The Games We Play

Balance of Power #3

by Berlin Wick

I thought I’d never see her again. Ten years ago, we spent two weeks together. Fourteen inseparable days, just for her to disappear like she never existed.

Now she’s here, in the last place I expected, sneaking around the lifestyle club where I run security. But before I can confront her to demand answers, she runs.

So what would any military trained, ex-NavySEAL do when he’s determined to get what he wants?

Anything. Including buying the house next door to her.

Now I watch her as she does yoga practically naked in her backyard and goes on dates with other men, sending my controlled existence into a complete tailspin.

I’m determined to find out what happened, but she’s insistent on ignoring our past and keeping secrets from me that I can’t seem to uncover.

Unfortunately for her, I’m patient. And even though she’s turning my simple structured life upside down, I’ll stop at nothing to get what I want.

And what I want is her.

**********

The Games We Play is book 3 (Seamus’ book) in the interconnected standalone Balance of Power series. A grumpy/sunshine, second chance romance, told in a past/present timeline with Dual POVs. It will make you smile and kick your feet with giddiness, but still brings all the open door spice you can expect from a Berlin Wick book.

Please check TW’s on the authors website before reading.

Genres: Second Chance, Dark Romance, Military Fiction, Slow Burn, Second Chance Romance, Dark, Romance

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2025

About the author

Berlin was raised in a tiny town in North Idaho who moved to the Bay Area, California, at the age of eighteen. She now resides in San Diego with her husband, two boys and her massive Cane Corso named Blu! Her bucket list items include skydiving, attending the Oscars, becoming a New York Time best-selling author, and cruising the world for retirement. She loves writing and reading, ANY and ALL kinds of romance novels, and loves engaging in the booksta community. You can find her most active on Instagram!

Reviews

[Chiara^•^ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Games We Play by Berlin Wick
4,5/5⭐
3/5🌶️

I've been wanting to read this author's work for a while, and it lived up to my expectations. The plot and characters are fantastic, but what resonated with me was the deep connection between the main characters, Seamus and Mimi. They meet at a summer camp and click right away, spending two unforgettable weeks together. Their bond becomes so special, but then everything changes one night, and they lose touch for ten long years—until fate brings them back together!

Seamus is now an ex-Navy SEAL and works as a security at a club. For years, he’s searched for Mimi without any luck. But one night, he finally spots her at the club! Determined to reconnect, he even buys a house next door to her. I love his dedication; he knows this is his chance to be in her life, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes!

Mimi is such a delightful character! As a yoga instructor, she radiates positivity, but she has a tough past that still affects her. When she finally opened up about it, my heart broke for her. I wish I could give her a big hug! Thankfully, Seamus is there to protect and love her. I admired how she faced her challenges head-on and grew stronger throughout the story. Her courage is truly inspiring!

Seeing Seamus and Mimi get their happily ever after was so satisfying! It was heartwarming to watch Mimi slowly heal with Seamus by her side. He makes her feel safe and secure, and she learns to trust him completely. It’s beautiful how he becomes her rock, encouraging and cherishing her every step of the way. I had such a great time reading this book, and now I'm excited to explore the books of the side characters too.

[AshReadThis · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

The FMC’s name is Mimi? Out of all of the names we could have come up with? 👎

Is this the pettiest reason I’ve DNFd a book? Quite possibly

[Liz | Bookslizreads90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
RELEASES 6/5


Tropes-
Grumpy x sunshine
Second chance
Forced proximity
Touch her and ☠️
Dual Timeline
Dual POV

Check your triggers before diving in! ⚠️ The Author was so kind to give you a warning ahead of time before a very triggering chapter, and you are able to skip through this chapter without it taking away from the story.

"Seamus Matthews only had two weeks of my twenty-eight years, and still, I’ve loved him my whole life."

✨️ Thank you to Berlin and Luna Literary for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Wow! I absolutely loved this book! I read it in one sitting. Seamus is one of my new favorites for sure 😍. I'm not usually the biggest fan of dual timelines, but Berlin wrote this so well. This story was so heart-wrenching. I don't want to spoil any of the story. Just know that if you love a second chance romance with a little suspense thrown in, I'd definitely recommend this book! It was an easy 5 ⭐️ read for me!

[Isabella Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝓘𝓽’𝓼 𝓸𝓯𝓯𝓲𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵. 𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭. 𝓢𝓮𝓪𝓶𝓾𝓼 𝓜𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔀’𝓼 𝓲𝓼 𝓶𝔂 𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓻.”

This was my first time reading Berlin Wick and I’m just wondering where this author has been hiding because WHOLY AMAZEBALLS this book was GOOD!!! I’m firm on not loving books with military affiliation. Stuff from my past keeps me from truly enjoying any MMC involved in that profession but Berlin wrote this man SO WELL that it didn’t even phase me.

Seamus and Mimi’s story starts when they are both teenagers at summer camp. Two weeks changed their lives forever as they fall in love and Mimi loses her virginity to Seamus…but right after that, he disappears and Mimi is left heart broken and hates him for just leaving her. But there’s a tragic reason behind his departure and it’s truly heart wrenching.

Ten years later they run into each other at a $€x club. The minute Seamus sees Mimi he’s determined to win back the woman he’s been searching for the last ten years. Mimi on the other hand is not interested in opening up old wounds. Her hate for him still strong… or so she likes to tell herself.

Mimi isn’t the same girl from ten years ago. She’s gone through unspeakable trauma and pain. And seeing her trying to muscle through the past truly made my heart ache for her. Those of you reviewing this book saying , I don’t buy her going through her trauma then becoming a naked yoga teacher or being sexually inexperienced and shy given her profession…shut…up. You clearly have NEVER been through anything close to what she has. People process trauma like hers in different ways. It’s not uncommon for SA survivors or abuse survivors to work in fields where they are in control of their bodies and even S£mex work. It’s not about the act it’s about finally having control over themselves and who and what has access to them. Working in those fields doesn’t mean you can’t be shy and reserved in your personal life. Be so for real. Sorry. I just needed to say that because some of the people coming after the author and Mimi for her choices really got under my skin.

Without giving too much away, Seamus is determined to get his girl back and he does. Together they help heal each other, emotionally and mentally. They connect in a way that feels like no time has passed.

Seamus is there to help Mimi work through her trauma and help her get revenge and closure on her past. Literal touch her and 💀 vibes to the max. He doesn’t do slow. He’s all in from the jump. Flowers? Candy? Nope. He buys the house next to hers and is her personal guard dog. Listen. This man had me BARKING!

It’s not all physical, this book dives deep into the emotional turmoil of both characters and their journey to healing. It’s messy, heart breaking, painful but healing all at the same time. Their happy ending was a long time coming and so well deserved. 🩷

Thank you so much to Berlin Wick and Luna Literary for the absolute amazing opportunity to ARC read this book 🩷

⚓️Second Chance Romance
🧘🏻‍♀️Touch Her and 💀
⚓️Broken Heroine
🧘🏻‍♀️Possessive Hero
⚓️Childhood Lovers to Enemies to Neighbours to Lovers Again
🧘🏻‍♀️Grumpy x Sunshine
⚓️Ex Navy Seal MMC
🧘🏻‍♀️Spicy Yoga/Tantric Teacher FMC
⚓️Forced Proximity
🧘🏻‍♀️Angst/Suspense
⚓️Dual Timeline
🧘🏻‍♀️He 💦in his 👖
⚓️Hand Necklaces for Both
🧘🏻‍♀️Voyeurism
⚓️Traumatic Past for Both
🧘🏻‍♀️It’s Always Been You
⚓️Dual POV
🧘🏻‍♀️HEA

[smutty.spade.queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 STARS/3🌶️ — ARC Review


Hi. I like walking into a book expecting one thing and getting my ass handed another. 😂🥵🤯

Berlin Wick does NOT play fair—in the best way. This book starts with tropes we think we know:

TROPE SETUP:
• Second Chance
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Neighbors to Lovers
• Ex-Navy SEAL MMC
• Yoga Instructor FMC
• Touch Her and Die
• Past/Present Timeline
• Dual POV

MICRO-TROPES & KINKS:
• Sex club scenes
• Public Tantric Massage (yes, you read that right)
• Voyeurism
• “He comes in his pants” moment
• The “hand necklace” (for both of them 😮‍💨)
• AND of course, ex-Navy SEAL x Yoga Instructor energy

Cool cool cool…

But Then: Plot twist from hell (and I mean that as a compliment).

We get this soft, summer-camp love story that crashes into a ten-year heartbreak cliff. Mimi loses her virginity to Seamus at camp. Then? Poof. He’s gone. She loathes him. Until fate throws them back together at a sex club a decade later. She sees a ghost. He sees the girl he’s been trying to find for TEN YEARS.

Normal people say hi and exchange numbers. Seamus? Moves into the house next door (that isn’t even for sale) and goes full “Touch Her and Die” piss over everything mode. And I was INTO IT.

⸻——————————————————————-

🔥 Scenes that made me 💀 (in a good way):
• Spin the Bottle Roulette — Intense doesn’t even cover it. Wes + Shane? Mimi + Shane? OKAY.
• The tantric massage scene — In PUBLIC. With the whole squad there. I would have combusted. Dane, Jake, Hudson, Ember… all witnessing the unhinged sexual tension.
• The date. The abortion. The assault.
When Mimi’s past starts unraveling, the weight of it crashes down. Nathan? Human garbage. The attempted murder scene? Chilling.
Wes to the rescue and Mimi saying, “Please don’t leave me” had me ☹️——then Seamus telling Rocco to send the court case files over with photos; cue Bad Omens Just Pretend overlay with Supernatural hotel smashing scene 🎬 💔
• The airplane scene — Seamus literally tells her to take it out on him, and what does Mimi do? Hand necklace him into oblivion. Cuts off his air. Fully takes control. The tension, the release, the healing, the power exchange? ✈️🔥 Lort.
• Prison visitation — Possibly the most triggering yet powerful scene in the book. I wanted to puke and cheer at the same time. No remorse from Nathan, just pure villain energy. But then Seamus and Mimi? Came through with lines that made me SCREAM.

