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That Girl #2

The Game

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**Mature Content Warning** Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content.

Born to shine.

Groomed to dominate.

Levi Wilks is destined only to be a champion…

Number one on the field, in the record books, and in every fans’ heart. This star QB is perfection from head to toe. Only his looks rival his talent on the field.

Not one flaw to be found…that is, until he looks in the mirror…

Levi sees his dad’s dreams, his mother’s demands, and lost dreams of his own. Dreams that vanished one by one as his life, and career, were carefully etched out for him by others.

He was always jealous of his younger brother Lincoln, a carefree spirit . Some nights he’d pray for a normal life. An average life. But that wasn’t who he was, he’d never have the courage to be like him.

But what happens when Levi is forced to sit on the sidelines for a couple of games?

At the lowest part of his career, he finds himself magnetized by a blonde beauty.

This unexpected girl challenges everything he knows…

And dares him to fight for everything he wants…

Is Levi Wilks ready for her? Is he ready for “The Game” of his life?

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2014

246 people are currently reading
941 people want to read

About the author

H.J. Bellus

98 books2,709 followers
USA Today Best Selling Author, HJ Bellus is a small town girl who loves the art of storytelling. When not making readers laugh or cry, she's a part-time livestock wrangler that can be found in the middle of Idaho, shot gunning a beer while listening to some Miranda Lambert on her Beats and rocking out in her boots.

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Email: hjbellus@gmail.com

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5 stars
716 (41%)
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607 (35%)
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281 (16%)
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76 (4%)
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36 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
Profile Image for CC.
1,781 reviews236 followers
August 20, 2015
I pretty much hated the characters and the story. I thought the h was weak and sad and mentally unstable. And I really disliked Levi. He never got better. There were a few days of happy times, but he was a jerk from beginning to end. I hate cheaters and while it was not clear if he was, it certainly appeared he was and his prior behavior would lend to that conclusion. And it was NEVER addressed!

I cannot believe I finished this book. I knew I was going to dislike it when he brought in the whores...yuck!!!! I should have DNF'd. But I liked the first one in the series and thought it would get better. It did not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
January 11, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/11/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
Born to shine.

Groomed to dominate.

Levi Wilks is destined only to be a champion…

Number one on the field, in the record books, and in every fans’ heart. This star QB is perfection from head to toe. Only his looks rival his talent on the field.

Not one flaw to be found…that is, until he looks in the mirror…

Levi sees his dad’s dreams, his mother’s demands, and lost dreams of his own. Dreams that vanished one by one as his life, and career, were carefully etched out for him by others.

He was always jealous of his younger brother Lincoln, a carefree spirit . Some nights he’d pray for a normal life. An average life. But that wasn’t who he was, he’d never have the courage to be like him.

But what happens when Levi is forced to sit on the sidelines for a couple of games?

At the lowest part of his career, he finds himself magnetized by a blonde beauty.

This unexpected girl challenges everything he knows…

And dares him to fight for everything he wants…

Is Levi Wilks ready for her? Is he ready for “The Game” of his life?
3,114 reviews26 followers
August 24, 2015
There were sooooo many unanswered questions in book 1, but with that weird epilogue it seemed that it wasn't meant to be a cliffhanger. And I'm not so sure that epilogue means the same thing to me as it does to this author.

Then we get to this book which explains as much about Oakley/Lynlee as it does about Lincoln's brother Levi and O's BFF from Wisconsin, Jazzy.

The story is still compelling enough and the wedding scene is filled with revelations and emotional speeches.

We do eventually learn what Lynlee's real name is, what happened to Jazzy after L left, what happened after L's attempted murder and what happened to Lincoln's mother.

As suspected, we learn that it wasn't only Lincoln who suffered in his family, but Levi also did. We also learn that Jazzy doesn't take a lot of crap but that's because she's hiding her own secret.

And the ending starts on Jenni's story and the resurrection of Jeremiah from book 1.

What got started and then got stopped was the story involving Rebecca. I'm not sure what the point was of introducing her back in to Levi's life only to have her go away just as quickly. It was weird. Another thing was the Jewels/Tiny relationship. It's alluded to, but not really addressed. Does this mean it's another book? Explained in book 3?? It's unclear and handled poorly and it all made me drop this to 3 stars.

Profile Image for L.L. Collins.
Author 21 books905 followers
January 4, 2015
another hit

Sigh. Why does it have to be over. Another swoon worthy Wilks man. Another fabulous female lead. Two broken people that need each other. Drama, angst, and steam. What could be better than that? This series definitely on my top reads list. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,889 reviews160 followers
April 4, 2015
The game of life.

