
4 stars
November 1, 2014
If I could give it a 10 I would So do it!!!!Max McLellan appeared on Ellies radar her freshman year in high school , but he went for the older girls and the ones who had reputations of putting out. She fantasized about max all throughout the school year and just one night her Jr year at a party Ellie ended up in bad situation and it was Max to her rescue but He was not sure she was ready for what he offered to give her.
Max has been in love with Ellie since they first time he saw and would always watch her and glance at her when she didn’t think he was paying any attention to her. So when he noticed she was getting herself in a bad situation he stepped in and saved her. A few days later they finally talk and end up getting together. She max had spent as much time as they could together and both were falling in love with each other then one of the best times of their lives it all changed. Max had been missing for 5 years and Ellie was Broken . she finally graduated college and decided to move back home but max was always on her mind. Then when she was about to date someone something happens and changes gain everything. I have to say this is one the best books of the year that I have read and it so heartbreaking but Beautiful and makes you Believe in true love . I have laughed and cried with this book so be warned you might want tissues. I will be re-reading this book again. Thank You RB Hillard For Allowing us to be apart of your world and showing us what real writing means and how to capture peoples hearts.
Max has been in love with Ellie since they first time he saw and would always watch her and glance at her when she didn’t think he was paying any attention to her. So when he noticed she was getting herself in a bad situation he stepped in and saved her. A few days later they finally talk and end up getting together. She max had spent as much time as they could together and both were falling in love with each other then one of the best times of their lives it all changed. Max had been missing for 5 years and Ellie was Broken . she finally graduated college and decided to move back home but max was always on her mind. Then when she was about to date someone something happens and changes gain everything. I have to say this is one the best books of the year that I have read and it so heartbreaking but Beautiful and makes you Believe in true love . I have laughed and cried with this book so be warned you might want tissues. I will be re-reading this book again. Thank You RB Hillard For Allowing us to be apart of your world and showing us what real writing means and how to capture peoples hearts.
November 22, 2016
5 End game stars.
I couldn't put this book down, just when the plot was on steady ground something else would happen that would have me on edge again.
The story begins with Ellie in High school a young girl living with her aunt and progresses into falling for her teenage crush and then takes you through her teen years, her relationship woes and her highs and lows after heartbreak.
Ellie:
He was sunshine and moonlight, sandy beaches and salty air. He was happy laughter and sexy smiles. He was my best friend, my lover and everything good in this world and believe me, few things were ever good in my world.
5 years later and Ellie has encountered love and loss, heartache and pain while being surrounded by amazing friends who are all great secondary characters.
From past to present, Ellie now in her twenties and still struggling to move on from her past and from feelings of abandonment and pain.
I loved His End Game told in Ellie's pov. The characters and plot the angst and dramas, everything that kept me turning the pages eagerly.
Some activities of the characters and events had me angry with the characters and gave me a feeling of sypathy for Ellie and that's great story telling, when an author can draw an emotion from a reader.
A brilliant read with twists and turns,drama and contains all I love in a contemporary read.
This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to reading more about the other characters.
Arc gratefully received for review Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends
http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
I couldn't put this book down, just when the plot was on steady ground something else would happen that would have me on edge again.
The story begins with Ellie in High school a young girl living with her aunt and progresses into falling for her teenage crush and then takes you through her teen years, her relationship woes and her highs and lows after heartbreak.
Ellie:
He was sunshine and moonlight, sandy beaches and salty air. He was happy laughter and sexy smiles. He was my best friend, my lover and everything good in this world and believe me, few things were ever good in my world.
5 years later and Ellie has encountered love and loss, heartache and pain while being surrounded by amazing friends who are all great secondary characters.
From past to present, Ellie now in her twenties and still struggling to move on from her past and from feelings of abandonment and pain.
I loved His End Game told in Ellie's pov. The characters and plot the angst and dramas, everything that kept me turning the pages eagerly.
Some activities of the characters and events had me angry with the characters and gave me a feeling of sypathy for Ellie and that's great story telling, when an author can draw an emotion from a reader.
A brilliant read with twists and turns,drama and contains all I love in a contemporary read.
This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to reading more about the other characters.
