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Wicked Games
She’s always done what she had to. Now, she’s doing what she never dared—choosing herself.
Willow is a survivor. Raised in the foster system and shaped by a lifetime of bad breaks, she’s made more wrong choices than she can count, but every one of them kept her alive. When her bad decisions finally land her in the worst trouble yet, she is facing the unthinkable—jail time—Willow does something she’s never done she puts herself first.
Determined to rewrite her story, she accepts a second chance to start over. But starting over isn’t so simple, especially when two very different men step into her path. Blake is calm, magnetic, and composed, everything Willow never believed she deserved. He offers safety, direction, and a future she never thought possible. Then there’s Braxton, rough around the edges, honest in a way that cuts deep, and a painful reminder of the past she’s desperate to leave behind.
As emotions tangle and old wounds resurface, Willow finds herself caught between what feels safe and what feels real. But when survival is all you’ve ever known, can you really learn how to trust?
Wicked Games is a raw, emotional journey of betrayal, self-worth, and the heartache of choosing between who you were and who you want to become.
Willow is a survivor. Raised in the foster system and shaped by a lifetime of bad breaks, she’s made more wrong choices than she can count, but every one of them kept her alive. When her bad decisions finally land her in the worst trouble yet, she is facing the unthinkable—jail time—Willow does something she’s never done she puts herself first.
Determined to rewrite her story, she accepts a second chance to start over. But starting over isn’t so simple, especially when two very different men step into her path. Blake is calm, magnetic, and composed, everything Willow never believed she deserved. He offers safety, direction, and a future she never thought possible. Then there’s Braxton, rough around the edges, honest in a way that cuts deep, and a painful reminder of the past she’s desperate to leave behind.
As emotions tangle and old wounds resurface, Willow finds herself caught between what feels safe and what feels real. But when survival is all you’ve ever known, can you really learn how to trust?
Wicked Games is a raw, emotional journey of betrayal, self-worth, and the heartache of choosing between who you were and who you want to become.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2025
1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 11, 2026
Wicked Games is a debut novel—it has a good premise and potential, however, I felt disconnected. Sometimes, I didn't know which day it was until one of the characters jotted something down in their notebook. The surroundings felt stage-like—like I was one of the spectators on the set of a TV series in production, if that makes any sense.
Transported from "room to room," I had no inkling where I was. Was I in America, Australia, or the U.K.? Another country? Or a fictional city? I couldn't tell you. There was nothing distinctive about the places; they were all very vague. Hence, the disconnection.
It was hard for me to relate to or connect with the characters. Yes, Willow (FMC) has been through hell and back; to her, she was not a priority. But now, Willow is taking charge of her life—putting herself first, which is admirable.
There were inconsistencies with Willow's character; I noticed a sudden shift in her demeanour about halfway through the book. Her actions and character didn't match how she acted from the get-go—it was so out of character. From the way she treated Braxton (one of the main characters) to her smoking out of the blue. Taken aback, it was only mentioned once in a scene, and it was more than 50% in.
I didn't realise that one of the characters (her foster brother) was a kid until it was described in one scene. Also, throughout the book, I picked up repetitiveness.
I know it seems like I am nitpicking, but Hope Everly is a good writer, and I have a feeling that over time, she will hone her writing technique skills.
Also, please note that these are my *personal views* and not an attack on the author. I was debating whether I should write this review or not, especially when there are quite a few 4-5 star raving reviews. If you read this book and loved it, that's amazing! Unfortunately, it just didn't hit the spot for me, and that is completely fine.
What to expect:
- Debut novel
- Series
- Dark themes/atmosphere
- Forbidden
- Healing
- Foster siblings
- Love triangle (?)
- Therapist MMC
Transported from "room to room," I had no inkling where I was. Was I in America, Australia, or the U.K.? Another country? Or a fictional city? I couldn't tell you. There was nothing distinctive about the places; they were all very vague. Hence, the disconnection.
It was hard for me to relate to or connect with the characters. Yes, Willow (FMC) has been through hell and back; to her, she was not a priority. But now, Willow is taking charge of her life—putting herself first, which is admirable.