Despite everyone’s best intentions, it can be a fucked up ride, especially when you’re not in control of it because you’ve allowed someone else to take the reins and dictate how your life is going to play out down to the minutest detail.

This is the life that Levi Wilks has lived since he gave his father the power to run the show. He lives and breathes football, and while that lifestyle has turned him into a champion and given him more fame, money, and women than he could ever ask for…that’s all he has – a hollow life with the only tangible things to show for it being a bunch of trophies and rings, which on the surface is all Levi thinks he needs. He’s addicted to the game…to the fame…to getting his dick wet by every willing woman out there. Fame and football are the only forms of love he’s ever felt, which is fine by him because he’s already had his heart shattered once, and he refuses to allow it to happen again. So, he maintains his playboy asshole persona and puts all of his hopes and dreams into throwing the pigskin and basking in the admiration that is bestowed upon him. But when an injury sidelines him and a mouthy blonde enters his life, Levi’s not going to know what hit him. That injury and that girl are his game changers, but that’s only if he’s willing to let the transformation occur.

Jazzy’s life has been nothing like Levi’s. She has nothing to make her feel worthy because those she loved left her and she feels like she ruins everything that she touches. Like Levi, she hides her brokenness behind a feisty, snarky attitude because if she allows it to sneak through, the memories will be too much for her to bear and she’ll revert back to needing a release that only harms her. Her instant attraction to the manwhore that is Levi Wilks pisses her off something fierce, but when Levi starts to show her that he’s more than the asshole that everything else thinks he is, she can’t help but feel like she could love him…too bad he doesn’t do love – he just does sex, and while Jazzy’s definitely up for that, she wants Levi’s heart as well, which may just end up making her more broken than she ever thought possible.

The Game is a story about two damaged souls trying to heal one another when they aren’t healed themselves. It’s about realizing that the most important game anyone can play is not one filled with tangible accolades, but it’s the one where they fight to secure a happy life that is filled with unconditional love. Levi can continue to love a game that will one day no longer be there for him, or he can put something else first in his life and win something much better and more important than a championship ring.

Levi and Jazzy’s story is heartbreaking and soul crushing, but it’s also heart mending as well as soul repairing. It’s a crazy ride with two foul mouthed, overly passionate people who give each other a run for their money every step of the way, and they wouldn’t want it any other way.

I’m so glad that there was a follow up to That Girl and that readers get to be a part of Lincoln and Lynlee’s life again. Theirs was a story that needed to be told and so is Levi and Jazzy’s. Enjoy the ride.

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Profile Image for StScho.
246 reviews26 followers
May 12, 2015
The Game by H.J. Bellus

When I started this book, I was like…
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Then, I ran into Jazzy. As soon as that happened…
frustrated kevin photo frustrated-kevin_zps893a4b5f.gif

about to go down photo itsabouttogodown-kevin_zpsa738e0cc.gif

Yes, Kevin and boy did it ever. And not in the way you meant. I mean, downhill.

I'm telling you, I was really let down. After reading That Girl, I really, really wanted to love this book too.

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I understand. Levi was a lot to take. Yes. He was a dickhead. Yes, he came on strong. But Holy Jeebus!!
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I mean, it was over-the-top bitch fest for the next 3-5 chapters. And it got more than a little irritating. Especially since . I get. I get. You hate him because he rubs you the wrong way. No need to constantly remind us.

There were moments of truly great parts in this book (or else it would stay solidly at a two star rating for me). Like when they just suddenly reveal parts of themselves to each other in one line sentences. I thought that was pretty neat. It was like all the poison built up and let out, revealing their true inner cream cheese.

I have to tell you though. That Girl was a much…MUCH better book. Go to that one before this one. It was like two different authors wrote these stories. It was that much different.
Profile Image for Jessica Griffith.
65 reviews10 followers
November 6, 2014
So, The Game. I was a beta reader for this book and I cannot tell you how impressed I am!
After having read That Girl and being totally blown away I was anticipating this book and foaming at the mouth for it. Not only did I want to know more about Levi but I wanted to get a peek at Lynlee and Lincoln to see what happened to them after That Girl.
I was not disappointed:) To put it bluntly, Levi is a prick with a huge ego. The heroine is an ice queen with a major attitude. This is how you feel about them in the beginning. As the story progresses you start to understand them a little better and all of a sudden you are rooting for them. The writing is tight with no dragging spots and I was hooked from the very beginning. I love how Heidi incorporates the fringe characters from That Girl and I really love the surprise appearance at the end! One of my favorite characters from That Girl is back! I was totally invested in the characters and dammit, she got this non-cryer to get a little weepy at the end again. Highly recommend this book and I am already freaking out about the next book! Must read!
Profile Image for justwant2read.
896 reviews35 followers
January 3, 2015
The first half gave me a headache, all the shouting and name calling did my head in, I did not enjoy it at all. Once that stopped the rest of the story was ok, it was really your typical insta-love story, nothing different about it at all.
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,991 reviews60 followers
June 14, 2019
The Game is the second book in That Girl series and this girl might have sass and spunk but underneath it all she has a broken heart waiting to be healed. Levi and Jazzy are like an electrical storm anytime they are near each other. They each have their demons but it might just be the touch of each other that calms, soothes and heals their pain. Their story made me laugh, my heart ache and had me holding my breath. Levi at times might make you want to punch him in the face but when you peel back the layers, you will see a young man who just wants to be loved. Their story will be like a touchdown on your heart.
Profile Image for Babbling Chatter  Reads.
962 reviews31 followers
December 16, 2014
Levi Wilks is the number #1 star quarterback. Born and raised to be a champion on the field is the only game he really knows. His accomplishments are not one he can call his own because they were dreams that were created for him.

Winners are born, and champions are groomed to perfection, son."

Although he loves his younger brother, Lincoln he is envious of his happy-go-lucky spirit. When Levi is force to temporarily sit on the sidelines his eyes opens wide to what he really wants in life. A pull by a beautiful blonde is causing unexpected feelings, challenging what he knows, and making him battle for what he should want and be.

“I’m a dick. I’m a complete dick and played the biggest dick card on the face of the earth. I love you Jazzy. I fucking love you so much. I can’t live without you. I won’t live without you.”

The second book in the That Girl series and it had already filled me with so many different emotions early on in the story! Levi & Jazzy's overview on how they look at life because of events in their life makes me just want to hug and comfort them! Throw in the quick snippets of Lincoln & Lynlee (characters from That Girl (That Girl #1) ever after makes my heart melt with happiness because of what they had to overcome in their story. A 4.5 stars must-read! What are you waiting for? Pick up a copy today...like right now! ;)
Profile Image for Isha.
1,216 reviews
December 16, 2014
I was giving this great honor to Beta read this book. And I loved it.

I must admit I was a little worried that this book wouldn't live up to the first, but it didn't have to. It's its own book and its own journey and I loved every minute.

Levi, oh my dear sweet Levi. We all met him in the previous book, but we didn't get to really meet him until now. In the beginning it had a strong dislike for him, and the way he treated people. His attitude truly sucked. But as the book went on, I felt my feelings toward him change and I was totally in love with him. it was something that couldn't be helped.
Jazzy had her own set of issues, and I loved how she seemed to put those aside to be there for Levi when no one else had. She's a strong woman and I loved how she stood her ground. I loved seeing her and Lynlee rebuilding their friendship, it was a very important part of this book. It showed the growth in both of them.
HJ Bellus has become of my favorite authors in such a short amount of time. She had me at Cree and she never let me go. She's a bright light and I'm happy she's sharing it with us.
683 reviews9 followers
December 26, 2014
This is messed up for me

Ok it's not quite a three but also not a five yet four seems too high and too low. That's why I'm messed up about what to rate this.....so I'll just say a little about the overall picture.

Not everything was fleshed out enough for me to connect.....not like the first book. We get more of Levi's past but less of his voice, but still too many loose ends to complete his story like the whole story with his ex, the angels in his garden. It just felt incomplete and left you wondering.....what? Same thing with jazzy. More about the child she lost. More about her cutting history. More about her past relationships. Just something for me to understand her more. Why does she think she's responsible for the wreck she was in that killed her dad? That just felt like an excuse for someone with mental issues to explain a cutting history.....it was weak.

The story, however is good. The writing is good. I loved all the football and secondary characters. Still for everything I loved about the book, I still needed something more for me to love this read.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,468 reviews292 followers
December 29, 2014
**4.5 "You're Gonna Give Me Hemorrhoids" Stars**

This one started out weird for me...I heart assholes but Levi was coming outta dick field with some of his comments...but right around the hemorrhoid intervention given by their referee I fell hard. Levi has not had it easy and neither has Jazzy...both have loved deep and lost even harder, not trusting their hearts to lead them anymore...they let their lust take over.

Cuts deeper than anyone realize have a way of reopening and purging all the secrets you want to leave far behind. Love, careers and misunderstandings lead the way in this journey. A hat that started as a joke, becomes their treasure map to find their way back to the one place where they can be themselves and still be loved.

Enjoyed this installment and can't wait to read where the next road will take us.

http://www.facebook.com/twounrulygirls
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Profile Image for Chelsea.
331 reviews11 followers
March 2, 2015
So, while I didn't love this as much as 'That Girl', I did REALLY like this book. It is more typical of the NA back-and-forth drama than it's predecessor; I don't want you but I need you, I love you but I don't know how to love you etc, etc.

Really good writing and legitimate plot twists. You know sometimes you read books and you think to yourself "Really? That was totally unnecessary."? HJ manages to create suspense and heartache without any of that.

Now, as for the third book... WWHHAAATTT?! I am so excited for Jeremiah/Beau's book! Like way excited. MY only negative thing to say about this book is actually relevant to this situation. If all of these people are really Jenni's friend and new Maxton was really a bad guy, why didn't anyone say anything about it? I hope HJ redeems that in the next book. So looking forward to it.
Profile Image for Christine Stanley.
210 reviews22 followers
December 16, 2014
I just don't even know where to start with this book. I have honestly sat and thought about how to express my feelings for this book and I just can't find the words to do it justice.

This was probably my favorite read of 2014. I laughed, I cried and I squirmed about in my seat.

From the very first page on you will be completely captivated and unable to put this book down. The Author has an amazing way of making you feel as if you are actually the one living out the story. The emotional depth that has been put into this book is just incredible.

This is an absolute must read that will leave you dying for more! I can't wait to see what else HJ has up her sleeve!
1 review
February 11, 2017
No continuity.

I didn't like the two main characters in this book. He was vain and a bully and she was a doormat. There was no flow to the story. It was choppy and disconnected. No depth to the characters. I liked the first book in the series and had high hopes for this one, but it didn't deliver.
Profile Image for Shannon.
38 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2018
I came close to giving this one star, but added the second just because at least I finished the book. I suppose if I gave up on it, then it would have been one-star worthy. That being said, just because I finished it does not mean it was easy to do.

I read the first book, That Girl, in two days. I loved the writing and story so much, that after getting halfway through I searched out the next two books in the series and bought them without even reading the synopsis of them. I had such high hopes for the next book in the series.

I got through The Game in two days as well, but for the complete opposite reason - I just wanted to be done with it. This book was completely different from the first story in every aspect. The two main characters were extremely unlikeable, and that never changes. They are crude and selfish. I am by no means a prude, but the language and over-the-top sexual content made me just plain uncomfortable as I read the story. I didn't even feel that way after reading the Fifty Shades trilogy! The carelessness of Jazzy, despite all that she had been through in her early years, and the reckless, crude behavior of Levi did not make me want to root for them as a couple at all.

Having only these two books to base my opinion on, I am curious how I will feel about the author once I start the third book. I hope it's not another letdown after enjoying the first one in this series so much.
86 reviews5 followers
July 10, 2017
Likes: We find out what happened to Jazzy after Oakley/Lynlee left Wisconsin; Jazzy is a flawed, but not unlikeable character; We get a little more of Lincoln, Oakley/Lynlee, and Jenni; Jeremiah is baaaaaaaaaack! I was so intrigued by him in book 1.

Dislikes: 1) Jewels and Tiny - early in the book, there was enough information given about their relationship to pique my interest, but then, nothing is said about them for the rest of the book. 2) Rebecca - I don't understand the purpose of bringing her into the story. Another subplot that I thought was going somewhere, but ... nothing. Same with the fairie statues. 3) Levi. He had some redeeming qualities, and I felt bad for him regarding the pressure he received from his dad, but generally speaking... he was kind of a shithead. He knew he loved Jazzy, but he abandoned her like a coward. He went back for her after he left, but the women she saw him with while they were apart were never explained. I know it wouldn't be cheating, but would definitely take him from kind of a shithead to straight-up dickface.

Dislikes definitely outweight the likes. I'd give it 2.5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nancy Lovallo.
719 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2017
A Very Selfish Story

I give this book 2 stars and it because the book included Lincoln & Lynlee from "That Girl" I was hoping they would be mentioned in Levi's story. What I wasn't expecting was to find Levi to be a complete jerk and so selfish. Levi is so jealous of everything Lincoln has. A great life and a great girl. But, he pretends he doesn't want it. Than they introduce Lynlee's friend from "That Girl" Jazzy. Another selfish person who hates that her friend went out and found a good life and a great love.
I honestly skimmed a lot of it. Levi would sleep with Jazzy and than turn right back into a jerk. This goes on and on. Jazzy continues to try and blame Lynlee for everything bad that had after Lynlee left. Lincoln & Lynlee take Jazzy in and that's how they're repaid. Levi is hopeless. I couldn't stand him from beginning to end. Unless your into rude, crude and selfishness skip this book. I cannot believe it was written by the same writer of "That Girl"
Profile Image for Amy.
781 reviews18 followers
May 29, 2017
This series isn't one of my favorite of H.J. Bellus.
I found this book to be slightly better than That Girl, but not by much.
Jazzy has so many issues it's ridiculous. I don't blame her for not wanting to forgive Lynlee (btw what a stupid name, which ends up not even being her birth name). Jazzy knows she needs help, but instead of getting it, she literally cuts herself in front of her best friend. If that's not a cry or help, then I have no clue what is. Instead of Lynlee taking her to the hospital to get help, she takes her to some friends house and tells her to never do it again. Does she really think that will stop her? Of course not since she checks Jazzy's stomach in such an obvious way at least once a week. I think a lot of things would of worked out better for Jazzy and Levi if Jazzy had gotten the help she so obviously needed the first time it came up.
Instead she runs from her problems and hides a huge secret from Levi.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carey.
640 reviews79 followers
September 27, 2018
Levi was a real prick to begin with. We don’t learn too much about Jazzy right away either other than she’s been through Hell and back. Levi doesn’t seem to want to change his prickish ways. Jazzy soon shows her strong character and I began to like her. Levi started to warm my heart toward him when he made Jazzy coffee before going fishing. He showed me he was capable of sweetness.
Then we were shown the twist in Jazzy’s past and I have to admit that I was glued to this book from there on out. There’s something about discovering a strong character’s weakness and seeing the guy come to the rescue that draws me in. Readers need to be warned that there are trigger elements contained within this book.
I’m sad to see these stories end. There’s still things I want to know about the futures of the characters. I know there’s another book, but I don’t know how much of their stories we’ll get in it.
Profile Image for Sarah Beth.
252 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2018
Sometimes the scars we keep hidden hurt the most!!

Levi and Jazzy were both strong willed and headstrong but both in need of love.
This story was funny, sad and amazing!! I loved the vulnerability of Levi, he seemed so strong, perfect and in control but that was his way of protecting his heart.
Jazzy seemed to be this wild, self-assured firecracker, but that was only what she allowed the world to see. She kept her hurts, her fears and her scars hidden.
Jazzy and Levi don’t let their scars show but sometimes the ones we hide hurt the most.
I loved seeing these two slowly open up to one another. It was such an amazing and beautiful love story and I loved every minute of this book!!!
1,346 reviews6 followers
February 6, 2019
Fabulous sequel

This is the kind of book that leaves one happy and teary with joy because each Wilks brother has found the love of his life in two best friends. Lynlee and Jazzy. Each woman bears a hard luck story. While Lynlee holds the reins to book one, Jasmine and Levi fall into blazing hot passion and a rocky relationship fraught with heated words and misunderstandings. An excellent book I finished within a few hours. Right after I read book one and will read book three next.
764 reviews8 followers
March 10, 2018
Amazing

I was worried when starting this book because of how much I loved, That Girl. I questioned how it would stand up, and compete with it. Needn't worry, this book was just as amazing as the first. You want to hate Levi, but can't help but love him, Jazzie is the perfect girl. I was in tears with the ending. Read this book!
Profile Image for Cori Mcgowen.
235 reviews
October 12, 2018
😊

I really enjoyed this story even though it was completely different from Lincoln and Linlee's story. It was obvious that the story with Levi and Jazzy was going to be a struggle in a much different way than Lincoln and Linlee. Levi and Jazzy in my opinion were even more messed up. I may not have liked either of them at the beginning of the book but I grew to love them both.
Profile Image for Chrizelda Louw.
136 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2018
I just CANT get enough of HJ Bellus books. I am reading a book a day currenly ha ha.. I was more than once in tears with the story of the Wilks brothers and Jazzy. Thank you for writing as in normal living day lives and not far fetched. I truly enjoy all your books they are amazing. Thank you!!
4,809 reviews9 followers
April 8, 2019
Great story

Really enjoyed both books in the series. This one held my attention and interest more as it went into the history of both girls. Really good storyline and loved all the characters. Particularly liked the haemorrhoid joke. Recommend.
506 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2019
Wow! Fantastic book!

I really loved reading this book!! The story is a great continuation of this series. Jazzy and Levi are explosive together! So sweet and so steamy but also heartbreaking at times. Tissues may be needed!
Profile Image for Rach3975.
448 reviews8 followers
March 9, 2017
I enjoyed all 3 books in the trilogy, but this one was my least favorite because I didn't like Levi much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews

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