Arc gratefully received for review Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends
http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
August 26, 2014
3.5 to 4 stars!!
This is one of those books that you can't put down. Contemporary style romance with suspense and mystery, and a whole load of emotions.
This could have easily been a 5 star book, it needs a bit of editing, there are way too many characters that sometimes made the book a tad confusing. There is a lot of drama and sometimes this felt a bit too much. Also, as you all know I am one emotional person, I did not shed a tear while reading this book, I welled up, but they didn't spill, I should have been bawling in places.
I had guessed straight away what had happened so when the big mystery was revealed it did not come as a shock but I was surprised with how he thought it would all be OK when it was.
However, this book is addictive, I could not stop page turning, I want to know what happened during those five years, like NOW!!! It seems all is not as it seems and I am sure some stuff is being hidden.
I see that there is a book 2 out already so I am going to dive into that in the hope that the answers I desperately need are revealed in Piper's book, but I have a feeling I am not going to like what I read.
This is one of those books that you can't put down. Contemporary style romance with suspense and mystery, and a whole load of emotions.
This could have easily been a 5 star book, it needs a bit of editing, there are way too many characters that sometimes made the book a tad confusing. There is a lot of drama and sometimes this felt a bit too much. Also, as you all know I am one emotional person, I did not shed a tear while reading this book, I welled up, but they didn't spill, I should have been bawling in places.
I had guessed straight away what had happened so when the big mystery was revealed it did not come as a shock but I was surprised with how he thought it would all be OK when it was.
However, this book is addictive, I could not stop page turning, I want to know what happened during those five years, like NOW!!! It seems all is not as it seems and I am sure some stuff is being hidden.
I see that there is a book 2 out already so I am going to dive into that in the hope that the answers I desperately need are revealed in Piper's book, but I have a feeling I am not going to like what I read.
March 4, 2018
I won this book over on Scandalicious book review and for a first time author it was pretty good. A 4.5 stars that I will round up to 5.
This book has a suspense element that was done really well, and again for a first time author I was really impressed as suspense can be tough but done well it can be great and this was done well.
I enjoyed the well thought out story line and character development that progressed through out.
If your looking for an entertaining contemporary book with a bit of suspense this would be a great book for you to consider.
This book has a suspense element that was done really well, and again for a first time author I was really impressed as suspense can be tough but done well it can be great and this was done well.
I enjoyed the well thought out story line and character development that progressed through out.
If your looking for an entertaining contemporary book with a bit of suspense this would be a great book for you to consider.
September 8, 2014
I read this book AND the second in the series in one massive read..... Holy cow.
His End Game started a little slow for me, simply because I was afraid I had landed myself in an angsty YA or NA novel. Something I hadn't been prepared for. But once I got the rhythm of the story, about a quarter into the book and totally immersed myself, I was solidly hooked.
Ellie and Max have something special. Unique. Perhaps even once in a lifetime, although at twenty-something, that is a lot of years to predict. Regardless, their connection is pure. All the more devastating when it is inexplicibly broken. I knew there had to be a deeper reason behind it. Some dark secret that precipitated this unexpected turn of events. But no matter how justified the cause may have been, the feelings of years of betrayal are not that easily wiped away.
Even though this novel is a standalone in a series, with its HEA, there were so many enticing lead ins to what might be coming next - I could not resist starting the next book right away! NOT LETTING GO.
His End Game started a little slow for me, simply because I was afraid I had landed myself in an angsty YA or NA novel. Something I hadn't been prepared for. But once I got the rhythm of the story, about a quarter into the book and totally immersed myself, I was solidly hooked.
Ellie and Max have something special. Unique. Perhaps even once in a lifetime, although at twenty-something, that is a lot of years to predict. Regardless, their connection is pure. All the more devastating when it is inexplicibly broken. I knew there had to be a deeper reason behind it. Some dark secret that precipitated this unexpected turn of events. But no matter how justified the cause may have been, the feelings of years of betrayal are not that easily wiped away.
Even though this novel is a standalone in a series, with its HEA, there were so many enticing lead ins to what might be coming next - I could not resist starting the next book right away! NOT LETTING GO.
November 30, 2014
Ellie and Max went to high school together and each had a crush on the other. During her junior year, Ellie gets her wish and she and Max get together. Max abruptly leaves his life behind with no words of goodbye or why he is leaving, or if he is even alive. Ellie struggles for 5 years to move on and get her life moving forward. She attends college, graduates and moves back to Charlotte after her aunt dies leaving her house to Ellie. Ellie gets the surprise of her life when Max walks back into her life. Max explains his absence and the reason he had to go, but Ellie struggles to believe he isn't going to leave her again. Max is definitely an alpha male and assumes that Ellie knows why he is back and that he wants her. In typical male fashion, he has to be hit over the head several times before he realizes that he needs to tell her how he feels and not just assume that she knows. It was well done and had me turning the pages well after I should have fallen asleep to see how it ended. Will definitely read the next book in the series.
January 11, 2015
Great story! 4.5 stars
While the beginning of this was good, I was floored at the end of chapter 9. That was one heck of an unexpected twist! It pulled me in and kept me reading until the end! I really enjoyed this book and got into the characters, especially some of the secondary one. I will be starting the next book as soon as I'm done here and am looking forward to finding out what happens next with everyone!
Max is a hot bad boy with a soft and sweet center. My kind of guy! His love for his sister and the way he protects her drew me to him. The fact that he's leading a hard life, but has the sweet side that not many see, just makes him all the more attractive.
Ellison didn't have the best life but learns she is actually really lucky. She has her Aunt, great friends, and Max, who was the best thing to happen to her. She's finally happy. But if anyone knows about loss it's her which makes her have issue. Who could blame her. Not only does she overcome them but also learns things aren't always what they seem....
While the beginning of this was good, I was floored at the end of chapter 9. That was one heck of an unexpected twist! It pulled me in and kept me reading until the end! I really enjoyed this book and got into the characters, especially some of the secondary one. I will be starting the next book as soon as I'm done here and am looking forward to finding out what happens next with everyone!
Max is a hot bad boy with a soft and sweet center. My kind of guy! His love for his sister and the way he protects her drew me to him. The fact that he's leading a hard life, but has the sweet side that not many see, just makes him all the more attractive.
Ellison didn't have the best life but learns she is actually really lucky. She has her Aunt, great friends, and Max, who was the best thing to happen to her. She's finally happy. But if anyone knows about loss it's her which makes her have issue. Who could blame her. Not only does she overcome them but also learns things aren't always what they seem....
April 7, 2015
FIVE AMAZINGLY GOOD STARS!
I literally could not put this book down! Thankfully I started reading it early in the day because I would have been up until sunrise instead of 3am. It was one of those books that just drew me in. I was so into the Characters and I am in love with Max.
I was already happily trapped in the story when the mystery happened. I was trying to figure out what happened the whole time and as the pages continued to be flipped I was one my toes. I just had to know what in the world could have caused the events that occurred.
When all of the pieces fell beautifully into place I just had to know how the characters story ended. Hence on being up to three in the morning with my eyes glued on my Kindle.
I loved loved loved this book. It made me feel and that is one thing that I look for in romance. That connection with the characters that is so deep that it draws reactions and feelings out of you. I highly recommend this novel!
Now I can't wait to start MMG#2 and read Piper and Gage's story!
I literally could not put this book down! Thankfully I started reading it early in the day because I would have been up until sunrise instead of 3am. It was one of those books that just drew me in. I was so into the Characters and I am in love with Max.
I was already happily trapped in the story when the mystery happened. I was trying to figure out what happened the whole time and as the pages continued to be flipped I was one my toes. I just had to know what in the world could have caused the events that occurred.
When all of the pieces fell beautifully into place I just had to know how the characters story ended. Hence on being up to three in the morning with my eyes glued on my Kindle.
I loved loved loved this book. It made me feel and that is one thing that I look for in romance. That connection with the characters that is so deep that it draws reactions and feelings out of you. I highly recommend this novel!
Now I can't wait to start MMG#2 and read Piper and Gage's story!