There were inconsistencies with Willow's character; I noticed a sudden shift in her demeanour about halfway through the book. Her actions and character didn't match how she acted from the get-go—it was so out of character. From the way she treated Braxton (one of the main characters) to her smoking out of the blue. Taken aback, it was only mentioned once in a scene, and it was more than 50% in.
I didn't realise that one of the characters (her foster brother) was a kid until it was described in one scene. Also, throughout the book, I picked up repetitiveness.
I know it seems like I am nitpicking, but Hope Everly is a good writer, and I have a feeling that over time, she will hone her writing technique skills.
Also, please note that these are my *personal views* and not an attack on the author. I was debating whether I should write this review or not, especially when there are quite a few 4-5 star raving reviews. If you read this book and loved it, that's amazing! Unfortunately, it just didn't hit the spot for me, and that is completely fine.
What to expect:
- Debut novel
- Series
- Dark themes/atmosphere
- Forbidden
- Healing
- Foster siblings
- Love triangle (?)
- Therapist MMC
October 19, 2025
Wicked Games is an absolute gem! From page one, I was hooked on Willow's story. She's a foster kid about to age out of the system, and it's a real rollercoaster as she tries to navigate life while making some tough choices just to survive. When she finally decides to prioritize herself, everything changes-she finds herself pulled in two different directions by two intriguing guys. One represents safety, while the other dives into her chaotic past.
Hope Everly's writing is so immersive that I felt every bump along Willow's journey. She's not perfect, but that's what makes her relatable and so inspiring. The dynamic between her and the love interests is seriously engaging, adding depth to the whole thing.
This isn't just about romance; it's about resilience and the journey to embrace who you are. If you're looking for a heartfelt story that balances tough moments with hints of hope, you'll want to pick this one up. I can't wait for the next book!
Hope Everly's writing is so immersive that I felt every bump along Willow's journey. She's not perfect, but that's what makes her relatable and so inspiring. The dynamic between her and the love interests is seriously engaging, adding depth to the whole thing.
This isn't just about romance; it's about resilience and the journey to embrace who you are. If you're looking for a heartfelt story that balances tough moments with hints of hope, you'll want to pick this one up. I can't wait for the next book!
September 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
an interesting story filled with difficult situations and rising above them.
Willow has gone through a lot of difficult moments in life and after a run in with the law she does everything she can to turn her life around, and better not only her life but her brothers.
love triangles and a past that refuses to let her go, this book will put you through many emotions, its raw, its real and its filled with emotion.
an interesting story filled with difficult situations and rising above them.
Willow has gone through a lot of difficult moments in life and after a run in with the law she does everything she can to turn her life around, and better not only her life but her brothers.
love triangles and a past that refuses to let her go, this book will put you through many emotions, its raw, its real and its filled with emotion.
November 30, 2025
Wicked Games is a raw, emotional journey that grips you from the first page. It follows Willow, a foster kid aging out of the system, who has made every wrong choice for the right reason—survival. But when those choices catch up to her, she faces a moment that changes everything: for the first time, she chooses herself.
This second chance brings two very different men into her life. One offers a glimpse into a future she never believed she deserved—stable, safe, and full of possibility. The other represents the world she’s fought to escape, yet he sees her in a way no one else ever has.
Torn between comfort and truth, between safety and something far more dangerous, Willow is forced to confront the hardest question of all—can she trust herself when trust has only ever left her broken?
Gritty, heartfelt, and beautifully vulnerable, Wicked Games is not just a romance—it’s a story of survival, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to rewrite your own story.
This second chance brings two very different men into her life. One offers a glimpse into a future she never believed she deserved—stable, safe, and full of possibility. The other represents the world she’s fought to escape, yet he sees her in a way no one else ever has.
Torn between comfort and truth, between safety and something far more dangerous, Willow is forced to confront the hardest question of all—can she trust herself when trust has only ever left her broken?
Gritty, heartfelt, and beautifully vulnerable, Wicked Games is not just a romance—it’s a story of survival, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to rewrite your own story.
January 17, 2026
Wicked Games by Hope Everly is more than just a story; it’s an emotional journey that quietly unfolds through Willow’s experiences. While many readers will empathise with her struggles, there’s a raw authenticity to Willow that allows certain readers to connect with her on a far deeper level.
