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Cruel Games #2
Vicious Wins
I loved three men who left me for dead. Now, I’m going to war, and I’m dragging them to hell with me, whether they like it or not.
Aleksandr still makes me want to drop to my knees. Cole still looks at me like I'm the worst thing that ever happened to him. Tristan's obsession is dangerous because I want to give in, and I hate myself for it.
My enemies are coming, and I don't have the luxury of fighting alone. I'll use every weapon I have. Including the three men who broke me. Especially them.
I woke up alone in a hospital bed, and I will never forgive them for that.
They think I'm the villain. Maybe it's time I became one.
Vicious Wins is the conclusion to the Cruel Games duet, a scorching hot, dark, why choose, hockey romance with groveling, redemption, and a hard-earned HEA. Check the author’s website for content notes.
Aleksandr still makes me want to drop to my knees. Cole still looks at me like I'm the worst thing that ever happened to him. Tristan's obsession is dangerous because I want to give in, and I hate myself for it.
My enemies are coming, and I don't have the luxury of fighting alone. I'll use every weapon I have. Including the three men who broke me. Especially them.
I woke up alone in a hospital bed, and I will never forgive them for that.
They think I'm the villain. Maybe it's time I became one.
Vicious Wins is the conclusion to the Cruel Games duet, a scorching hot, dark, why choose, hockey romance with groveling, redemption, and a hard-earned HEA. Check the author’s website for content notes.
542 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2026
65 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
April 19, 2026
Plot: 4/5 • Spice: 5/5 ➡️➡️➡️ The conclusion has finally arrived. Well worth the wait. We find Alek, Triston and Cole navigating how to reconcile with Eva. All the while trying to take down Cole’s father.
Alek takes a step down from head coach. Cole engages with his father’s behavior, including becoming engaged to another woman, even quits hockey. Tristan tries to keep his head in the game. They are all doing their parts to help take him down and keep Eva safe.
The climax is a little short lived. I like how she personally defended herself. That letter opener was clever. ☺️ Everyone survives. Well, almost everyone. The healing journey they go on…. It was a little bit of a drag, but we all knew where it was leading to. Who doesn’t love a little self sacrifice.
A wonderful HEA with everyone having their dreams fulfilled and a life worth living together.
Alek takes a step down from head coach. Cole engages with his father’s behavior, including becoming engaged to another woman, even quits hockey. Tristan tries to keep his head in the game. They are all doing their parts to help take him down and keep Eva safe.
The climax is a little short lived. I like how she personally defended herself. That letter opener was clever. ☺️ Everyone survives. Well, almost everyone. The healing journey they go on…. It was a little bit of a drag, but we all knew where it was leading to. Who doesn’t love a little self sacrifice.
A wonderful HEA with everyone having their dreams fulfilled and a life worth living together.
April 26, 2026
I’m not sure what Poppy Jacobson puts in her books, but I devour it every. Single. Time. Vicious wins was no exception.
Roman Empire Duet
Eva and her polycule of Alek, Tristian, and Cole really put us through it, in this second installment of their messy and chaotic lives, but it was so worth it. We had betrayal, forgiveness (times 2), revenge and a plot that kept plotting until the last moment. A legit page turner stay up until 4am kinda read.
What you’ll get: why choose w/MM Love, curvy FMC, Age Gap, Forbidden Romance, Workplace romance, heartache and HEA, Mafia and revenge, and lots of hockey. Legit perfection.
Roman Empire Duet
Eva and her polycule of Alek, Tristian, and Cole really put us through it, in this second installment of their messy and chaotic lives, but it was so worth it. We had betrayal, forgiveness (times 2), revenge and a plot that kept plotting until the last moment. A legit page turner stay up until 4am kinda read.
What you’ll get: why choose w/MM Love, curvy FMC, Age Gap, Forbidden Romance, Workplace romance, heartache and HEA, Mafia and revenge, and lots of hockey. Legit perfection.
April 2, 2026
ARC Review:
The second installment of the Cruel Games Duet picks up exactly where readers left off — breathless, devastated, and desperate for answers. Vicious Wins delivers on every promise the first book made, unraveling the fallout of a fractured team with the kind of emotional intensity that makes this duet impossible to put down.
When Tristan, Cole, and Alek discover that Eva isn’t simply gone — she’s fighting for her life in a hospital bed — the weight of their choices comes crashing down with full force. What follows is a slow, earned reckoning. Each of the men is forced to sit with the part he played in the destruction of something that could have been extraordinary, and the author doesn’t let any of them off the hook easily.
Eva, for her part, is not a woman who forgives quickly or quietly. Her determination to keep the guys at arm’s length feels hard-won and wholly justified, which makes every crack in her armor all the more meaningful. Watching the four of them find their way back to each other — tentatively, messily, imperfectly — is the emotional core of this book, and it absolutely delivers.
Layered beneath the romance is a thread of genuine danger. The unresolved threat of Jed Carter looms large, giving the story real stakes beyond the love story and pushing the characters toward choices that permanently alter the landscape of their lives. Trust is shattered and rebuilt. New bonds form in the wreckage of old ones.
Vicious Wins is a satisfying, emotionally charged conclusion that rewards readers who weathered the heartbreak of book one. The romance is hard-fought, the resolution feels earned, and the journey there is everything a reverse harem duet should be.
The second installment of the Cruel Games Duet picks up exactly where readers left off — breathless, devastated, and desperate for answers. Vicious Wins delivers on every promise the first book made, unraveling the fallout of a fractured team with the kind of emotional intensity that makes this duet impossible to put down.
When Tristan, Cole, and Alek discover that Eva isn’t simply gone — she’s fighting for her life in a hospital bed — the weight of their choices comes crashing down with full force. What follows is a slow, earned reckoning. Each of the men is forced to sit with the part he played in the destruction of something that could have been extraordinary, and the author doesn’t let any of them off the hook easily.
Eva, for her part, is not a woman who forgives quickly or quietly. Her determination to keep the guys at arm’s length feels hard-won and wholly justified, which makes every crack in her armor all the more meaningful. Watching the four of them find their way back to each other — tentatively, messily, imperfectly — is the emotional core of this book, and it absolutely delivers.
Layered beneath the romance is a thread of genuine danger. The unresolved threat of Jed Carter looms large, giving the story real stakes beyond the love story and pushing the characters toward choices that permanently alter the landscape of their lives. Trust is shattered and rebuilt. New bonds form in the wreckage of old ones.
Vicious Wins is a satisfying, emotionally charged conclusion that rewards readers who weathered the heartbreak of book one. The romance is hard-fought, the resolution feels earned, and the journey there is everything a reverse harem duet should be.
April 11, 2026
Arc Review
Vicious Wins — Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
THIS. BOOK. 👏
The way I have been feral waiting for this sequel?? And let me tell you—worth it. Every second. Every ounce of emotional damage. Every bit of chaos.
First of all… the GROVELING??
Elite. Immaculate. Life-sustaining.
Cole, Tristan, and Alek were out here WORKING for forgiveness and I ate it up. There is just something so satisfying about men realizing they messed up and doing everything in their power to fix it.
And Eva?? Oh I LOVE her.
She’s strong, independent, dealing with her own struggles, and still refuses to let anything break her. That kind of resilience hits different. But what got me the most? She deserved to be taken care of—and when she finally got that energy?? Yeah… we love to see it.
Now let’s talk about the dynamic 👀
Messy. Emotional. Addictive.
The tension? The angst? The connection between all of them?? I was hooked.
My ONLY complaint—
I needed more MM moments because the ones we got???
UNFAIR how good they were. I was greedy, I admit it.
And the spice??
Yeah… Poppy knew exactly what she was doing. Say less. 🥵
At the end of the day, through all the pain, drama, and emotional whiplash… they found their way back to each other and built something real. A family. And honestly? It felt earned.
Final thoughts:
Groveling men + strong FMC + chaotic love + spice = I’m satisfied 💋
Vicious Wins — Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
THIS. BOOK. 👏
The way I have been feral waiting for this sequel?? And let me tell you—worth it. Every second. Every ounce of emotional damage. Every bit of chaos.
First of all… the GROVELING??
Elite. Immaculate. Life-sustaining.
Cole, Tristan, and Alek were out here WORKING for forgiveness and I ate it up. There is just something so satisfying about men realizing they messed up and doing everything in their power to fix it.
And Eva?? Oh I LOVE her.
She’s strong, independent, dealing with her own struggles, and still refuses to let anything break her. That kind of resilience hits different. But what got me the most? She deserved to be taken care of—and when she finally got that energy?? Yeah… we love to see it.
Now let’s talk about the dynamic 👀
Messy. Emotional. Addictive.
The tension? The angst? The connection between all of them?? I was hooked.
My ONLY complaint—
I needed more MM moments because the ones we got???
UNFAIR how good they were. I was greedy, I admit it.
And the spice??
Yeah… Poppy knew exactly what she was doing. Say less. 🥵
At the end of the day, through all the pain, drama, and emotional whiplash… they found their way back to each other and built something real. A family. And honestly? It felt earned.
Final thoughts:
Groveling men + strong FMC + chaotic love + spice = I’m satisfied 💋
April 18, 2026
When Twisted Plays left me on a crazy cliffhanger, I was dying for this book. Well, Poppy Jacobson made sure it was a wild journey all the way until the end. It was packed full of angst, heartbreak, groveling, and a HEA they fought like crazy for.
This story is such a tangled web of heartbreak and love. Tristan, Cole and Alek all hurt Eva and now she is out to get some revenge. The way these men groveled for her, I was here for it!!! They needed to gain her trust back if they thought they had any shot at forgiveness. Even the grumpiest one, Cole, was begging to get his life back.
Everyone wanted to get revenge and out from under the thumb of Cole’s father, so they had to work together. So many secrets and lies were uncovered. Their lives changed and they had to decide what was next. Could all four of them really find a way to be together?
This book had my emotions all over the place. I was on the edge of my seat dying for the next page. Would she forgive them all? Would they all let down their guards to become one? Could they take down the snake and live their lives? It was a wild and crazy heartfelt journey. And the spice?? Whew, it was hot and it was steamy.
This story is such a tangled web of heartbreak and love. Tristan, Cole and Alek all hurt Eva and now she is out to get some revenge. The way these men groveled for her, I was here for it!!! They needed to gain her trust back if they thought they had any shot at forgiveness. Even the grumpiest one, Cole, was begging to get his life back.
Everyone wanted to get revenge and out from under the thumb of Cole’s father, so they had to work together. So many secrets and lies were uncovered. Their lives changed and they had to decide what was next. Could all four of them really find a way to be together?
This book had my emotions all over the place. I was on the edge of my seat dying for the next page. Would she forgive them all? Would they all let down their guards to become one? Could they take down the snake and live their lives? It was a wild and crazy heartfelt journey. And the spice?? Whew, it was hot and it was steamy.
April 19, 2026
After Twisted Play left us all dangling from a truly diabolical cliffhanger, Poppy Jacobson jumps straight back into the action in Vicious Game. If you (like me) enjoy the pain and drama that comes with a good dose of angst, you’ll eat this right up.
There’s peril to spare for this crew between Ava’s health, Tristin’s NHL prospects, Cole’s daddy drama, and Alek’s family secrets and risks to his coaching job. Throw in some epic groveling to win back Ava’s heart and trust after all but abandoning her at the end of the first book, and Poppy has filled this book with all the things I adore in a darker romance.
I also found something really compelling about how this book ends up. None of the characters make it to the final page unscathed. Every one of the main characters has some some sort of sacrifice to make to come out the other side, and the emotional payoff is more impactful as a result.
**Vicious Wins is the second book in the Cruel Games duet. Twisted Play should be read before starting this book.**
Thank you to Poppy Jacobson and her team for this ARC opportunity.
There’s peril to spare for this crew between Ava’s health, Tristin’s NHL prospects, Cole’s daddy drama, and Alek’s family secrets and risks to his coaching job. Throw in some epic groveling to win back Ava’s heart and trust after all but abandoning her at the end of the first book, and Poppy has filled this book with all the things I adore in a darker romance.
I also found something really compelling about how this book ends up. None of the characters make it to the final page unscathed. Every one of the main characters has some some sort of sacrifice to make to come out the other side, and the emotional payoff is more impactful as a result.
**Vicious Wins is the second book in the Cruel Games duet. Twisted Play should be read before starting this book.**
Thank you to Poppy Jacobson and her team for this ARC opportunity.
April 18, 2026
I was left heart broken at the end of book one, that was a very intense cliffhanger. This book picks up where the other ended with everyone going their seperate way and wondering if Eva was alive.
I loved Eva in this book, that girl was ready to fight back and make her demands known after all the shit the guys and everyone else put her through. I loved that she took matters into her own hands to gather information against Jed Carter. I wanted to slap Cole so many times during this book for being stubborn. I loved that Alek stepped up to be able to help Eva in her fight against Jed Carter and put a end to all his evil ways. I also loved that Tristan got his dream and still got his girl.
Poppy Jacobson gave us heart break, betrayal, groveling, soooo many spicy scenes, finally redemption and I devoured it all. The ended was absolutely amazing.
Thank you to the Smuthood for the opportunity to ARC Read this book.
I loved Eva in this book, that girl was ready to fight back and make her demands known after all the shit the guys and everyone else put her through. I loved that she took matters into her own hands to gather information against Jed Carter. I wanted to slap Cole so many times during this book for being stubborn. I loved that Alek stepped up to be able to help Eva in her fight against Jed Carter and put a end to all his evil ways. I also loved that Tristan got his dream and still got his girl.
Poppy Jacobson gave us heart break, betrayal, groveling, soooo many spicy scenes, finally redemption and I devoured it all. The ended was absolutely amazing.
Thank you to the Smuthood for the opportunity to ARC Read this book.
April 18, 2026
Sadly for me this book did not hit like the first one in this duet. It felt really repetitive. Like there was no moving forward with Eva despite the fact she liked the guys enough to entertain them. She would give them little bread crumbs, make them believe they were good, just to come back and say she didnt trust them or they werent together or forgiven.
Now I know events led up to this. And it may have been warranted. But it felt more like the author kept going in circles just to make the book a book. Now, parts of this story were phenomenal. I was almost in tears when Eva’s dad apologized to Alek and owned his wrongs. The scene with Cole’s dad towards the end had me on the edge of my seat.
But there were also parts that grated on my nerves. Like Cole only using the one derogatory name during spice. I got sick of reading the word and it did almost make me DNF it.
All in all you do have to read book two because of the cliffhanger in book one. If I could do it again I probably would, but I would skip most of book two.
Now I know events led up to this. And it may have been warranted. But it felt more like the author kept going in circles just to make the book a book. Now, parts of this story were phenomenal. I was almost in tears when Eva’s dad apologized to Alek and owned his wrongs. The scene with Cole’s dad towards the end had me on the edge of my seat.
But there were also parts that grated on my nerves. Like Cole only using the one derogatory name during spice. I got sick of reading the word and it did almost make me DNF it.
All in all you do have to read book two because of the cliffhanger in book one. If I could do it again I probably would, but I would skip most of book two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2026
Eva, Alekdandr, Cole + Tristan
-dark hockey romance
-whychoose romance
-student coach x playerx2
-unhinged obsession
-degradation + praise
-blackmail
the building back trust from that cliffhanger was wayyyy
longer & a tad bit more frustrating than i was expecting it to take. but honestly it made sense for what everyone did to each other. but all of them ending up together was perfect the way it did & it was hot af too lol
-dark hockey romance
-whychoose romance
-student coach x playerx2
-unhinged obsession
-degradation + praise
-blackmail
the building back trust from that cliffhanger was wayyyy
longer & a tad bit more frustrating than i was expecting it to take. but honestly it made sense for what everyone did to each other. but all of them ending up together was perfect the way it did & it was hot af too lol
April 16, 2026
ARC Review
I fell in love with these characters all over again. They’re all slightly damaged but made for each other to heal each other. The redemption arc was done perfectly and organically. Eva is the biggest baddie and I adore her. Alek forever has my heart and I just want to serve him a macchiato. I could read about these 4 forever.
I fell in love with these characters all over again. They’re all slightly damaged but made for each other to heal each other. The redemption arc was done perfectly and organically. Eva is the biggest baddie and I adore her. Alek forever has my heart and I just want to serve him a macchiato. I could read about these 4 forever.
April 16, 2026
Finally lol!!! I wanted to see what happened so bad after that cliffhanger from book 1. And let me tell you this, this book will give you all the feels, anger, sadness, joy, empathy, and so on. Eva makes you feel so much anger for her for what the guys did but at the same time you can understand why they do what they do, sometimes. They are a whirlwind when they are together but I feel like they fit so well with and for each other. This duet was a rollercoaster, so much happening with the characters individually, them together, the plot of vengeance and payback, and ofc you can never forget the spicy scenes!! I loved how wildly chaotic and toxic things were but also the soft and tender moments. It was exactly how Cole, Tristan, and Alek were. Everything about this story was literally perfection. It kept me intrigued, the characters were amazing, the plot was on point and so was the storytelling / writing. LOVED!!!
April 22, 2026
I felt like they kept going in continuous circles 🙄 communication was terrible
April 19, 2026
Eva, Akel, Tristan, & Cole
To start off I really enjoy reading a good RH book, and I am a sucker for Dark Romance, Sports & Mafia tropes. So I was looking forward to reading Vicious Wins by Poppy Jacobson since it has them all. Oh boy was this a tough one. Lots of emotions between crying, concern, anger & frustration, some laughter and eventually towards the end there was love. These were the feelings I was experiencing with the main characters while reading.
