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Fun and Games
Bethany Rhodes is the party girl type that has no place in her life for love and romance. Recovering from a brutal attack she’s just trying to put her world back in order from the thousands of pieces it was smashed into.
Jackson Gage is a chainsaw carver with a work hard play hard kind of life style. Traveling from town to town leaves no room in his life for anyone extra, longer than the night.
Everything changes in their lives the night Bethany’s childhood friend Roxie drags her from the bars and down to the fair. It doesn’t take long before the two women land themselves front and center at Jacksons show. The way he handles his wood with grace and finesse has Bethany wanting to see more. She goes for the twist and turns of the rides but ends up taking the ride of her life.
Jackson Gage is a chainsaw carver with a work hard play hard kind of life style. Traveling from town to town leaves no room in his life for anyone extra, longer than the night.
Everything changes in their lives the night Bethany’s childhood friend Roxie drags her from the bars and down to the fair. It doesn’t take long before the two women land themselves front and center at Jacksons show. The way he handles his wood with grace and finesse has Bethany wanting to see more. She goes for the twist and turns of the rides but ends up taking the ride of her life.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2014
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49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 31, 2015
So this has just about everything you could possibly look for in a story.
Bethany lived with her partner Damian and I use the word “lived” in the loosest possible terms because what she really had was verging close to servitude. But nothing was ever good enough for Damian and he was both physically and verbally abusive – I applaud the author for not shying away from including the details of his abuse, it is not an easy subject to include in the confines of fiction but it one that will only improve when it no longer is an untold horror.
When he beat her one night so badly, she was lucky to survive and she knew it was her time to walk away- not something that would be easy but when her battered body rouses itself, this strong but battered and bruised woman took stock of her surroundings and seized the moment. Damian was out of his head drunk and had fallen into a deep drunken sleep, she gathered herself together and snuck out of the house- taking her car and fleeing into the night.
Needing attention and a friend to lean on, Bethany winds up at her friend Roxie’s house. Her friend takes one look and packs her off to the hospital. Patched up, she sets about rebuilding her life, all the time mindful that she needs to hide from Damian.
But time and tide doesn’t stand still, her life as to go on and she has to start somewhere, So with Roxie by her side she eventually gets herself back into the big bad world and starts to take the much needed steps to reclaiming her life and more importantly her future, they head off to the fair.
Just one look and she knew that there was something about the magnificent Jackson Cage, This chainsaw carver drew her in immediately and they end up spending time together over the next few days. But a few days is not enough and before the carnival moves on, Jackson (Jax) asks Bethany to move on with him to the next festival. But where exactly does Bethany see this relationship going. That is the question?
She goes with him and they have another fabulous week but after what she went through with Damian, she is reluctant to fall into any form of relationship, well anything more than what they have now. I understood the turmoil she was facing but I also wanted her to take the bull by the horns and embrace the fact that this man wanted to be there for her. Damian was still controlling her life by the fact that her experience at his hand had her still running scared.
I have to give you some background on Jax and I will start off by saying that his ex-wife must have been batshit crazy for letting this glorious man slip through her fingers and he is just too good to have been treated the way she did and I was so cross that he too found it hard to trust because of what she had done to him. Trust is something that is vital to Jax, he is an open book with Bethany, he hides nothing and never sugar coats any of the answers that he gives to her questions, it is a refreshing trait.
Honestly I want a Jax of my own- if I could dip into the book and pluck him from the pages I would, he was divine.
The story, the setting and most of all the characters were handled with the utmost care and consideration. The descriptions were evocative and the reality of life with the carnival wasn’t glamorized, it was honest and hard hitting.
I think I can honestly say that I have no criticism at all, I really, really liked the book.
Bethany lived with her partner Damian and I use the word “lived” in the loosest possible terms because what she really had was verging close to servitude. But nothing was ever good enough for Damian and he was both physically and verbally abusive – I applaud the author for not shying away from including the details of his abuse, it is not an easy subject to include in the confines of fiction but it one that will only improve when it no longer is an untold horror.