“You’re going to regret everything you’ve ever done to any woman you’ve ever looked at. And Mimi, she’s mine. She’s always been mine.”

“Plan B?” — MIMI. YESSSSS.

And THEN they fuck like feral animals in the truck right after? 🧑‍🍳💋
• Chapter 46 — THE chapter. The emotional whiplash, the feral intensity, the lines.
“Oh, now it’s Seamus?”
“I made a promise to you at the prison earlier today, and I always keep my promises,” I remind him.
“Because I’m going to whisper every single detail of how you begged for your life, while I fuck the memory of you out of her.”


⸻

Things I loved:
• The way Berlin Wick gives you steam and substance.
• Seamus’s quiet obsession and undying love. The paintings? 🥹
• The proposal scene and pregnancy reveal. Felt earned and healing, especially considering her trauma and her inner dialogue around motherhood.

Final thoughts:

This book took a hard left into trauma, healing, “justice”, revenge, and survival—and it was damn near perfect. I love when a book gives you something so much deeper than expected. The mix of kink, rage, grief, and love? Yep yep yep.

Can’t wait for Dane’s book! That wingman has a STORY and I need it. Plus Taboo MMF!? SIGN ME UP 👏 🖤🔥🖤🔥🖤

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This follows Mimi and Seamus. Ten years ago, they met at a summer camp and spent two unforgettable weeks together, forming a connection neither of them could forget. But as the trip came to an end, they never got the chance to properly say goodbye. Now, years later, Mimi is sneaking around an exclusive club to check it out as a potential place to teach yoga classes. What she doesn’t expect is to run into a handsome security guard who turns out to be Seamus the boy who left her behind all those years ago.

I just love the way Berlin sucks me into her stories. She again has captured a range of emotions and makes you laugh one moment and then hits you in the gut. I loved Naomi (Mimi) and Seamus so much.

Starting with the audiobook, it was brilliant. Teddy and Andi were perfect for these characters, and I highly recommend picking it up in this format you won’t regret it.

I’m obsessed with Mimi and Seamus together. You could feel their connection the moment they reconnected after all these years. Their chemistry was fantastic, and I loved how feisty Mimi was when seeing him again. Seamus is incredibly protective and determined to make every moment count with her after losing so much time together.

I was completely hooked trying to figure out what happened between them all those years ago, and when the truth finally came out, it genuinely tugged at my heart. The story felt so raw and gave off major soulmate energy, which I’m always a sucker for. Also, that yoga scene is going to live rent-free in my head for a very long time it was delicious.

The only thing I want to mention about that yoga scene is that, because it was meant to be an educational yoga class, it eventually became so focused on the two of them that everyone else in the room seemed to disappear. At the beginning, she was teaching, but once things heated up between them, it felt like the rest of the group evaporated. I would have loved a little more insight into what everyone else was doing or whether people were actually following along. I can understand why the scene was written that way though. I would have loved to see Seamus and the guys talk about that class when they met up again next. Also is she still teaching the class? it was such a big deal and we only got one class.

Overall, I loved this audiobook and really enjoy Berlin’s stories. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 8hrs 41mins
Narrators: Teddy Hamilton and Andi Eloise - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Spicy Chapters: 11, 12, 14, 25, 26, 35, 36, 39 and 49
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Book Three In The Balance Of Power Series
Tropes or Themes: Second Chance, Grumpy Sunshine, Neighbours, FMC Yoga Instructor, MMC Ex Military (Navy Seal), Past and Present, Lost Time, Made Me Laugh, Intimate Tattoo, Chemistry, Its Always Been You, Graphic Rape Scene (Past Memories), Murder, Death, Discusses: Abortion, Mentions: Suicide. Sexual Content, Dirty Talk. Oral Play, Taken Bare, Toys As Teammates, WHCIHP, Edge Play, Breath Play, Backdoor Play, Outside Scene and Intimate Yoga Scene.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Margins | Pagebound | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫

[Gina J · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Read – Honest Review. Thank you, Berlin, for trusting me to be part of your street team.

This book should be a movie. 🎬
It’s the third in The Balance of Power series, but you can totally read it as a standalone. That said, if you have read the first two, you’ll catch little Easter eggs that make it even better. Berlin did a beautiful job tying in the connection to the series while giving The Games We Play its own space to shine.
---
💥 What to Expect / Lo que trae este romance:

💘 Second Chance vibes
🏡 Neighbors to Lovers
😤 Grumpy x Sunshine energy
🕰️ Past/Present timeline
💪 Ex-Navy SEAL x Yoga Instructor
🫶 Dual POV (yes, both sides!)
⚠️ And that “touch her and d*e” energy?🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
---
⚠️ Trigger Warnings / Nota al lector:
Berlin includes a very respectful note to the reader about potential triggers. This story includes:
● Graphic violent scenes
● Heavy emotional trauma
● Explicit sexual content

If you're conservative or sensitive to strong scenes, please take this into account. That said, Berlin handles every topic with so much care and respect. Especially one very specific scene, Berlin NAILED it. Hats off. 🎩
---
🎧 The Vibes

Even though this series is known for its tantric-y, steamy vibes, this third book felt deeper. Yes, there's spice, pero la TRAMA y el DRAMA aquí se sintieron más intensos. The emotional storyline hit me in ways I didn’t expect. 🥺

Every time I sat down to read (no, I didn’t devour it in one night—I had a lot going on), it felt like an emotional adventure. I laughed, I giggled, I cried, I got angry… hasta me vi reflejada en mis años de juventud. Those silly little “games” we played in high school? Yeah.
---
🧘‍♀️ What I loved about Mimi & Saemus

Saemus:
A man shaped by trauma, but not defined by it. He didn’t repeat the cycle. He chose to be different.. while still having that alpha edge. Honestly, the way he treats Mimi? 😍

Mimi:
Marked by her past, with traumas, she tried to bury just to move forward. But, a past without forgiveness or closure will haunt you until you decide to put a stop to it.

Together:
Their chemistry? OFF. THE. CHARTS.
They built something deep in weeks, and even after years of distance, that spark? •••
The flirtation, the physical connection, the intimacy, it was earned, not rushed. 🔥
---

✍️ Favorite Quotes

> “But baby,” he leans closer, pressing his forehead to mine, “the only time you’ll see my back is when I’m shielding you from the pain of this world.”
— 🥹 I MELTED.

> “She’s my inspiration. My muse. She’s been the driving factor since the moment I met her, even when we were apart, she was there.”
— HELLO?? This man...
---
🤔 Final Thoughts

Berlin Wick does it again. This book made me FEEL, not just with the spice but with the pain and the love. The way they drifted apart, the reason behind it, and how they found their way back? Intense! 🫶

And that epilogue? DANE… I see you. 👀
I need his story like yesterday.

[Ashly · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
🗓️ Release Date: 06.05.2025
📚 Book #3 in the "Balance of Power" Series; Interconnected Standalone
💥 Check Your Trigger Warnings

This review actually took me a long time to get down my thoughts of the book. Not because the book was bad [cause it wasnt] but because I just have a lot of thoughts and feelings that I needed to sort out. Without making this review miles long, this was a solidly written book, that had a lot of depth and tragedy intertwined.

Some things about the story for the FMC Mimi did feel a little strange to me, but ive never been through the situations that she has so I cant say that this is, or is not how a person in her shoes would chose to heal. I do think that shes badass, and I appreciate that she steps out of her comfort zone with Seamus and doesnt play the meek mouse.

Seamus and the whole court chapter also feels a little lose, like there are things that dont exactly line up or arnt fully explained like the Guard who they run into at the end of the chapter, we dont get to know how he knows him even though we meet one of the CO's who served with him.

Nothing that would throw me out of the story, or make the book less interesting for me. Just some things that niggle my brain for answers. It was great to see Seamus & Mimi get their HEA after 10yrs apart, and we get to watch them heal together too. I would love to know what happened to Sean & Wes and how they handled what happened at Camp, maybe we hear from them in future books 🤔

Read this book if you are interested in the below Tropes/Micro Tropes & You can handle the Triggers

Tropes:
🧘🏻‍♀️ Second Chance
🖤 Grumpy/Sunshine
🧘🏻‍♀️ Neighbors to Lovers
🖤 Ex-NavySeal MMC
🧘🏻‍♀️ Yoga Instructor FMC
🖤 Touch her and Die
🧘🏻‍♀️ Past/Present timeline
🖤 Dual POV

Micro Tropes
🧘🏻‍♀️ Sex Club
🖤 Public display of Tantric Massage
🧘🏻‍♀️ He comes in his pants
🖤 Hand necklace for her…and him.
🧘🏻‍♀️ Voyeurism

[kevork_1989 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I really enjoyed both the first books in the series. I thought the stories were done really well and the characters were great. I had higher expectations for this book and was slightly let down. It didn’t have as strong of a story compared to the first two books and the MCs weren’t as captivating as the previous books.

The second 50% was a lot stronger than the first 50%. This was a second chance story and I felt the flashbacks actually hindered the story more than enhanced it. Usually I love flashbacks that show the second chance background. This one just felt a bit clunky and it was focused on the characters when they were 17. And it included spicy scenes that just gave me the ick. If they’re teens just close door it, I’m not interested in reading about their sex. Especially as it’s an adult book, I’d much rather the smut be designated to adult characters.

The second half was a lot stronger and felt more like the first two books and saved the story for me. It was much more interesting seeing Seamus’ military background come out. I kind of wish we got more of his military stuff then the teen stuff. I found Naomi to be written a bit all over the place. She has some serious and understandable trauma responses to a violent attack in her youth. But her journey felt very unbelievable especially with being so damaged from the sexual attack having little to no intimacy in 10 years but then teaching tantric classes and being suddenly ok with all sex because it was Seamus. I think some of that should’ve been handled a bit better.

Dane’s book is next and while I’m intrigued with where his story will go being MMF, I’m not keen that it’s going to be professor x student, taboo romance. Hoping the storyline will be stronger. Also Kobi was not mentioned or even in this book even though all the other main characters popped up. Was a bit weird he was just forgotten.

[Marrissa Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Berlin Wick and she has a new fan! I loved it. I did not anticipate all this would encompass, or to have such strong feelings for the characters and events that shaped their lives, but I was fully invested from the beginning, and felt the love, heartbreak, struggles, and hope right along with them. Berlin’s writing is fantastic, and it’s impossible not to feel emotional while reading this one. But she does a perfect job of balancing humor with the heavier dynamics, and of course a beautiful second chance full of off the charts chemistry, tension, angst, suspense, with a man obsessed that you won’t be able to get enough of! I can’t wait to get to more of Berlin’s books.
 
🎙️𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 ⇣
Andi Eloise and Teddy Hamilton narrate in duet, and WOW! They were perfect. There is a scene that is excruciatingly painful to hear (so well written though), that is read by Andi, and I just can’t get over her performance of it. These two truly brought Seamus and Mimi to life in the best ways. @andieloisevoice @narratedbyteddyhamilton
Produced by @lyricaudiobooks
 
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 ⇣
Dark romance
Seattle setting
Second chance
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Neighbors
Ex Navy SEAL MMC
Touch her & ☠️
Slow burn
Dual timeline
Dual POV
Spice

[Lisa Conant · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
🌶🌶🌶🌶 out of 5

❤️Neighbors to Lovers
💞Dual Timelines
🔪Touch her and d1e
🧘‍♀️Yoga Instructor x Ex Navy SEAL turned Security
🔥Public Spice Lessons

Review
I did quite enjoy this but more so in the first half. I loved getting to know them in the dual timeline and the edgy humor they both had. Seamus is such a lovable grump. They had a whirlwind teenage first love which was cut short by Traumatic events for both in different ways. The 10 year separation is explained well by these events.

Mimi's vocation (yoga instructor who does n@ked yoga!) given her history felt unrealistic to me? Just a big stretch as a way to maybe overcome her fears? And there's a bit of a miscommunication trope.

OK, the Tantric massage scene will probably be a love it or cringe scene for all. I personally cringed but I bet many will absolutely love it. I just find it hard to believe that such a wound up tight person like Seamus, shy in many ways, would give in to publicy stripping in front of 20 strangers (who are also nak3d) and let a yoga instructor massage his manhood. Points for original spice op, but I couldn't get behind it. When the FMC claims to be more shy and Inexperienced but then works in s3x clubs and instructs n@ked massages, I don't quite believe her as being so shy. And when her and Seamus have their spicy breakthrough, it felt toonquick and easy for her to overcome, and of course she wants it rough.

All THAT aside, I really love the history and humor tinged dynamic with them! And of course love how he wants to get revenge on her behalf, go all Rambo and protect her. He also talks to her and gives her a choice at a penultimate part of the 3r

[madmanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️

Wow I love Berlin wick more and more with each book! This one was so emotional. An absolutely incredible second chance romance with dual timeline!

✨ Second chance romance
🌌 Grumpy X Sunshine
✨ Light stalking
🌌 Neighbors to lovers
✨ Dual timeline
🌌 Ex navy seal X yoga instructor
✨ Touxh her & 💀

What a stunning second chance romance with amazing found family, touch her and die, and so much healing and love.

This was absolutely the most complex book of the series, in all the best ways. Naomi and Seamus had so many layers and complexities to their personalities and I loved seeing them grow both together and apart through the dual timeline setup.

Seamus hurt Naomi and in the future, there is nothing he won’t do to make her feel happy and safe. The way he helped her heal after so long of feeling like a stranger in her body made me SOB.

Also the SPICE! Berlin is now 3/3 for writing Roman Empire spicy scenes that stick with me long after I’ve finished the book. That tantric massage scene was both so funny and so HOT! Also his own little voyeuristic tendencies were just pure gold.

🌶️ spicy microtropes : 💦 in the 👖 moment, hand necklaces for him & her, group scenes, voyeurism, sex club, tantric massage

⚠️ There are very heavy topics detailed in this book, so PLEASE check TWs before starting. There is also a warning before a particularly heavy chapter that you can skip over if you feel like it would be best for you ❤️‍🩹.

Thank you so much to Berlin Wick for the opportunity to arc read The Games We Play!

[Terri Pekarek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous read by Berlin. If you haven’t read any of her books you’re missing out!

[Commamirandabooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC Review 🎧
The Games We Play
Balance of Power Book 3
Written by Berlin Wick

I ran at the chance to apply for the ALC for Berlin’s book because I love getting lost in the stories she writes but also Teddy Hamilton! Andi Eloise is a new narrator for me. I very much enjoyed her voice for Naomi's character. This book was a fun read / listen! I laughed out loud so many times. But also a wild emotional roller-coaster.

I love that when Seamus finds Naomi again he buys the house beside her because he is so obsessed with her and I'm here for it! Seamus and Naomi challenge each other every time they see each other. They have amazing chemistry that is so entertaining for both as well as the people around them.



❤️ Second Chance
🌤️ Grumpy / Sunshine
🏡 Neighbors to Lovers
🎖️ Ex-Navy SEAL MMC
🧘‍♀️ Yoga Instructor FMC
🔪 Touch Her and Die
⏳ Past / Present Timeline
👀 Dual POV



#audiocomingsoon
#BerlinWick
#BalanceofPowerBook3
#TheGamesWePlay

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

~Alc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5

~The Games We Play~Balance Of Power Book 3~Berlin Wick~

~Duet Narration~Andi Eloise & Teddy Hamilton~

~Production~Lyric Audiobooks~

“The only way you could hurt me is if you left me. That would probably kill me this time.”

♡This series just keeps giving & I'm so here for it! This emotional second-chance romance follows summer camp sweethearts Seamus & Mimi who's camp friendship ended abruptly. Fate has a way of bringing people back together when they least expect it & I ate up every bit of this story!

The duet narration for this audiobook was amazing! Andi & Teddy did an impeccable job bringing each & every character in this story to life! Also those bloopers made my day!

If you love a second chance romance with a dual timeline, grumpy sunshine vibes, & light people following look no futher!♡

~As Always Happy Reading~

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s safe to say that I’m OBSESSED with this series. I’m doing them all on audio and I’m loving them so much. The narrators are perfect for their characters and the stories are amazing.

CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS BEFOFE DIVING INTO THIS ONE!

This book was so good. The second chance aspect had me sat and ready. But omg the trauma and the heartbreak that our FMC has endured is insane. I was not prepared to be absolutely wrecked my her backstory.

I absolutely loved these two together though. The chemistry was HOT. The sweet moments had my heart healing. And every thing in between was perfect for their story.

I can’t wait to continue this journey!

💖Second Chance
💖Neighbors to Lovers
💖Grumpy x Sunshine
💖Dual Timeline
💖Touch Her & D!e vibes

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS SMOKING HOT OH MY GODDDDD 🥵 I wasn’t expecting the level of spice and the dirty talking, but I am SO here for it!

🩷Second chance romance
🩷Possessive MMC
🩷Neighbors to lovers
🩷Grumpy x sunshine

Seamus and Naomi went to camp together a decade ago and had one amazingly beautiful night together. And then the next day changed everything.

Now here they are, coming face to face after ten long years apart. Naomi wants nothing to do with Seamus, and Seamus wants everything to do with Naomi. And he won’t stop until he gets his girl!

Teddy Hamilton and Andi Eloise ROCK this narration! Teddy’s possessiveness mixed with Andi’s sassiness totally brought these characters to life.

[CHELSEA · Rating 5 out of 5]

3🌶️

Second chance
Past /present timeline
Ex navy mmc
Yoga instructor fmc
hot tantric massage
CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS WITH THIS ONE


I just love Berlin Wicks’ books but I freaking LOVE her audiobooks! This series has been so dang good & this second chance did not disappoint! Berlin did an amazing job weaving a past / present timeline, humor, spice, and this one packs an emotional punch but Berlin takes such care in how she makes her readers aware so that we can be the judge of our own mental health with such sensitive subject matter!

If you’re looking for an awesome duet narrated audiobook with a slightly unhinged do whatever it takes (including buying a house next door to the woman he hasn’t seen in 10 years just to win her back and watch her do yoga in her backyard from his window) then this is the book for you! 🤣

It wouldn’t be a Berlin Wick book without HOT spice and some humor & I just loved this one so much!

[Danielle Beckham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Seamus and Mimi’s story might be my favorite of the series! I LOVE when an MMC is gruff and broody and only soft for her! And Seamus was just that! This series has been absolutely fantastic and I am always looking forward to the next one!! This book had some heavy trauma but Berlin Wick did amazing warning readers and leaving it up to us whether to read the detailed chapter or not, I thought that was very thoughtful to those who may have triggers. I definitely recommend this book and whole series!!!

[Carola · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,25*

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star read from Berlin Wick!

Her books just keep getting better and better! This is my favourite out of them all but knowing Berlin, the best is yet to be!

[Amy x · Rating 5 out of 5]

when I say this has been one of the best series ive ever read im not exaggerating

[Kerri Wells Goetzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is an emotionally charged deep dive into themes of love, trauma, healing, and vengeance.

Seamus and Naomi meet as teenagers at camp. They spend two weeks together until the world falls apart for both of them. 10 years later, they have a chance encounter. Naomi is furious, but Seamus is committed to doing everything in his power to be with her again.

Seamus is unapologetically obsessed with Naomi. He has silently loved her for years, and he will do anything to protect, love, and heal her.

"The only time you’ll see my back is when I’m shielding you from the pain of this world.”

Naomi survives the unfathomable. She is strong, complex, and deeply human. Even after everything, she is a ray of "Sunshine."

This book doesn't shy away from pain or complexity. Instead, it uses it to build deep characters who are broken but not beyond hope.

I have read all 3 of Berlin Wick's novels. I have loved all of them. She is an automatic read for me from now on.

Make sure to read the trigger warnings.

"It’s official. I am triggered. Seamus Matthews is my trigger."

Huge thanks to Berlin Wick for the ARC of this powerful book. I am truly grateful to have experienced this story before release!

[Claire Ingledew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the balance of power series and I am lost for words Berlin has written an outstanding book where you easily connect with both main characters, you will laugh and you may tear up when Mimi story is told from her past and finding out about Seamus past too.

I’m not normally a lover of going back in time but this works perfectly it just flows and it the first time an author has give you a choice to jump a chapter as it has triggers in this chapter.

I want to say more but the synopsis say enough otherwise I will give the story a way.

It was great seeing character from from the first two even if it was just short and I’m now intrigued by Dane

For me this is a 5🌟 read

[Heidi N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok…I did the audio of The Games We Play by Berlin Wick and OMG!! Not only was this story phenomenal but the narration by Teddy Hamilton and Andi Eloise was over the top good!

The way the narrators brought this story to life, I’m still reeling from it. You could feel the emotion, love, heartbreak, longing, closure, betrayal, hurt, comfort, and I could keep going! I not only recommend this book but highly suggest the audio. I encourage you to immerse read if you can cause you will NOT regret it!!

The Games We Play is the third book in the Balance of Power series. It’s the story of a second chance romance between Seamus and Naomi (Mimi).

I received an ALC of this book and giving a review willingly.

[Butter Nutt Squash · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I absolutely love Berlin Wick and this series, shes doing such an amazing job. Her books are so captivating they're literally hard for me to put down lol.
Now on to this book. Wow! I loved Mimi and Seamus. this has Grumpy/Sunshine, second chance, forced proximity and touch her and 💀 Tropes 🤌 Their story is heartbreaking and healing all in one *(check the trigger warnings)* and i was so happy to see them both get the happy ending they deserved. I won't say too much and give anything away. Just know this book is amazing and definitely worth the read as is the first two!
*ARC REVIEW*

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I wasn't done loving you yet. And I'm here to prove it."

🧘🏻‍♀️Second Chance
🩷Grumpy/Sunshine
🧘🏻‍♀️Neighbors to Lovers
🩷Ex-Navy Seal MMC
🧘🏻‍♀️Yoga Instructor FMC
🩷Touch her and 💀
🧘🏻‍♀️Past/Present Tmeline
🩷Dual POV

✨ Wow! This book was definitely nothing like expected but I absolutely devoured it. I was taken on a journey of a second chance romance that had me giggling/kicking my feet, pulling at my heart strings, and also had me clutching my metaphorical pearls. The unexpected element of suspense was such an interesting plot point that had me flipping through the pages.

✨Ten Years ago, Seamus & Mimi meet at a summer camp when they are teens on the brink of adulthood. Spending all of 14 days together but were so enamored by one another they’ve been thinking of each other ever since. They haven’t seen or heard from one another in all this time. Seamus abruptly has to leave camp without a word, leaving Mimi confused and hurt. Given all they had shared in their time together, she doesn’t understand what happened. How could he just leave her like that? It later dawns on Seamus when he tries to find her that he doesn’t even know her last name. All this time later, Seamus is on a mission with all his skills and connections he has gained in the military to find Mimi. After a chance run-in, he’s determined to not lose her again.

✨I just loved Mimi! She was feisty and so funny. The way she evolved into the woman she became all those years later was inspiring. She reveled in her power and fully stepped into it. What isn’t there to love about Seamus?? From the sweet, romantic and thoughtful young man to the strong, fearless protector her became...I loved everything about that man. The ferocity in which he loved Mimi with was so heartwarming. Their story couldn’t have been more perfect.

⛔️ There is a triggering subject that comes along in the middle of the story. I so appreciated that the author took a moment to write down on page that the following chapter is what contains the extremely sensitive material and if you wish to not read that then to skip to the next chapter. So much respect for an author who really truly cares about their well-being of their readers. It is obviously pointed out where it can be found, and how it can easily be skipped over if you prefer not to read it without ruining your reading experience.

🍭 Thank you so much to Berlin Wick for the ARC.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★

"𝓘𝓯 𝓻𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓫𝓸𝔀𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓫𝓾𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓯𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓪 𝓼𝓬𝓮𝓷𝓽, 𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓫𝓮 𝓲𝓽. 𝓛𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓼𝓾𝓷𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮 𝓪𝓯𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓪𝓲𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓯𝓮𝓬𝓽 𝓼𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓭𝓪𝔂."

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 💭

Listen... When Seamus Matthews says, "Lose the date," you lose the damn date! No questions asked. This man had me absolutely feral.

This book has everything: a sweet teenage love story that turns into something deeper and more intense, with lost time, trauma, healing, and a beautiful second-chance romance that had me so in my feels the whole time.

Seamus is pure grump perfection - broody, obsessive in the best way, protective, a little stalkerish... yet somehow, still a total green flag. And Mimi, my sunshine girl. Fierce, kind, strong, and just the purest soul. He’s her safe place. She’s his light. I was obsessed with them from the start.

Their chemistry was off the charts, and the banter was so good. But this story isn’t all fluffy romance - it goes deep. There’s pain, misunderstanding, and real-life messiness, but also so much heart. It had all the “it’s always been you” vibes I love, with just the right amount of spice (um, tantric massage anyone? 🥵).

Berlin always delivers, but she really nailed it with this one. It tackles tough topics with the utmost care while still giving us swoon, spice, and emotion. I loved every page. I absolutely recommend this one (as I do the whole series), and I’ll definitely be reading it again.

Thank you, Berlin Wick, for the ARC. I adore you. You are insanely talented, and I can't wait to see what's next from you 🩷

[Terri-ann Quirke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first two books in the 'Balance Of Power' series, and was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for The Games We Play.

This book did not disappoint, I was hooked from the beginning. The heavier themes in this book were handled well, with the option to skip the detailed chapter without missing any of the storyline.

Berlin Wick is now one of my favourite authors and I'm looking forward to reading more from her.

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Games We Play” is the third installment in the “Balance of Power” series. Seamus and Mimi’s story is an interconnected standalone in the Balance of Power series. A grumpy/sunshine, second chance romance, told in a past/present timeline with Dual POVs. It will make you smile and kick your feet with giddiness, but still brings all the open door spice you expect.

At seventeen, Seamus and Mimi meet as summer camp and fall in love. “Her dark chocolate eyes meet mine, and they’re the kind you get lost in, the kind that pulls you in and traps you unknowingly, but willingly. Her midnight hair compliments her gorgeous, almond-shaped eyes, and I’m officially speechless.” For two weeks they are inseparable, Mimi loses her virginity to Seamus, and then on the same night he disappears with no word to her. This was ten years ago…..

Seamus and his team are the security for the opening night at Afterburn. Taking the job to do security for Ember was purely a favor to his best friend Hudson. They are providing extra security due to the nature of the club and all the protestors. Whilst checking everything is okay inside, he notices a woman “slink” behind the black curtains that separates the voyeur rooms from the private rooms.

“My breath catches in my throat and my heartbeat stutters. Perfect, almond-shaped eyes, the color of the richest dark chocolate, stare back at me through the holes in her mask. I’d recognize those eyes any place, any time, in the darkest of rooms.
“Mimi?” I whisper.
“Seamus,” she whispers with shaky breath.”

For ten years he had looked for her and could not find her, now she is standing in front of him. “Jesus, she’s so beautiful.” She is angry at him for disappearing on her ten years….”You left!” The anguish behind her voice as it cracks is powerful and real.” She knees him between the legs and runs! She hates him, or so she tells herself….

Seamus being Seamus, gets his top person to investigate Mimi. Where has she been? What has she been doing for the last ten years? Where does she live? Do they stand a chance of a future together? Will Mimi open up about her past trauma and step outside her comfort zone for him? He will do anything he can to win her back!

🧘🏻‍♀️Second Chance⚓️Grumpy/Sunshine🧘🏻‍♀️Neighbors to Lovers⚓️Ex-Navy Seal MMC🧘🏻‍♀️Yoga Instructor FMC ⚓️Touch her and 💀🧘🏻‍♀️Possessive Hero⚓️Broken Heroine
🧘🏻‍♀️Past/Present Tmeline⚓️Dual POV
🧘🏻‍♀️Sex Club⚓️Public display of Tantric Massage
🧘🏻‍♀️He comes in his pants⚓️Hand necklace for her…and him

The book is full of the unexpected at times, voyeurism, passion, pain, blackmail, honest vulnerability - this book does not disappoint! There is never a dull moment - you will be kept thoroughly entertained from start to finish! I could not put this book down, page to page, chapter to chapter - read in less than twelve hours! Nearly every page sizzles with hot wanton sex or the thoughts or possibilities of what the punishment will be? The book - I did not want it to end! A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