Vicious Wins is the continuation of the Cruel Games duet. Twisted Play being the first book. It is paramount to read the first book, as you will have no idea what is going on and why the main characters are the way they are with each other, In all honestly I wish I didn't have to read the first book, Twisted Play, prior to reading this book. As sadly it shaped my opinions of the characters for the second book. It made me greatly dislike Alek & Cole and wishing that Eva could be rid of them forever. Unfortunately the dislike carried over into Vicious Wins. Although they did redeem themselves, somewhat, towards the middle to end of the book I still can't shake what they did to poor Eva, and in turn sweet Tristan. While reading the first part of the book I had absolutely no sympathy for those two and felt they deserved what they got. I'm saddened that poor Tristan had to suffer as well, as his "sin" towards Eva wasn't nearly as wrong as the other two MMC's
Vicious Wins starts right where the previous book left off. The RH is fractured, and quite possibly unfixable. Alek, Cole and Tristan are indifferent to Eva, and borderline hatred towards her. She likewise is indifferent to them, and in fact is very angry at them for not understanding why she did what she did. As well as choosing to use her instead of helping her. We find both Cole & Tristan being chastised & punished by their fellow players and Alek quite possibly losing his coaching job. In the end walls that were built around their individual hearts slowly start to crumble.
In the end it is a well written book, especially the spicy scenes. And yes there were several. They had me squirming in my seat. I can usually read a spicy book in public and maintain a stoic face, but these scenes made that extremely difficult. I'm not a fan of miscommunication tropes, especially if you have a mature MC like Alek. Be forewarned this book is full of this trope. I loved the Mafia & Bratva aspects of the book, and it was definitely part of the main plot.
This book has:
RH MMMF
Instlove/instalust
Curvy FMC
Age-gap trope (1 MMC to the other 3 MC's)
Mafia & Bratva trope
Lots of miscommunication trope
Breakup trope
Sports trope - some hockey scenes
Hockey coach & hockey players romance
Lots of spicy scenes
Excessive alcohol use by 1 MMC
Bullying of FMC by MMC's
Whenever, wherever agreements
Degradation of FMC by 2 MMC's
Manipulation
BDSM
Check TW
To start off I really enjoy reading a good RH book, and I am a sucker for Dark Romance, Sports & Mafia tropes. So I was looking forward to reading Vicious Wins by Poppy Jacobson since it has them all. Oh boy was this a tough one. Lots of emotions between crying, concern, anger & frustration, some laughter and eventually towards the end there was love. These were the feelings I was experiencing with the main characters while reading.
Vicious Wins is the continuation of the Cruel Games duet. Twisted Play being the first book. It is paramount to read the first book, as you will have no idea what is going on and why the main characters are the way they are with each other, In all honestly I wish I didn't have to read the first book, Twisted Play, prior to reading this book. As sadly it shaped my opinions of the characters for the second book. It made me greatly dislike Alek & Cole and wishing that Eva could be rid of them forever. Unfortunately the dislike carried over into Vicious Wins. Although they did redeem themselves, somewhat, towards the middle to end of the book I still can't shake what they did to poor Eva, and in turn sweet Tristan. While reading the first part of the book I had absolutely no sympathy for those two and felt they deserved what they got. I'm saddened that poor Tristan had to suffer as well, as his "sin" towards Eva wasn't nearly as wrong as the other two MMC's
Vicious Wins starts right where the previous book left off. The RH is fractured, and quite possibly unfixable. Alek, Cole and Tristan are indifferent to Eva, and borderline hatred towards her. She likewise is indifferent to them, and in fact is very angry at them for not understanding why she did what she did. As well as choosing to use her instead of helping her. We find both Cole & Tristan being chastised & punished by their fellow players and Alek quite possibly losing his coaching job. In the end walls that were built around their individual hearts slowly start to crumble.
In the end it is a well written book, especially the spicy scenes. And yes there were several. They had me squirming in my seat. I can usually read a spicy book in public and maintain a stoic face, but these scenes made that extremely difficult. I'm not a fan of miscommunication tropes, especially if you have a mature MC like Alek. Be forewarned this book is full of this trope. I loved the Mafia & Bratva aspects of the book, and it was definitely part of the main plot.
This book has:
RH MMMF
Instlove/instalust
Curvy FMC
Age-gap trope (1 MMC to the other 3 MC's)
Mafia & Bratva trope
Lots of miscommunication trope
Breakup trope
Sports trope - some hockey scenes
Hockey coach & hockey players romance
Lots of spicy scenes
Excessive alcohol use by 1 MMC
Bullying of FMC by MMC's
Whenever, wherever agreements
Degradation of FMC by 2 MMC's
Manipulation
BDSM
Check TW
April 21, 2026
This book picks up exactly where the brutal cliffhanger of Twisted Play left off, and it wastes zero time throwing you into the fire.! Eva wakes up alone in a hospital bed after the men she loved, Aleksandr, Cole, and Tristan, essentially left her for 💀. The rage, betrayal, and lingering pull she feels toward them is raw and visceral from page one. If you’re here for a fierce, curvy FMC who channels her pain into something vicious and strategic, Eva delivers in spades. She’s not a damsel waiting to be saved, oh no, she’s weaponizing every ounce of her hurt while refusing to let the three hockey players off the hook! (Well one coach and two hockey players to be precise 😜) The why choose dynamic is messy, toxic, and scorching. 🥵 The groveling from the guys is intense and satisfying, especially because it feels earned after the events of book 1. Aleksandr still has that knee weakening dominance, 🥵 Cole’s cold resentment cracks in painful but compelling ways, and Tristan’s dangerous obsession? It’s the kind that makes you question your own boundaries right alongside Eva. The spice is filthy and frequent, blending degradation, praise, power play, and hockey adjacent steam that fits the dark romance tone perfectly. There’s blackmail, suspense, external enemies, and real danger layered in, which keeps the plot moving beyond just the relationship repair. What I loved most was how the book leans into the “they think I’m the villain, so maybe I’ll become one” energy. Eva’s feminine rage and strategic use of the men as weapons (while they’re desperately trying to redeem themselves) creates fantastic tension. The redemption arc isn’t easy or quick, it’s a hard earned HEA that puts everyone through the wringer, which made the payoff feel genuine rather than rushed. The side plot with external threats (and one particularly hateable antagonist Cole’s dad gets what’s coming 🤫) adds stakes and keeps the hockey world drama engaging. That said, if you’re sensitive to dark elements, heed the triggers…. dubious consent, bullying fallout, violence, intense emotional angst, and very morally gray behavior all around. The push/pull can feel repetitive in spots if you’re not fully in the mood for prolonged messiness, but it serves the story’s themes of betrayal and rebuilding trust. Overall, Vicious Wins is a strong conclusion to the duet. It delivers on the promise of scorching heat, emotional chaos, groveling, and a satisfying wrap up while staying true to its dark hockey romance roots. If you enjoyed the twisted setup in book 1 and crave a fierce FMC who makes her men work for forgiveness amid danger and desire, this one hits hard. You need to Twisted Play first (it sets up the heartbreak and obsession beautifully). If you’re into dark why choose sports romance with unhinged tension and eventual redemption, the Cruel Games duet is worth the emotional investment. 🦋
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tropes:
Dark Romance
Why Choose (MMFM)
Hockey
Student x Coach x Captain x Forward
Plus Size FMC
Enemies to Lovers
Morally Grey
Blackmail
So much Groveling
Redemption
Eva Jackson-Hockey team medic
Colton Carter,-Heir to Carter Industries and Captain of the Hockey Team.
Tristan Baptiste- Hockey Forward
Alek Novikov- Broody Hockey Coach
Vicious Wins is book 2 in the Cruel Games Duet. This is Cole, Tristan, Eva and Alek's Story.
This story picks up right where Twisted Play ended. With lies, betrayal and devastation. Everything Tristan, Cole and Alek thought they knew about Eva has just been torn to shreds and they are left reeling in the aftermath. What's worst the girl they trusted most has now vanished into thin air and nobody has heard from her.
They believe she just vanished so that she wouldn't have to deal with the fallout of what she caused. What they don't know is she is actually fighting for her life after being in a near death accident. When they eventually locate her and try to see her, she refuses because they weren't there for her when she needed them most.
When the truth and reasons for why Eva did what she did finally comes to light, Cole, Tristan and Alek are absolutely devastated with how truly despicable and wrong they have been towards Eva. They have treated her horrendously and the guilt is finally hitting them. They have realized just how bad and unfair they have been.
Eva is done being everyone's pawn. She lied and betrayed the people she loved most to protect her father, her only family she has left. If the guys think winning her back is gonna be easy they have another thing coming to them. If they want her back they will have to grovel and prove to her that they are actually worth fighting for.
She doesn't give in easily and each and every one of her men have to grovel and put in the work to win her back and it is so worth it. It is more meaningful because you get to see their fears, their loyalty, their trust, their love form stronger than ever. You get to see Cole, Tristan and Alek's develop stronger and deeper connections with not only her but each other. The love that is formed is so explosive and the connection they have isn't only physical but deeply emotional. Their love is magnetic, intense, chaotic but also it is sweet and protective.
With threats still looming will Cole, Eva, Tristan and Alek's relationship be able to withstand the storm or will they crumble? Well you will just have to read it to find out!
If you love a story where the men have to win back the girl they love, has chaos, excitement, groveling, revenge and the spice between them (oof) then this is the book for you! This was such a great story and conclusion and i absolutely loved every second of it.
ARC Read! Thank You to Smuthood and Poppy Jacobson for the book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2026
Vicious Wins is the second book in Poppy Jacobson’s Cruel Games duet, and as a new-to-me author, she absolutely held my attention just as easily here as she did in book one.
This picks up right where things left off, and while I won’t get into plot details, the emotional fallout and shifting dynamics take center stage. There’s a noticeable pause early on as the MMCs work their way back into Eva’s good graces, and I actually appreciated that space—it gave the relationships room to reset and rebuild instead of rushing straight back into the chaos.
The character dynamics are still the highlight for me. This is a why choose where the harem is built one by one, which is rarer than it should be, and I loved continuing to watch these men come to terms with sharing Eva while also building relationships with each other along the way. That evolution adds another layer to the dynamic—and yes, it’s also super spicy. The tension, the push and pull, and the way each relationship develops keeps everything feeling layered and intentional.
That said, across the duet as a whole, the plot does feel a bit stretched at times, with drama occasionally doing some of the heavy lifting. But at the same time, that space allows for both character growth and a lot of the moments this book leans into—so while I noticed it, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
Eva’s development continues here, building on the uncertainty we saw in book one and shifting more into how she fits within the group as the dynamics settle. Still, watching her navigate that uncertainty while holding onto her place within the group kept me invested.
Spice-wise, this book definitely brings the heat. There’s a bit of a pause early on, but once it picks back up, it delivers with frequent, on-page moments that lean fully into the dynamic. It’s messy, intense, and exactly the kind of spicy payoff you want after everything these characters have gone through.
Overall, this duet was a binge-worthy, drama-filled ride with addictive dynamics and a spice level that absolutely delivers. I’ll definitely be picking up more from Poppy Jacobson.
Story: 4.5⭐
Spice: 3.5🌶️ (high heat, on-page, with a brief pause before full payoff)
Genre:
🖤Dark Romance
Tropes/Themes:
🖤 Why choose
🖤 Hockey romance
🖤 Sadist x Possessive sunshine x Rage-filled coach
🖤 Student x Coach x Player x Player
🖤 Curvy FMC
🖤 Obsessed Hockey Players
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Best friends to boyfriends
🖤 Obsessed men who don't know how to apologize
🖤 Groveling, forgiveness, and redemption
🖤 Everyone is morally gray by the end
🖤 A hard-won HEA
This picks up right where things left off, and while I won’t get into plot details, the emotional fallout and shifting dynamics take center stage. There’s a noticeable pause early on as the MMCs work their way back into Eva’s good graces, and I actually appreciated that space—it gave the relationships room to reset and rebuild instead of rushing straight back into the chaos.
The character dynamics are still the highlight for me. This is a why choose where the harem is built one by one, which is rarer than it should be, and I loved continuing to watch these men come to terms with sharing Eva while also building relationships with each other along the way. That evolution adds another layer to the dynamic—and yes, it’s also super spicy. The tension, the push and pull, and the way each relationship develops keeps everything feeling layered and intentional.
That said, across the duet as a whole, the plot does feel a bit stretched at times, with drama occasionally doing some of the heavy lifting. But at the same time, that space allows for both character growth and a lot of the moments this book leans into—so while I noticed it, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
Eva’s development continues here, building on the uncertainty we saw in book one and shifting more into how she fits within the group as the dynamics settle. Still, watching her navigate that uncertainty while holding onto her place within the group kept me invested.
Spice-wise, this book definitely brings the heat. There’s a bit of a pause early on, but once it picks back up, it delivers with frequent, on-page moments that lean fully into the dynamic. It’s messy, intense, and exactly the kind of spicy payoff you want after everything these characters have gone through.
Overall, this duet was a binge-worthy, drama-filled ride with addictive dynamics and a spice level that absolutely delivers. I’ll definitely be picking up more from Poppy Jacobson.
Story: 4.5⭐
Spice: 3.5🌶️ (high heat, on-page, with a brief pause before full payoff)
Genre:
🖤Dark Romance
Tropes/Themes:
🖤 Why choose
🖤 Hockey romance
🖤 Sadist x Possessive sunshine x Rage-filled coach
🖤 Student x Coach x Player x Player
🖤 Curvy FMC
🖤 Obsessed Hockey Players
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Best friends to boyfriends
🖤 Obsessed men who don't know how to apologize
🖤 Groveling, forgiveness, and redemption
🖤 Everyone is morally gray by the end
🖤 A hard-won HEA
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wanted more groveling. We ended Twisted Games on a hell of a cliffhanger. Is she alive still? Will she forgive these guys? Will they forgive her (I could care less). The AUDACITY of these guys. Who TF do they think they are. She had a Sophie's choice. She chose to save her dad. They chose to do HORRENDOUS things to keep her. She just wanted to survive and they took out her non-choice on her. Like I said. I wanted more groveling. I wanted all three guys to be kicked in their unmentionables at least 10 times each before she let them come back. Okay, Tristan only really need 5 times plus adequate groveling. He is guilty by association, but doesn't deserve the same punishment as Cole and Alek. Those two succccckkkkkeeed. But alas, that's not how it goes down.
That being said, of course she survives. Of course she forgives them - sorta. I'm glad she holds out a bit with that. I'm glad that their teammates take her side. Massi and Haruto FTW. They give the guys so much sh!t and I love that for her. She needs the support. I want to say that Cole and Alek are the only 'bad guys' in this story, but obviously we need someone worse than them to make them good book boyfriends. And man, Jed is the worst. This book does one thing - and that's to make me like her father. He does the work and makes the improvements needed.
Tristan is the only one who grovels as much as he should. Therefore, he's the only guy I approve of. All that being said, this book brought the spice. The MMFM, MF, MM scenes were so spicy and so good. Surprisingly, everyone joins in on the fun. EVERY. ONE. I really didn't think Alek would be so fluid but he partakes in the fun. I am satisfied with this finale after book one. It kept me engaged and I enjoyed it. Obviously, you have to watch your triggers in this book. I will say they finally bring consent into their play, thankfully, becausesome most of things that went down in Twisted Play were not consensual or okay. I am happy that was corrected here. I have concerns about these people and their education though - I'm not sure they went to class or how they passed - but I remind myself this is fiction. I enjoyed this read and if you've read Twisted Play, you need to read Vicious Wins.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I received an ARC from the author. My opinions about this book are my own.
That being said, of course she survives. Of course she forgives them - sorta. I'm glad she holds out a bit with that. I'm glad that their teammates take her side. Massi and Haruto FTW. They give the guys so much sh!t and I love that for her. She needs the support. I want to say that Cole and Alek are the only 'bad guys' in this story, but obviously we need someone worse than them to make them good book boyfriends. And man, Jed is the worst. This book does one thing - and that's to make me like her father. He does the work and makes the improvements needed.
Tristan is the only one who grovels as much as he should. Therefore, he's the only guy I approve of. All that being said, this book brought the spice. The MMFM, MF, MM scenes were so spicy and so good. Surprisingly, everyone joins in on the fun. EVERY. ONE. I really didn't think Alek would be so fluid but he partakes in the fun. I am satisfied with this finale after book one. It kept me engaged and I enjoyed it. Obviously, you have to watch your triggers in this book. I will say they finally bring consent into their play, thankfully, because
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I received an ARC from the author. My opinions about this book are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was really good with a very satisfying grovel. The fmc doesn't forgive the mmc's immediately, they really have to work on themselves and the way they treat her to win her back. She protects herself with emotional distance from the mmc's even when enjoying a "meaningless" sexual relationship with them.
The relationship between each of the mmc's and the fmc is the shining star of the story. They're well thought out and deeply developed.
The issue is with the mmc's relationships to each other. In their POVs Tristan and Cole are not on the same page as to what their relationship means. Coach's POV goes from considering Cole "like a son" for a third of the book to suddenly being "in love" with him, without any on page emotional transitions. Coach and Tristan's relationship is all lust but suddenly they love each other too? It feels so forced and unnatural compared to the effort and energy put into their relationship with Eva.
The author's note at the beginning of the book claims that all characters are pan in this universe. But it's unclear if that means that it's a pan normalized world, because there are moments from side characters that seem judgemental by the relationship dynamics of the group. Tristan identifies out loud as bi not pan. And there's no indication from Eva or any of the female side characters about being sexually interested in other women or trans folk. The only non-hetero sexual content is MM. So I can't quite buy into the "pan universe" construct.
Cole's engagement to Delaney is never resolved. Eva is hurt by the public charade of Cole committing to another woman. They never discuss her feelings about it. What's the public reaction to Cole suddenly being back with Eva? There's also a lot of quiet, looking the other way, refusing to directly engage with the known blackmail and harm the guys caused Eva in book 1, both amongst themselves and with the teammates who have "put it together" in their heads.
I also wish that some of the beautiful thoughts the group had about each other and their relationship were spoken out loud. Instead the only sentiments actually spoken aloud are "you belong to us" and some very sudden and feels forced "I love yous."
But I think the grovel is top-tier and so many grovel moments are subpar in second chance romance. So overall it was a really enjoyable read.
The relationship between each of the mmc's and the fmc is the shining star of the story. They're well thought out and deeply developed.
The issue is with the mmc's relationships to each other. In their POVs Tristan and Cole are not on the same page as to what their relationship means. Coach's POV goes from considering Cole "like a son" for a third of the book to suddenly being "in love" with him, without any on page emotional transitions. Coach and Tristan's relationship is all lust but suddenly they love each other too? It feels so forced and unnatural compared to the effort and energy put into their relationship with Eva.
The author's note at the beginning of the book claims that all characters are pan in this universe. But it's unclear if that means that it's a pan normalized world, because there are moments from side characters that seem judgemental by the relationship dynamics of the group. Tristan identifies out loud as bi not pan. And there's no indication from Eva or any of the female side characters about being sexually interested in other women or trans folk. The only non-hetero sexual content is MM. So I can't quite buy into the "pan universe" construct.
Cole's engagement to Delaney is never resolved. Eva is hurt by the public charade of Cole committing to another woman. They never discuss her feelings about it. What's the public reaction to Cole suddenly being back with Eva? There's also a lot of quiet, looking the other way, refusing to directly engage with the known blackmail and harm the guys caused Eva in book 1, both amongst themselves and with the teammates who have "put it together" in their heads.
I also wish that some of the beautiful thoughts the group had about each other and their relationship were spoken out loud. Instead the only sentiments actually spoken aloud are "you belong to us" and some very sudden and feels forced "I love yous."
But I think the grovel is top-tier and so many grovel moments are subpar in second chance romance. So overall it was a really enjoyable read.
April 9, 2026
Eva is done being the victim—she’s gathering her men and preparing for war against the threats that nearly took her life. 🏒🔥
📖 Vicious Wins by Poppy Jacobson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dark Why Choose Romance
Tropes
🏒 Why Choose / RH / MMMF
🛡️ Protective MMCs
🏒 Hockey
🚫 Student x Coach (x Students)
🎂 Age Gap
📂 Blackmail
💥 Bully
🚫 Forbidden
Picking up right after the explosive events of book one, Eva finds herself recovering from a dangerous accident just as her relationships with Coach Alek, Cole, and Tristan hang in the balance. While the guys grapple with feelings of betrayal, the threat to Eva’s life has never been more serious. Instead of staying in the shadows, Eva decides to fight back, rallying her men to help her take down those who want to destroy her once and for all.
I LOVE THIS DUET!! The plot in this conclusion really steps up the stakes, focusing on the tactical planning and teamwork needed to defeat the antagonist. While the story remains streamlined and easy to follow, it provides a satisfying, high-energy conclusion to the conflict that keeps you turning the pages.
Eva’s character growth in this installment is amazing. She has truly developed a backbone and knows exactly what she deserves. She’s a fighter who refuses to stay down, no matter how many challenges are thrown her way.
Alek, Cole, and Tristan are the ultimate protective squad. Seeing them grovel and step up to defend her against the world was exactly what I wanted. While the story leans heavily into their intense physical connection and protective instincts, it’s clear they care deeply about her well-being. I would have loved even more moments exploring their quiet emotional chemistry to balance out the heat, but the "us against the world" vibe is undeniable.
One of the best parts of this book is the broader support system; seeing the whole hockey team and Eva's friends rally around her was so heartwarming. Having them fiercely defend her and hold the guys accountable for their mistakes added a great layer of friendship to the story.
Overall, this was a fantastic, high-heat conclusion that was a total blast to read!
Thank you to The Smuthood and Poppy Jacobson for this ARC
📖 Vicious Wins by Poppy Jacobson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dark Why Choose Romance
Tropes
🏒 Why Choose / RH / MMMF
🛡️ Protective MMCs
🏒 Hockey
🚫 Student x Coach (x Students)
🎂 Age Gap
📂 Blackmail
💥 Bully
🚫 Forbidden
Picking up right after the explosive events of book one, Eva finds herself recovering from a dangerous accident just as her relationships with Coach Alek, Cole, and Tristan hang in the balance. While the guys grapple with feelings of betrayal, the threat to Eva’s life has never been more serious. Instead of staying in the shadows, Eva decides to fight back, rallying her men to help her take down those who want to destroy her once and for all.
I LOVE THIS DUET!! The plot in this conclusion really steps up the stakes, focusing on the tactical planning and teamwork needed to defeat the antagonist. While the story remains streamlined and easy to follow, it provides a satisfying, high-energy conclusion to the conflict that keeps you turning the pages.
Eva’s character growth in this installment is amazing. She has truly developed a backbone and knows exactly what she deserves. She’s a fighter who refuses to stay down, no matter how many challenges are thrown her way.
Alek, Cole, and Tristan are the ultimate protective squad. Seeing them grovel and step up to defend her against the world was exactly what I wanted. While the story leans heavily into their intense physical connection and protective instincts, it’s clear they care deeply about her well-being. I would have loved even more moments exploring their quiet emotional chemistry to balance out the heat, but the "us against the world" vibe is undeniable.
One of the best parts of this book is the broader support system; seeing the whole hockey team and Eva's friends rally around her was so heartwarming. Having them fiercely defend her and hold the guys accountable for their mistakes added a great layer of friendship to the story.
Overall, this was a fantastic, high-heat conclusion that was a total blast to read!
Thank you to The Smuthood and Poppy Jacobson for this ARC
April 8, 2026
What a great ending @poppyjacobsonbooks !! Vicious Wins is the second book in the Cruel Games Duet and it starts right where the first left off, feeling heartbroken and needing answers. It’s burning hot, it’s the perfect dark, obsessed, why choose hockey romance with groveling, forgiveness, and a hard-earned HEA. It’s emotional, messy, intense, and seriously addictive! You need this duet!
We start right back where we left off on a crazy cliffhanger! Aleksander, Cole, Tristan, and Eva are still bound together by desire, betrayal, and a relentless need for revenge. But coming back to each other, Eva truly forginging and letting go of the pain and hurt these men caused takes time. I LOVED how Poppy wrote her STRONG now, determined to take control of her life and never allow herself to be vulnerable in the same way again. She’s guarded and refuses to forgive easily and I am glad she didn't just let it all go! They needed to fight for her in every way! Alek, Cole, and Tristan each have their own demons to face. And the sheer guilt of all they have done to Eva. They’re forced to face their choices and grovel for this amazing woman! The chemistry between these four is undeniable. It’s intense, chaotic, and freaking HOT! There is so much angst and burn until they all give in for good and then OMG, burn your Kindle it’s so hot!
I loved that this was so real and vulnerable. It wasn't easy or perfect. It took time, trust, and a deep love between them all. I loved how we learned more about their lives, their families and pasts. Vicious Wins delivers a satisfying and emotionally charged conclusion to the duet. The romance wasn't easy, it took time and the choice to finally give in and BE all in. A GREAT ending!
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏒Dark Why Choose Romance
🏒Boyfriends are Boyfriends
🏒Student x Coach x Student x Student
🏒Praise & Degredation
🏒Groveling & Redemption
🏒Addiction & Recovery
🏒Hurt/Comfort
🎀THANK YOU @poppyjacobsonbooks and @thesmuthood for my arc!
#thesmuthood #PoppyJacobson #ViciousWins #CruelGamesDuet #smuthoodpromo
We start right back where we left off on a crazy cliffhanger! Aleksander, Cole, Tristan, and Eva are still bound together by desire, betrayal, and a relentless need for revenge. But coming back to each other, Eva truly forginging and letting go of the pain and hurt these men caused takes time. I LOVED how Poppy wrote her STRONG now, determined to take control of her life and never allow herself to be vulnerable in the same way again. She’s guarded and refuses to forgive easily and I am glad she didn't just let it all go! They needed to fight for her in every way! Alek, Cole, and Tristan each have their own demons to face. And the sheer guilt of all they have done to Eva. They’re forced to face their choices and grovel for this amazing woman! The chemistry between these four is undeniable. It’s intense, chaotic, and freaking HOT! There is so much angst and burn until they all give in for good and then OMG, burn your Kindle it’s so hot!
I loved that this was so real and vulnerable. It wasn't easy or perfect. It took time, trust, and a deep love between them all. I loved how we learned more about their lives, their families and pasts. Vicious Wins delivers a satisfying and emotionally charged conclusion to the duet. The romance wasn't easy, it took time and the choice to finally give in and BE all in. A GREAT ending!
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏒Dark Why Choose Romance
🏒Boyfriends are Boyfriends
🏒Student x Coach x Student x Student
🏒Praise & Degredation
🏒Groveling & Redemption
🏒Addiction & Recovery
🏒Hurt/Comfort
🎀THANK YOU @poppyjacobsonbooks and @thesmuthood for my arc!
#thesmuthood #PoppyJacobson #ViciousWins #CruelGamesDuet #smuthoodpromo
Review of advance copy
I need everyone to understand that did not just end a duet… it detonated it. I am still sitting here in the emotional rubble, blinking like “well… guess I live here now.”
EVA??? This woman said you thought I was broken? watch me become the storm and I ATE. IT. UP. The rage, the betrayal, the sheer don’t-touch-me-but-also-don’t-you-dare-leave-me energy?? She woke up alone and chose violence, and honestly… justified. Completely justified. I was ready to go to war with her.
And the men… oh these absolute disasters of human beings.
Aleksandr??? That pull is still THERE and it’s toxic and magnetic and I was screaming at my book like “stand up!!!” while also fully understanding why she couldn’t.
Cole?? The guilt?? The tension?? The way he looks at her like she’s both his biggest regret and the only thing he can’t let go of… I am unwell.
Tristan??? Sir, your obsession is a PROBLEM. A dangerous, all-consuming, can’t-look-away kind of problem and I was glued to every second of it.
This is not a neat redemption arc. This is messy. Painful. Earned. The groveling??? TOP TIER. I’m talking on-your-knees, rip-your-heart-out, prove-it-with-every-breath kind of grovel. And even then, Eva doesn’t just forgive and forget. She makes them work. As she should.
The dynamic between all four of them is pure chaos but the good kind—the kind where every interaction feels like it could explode or combust into something deeper. Alliances shift, emotions clash, and underneath all that anger is this thread of connection that refuses to die.
And the tension?? Not just romantic, but emotional, psychological, war-level stakes. You can feel everything tightening as the past collides with the present and no one walks away unchanged.
By the end I was wrecked but in that deeply satisfied way where you feel the hard-earned HEA. Nothing about it was easy, and that’s what made it hit so hard.
Five stars, no hesitation. This book is sharp, brutal, addictive, and completely consuming.
Eva, Cole, Tristan, Aleksandr… I will never recover.
EVA??? This woman said you thought I was broken? watch me become the storm and I ATE. IT. UP. The rage, the betrayal, the sheer don’t-touch-me-but-also-don’t-you-dare-leave-me energy?? She woke up alone and chose violence, and honestly… justified. Completely justified. I was ready to go to war with her.
And the men… oh these absolute disasters of human beings.
Aleksandr??? That pull is still THERE and it’s toxic and magnetic and I was screaming at my book like “stand up!!!” while also fully understanding why she couldn’t.
Cole?? The guilt?? The tension?? The way he looks at her like she’s both his biggest regret and the only thing he can’t let go of… I am unwell.
Tristan??? Sir, your obsession is a PROBLEM. A dangerous, all-consuming, can’t-look-away kind of problem and I was glued to every second of it.
This is not a neat redemption arc. This is messy. Painful. Earned. The groveling??? TOP TIER. I’m talking on-your-knees, rip-your-heart-out, prove-it-with-every-breath kind of grovel. And even then, Eva doesn’t just forgive and forget. She makes them work. As she should.
The dynamic between all four of them is pure chaos but the good kind—the kind where every interaction feels like it could explode or combust into something deeper. Alliances shift, emotions clash, and underneath all that anger is this thread of connection that refuses to die.
And the tension?? Not just romantic, but emotional, psychological, war-level stakes. You can feel everything tightening as the past collides with the present and no one walks away unchanged.
By the end I was wrecked but in that deeply satisfied way where you feel the hard-earned HEA. Nothing about it was easy, and that’s what made it hit so hard.
Five stars, no hesitation. This book is sharp, brutal, addictive, and completely consuming.
Eva, Cole, Tristan, Aleksandr… I will never recover.
April 12, 2026
Would I have read this if I didn't receive the ARC (although I don't remember signing up)? No. I read Twisted Play and wasn't impressed with how the characters were written. For 480ish pages, the prequel to this lacked any real character growth that justified a second book with 540+ pages. So I received the ARC, I read it, and I liked this more that its predecessor.
The writing style is maintained from the previous book. It's still slow paced but we're telling one story, over the course of a single hockey season that's 1000 pages. It's just too long. There are so many sex scenes in this that I can't say don't fit with the story, but they sure do make it feel like we never get any real momentum going for the plot.
We do see more character growth from Eva. Of course, she's still "suffering" from betraying body syndrome. You'd think that she'd be able to hold off just a little bit because of the behavior of the MMCs, but she doesn't really as far as physical intimacy. She does claim that any attention she gives them means nothing so at least we have that. There is plenty of groveling in this from the MMCs, and that's my bread and butter. I do like that emotionally, Eva held herself back for most of this book.
The plot outside of the relationship building is what kept me in this. I really wanted Jed Carter to get what was coming to him and I wanted to see how it was going to be done without the MCs losing everything they were working for (Tristan and Cole - NHL, Eva - medical school/life, and Alek - coaching).
The book itself is well done, and honestly, if you're looking for something that is smut heavy with a developed plot, this is perfect for you. I am just not that interested in smut enough to have this about of sex scenes not feel like a detriment to the pacing and story overall. If this story was condensed into a single book, maybe 500ish pages, it would have been perfect. But for as long as it is, that makes it a hinderance to me instead of a help.
The writing style is maintained from the previous book. It's still slow paced but we're telling one story, over the course of a single hockey season that's 1000 pages. It's just too long. There are so many sex scenes in this that I can't say don't fit with the story, but they sure do make it feel like we never get any real momentum going for the plot.
We do see more character growth from Eva. Of course, she's still "suffering" from betraying body syndrome. You'd think that she'd be able to hold off just a little bit because of the behavior of the MMCs, but she doesn't really as far as physical intimacy. She does claim that any attention she gives them means nothing so at least we have that. There is plenty of groveling in this from the MMCs, and that's my bread and butter. I do like that emotionally, Eva held herself back for most of this book.
The plot outside of the relationship building is what kept me in this. I really wanted Jed Carter to get what was coming to him and I wanted to see how it was going to be done without the MCs losing everything they were working for (Tristan and Cole - NHL, Eva - medical school/life, and Alek - coaching).
The book itself is well done, and honestly, if you're looking for something that is smut heavy with a developed plot, this is perfect for you. I am just not that interested in smut enough to have this about of sex scenes not feel like a detriment to the pacing and story overall. If this story was condensed into a single book, maybe 500ish pages, it would have been perfect. But for as long as it is, that makes it a hinderance to me instead of a help.
April 23, 2026
Rating: 4.25/5
There’s a particular kind of emotional chaos that only dark romance can deliver the kind that has you questioning every character, yelling at the page, and still needing to know how it all ends. Vicious Wins sits firmly in that space.
Picking up immediately after the brutal cliffhanger of book one, this story wastes no time throwing you straight back into the intensity. The tension is heavier, the emotions hit harder, and the consequences of past actions are impossible to ignore.
What really stood out to me was the emotional weight behind everything. This isn’t just about romance, it’s about accountability, redemption, and whether love can survive after trust has been completely shattered.
Eva’s character development was a highlight. She was strong before, but here she feels even more grounded in herself, more determined, more aware, and far less willing to let anyone in without earning it. Watching her wrestle with whether to trust again added so much depth to the story.
The dynamic between Tristan, Cole, and Alek also evolves in ways that felt layered and complex. There’s guilt, regret, and a clear desire to make things right but it’s not simple, and it’s definitely not instant. That slow, painful rebuilding made everything feel more real.
Emotionally, this book put me through it. One moment I was frustrated, the next completely heartbroken, and then suddenly hopeful again. It’s messy, intense, and at times overwhelming but that’s exactly what makes it work.
The plot itself keeps you hooked with twists, danger, and a constant sense that something is about to go wrong. But beneath all of that, it’s the relationships and emotional stakes that really carry the story.
If you enjoy dark romance with high angst, complicated relationships, and redemption arcs that have to be earned the hard way, this is definitely worth the read. Just be prepared, it’s not a light journey, but it is a rewarding one.
✨ Thank you so much to the author and The Smuthood PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. ✨
There’s a particular kind of emotional chaos that only dark romance can deliver the kind that has you questioning every character, yelling at the page, and still needing to know how it all ends. Vicious Wins sits firmly in that space.
Picking up immediately after the brutal cliffhanger of book one, this story wastes no time throwing you straight back into the intensity. The tension is heavier, the emotions hit harder, and the consequences of past actions are impossible to ignore.
What really stood out to me was the emotional weight behind everything. This isn’t just about romance, it’s about accountability, redemption, and whether love can survive after trust has been completely shattered.
Eva’s character development was a highlight. She was strong before, but here she feels even more grounded in herself, more determined, more aware, and far less willing to let anyone in without earning it. Watching her wrestle with whether to trust again added so much depth to the story.
The dynamic between Tristan, Cole, and Alek also evolves in ways that felt layered and complex. There’s guilt, regret, and a clear desire to make things right but it’s not simple, and it’s definitely not instant. That slow, painful rebuilding made everything feel more real.
Emotionally, this book put me through it. One moment I was frustrated, the next completely heartbroken, and then suddenly hopeful again. It’s messy, intense, and at times overwhelming but that’s exactly what makes it work.
The plot itself keeps you hooked with twists, danger, and a constant sense that something is about to go wrong. But beneath all of that, it’s the relationships and emotional stakes that really carry the story.
If you enjoy dark romance with high angst, complicated relationships, and redemption arcs that have to be earned the hard way, this is definitely worth the read. Just be prepared, it’s not a light journey, but it is a rewarding one.
✨ Thank you so much to the author and The Smuthood PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I’m honestly going to miss the messiness of this group. It was both heart-wrenching and heartwarming at the same time, and that balance is what made it so addictive to read.
I’m really proud of Eva in this book. Watching her take back her power and making them grovel? So satisfying. And honestly… she’s stronger than me, because I would’ve folded the second Alek pulled out a “baby girl.”
I also appreciated seeing each of the guys grow and evolve in their own ways. Getting the full backstory behind everything that caused the chaos made it all feel more layered and intentional. And Eva? She truly has a heart of gold. The fact that this entire situation stemmed from her father, and she still sacrificed so much for him, says everything about who she is.
Cole’s growth stood out to me the most—seeing him become a more mature, loving version of himself felt earned and rewarding. And Tristan? That’s my baby. He actually groveled, and in my opinion, he was the only one across the books who genuinely felt ready for a real relationship.
I also loved the found family dynamic with the guys on the team—it added such a soft, grounding layer to all the chaos.
Now, I won’t lie… I could’ve used a few more MM and group scenes. We got a taste, but I wanted more. That being said, I do appreciate that this book leaned more into building a healthy, developed relationship between all of them rather than just relying on the spice.
Overall, this was such a strong read. If you’re looking for something that balances a developed plot with plenty of heat, this one absolutely delivers.
I’m honestly going to miss the messiness of this group. It was both heart-wrenching and heartwarming at the same time, and that balance is what made it so addictive to read.
I’m really proud of Eva in this book. Watching her take back her power and making them grovel? So satisfying. And honestly… she’s stronger than me, because I would’ve folded the second Alek pulled out a “baby girl.”
I also appreciated seeing each of the guys grow and evolve in their own ways. Getting the full backstory behind everything that caused the chaos made it all feel more layered and intentional. And Eva? She truly has a heart of gold. The fact that this entire situation stemmed from her father, and she still sacrificed so much for him, says everything about who she is.
Cole’s growth stood out to me the most—seeing him become a more mature, loving version of himself felt earned and rewarding. And Tristan? That’s my baby. He actually groveled, and in my opinion, he was the only one across the books who genuinely felt ready for a real relationship.
I also loved the found family dynamic with the guys on the team—it added such a soft, grounding layer to all the chaos.
Now, I won’t lie… I could’ve used a few more MM and group scenes. We got a taste, but I wanted more. That being said, I do appreciate that this book leaned more into building a healthy, developed relationship between all of them rather than just relying on the spice.
Overall, this was such a strong read. If you’re looking for something that balances a developed plot with plenty of heat, this one absolutely delivers.
April 21, 2026
Vicious Wins by Poppy Jacobson is a dark college hockey romance, and the sequal to Twisted Play, completing the duet. The story still follows Eva, along with Alex, Cole, and Tristan, as they try to heal from the events of the previous book, while also escaping the troubles that follow.
My Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I felt that this was slightly less dark in comparison to Twisted Play, but it is still plenty dark and spicy. It picks up where Twisted Play left off, no awkward time jumps or rewriting what happened. We truly see Eva come into her strength this time, as well as the guys. Somehow it feels there is even more to lose this time, and every time they think they have made the right choice, a twist arrives to put them through the ringer again. I enjoyed the character development, as well as the continued inclusion of side characters. I really enjoyed the way the author depicted the puck bunnies. In many hockey books they barely get a name, let alone a personality, and when they do it is usually that of the gold digger trope. The bunnies here were supportive of the team and Eva, particularly Katie, and showed that there is more to these girls than the sterotypical playboy vibe. While this is the end of the duet, I do hope it is not the end of Yorkfield's favorite college students; I have to know what is going on with Eva's friends and their romantic relationships! There is a lot of room to grow this particular book universe and I hope to see the author come back to it in the future.
I highly enjoyed this book, but know that is just as dark as advertised before you jump in!
My Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I felt that this was slightly less dark in comparison to Twisted Play, but it is still plenty dark and spicy. It picks up where Twisted Play left off, no awkward time jumps or rewriting what happened. We truly see Eva come into her strength this time, as well as the guys. Somehow it feels there is even more to lose this time, and every time they think they have made the right choice, a twist arrives to put them through the ringer again. I enjoyed the character development, as well as the continued inclusion of side characters. I really enjoyed the way the author depicted the puck bunnies. In many hockey books they barely get a name, let alone a personality, and when they do it is usually that of the gold digger trope. The bunnies here were supportive of the team and Eva, particularly Katie, and showed that there is more to these girls than the sterotypical playboy vibe. While this is the end of the duet, I do hope it is not the end of Yorkfield's favorite college students; I have to know what is going on with Eva's friends and their romantic relationships! There is a lot of room to grow this particular book universe and I hope to see the author come back to it in the future.
I highly enjoyed this book, but know that is just as dark as advertised before you jump in!
Review of advance copy
5 Stars
5 Chili Peppers
Book 2 in Cruel Games Duet
Must read book 1 to understand what is happening in book 2
Eva, Alek, Tristan, and Cole
What to expect:
🏒 MFMM DARK Pucking Romance
🖤 Player x Student x Player x Coach
😈 S*x Blackma!l
🔥 Fierce, Curvy FMC
👀 Under The Desk Support In Front Of His BOSS!!
Did you say dark, why choose, hockey romance? Yes please! I have loved (wait is love the right word?) revisiting these characters. I had forgotten how complicated, chemistry laden, banter heavy, interconnected these four are. Poppy left me wanting so much with book 1...that cliffhanger was brutal! Eva is the same bada$s FMC as before and she knows how to keep these boys in line (by holding out and not giving into them easily). Meanwhile these guys aren't sure what they really want, they want her, they want each other, but at the same time they feel like Eva would be better off without them in some way or another.
As we learn more about the backstory of Eva and her dad, we get to see more of Alek and his family, we get more of a whole picture of what is going on in their life and what makes it complicated beyond their relationship(s). As the plot plays out I do think that Eva is sometimes easy to forgive them (especially when her dad is involved), but at the end of the day, these four were going to be endgame and it was hard fought in the end. I just know if this story was to continue they would be in for more ups and down, complicated fights, etc. but honestly I loved this duet and the world that Poppy built!
5 Chili Peppers
Book 2 in Cruel Games Duet
Must read book 1 to understand what is happening in book 2
Eva, Alek, Tristan, and Cole
What to expect:
🏒 MFMM DARK Pucking Romance
🖤 Player x Student x Player x Coach
😈 S*x Blackma!l
🔥 Fierce, Curvy FMC
👀 Under The Desk Support In Front Of His BOSS!!
Did you say dark, why choose, hockey romance? Yes please! I have loved (wait is love the right word?) revisiting these characters. I had forgotten how complicated, chemistry laden, banter heavy, interconnected these four are. Poppy left me wanting so much with book 1...that cliffhanger was brutal! Eva is the same bada$s FMC as before and she knows how to keep these boys in line (by holding out and not giving into them easily). Meanwhile these guys aren't sure what they really want, they want her, they want each other, but at the same time they feel like Eva would be better off without them in some way or another.
As we learn more about the backstory of Eva and her dad, we get to see more of Alek and his family, we get more of a whole picture of what is going on in their life and what makes it complicated beyond their relationship(s). As the plot plays out I do think that Eva is sometimes easy to forgive them (especially when her dad is involved), but at the end of the day, these four were going to be endgame and it was hard fought in the end. I just know if this story was to continue they would be in for more ups and down, complicated fights, etc. but honestly I loved this duet and the world that Poppy built!
Review of advance copy
I received an ARC copy of this book.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a why choose dark hockey romance, where the menu items (trigger warnings) are plentiful and the boyfriends are boyfriends. What’s not to love?
This is the final book in this duet and picks up after the cliff hanger of book one.
Eva is a student studying kinesiology in hopes to be a sports medicine doctor. In book one she is forced to to take a position on the hockey team as a medic. This girl has to juggle being triple blackmailed a rigorous premed classroom schedule, has a chronic heart condition and dealing with the mess that is her father‘s life, while trying to pay off his gambling debts in creative ways. She gets corned in a situation that she can’t find a way out of.