When he beat her one night so badly, she was lucky to survive and she knew it was her time to walk away- not something that would be easy but when her battered body rouses itself, this strong but battered and bruised woman took stock of her surroundings and seized the moment. Damian was out of his head drunk and had fallen into a deep drunken sleep, she gathered herself together and snuck out of the house- taking her car and fleeing into the night.
Needing attention and a friend to lean on, Bethany winds up at her friend Roxie’s house. Her friend takes one look and packs her off to the hospital. Patched up, she sets about rebuilding her life, all the time mindful that she needs to hide from Damian.
But time and tide doesn’t stand still, her life as to go on and she has to start somewhere, So with Roxie by her side she eventually gets herself back into the big bad world and starts to take the much needed steps to reclaiming her life and more importantly her future, they head off to the fair.
Just one look and she knew that there was something about the magnificent Jackson Cage, This chainsaw carver drew her in immediately and they end up spending time together over the next few days. But a few days is not enough and before the carnival moves on, Jackson (Jax) asks Bethany to move on with him to the next festival. But where exactly does Bethany see this relationship going. That is the question?
She goes with him and they have another fabulous week but after what she went through with Damian, she is reluctant to fall into any form of relationship, well anything more than what they have now. I understood the turmoil she was facing but I also wanted her to take the bull by the horns and embrace the fact that this man wanted to be there for her. Damian was still controlling her life by the fact that her experience at his hand had her still running scared.
I have to give you some background on Jax and I will start off by saying that his ex-wife must have been batshit crazy for letting this glorious man slip through her fingers and he is just too good to have been treated the way she did and I was so cross that he too found it hard to trust because of what she had done to him. Trust is something that is vital to Jax, he is an open book with Bethany, he hides nothing and never sugar coats any of the answers that he gives to her questions, it is a refreshing trait.
Honestly I want a Jax of my own- if I could dip into the book and pluck him from the pages I would, he was divine.
The story, the setting and most of all the characters were handled with the utmost care and consideration. The descriptions were evocative and the reality of life with the carnival wasn’t glamorized, it was honest and hard hitting.
I think I can honestly say that I have no criticism at all, I really, really liked the book.
September 16, 2015
I completely loved this book! It captivated me from the start and it was so difficult to put it down to make dinner, do laundry and other silly household chores. The storyline was fantastic. No holes and it wrapped up nicely. Questions that popped up were answered along the way and the relationship between the two main characters, Jax and Bethany, was done superbly!
Bethany is an incredible character. I love that she grew throughout the book as well as had her moments of weakness. It’s understandable for her to have those moments though when you look at her life and what she went through with her stupid ex-husband. The ex-husband was very physically abusive and there are scenes where his abuse is detailed. The abuse is also not made light of; it’s taken very seriously throughout the book. You’ll love watching Bethany grow from a scared woman to a woman who can trust and find love again.
Jax is complex in his own way. He’s got his share of demons too that he fights, namely trusting another woman after his ex-wife did a doozy on him. I enjoyed watching him fight his feelings for Bethany. I also love how open and honest he is with her; he tells her several times he’ll tell her the truth all she has to do is ask the question. I wish more real people would be that way. You’ll fall in love with Jax and want to re-visit him over and over.
As a whole, I loved the book. The details to the carnival lifestyle were terrific. I felt like I was in the carnival myself with all the wonderful descriptions and information that are given. I also enjoyed that the author didn’t make life on the road seem more glamorous that it is. The end of the book was done nicely, although I am wondering if it was set up as a cliffhanger and if there’s another book coming soon.
Do yourself a huge favor and pick up a copy of this book today! You will love it!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
Bethany is an incredible character. I love that she grew throughout the book as well as had her moments of weakness. It’s understandable for her to have those moments though when you look at her life and what she went through with her stupid ex-husband. The ex-husband was very physically abusive and there are scenes where his abuse is detailed. The abuse is also not made light of; it’s taken very seriously throughout the book. You’ll love watching Bethany grow from a scared woman to a woman who can trust and find love again.