Willow isn’t written as a flawless heroine; she’s layered, vulnerable, and profoundly human. Her internal battles, the way she questions her worth, and the guarded yet hopeful way she approaches relationships all reveal a character shaped by pain but still reaching for something better. It’s in her interactions with others that her true depth shines; every connection exposes another side of her strength, fragility, and resilience.
What makes Willow stand out is how real she feels. Her growth is subtle rather than dramatic, and her emotional responses never feel forced or exaggerated. Instead, they echo the quiet, complicated ways people carry their past while trying to move forward. That honesty is what makes her journey so impactful.
I’m genuinely invested in Willow’s path and eager to see how her story continues to evolve. Hope Everly has created a character who lingers long after the final page; complex, relatable, and deeply memorable.
Willow isn’t written as a flawless heroine; she’s layered, vulnerable, and profoundly human. Her internal battles, the way she questions her worth, and the guarded yet hopeful way she approaches relationships all reveal a character shaped by pain but still reaching for something better. It’s in her interactions with others that her true depth shines; every connection exposes another side of her strength, fragility, and resilience.
What makes Willow stand out is how real she feels. Her growth is subtle rather than dramatic, and her emotional responses never feel forced or exaggerated. Instead, they echo the quiet, complicated ways people carry their past while trying to move forward. That honesty is what makes her journey so impactful.
I’m genuinely invested in Willow’s path and eager to see how her story continues to evolve. Hope Everly has created a character who lingers long after the final page; complex, relatable, and deeply memorable.
November 18, 2025
The ending had me screaming at the book.
I loved this story from start to finish. It follows Willow as she navigates life in the foster system and the things she has had to do and become to survive.
After she is given a second chance she is filled with hope to better herself and help her foster brother. Two seemly different men then enter her life at the most imperfectly perfect time, as her past try's to chase her down.
This story was emotionally driven and raw. It felt realistic and hard hitting and I found myself walking in her shoes.
Hopes writing was raw, emotional and powerful, leaving me emersed in the story and the characters. I found myself thinking about Willow, Braxton and Blake throughout the day and even now as I have finished the book I find my mind drifting back to them.
I can not wait to pick up book 2 and find out how their stories play out.
If you love raw, emotionally driven dark romances with complex realistic characters than this is a must.
That ending though! I am not okay!
I loved this story from start to finish. It follows Willow as she navigates life in the foster system and the things she has had to do and become to survive.
After she is given a second chance she is filled with hope to better herself and help her foster brother. Two seemly different men then enter her life at the most imperfectly perfect time, as her past try's to chase her down.
This story was emotionally driven and raw. It felt realistic and hard hitting and I found myself walking in her shoes.
Hopes writing was raw, emotional and powerful, leaving me emersed in the story and the characters. I found myself thinking about Willow, Braxton and Blake throughout the day and even now as I have finished the book I find my mind drifting back to them.
I can not wait to pick up book 2 and find out how their stories play out.
If you love raw, emotionally driven dark romances with complex realistic characters than this is a must.
That ending though! I am not okay!
February 23, 2026
I'm a Braxton girly 😉
Wicked Games follows 17yo Willow, whos trying to navigate life in her foster home, looking after Noah and trying to get by when she gets caught up with the wrong crowd but does what she needs to do to get by.
After getting into trouble, she is determined to right her wrongs and make a life for herself.
Two completely different men are then fighting for her attention, who will she choose? Who knows because this book left me on the edge of my seat and ended on a cliff hanger 🤯🫣
Wicked Games follows 17yo Willow, whos trying to navigate life in her foster home, looking after Noah and trying to get by when she gets caught up with the wrong crowd but does what she needs to do to get by.
After getting into trouble, she is determined to right her wrongs and make a life for herself.
Two completely different men are then fighting for her attention, who will she choose? Who knows because this book left me on the edge of my seat and ended on a cliff hanger 🤯🫣
July 26, 2025
A powerful and gritty story. It was so moving too!
Everly wove a spell of compassion for her FMC Willow, and an excitement for Willow to find love. ❤️
Everly wove a spell of compassion for her FMC Willow, and an excitement for Willow to find love. ❤️
October 8, 2025
An interesting story, with an intriguing dynamic. We follow the life of Willow, who is fighting to survive in a system trying to tear her down.
After being caught on the wrong side of the law, she meets two men who start to show her she can be worthy.
From the very beginning I had strong views about which one I preferred, and I found Willow to be frustrating at times. But her resolve and fight shined through.
The plot of the book kept me pushing through some moments and the ending… I’m glad I could jump straight into the second book.
After being caught on the wrong side of the law, she meets two men who start to show her she can be worthy.
From the very beginning I had strong views about which one I preferred, and I found Willow to be frustrating at times. But her resolve and fight shined through.
The plot of the book kept me pushing through some moments and the ending… I’m glad I could jump straight into the second book.
August 16, 2025
I loved reading Hope’s book. The way she brought the characters to life is incredible, their emotions feel so real that you can’t help but feel them too. She’s done an amazing job showing the characters’ development and making them feel authentic. The dynamics between Willow and Blake/Braxton are engaging and add so much depth to the story. Willow is such a fighter, even if she doesn’t see it herself, and it’s inspiring to see her navigate everything that comes her way.
It’s a powerful, intense story, and I can’t wait to read the next book 💖
It’s a powerful, intense story, and I can’t wait to read the next book 💖
January 1, 2026
I recently stumbled upon Hope through some insta give away pages and quickly realised she was a Perth author! Of course I had to take a dive into her world as soon as I could!
Wicked games had me hooked from the very beginning! Willow was the girl so easily taken advantage of just for want/need to survive and that pained me! I always want to punch people through the book when bad things happen to nice people.
Blake, well a few red flags from the get go but I do understand the need to be needed/desired when you’ve faced nothing but hell through life!
Braxton… well let’s just say he stole my heart from that very first interaction! Everyone needs a braxton in their lives
This book was just great, the banter between willow and Brax was so funny and down to earth and I can’t wait to read more of their story!
Wicked games had me hooked from the very beginning! Willow was the girl so easily taken advantage of just for want/need to survive and that pained me! I always want to punch people through the book when bad things happen to nice people.
Blake, well a few red flags from the get go but I do understand the need to be needed/desired when you’ve faced nothing but hell through life!
Braxton… well let’s just say he stole my heart from that very first interaction! Everyone needs a braxton in their lives
This book was just great, the banter between willow and Brax was so funny and down to earth and I can’t wait to read more of their story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2025
Wicked Games is a deeply emotional story about survival, self-worth, and the courage it takes to choose yourself.
Willow’s life has not been easy and her choices reflect a lifetime of doing what she needed to in order to survive. When everything falls apart, she finally decides to put herself first, and that decision changes everything.
As Blake and Braxton enter her world, Willow is faced with the complexity of connection, trust, and vulnerability. Ethical lines blur, friendships grow, and each choice carries both comfort and consequence.
This story is bittersweet and beautifully written. I felt every moment of Willow’s struggle and resilience. Her journey touched something deep within me and my Mumma heart ached for her. By the end, I was left both teary and heartbroken.
I received this book as an ARC and this review reflects my genuine thoughts and feelings.
Willow’s life has not been easy and her choices reflect a lifetime of doing what she needed to in order to survive. When everything falls apart, she finally decides to put herself first, and that decision changes everything.
As Blake and Braxton enter her world, Willow is faced with the complexity of connection, trust, and vulnerability. Ethical lines blur, friendships grow, and each choice carries both comfort and consequence.
This story is bittersweet and beautifully written. I felt every moment of Willow’s struggle and resilience. Her journey touched something deep within me and my Mumma heart ached for her. By the end, I was left both teary and heartbroken.
I received this book as an ARC and this review reflects my genuine thoughts and feelings.
November 6, 2025
Willow is a strong, courageous woman who has learnt to depend on herself. Growing up in the foster system with no one to depend on but herself, has made it hard to trust others.
Willow meets Blake and Braxton along the way and finds herself in a situation where she can't find her way.
Blake is sophisticated and polished and makes her feel safe.
Braxton is annoying and fun and see her in a way no one has before.
Can Willow open herself up to trust them and depend on them or will they leave and lie like everyone else?
This is about courage, resilience, hope, trust and love. If you're ready for an emotional ride this is the book for you!
Willow meets Blake and Braxton along the way and finds herself in a situation where she can't find her way.
Blake is sophisticated and polished and makes her feel safe.
Braxton is annoying and fun and see her in a way no one has before.
Can Willow open herself up to trust them and depend on them or will they leave and lie like everyone else?
This is about courage, resilience, hope, trust and love. If you're ready for an emotional ride this is the book for you!
August 22, 2025
Some books don’t just tell a story, they make you feel like you’re walking hand in hand with the characters, carrying their pain, their hope & their fight. Wicked Games was exactly that kind of experience for me.
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into Willow’s world—a place that is raw, chaotic & heavy with struggles, yet somehow glimmers with the tiniest sparks of hope. The way her story unfolds feels heartbreakingly real. It’s not just about survival, it’s about learning what it means to hold on when the world keeps trying to break you apart. Isn’t that something we’ve all felt at some point? That desperation of wanting to be seen, to be loved & to believe that life can be more than just pain?
What struck me most was how the book balanced the darkness with moments of fragile beauty. Willow as a character touched me deeply—not because she was perfect, but because she wasn’t. Her flaws, her fears, her quiet strength—they all made her feel human. She was both broken & brave, fragile & fierce, & that combination made her unforgettable. Her bond with Noah was proof that love, no matter how scarred, can still survive trauma. It may change shape, it may ache with old wounds, but it never truly disappears.
The author’s writing is vivid & immersive—you don’t just read the scenes, you live them. Every alleyway, every broken home, every sharp inhale of fear is painted so clearly that it lingers in your chest & yet, amidst all of that, there is an undeniable heartbeat of resilience running through the book.
There were moments where I felt my heart clench, moments that made me ache, but also moments that made me want to reach into the pages & hug Willow for her bravery. The story reminded me that survival isn’t just existing—it’s believing, even in the smallest ways, that there’s more to life than just pain.
This isn’t just a story—it’s a reminder that even in the darkest corners, hope can survive. & for me, that’s what made this book so powerful & so personal. If you’ve ever felt lost, unheard, or just searching for a story that makes you believe in second chances, this book will stay with you.
Must read!!
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into Willow’s world—a place that is raw, chaotic & heavy with struggles, yet somehow glimmers with the tiniest sparks of hope. The way her story unfolds feels heartbreakingly real. It’s not just about survival, it’s about learning what it means to hold on when the world keeps trying to break you apart. Isn’t that something we’ve all felt at some point? That desperation of wanting to be seen, to be loved & to believe that life can be more than just pain?
What struck me most was how the book balanced the darkness with moments of fragile beauty. Willow as a character touched me deeply—not because she was perfect, but because she wasn’t. Her flaws, her fears, her quiet strength—they all made her feel human. She was both broken & brave, fragile & fierce, & that combination made her unforgettable. Her bond with Noah was proof that love, no matter how scarred, can still survive trauma. It may change shape, it may ache with old wounds, but it never truly disappears.
The author’s writing is vivid & immersive—you don’t just read the scenes, you live them. Every alleyway, every broken home, every sharp inhale of fear is painted so clearly that it lingers in your chest & yet, amidst all of that, there is an undeniable heartbeat of resilience running through the book.
There were moments where I felt my heart clench, moments that made me ache, but also moments that made me want to reach into the pages & hug Willow for her bravery. The story reminded me that survival isn’t just existing—it’s believing, even in the smallest ways, that there’s more to life than just pain.
This isn’t just a story—it’s a reminder that even in the darkest corners, hope can survive. & for me, that’s what made this book so powerful & so personal. If you’ve ever felt lost, unheard, or just searching for a story that makes you believe in second chances, this book will stay with you.
Must read!!
September 10, 2025
I am blown away that this is Hopes debut novel. This book sucked me in from the beginning and I finished it within a day. It was dark, raw, emotional and gritty. The way Hope bought the characters to life was just amazing.
I do need book 2 now though. I need to know....
I do need book 2 now though. I need to know....
August 12, 2025
Wicked Games is the start of a trilogy following Willow, a young woman who’s had a rough upbringing, bouncing between foster homes and relying on so-called “friends” just to get by. When she’s caught in the middle of a heist, her real story begins.
It’s here that Willow meets Blake and Braxton two very different men from very different paths. Both are drawn to her, but they treat her in completely different ways. The problem? Willow doesn’t trust easily, so she can’t see it at first.
This book focuses heavily on building the foundations not just of the relationships, but of Willow’s own journey in learning to trust and open her heart again. It’s less about high drama or spice (this one is very low-spice) and more about slow-burn character and emotional development.
Be warned it ends on a cliffhanger, with two more books to come. I’m ready to dive into the next instalment to see where Willow’s choices take her.
Highly recommend if you enjoy emotional development and low-spice romance.
It’s here that Willow meets Blake and Braxton two very different men from very different paths. Both are drawn to her, but they treat her in completely different ways. The problem? Willow doesn’t trust easily, so she can’t see it at first.
This book focuses heavily on building the foundations not just of the relationships, but of Willow’s own journey in learning to trust and open her heart again. It’s less about high drama or spice (this one is very low-spice) and more about slow-burn character and emotional development.
Be warned it ends on a cliffhanger, with two more books to come. I’m ready to dive into the next instalment to see where Willow’s choices take her.
Highly recommend if you enjoy emotional development and low-spice romance.
August 15, 2025
An emotional novel that pulled at my heartstrings, I wanted to inside the story just to give Willow a hug. There are two love interests that were both so endearing in their own way, I found myself rooting for both! Can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
March 26, 2026
I absolutely loved this book and wish to thank the author, Hope (who I asked to surprise me when I ordered one of her books) for wowing me with this super impressive debut! The story follows Willow, who grew up in foster care, mixed up with delinquent peers and running from her past trauma. Now Willow’s ready to turn her life around and make a better future for herself and her younger brother. I particularly enjoyed this aspect of her character and the “juvie” feels that encompass her vulnerability and resilience. But when a mistake she can’t run from lands her in therapy, Willow becomes entangled in a complicated attraction with her therapist, Blake, who is immediately drawn to her and finds himself wrestling between their chemistry and his professional boundaries. Then Willow meets Braxton in a rehabilitation program, a bad boy with whom she shares a similar past. I love a good love triangle, and the lusty forbidden vibes she feels with Blake are further complicated by the reckless attraction she shares with Braxton. There is some spice in this story but for some reason I thought there would be a lot more of it (as most dark romances I’ve read are full on smut not that I’m complaining! Haha) having said that, the spicy moments in this story were well written with plenty of slow burn tension leading up. And that ending… holy crap! 😱😭 I hope karma comes into play in the next books which I can’t wait to dive into. For those looking for slow burn, forbidden love vibes with raw and punchy storytelling, I would definitely recommend!
March 31, 2026
Foster teen Willow has a pretty crappy upbringing. Her foster Mom-Barb is abusive, spends all of her foster kids’ money on gambling, smokes and anything but what the kids need. Willow resides with Barb, but is on the streets more than home, except to help her foster brother, Noah.
Willow’s only friends and protection on the streets are Blaze and Razor. Willow is a survivor, and the streets are anything but kind to her. Willow catches herself in a situation where she’s facing jail time, or ratting out the two who protect her on the streets. She chooses to tell the Detective the truth, to save herself. He tells her that Razor and Blaze will be kept in jail, that she is safe. The judge sentences her to Community Service and counselling.
This brings two men into her life-her counsellor Blake, and fellow community service member Braxton. Blake brings out things Willow has never thought or experienced before, while Braxton is a bit of a bad boy, who wants to get to know her and be part of her world.
Hope takes you on a journey in this one, and I didn’t know what was going to happen next. You feel right along with Willow, and for Noah. Barb is really something! She shouldn’t have foster kids at all! I’m going to go out there and say neither man is right for Willow! Blake is supposed to counsel her, not kiss her, while Braxton is part of a world she needs to stay far from. I can’t wait to read book 2!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Willow’s only friends and protection on the streets are Blaze and Razor. Willow is a survivor, and the streets are anything but kind to her. Willow catches herself in a situation where she’s facing jail time, or ratting out the two who protect her on the streets. She chooses to tell the Detective the truth, to save herself. He tells her that Razor and Blaze will be kept in jail, that she is safe. The judge sentences her to Community Service and counselling.
This brings two men into her life-her counsellor Blake, and fellow community service member Braxton. Blake brings out things Willow has never thought or experienced before, while Braxton is a bit of a bad boy, who wants to get to know her and be part of her world.
Hope takes you on a journey in this one, and I didn’t know what was going to happen next. You feel right along with Willow, and for Noah. Barb is really something! She shouldn’t have foster kids at all! I’m going to go out there and say neither man is right for Willow! Blake is supposed to counsel her, not kiss her, while Braxton is part of a world she needs to stay far from. I can’t wait to read book 2!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
September 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. The author does such a great job of pulling you into Willow’s world and making you feel every bit of her struggle. She’s a character who has been let down so many times that you can’t help but root for her as she tries to find her footing and make choices that will finally serve her. What really stood out to me is how authentic her mistakes feel—she trusts the wrong people, gets hurt, and ends up in situations that most of us can imagine ourselves stumbling into if life kept knocking us down.
One of the most interesting parts of the story is the introduction of two very different men. Each brings something new to Willow’s journey, and while one definitely resonated with me more, I could still see why she felt pulled toward both. It creates a really addictive push-and-pull dynamic that kept me turning the pages because I needed to know who she’d lean into and how those choices would shape her future.
And then that ending… wow. The cliffhanger was brutal in the best way possible. It left me devastated but also desperate for more. I’m already counting down the days until the next book releases because I have to know what happens next. If you love stories with complex characters, difficult choices, and a healthy dose of heartbreak, this one is definitely worth picking up
One of the most interesting parts of the story is the introduction of two very different men. Each brings something new to Willow’s journey, and while one definitely resonated with me more, I could still see why she felt pulled toward both. It creates a really addictive push-and-pull dynamic that kept me turning the pages because I needed to know who she’d lean into and how those choices would shape her future.
And then that ending… wow. The cliffhanger was brutal in the best way possible. It left me devastated but also desperate for more. I’m already counting down the days until the next book releases because I have to know what happens next. If you love stories with complex characters, difficult choices, and a healthy dose of heartbreak, this one is definitely worth picking up
August 12, 2025
I ruffled his hair gently. “You know you’re the only family I have, right?” He nodded. “Just you and me.” He held out his little pinky. I linked mine with his. “You and me. Always.”
Willow's story as a foster child in the system and on the street was tough. The things she had to do to try and get by and protect her foster brother were heartbreaking.
This story had me in a chokehold from the very beginning. Willow is such a broken soul who just needs someone in her corner, and her relationship with her foster brother Noah is so sweet.
The MMC's Blake and Braxton are not perfect in this imperfect world, but they are so sweet to Willow. You see their relationships progress organically through the book. It is not all roses and sunshine as Willow is a tough nut to crack.
Just when you think poor Willow might catch a break, the author pulls the rug out from under you.
The cliffhanger ending had me reeling and asking the question, when does the next book come out?🥺
Willow's story as a foster child in the system and on the street was tough. The things she had to do to try and get by and protect her foster brother were heartbreaking.
This story had me in a chokehold from the very beginning. Willow is such a broken soul who just needs someone in her corner, and her relationship with her foster brother Noah is so sweet.
The MMC's Blake and Braxton are not perfect in this imperfect world, but they are so sweet to Willow. You see their relationships progress organically through the book. It is not all roses and sunshine as Willow is a tough nut to crack.
Just when you think poor Willow might catch a break, the author pulls the rug out from under you.
The cliffhanger ending had me reeling and asking the question, when does the next book come out?🥺
October 12, 2025
Wicked Games by Hope Everly pulled me in from the very first page. Willow’s story is powerful, painful, and deeply human — a woman learning to choose herself after a lifetime of survival. Hope writes with such honesty and emotion that you feel every moment of Willow’s struggle and every spark of hope that keeps her going.
Blake and Braxton represent two sides of her world — safety and truth — and watching her navigate that emotional storm was both heartbreaking and beautiful.
This isn’t just a love story; it’s a story of healing, courage, and self-worth. By the end, I was teary-eyed and completely in awe. If you love raw, emotional journeys about second chances and rediscovering your worth, Wicked Games is a must-read.
Blake and Braxton represent two sides of her world — safety and truth — and watching her navigate that emotional storm was both heartbreaking and beautiful.
This isn’t just a love story; it’s a story of healing, courage, and self-worth. By the end, I was teary-eyed and completely in awe. If you love raw, emotional journeys about second chances and rediscovering your worth, Wicked Games is a must-read.
April 21, 2026
This is such a great emotional story. Willow is such a strong surviver who has endured many challenges throughout her life, stuck in the foster system fighting to survive. Willow ends in some trouble and when she's given a second chance she takes it and puts herself first.
She meets two different men. Blake who is safe and embodies someone who she never thought she deserved and Braxton who is in a way familiar to her and is rough around the edges. I honestly can not choose between Blake and Braxton. I love them both!!
I am so keen to get into the next book and see what happens after that ending!! 💗💗
She meets two different men. Blake who is safe and embodies someone who she never thought she deserved and Braxton who is in a way familiar to her and is rough around the edges. I honestly can not choose between Blake and Braxton. I love them both!!
I am so keen to get into the next book and see what happens after that ending!! 💗💗
September 17, 2025
3.75 ✨️
"The beast doesn't wake for anyone. I didn't want to fix her. I wanted to possess her." - Blake MMC
This is the first book I have read by Hopes, and it was written beautifully. It kept me engaged for the whole story and had dark elements throughout.
Willow's story was quite sad with what she had to put up with in her life and what she wants to do to save her and her foster brother Noah. When she comes across Blake, she starts seeing happiness, and it gives her hope. Braxton is definitely a character in the bunch and I can't wait to find out more.
"The beast doesn't wake for anyone. I didn't want to fix her. I wanted to possess her." - Blake MMC
This is the first book I have read by Hopes, and it was written beautifully. It kept me engaged for the whole story and had dark elements throughout.
Willow's story was quite sad with what she had to put up with in her life and what she wants to do to save her and her foster brother Noah. When she comes across Blake, she starts seeing happiness, and it gives her hope. Braxton is definitely a character in the bunch and I can't wait to find out more.
October 31, 2025
4.5⭐️
I was invested and intrigued from the first page. Willow's journey is heart wrenching. She is flawed and fragile yet also fierce. Her resilience and development is written beautifully.
An emotional roller-coaster through some very dark themes and trauma. The romance is well done and adds to the complexity of these characters.
The raw emotions jump off the page and bring a depth to this story that captivates you. The cliffhanger hits hard and I can't wait for book 2!
I was invested and intrigued from the first page. Willow's journey is heart wrenching. She is flawed and fragile yet also fierce. Her resilience and development is written beautifully.
An emotional roller-coaster through some very dark themes and trauma. The romance is well done and adds to the complexity of these characters.
The raw emotions jump off the page and bring a depth to this story that captivates you. The cliffhanger hits hard and I can't wait for book 2!
August 11, 2025
Wicked Games is an addictive, emotional ride from start to finish. Hope Everly blends heat, heart, and raw vulnerability in a way that makes you feel every moment. Willow’s story is gripping, the romance is electric, and the characters stay with you long after the last page. A must-read for romance lovers.
December 24, 2025
This book was such an emotional book so if you aren't good at holding emotions tissues are needed, the amount of small plot twists have gotten me and following the main character is this book gives you so much perspective on how evil this world really can be by seeing it through someone else's eyes
August 14, 2025
A must-read for fans of thrilling, emotional romance that leaves you thinking long after the last page. Wicked Games confirms Hope Everly as a standout voice in contemporary romance.
March 22, 2026
Loved this book
Character Development for Willie was amazing.
Following her story of growing out of the justice system while also trying to navigate herself through the roller coaster of life.
I really just wanted to ignore all my responsibilities and just read
Character Development for Willie was amazing.
Following her story of growing out of the justice system while also trying to navigate herself through the roller coaster of life.
I really just wanted to ignore all my responsibilities and just read
Read
March 10, 2026Warning: this does get quite dark, and at times I needed a pause from it.
The sword on the cover makes it look like a fantasy but it's actually a dark romance.
The sword on the cover makes it look like a fantasy but it's actually a dark romance.
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