Cole,alpha hole billionaire’s son who’s trying to forge his own path in the NHL and get away from his abusive, morally corrupt father, who sucks on so many levels
Tristen is one of the best golden retrievers I’ve ever read. He comes from a poor background and struggles to feel comfortable as the only person of color on the team. His family sacrificed so much to get him to this point in his career where he has a shot at an NHL contract.
Alek black cat, is the coach who lost his NHL career in his prime after taking a crow bar to his knee caps in a back alley. His cold bitterness hardened his hard to anything soft.
They all converge to try and take down a common enemy that is the barrier to their happiness and safety.
HEA guaranteed
Highly recommend this book.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a why choose dark hockey romance, where the menu items (trigger warnings) are plentiful and the boyfriends are boyfriends. What’s not to love?
This is the final book in this duet and picks up after the cliff hanger of book one.
Eva is a student studying kinesiology in hopes to be a sports medicine doctor. In book one she is forced to to take a position on the hockey team as a medic. This girl has to juggle being triple blackmailed a rigorous premed classroom schedule, has a chronic heart condition and dealing with the mess that is her father‘s life, while trying to pay off his gambling debts in creative ways. She gets corned in a situation that she can’t find a way out of.
Cole,alpha hole billionaire’s son who’s trying to forge his own path in the NHL and get away from his abusive, morally corrupt father, who sucks on so many levels
Tristen is one of the best golden retrievers I’ve ever read. He comes from a poor background and struggles to feel comfortable as the only person of color on the team. His family sacrificed so much to get him to this point in his career where he has a shot at an NHL contract.
Alek black cat, is the coach who lost his NHL career in his prime after taking a crow bar to his knee caps in a back alley. His cold bitterness hardened his hard to anything soft.
They all converge to try and take down a common enemy that is the barrier to their happiness and safety.
HEA guaranteed
Highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy
Vicious Wins is book 2 in the Cruel Games Duet by Poppy Jacobson and it picks up right where book 1 left off. This book is a dark/bully romance and just like with book 1, it means it so please make sure you check the TWs because only you can protect your mental health.
What you'll find in the conclusion of this duet is dark hockey romance, why choose romance, student x coach x player x player, unhinged MMCs, degradation & praise, and bl@ckm@il. Also, this book is an MMMF romance.
In this book there is a lot of rebuilding trust that was broken, groveling, and finding ways to end the conflict from book 1. I love that this book focused on repairing mistakes and hurts from book 1 because it made the story more believable and realistic. Trust broken and mistakes that were made that badly can't be repaired in a couple of chapters so for the author to have devoted an entire book for conflict resolution was absolutely wonderful and very much needed.
I know this review isn't giving details on the character or what conflicts need to be resolved but I am writing it this was intentionally so as not to give away spoilers from book 1 in case you haven't read it yet. But please keep in mind that you need to read the first book in this Duet to truly understand what is happening since this book is the conclusion and resolution of book 1.
Thank you so much to Poppy Jacobson and The Smuthood for allowing me the opportunity to read this advanced copy. I truly loved it and can't wait to see what comes next.
What you'll find in the conclusion of this duet is dark hockey romance, why choose romance, student x coach x player x player, unhinged MMCs, degradation & praise, and bl@ckm@il. Also, this book is an MMMF romance.
In this book there is a lot of rebuilding trust that was broken, groveling, and finding ways to end the conflict from book 1. I love that this book focused on repairing mistakes and hurts from book 1 because it made the story more believable and realistic. Trust broken and mistakes that were made that badly can't be repaired in a couple of chapters so for the author to have devoted an entire book for conflict resolution was absolutely wonderful and very much needed.
I know this review isn't giving details on the character or what conflicts need to be resolved but I am writing it this was intentionally so as not to give away spoilers from book 1 in case you haven't read it yet. But please keep in mind that you need to read the first book in this Duet to truly understand what is happening since this book is the conclusion and resolution of book 1.
Thank you so much to Poppy Jacobson and The Smuthood for allowing me the opportunity to read this advanced copy. I truly loved it and can't wait to see what comes next.
April 21, 2026
Vicious Wins by Poppy Jacobson is a chaotic, morally questionable finale that doubles down on everything established in Twisted Play and then sets it on fire for fun. This book is pure dark romance chaos. The plot is unhinged, the relationships are volatile, and everyone is making decisions like they lost access to basic critical thinking skills. Eva is no longer just surviving the mess, she’s fully submerged in it, and honestly at this point she might as well live there.
The why choose dynamic works because it’s messy and obsessive and emotionally unstable in the exact way this genre demands. It’s less healthy relationship exploration and more who can ruin each other’s lives the fastest while pretending it’s love.
Now… one of the MMCs? Absolutely not. Every time he showed up, I was ready to file a formal complaint. Zero charm, maximum irritation, and I never bought into whatever he was supposed to be bringing to the table. And yet, I still devoured this book. Which honestly says everything about how addictive the story is.
This is not a story interested in realism, emotional regulation, or characters making sane decisions. It’s here for escalation, obsession, and drama that would make a therapist sigh deeply and reschedule your appointment. Yes, it’s dark romance. Yes, it’s toxic. Yes, everyone needs consequences and possibly group therapy.
Overall, Vicious Wins is a beautiful disaster. I was entertained, irritated, slightly concerned for everyone involved, and still absolutely finished it in record time. I regret nothing, except one unnamed MMC.
The why choose dynamic works because it’s messy and obsessive and emotionally unstable in the exact way this genre demands. It’s less healthy relationship exploration and more who can ruin each other’s lives the fastest while pretending it’s love.
Now… one of the MMCs? Absolutely not. Every time he showed up, I was ready to file a formal complaint. Zero charm, maximum irritation, and I never bought into whatever he was supposed to be bringing to the table. And yet, I still devoured this book. Which honestly says everything about how addictive the story is.
This is not a story interested in realism, emotional regulation, or characters making sane decisions. It’s here for escalation, obsession, and drama that would make a therapist sigh deeply and reschedule your appointment. Yes, it’s dark romance. Yes, it’s toxic. Yes, everyone needs consequences and possibly group therapy.
Overall, Vicious Wins is a beautiful disaster. I was entertained, irritated, slightly concerned for everyone involved, and still absolutely finished it in record time. I regret nothing, except one unnamed MMC.
April 21, 2026
⭐️ 6/5
🔥 5/5
🌶️ 5/5
💧 5/5
Vicious Wins by Poppy Jacobson, provided via The Smuthood, continues the story after Twisted Play, shifting the focus from control and tension to accountability, healing, and the rebuilding of trust.
Eva’s need for surgery becomes a defining turning point in the story. It forces her to confront everything that has happened and see her situation clearly, acting as a wake-up call that changes the direction of her choices.
From there, the dynamic between her and the men evolves. Instead of immediate forgiveness, the story takes a more layered approach to rebuilding trust. Eva allows them back into her life gradually—first Tristan, then Aleksandr, and finally Cole—showing that each relationship has to be rebuilt on its own terms.
Each of them attempts to earn that trust back differently. Aleksandr’s concern leads him back into the Bravta to understand what happened when she goes silent, while Cole operates in a more subtle way. Despite being the one you might expect to dislike, his protectiveness comes through in quieter, less obvious actions, which adds complexity to his character.
One of the more interesting elements is how the relationships are explored individually as well as together, balancing the “why choose” dynamic with the emotional depth of each connection.
Overall, Vicious Wins delivers a powerful and emotionally driven conclusion to the duet, where redemption is earned, trust is rebuilt, and every relationship is given the space to evolve
🔥 5/5
🌶️ 5/5
💧 5/5
Vicious Wins by Poppy Jacobson, provided via The Smuthood, continues the story after Twisted Play, shifting the focus from control and tension to accountability, healing, and the rebuilding of trust.
Eva’s need for surgery becomes a defining turning point in the story. It forces her to confront everything that has happened and see her situation clearly, acting as a wake-up call that changes the direction of her choices.
From there, the dynamic between her and the men evolves. Instead of immediate forgiveness, the story takes a more layered approach to rebuilding trust. Eva allows them back into her life gradually—first Tristan, then Aleksandr, and finally Cole—showing that each relationship has to be rebuilt on its own terms.
Each of them attempts to earn that trust back differently. Aleksandr’s concern leads him back into the Bravta to understand what happened when she goes silent, while Cole operates in a more subtle way. Despite being the one you might expect to dislike, his protectiveness comes through in quieter, less obvious actions, which adds complexity to his character.
One of the more interesting elements is how the relationships are explored individually as well as together, balancing the “why choose” dynamic with the emotional depth of each connection.
Overall, Vicious Wins delivers a powerful and emotionally driven conclusion to the duet, where redemption is earned, trust is rebuilt, and every relationship is given the space to evolve
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