Jax is complex in his own way. He’s got his share of demons too that he fights, namely trusting another woman after his ex-wife did a doozy on him. I enjoyed watching him fight his feelings for Bethany. I also love how open and honest he is with her; he tells her several times he’ll tell her the truth all she has to do is ask the question. I wish more real people would be that way. You’ll fall in love with Jax and want to re-visit him over and over.
As a whole, I loved the book. The details to the carnival lifestyle were terrific. I felt like I was in the carnival myself with all the wonderful descriptions and information that are given. I also enjoyed that the author didn’t make life on the road seem more glamorous that it is. The end of the book was done nicely, although I am wondering if it was set up as a cliffhanger and if there’s another book coming soon.
Do yourself a huge favor and pick up a copy of this book today! You will love it!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
May 29, 2015
Bethany Roads is a girl who barely escaped and abusive relationship with her life. Her boyfriend, Damian, beat her very badly and fell asleep drunk. She came to and got past him pasted out and got in her car and fled. She wound up on her friends doorstep. Roxie was her saving grace and she took her to the hospital. Now she tries to hide from Damian and start her life over. She loves to party and Roxie wants her to be smart and safe. They go to a fair where she sees a chainsaw carver, Jackson Gage. She finds him so attractive and he notices her and invites her to come back after the show. He winds up seeing him a couple times during his stay. He wants her to come with him to his next festival so they can get to know each other better. She decides to go with him and they spend a wonderful week together. She doesn't want it to end but she sees not future for them. After her divorce from Damian she really didn't want a relationship. She finds she is getting closer to Jackson but she doesn't know if she can trust him. This book does contain profanity and sex scenes so it isn't for everyone. The story is great I couldn't put it down. Go with Jackson and Bethany on their quest to fight their own demons and each other and as Jackson tries to keep her safe from Damian. I can't wait for the next book.
May 17, 2015
Fun and games is a sexy story of a woman, Bethany Roads, starting a new life and a man, Jackson Gage, hiding from his life. The story was intriguing and different from a lot of the erotica romance stories I have read in the past. The relationship was hot from the start and only heated up as things went on. There was also a good sense of realism and drama with the story line. Over all it was a great story to read and I enjoyed it very much.
If I had one complaint it is that it does need another run through with an editor. There were some distracting editing issues and errors, but they could be over looked in light of the interesting story. I look forward to seeing what Alissa puts out next!
If I had one complaint it is that it does need another run through with an editor. There were some distracting editing issues and errors, but they could be over looked in light of the interesting story. I look forward to seeing what Alissa puts out next!
May 30, 2015
*** Reviewed for Hooked on Books ***
Fun and Games - Alissa Rose 4.5 stars
Bethany is trying to keep her traumatic past behind her and move on, when out at a fair with her best friend Roxie she meets the gorgeous Jax and sparks really begin to fly, can she make a go of it with Jax and will her past finally catch up with her ?
Right from the first page I was completely captivated and transported straight into Bethany's life - this was a fairly short read and I just had to read this in one session - this is a hard one to put down.
I really loved this book, from the strong friendship bond Bethany has with Roxie to the romance, suspense and hot steamy scenes. All in all a really great read that I highly recommend, I will be looking out for more books from Alissa Rose.
Fun and Games - Alissa Rose 4.5 stars
Bethany is trying to keep her traumatic past behind her and move on, when out at a fair with her best friend Roxie she meets the gorgeous Jax and sparks really begin to fly, can she make a go of it with Jax and will her past finally catch up with her ?
Right from the first page I was completely captivated and transported straight into Bethany's life - this was a fairly short read and I just had to read this in one session - this is a hard one to put down.
I really loved this book, from the strong friendship bond Bethany has with Roxie to the romance, suspense and hot steamy scenes. All in all a really great read that I highly recommend, I will be looking out for more books from Alissa Rose.