November 10, 2015
The Best Emotional Rollercoaster Ever.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay for me I love books that start out as a coming of age, finding your first love, high school, college, losing your love and the heartache that goes hand in hand. This book had it all plus the steamy hot sex scenes made it even more amazing. I could not, or rather would not put this book down. Not even to cook my boyfriend dinner, which he was not to happy about.
Ellison or Ellie to her friends was the shy one between her and her Bestie. Ellie had a rough go of things being raised by her aunt and not knowing her parents at all. In high school she sees the bad boy Max. He has a new girl all the time. When he saves her she thought it would be different. Flash forward to a devastating time for both only to be reunited 5 years. But can they get passed 5 years of heartache and unanswered questions?
You will be sent on this rollercoaster ride of emotions that it's hard to put down. You really won't want to put it down.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay for me I love books that start out as a coming of age, finding your first love, high school, college, losing your love and the heartache that goes hand in hand. This book had it all plus the steamy hot sex scenes made it even more amazing. I could not, or rather would not put this book down. Not even to cook my boyfriend dinner, which he was not to happy about.
Ellison or Ellie to her friends was the shy one between her and her Bestie. Ellie had a rough go of things being raised by her aunt and not knowing her parents at all. In high school she sees the bad boy Max. He has a new girl all the time. When he saves her she thought it would be different. Flash forward to a devastating time for both only to be reunited 5 years. But can they get passed 5 years of heartache and unanswered questions?
You will be sent on this rollercoaster ride of emotions that it's hard to put down. You really won't want to put it down.
Read
February 5, 2016Wow Just wow!
The story of Max and Ellison told in intricate detail in His End Game (MMG Series Book 1) by Author R.B. Hilliard is a hauntingly romantic tale about two individuals who meet in high school although they come from vastly different social circles. They have an intense love for one another that withstands time. R.B. Hilliard integrates elements of suspense, mystery, love, loss, rebirth, drama, abuse, friendship, sexual tension, and exploration of self into this well-written piece of literature. The descriptive details allow the reader to clearly picture each scene and character in their mind. The storyline is griping from start to finish and draws the reader in. This book deserves a five star rating because I didn't find formatting/spelling errors that would take away from its content, the storyline branches off in unexpected directions to create emotionally poignant plot twists, and the characters are believable. If you have not read the MMG Series by R.B. Hilliard I highly recommend doing so!
The story of Max and Ellison told in intricate detail in His End Game (MMG Series Book 1) by Author R.B. Hilliard is a hauntingly romantic tale about two individuals who meet in high school although they come from vastly different social circles. They have an intense love for one another that withstands time. R.B. Hilliard integrates elements of suspense, mystery, love, loss, rebirth, drama, abuse, friendship, sexual tension, and exploration of self into this well-written piece of literature. The descriptive details allow the reader to clearly picture each scene and character in their mind. The storyline is griping from start to finish and draws the reader in. This book deserves a five star rating because I didn't find formatting/spelling errors that would take away from its content, the storyline branches off in unexpected directions to create emotionally poignant plot twists, and the characters are believable. If you have not read the MMG Series by R.B. Hilliard I highly recommend doing so!
September 27, 2014
~~~~I was asked the review this book in exchange of an honest review~~~
This is a book you can't put down,it pulled me right in. I fell in love with all the characters.
You've got mystery, romance and hot sex, Definitley a five star read!!
Ellie and Max got a once in a lifetime connection, one that everyone wishes they could have. The love they have for each other drew me in even when they were kids, i just wanted them to last forever but one day Max just vanishes off the face of the earth, Ellie is completely heartbroken.
After Five years Ellie decides it time to start living again but she doesn't expect a blast from the past.
Some parts of this book are emotional, you just want Ellie to be happy, she sure deserves it.
This is a book you can't put down,it pulled me right in. I fell in love with all the characters.
You've got mystery, romance and hot sex, Definitley a five star read!!
Ellie and Max got a once in a lifetime connection, one that everyone wishes they could have. The love they have for each other drew me in even when they were kids, i just wanted them to last forever but one day Max just vanishes off the face of the earth, Ellie is completely heartbroken.
After Five years Ellie decides it time to start living again but she doesn't expect a blast from the past.
Some parts of this book are emotional, you just want Ellie to be happy, she sure deserves it.
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