May 31, 2015
Fun and Games - Alissa Rose 4.5 stars
Bethany is trying to keep her traumatic past behind her and move on, when out at a fair with her best friend Roxie she meets the gorgeous Jax and sparks really begin to fly, can she make a go of it with Jax and will her past finally catch up with her ?
Right from the first page I was completely captivated and transported straight into Bethany's life - this was a fairly short read and I just had to read this in one session - this is a hard one to put down.
I really loved this book, from the strong friendship bond Bethany has with Roxie to the romance, suspense and hot steamy scenes. All in all a really great read that I highly recommend, I will be looking out for more books from Alissa Rose.
June 2, 2016
Ok this book really kept me on the look out for so many things. Jax what can I say where the hell is all of the men like him hiding. He held my heart the way he treated and held on to Bethany no matter what. High or low he always held hope when Bethany wasn't sure. I loved how this book would lead you up to omg no and OMG why are you thinking like you are Bethany. But to surprise how much is packed into this 1 book. Sheew I think it could use another just because I wanna know more after the ending cause I really feel like there could be more. But it ended great. No cliffhanger thts the best part. I read this book in 2 days and I normally try to savor it but I needed more. But a great read keep up the amazing work and I love my carved bear :)
March 8, 2015
Fun and Games
This book had its moments with keeping any person reading it on the edge of their seats. Bethany and Jackson meeting the way they did and showing true feelings for each other as the book moves forward. Bethany having her best friend Roxi around to support her through the good and bad helped her even more with the doubts she had. The ex husband Damian is part of a love triangle he will never break so to speak. He lost his moment with Bethany and will never get that back. I recommend Fun and Games for any reader who likes suspense and romance all mixed into one book. keep a look out for the sequel to see what else is in-store for Bethany and Jackson.
This book had its moments with keeping any person reading it on the edge of their seats. Bethany and Jackson meeting the way they did and showing true feelings for each other as the book moves forward. Bethany having her best friend Roxi around to support her through the good and bad helped her even more with the doubts she had. The ex husband Damian is part of a love triangle he will never break so to speak. He lost his moment with Bethany and will never get that back. I recommend Fun and Games for any reader who likes suspense and romance all mixed into one book. keep a look out for the sequel to see what else is in-store for Bethany and Jackson.
June 30, 2016
Incredible!! It has been a while since I have read a book that had me on edge so often... the very realistic setting of Fun and Games wrapped me from chapter one. I found myself smiling, even laughing, upset and angry with a racing heart all throughout the book from beginning to end. I am very excited to see where Jackson and Bethany end up. Hands down one of the best books I have read. Great job Alissa!!
November 16, 2015
Bethany has escaped her abusive past and is living on her own. She is happy, has her best friend, and is not making any commitments.
Jax is happy traveling from city to city. He doesn't do commitment.
Together they decide to give each other a chance and see where it leads.
There are plenty of twists, drama, and sexy scenes.
Jax is happy traveling from city to city. He doesn't do commitment.
Together they decide to give each other a chance and see where it leads.
There are plenty of twists, drama, and sexy scenes.
May 15, 2016
Bethany is a domestic abuse survivor, barely. She gets away and starts to build a life away from her crazy ex. She sets her eyes on Jackson one night at a fair and you can't stop reading from there. It is intense, hot, and it pulls you in right away.
I loved this book and can not wait to read the next!!
I loved this book and can not wait to read the next!!
June 7, 2015
a great book! I cannot wait for the next one! I have added Jax to my BBF! I am so interested in seeing if he's going to get his turn with Damien! Bethany really deserves happiness but I have a feeling they are going to have to fight for it!
June 10, 2016
Love Alissa. She is such an awesome author
May 30, 2015
☆☆Reviewed for Hooked On Books ☆ ☆
I gave this book 4.5 stars!
Review in progress!
I gave this book 4.5 stars!
Review in progress!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews