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His Wicked Game
She walked into the Game for the money, unaware the man who designed it had already chosen her as his bride.
Struggling mediator Chrissy Jones isn’t looking for adventure, she’s looking for a miracle. Between overdue hospice bills, a dying grandmother, and a family that treats her like an afterthought, she’s running out of ways to hold her world together.
So when a mysterious envelope appears on her desk inviting her to a secret Christmas retreat called the Game, with a prize large enough to save everything she loves, she says yes. She has to.
But what Chrissy doesn’t know is that the Game isn’t random, isn’t harmless, and it sure as hell isn’t designed for eighteen strangers.
It’s designed just for her.
Because the man behind it — the reclusive, scarred, impossibly dangerous billionaire Ben Stonewood — has been waiting four long years to draw Chrissy back into his orbit.
She once touched him without flinching when the whole world recoiled, and something in him broke open that day... something possessive and permanent.
Now he’s engineered a maze of tests, temptations, and rules that only one contestant will win… and Chrissy doesn’t realize she’s the only one he’s playing for.
As desire coils tighter each night of the retreat, Chrissy begins to sense the truth behind the velvet voice in the darkness, the heat in every command, the storm brewing behind every touch.
This isn’t a game. This is a claim.
And if Chrissy uncovers who “Jacob” really is, and what he intends to take from her, she’ll have to decide whether to run for her life… or walk willingly into the arms of the beast who built a kingdom just to cage her.
His Wicked Game is a Christmas dark romance Beauty and the Beast retelling filled with obsession, possession, and dangerous devotion. Please check trigger warnings before diving in.
Struggling mediator Chrissy Jones isn’t looking for adventure, she’s looking for a miracle. Between overdue hospice bills, a dying grandmother, and a family that treats her like an afterthought, she’s running out of ways to hold her world together.
So when a mysterious envelope appears on her desk inviting her to a secret Christmas retreat called the Game, with a prize large enough to save everything she loves, she says yes. She has to.
But what Chrissy doesn’t know is that the Game isn’t random, isn’t harmless, and it sure as hell isn’t designed for eighteen strangers.
It’s designed just for her.
Because the man behind it — the reclusive, scarred, impossibly dangerous billionaire Ben Stonewood — has been waiting four long years to draw Chrissy back into his orbit.
She once touched him without flinching when the whole world recoiled, and something in him broke open that day... something possessive and permanent.
Now he’s engineered a maze of tests, temptations, and rules that only one contestant will win… and Chrissy doesn’t realize she’s the only one he’s playing for.
As desire coils tighter each night of the retreat, Chrissy begins to sense the truth behind the velvet voice in the darkness, the heat in every command, the storm brewing behind every touch.
This isn’t a game. This is a claim.
And if Chrissy uncovers who “Jacob” really is, and what he intends to take from her, she’ll have to decide whether to run for her life… or walk willingly into the arms of the beast who built a kingdom just to cage her.
His Wicked Game is a Christmas dark romance Beauty and the Beast retelling filled with obsession, possession, and dangerous devotion. Please check trigger warnings before diving in.
Published December 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 6, 2026
Another masterpiece from Rose James. Billionaire stalker romance with a live Bachelor type game being played. Well written spice scenes that leave you longing!
January 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Completely Devoured This Book
His Wicked Game by Rose James was one of those books I picked up “just to start”… and then promptly ignored everything else in my life until I finished it. I absolutely devoured this story. As a modern-day dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast, it takes a familiar tale and twists it into something deliciously dangerous, seductive, and impossible to put down.
Rose James does an incredible job balancing dark romance with emotional depth. The tension between the characters is palpable from the very beginning—every interaction crackles with intensity, power shifts, and a slow-burn pull that had me holding my breath more than once. The “Beast” of this story is wicked, morally gray, and unapologetically intense, while the heroine is far from weak or passive. Watching her navigate his world, challenge him, and slowly unravel the layers beneath his darkness was incredibly satisfying.
What really stood out to me was how immersive the story felt. The atmosphere is moody, modern, and slightly unhinged in the best way. The pacing is tight, the stakes feel real, and the romance walks that perfect line between obsession and vulnerability that dark romance lovers crave. It’s sensual, sharp, and emotionally charged without ever losing sight of the characters’ growth.
If you love dark retellings, power dynamics, morally gray love interests, and romances that feel a little dangerous, His Wicked Game is an absolute must-read. This book consumed me from start to finish, and I’m already thinking about rereading it. Rose James definitely delivered—and I will be eagerly picking up more from this author.
Highly recommend. 🖤📚🔥
His Wicked Game by Rose James was one of those books I picked up “just to start”… and then promptly ignored everything else in my life until I finished it. I absolutely devoured this story. As a modern-day dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast, it takes a familiar tale and twists it into something deliciously dangerous, seductive, and impossible to put down.
Rose James does an incredible job balancing dark romance with emotional depth. The tension between the characters is palpable from the very beginning—every interaction crackles with intensity, power shifts, and a slow-burn pull that had me holding my breath more than once. The “Beast” of this story is wicked, morally gray, and unapologetically intense, while the heroine is far from weak or passive. Watching her navigate his world, challenge him, and slowly unravel the layers beneath his darkness was incredibly satisfying.
What really stood out to me was how immersive the story felt. The atmosphere is moody, modern, and slightly unhinged in the best way. The pacing is tight, the stakes feel real, and the romance walks that perfect line between obsession and vulnerability that dark romance lovers crave. It’s sensual, sharp, and emotionally charged without ever losing sight of the characters’ growth.
If you love dark retellings, power dynamics, morally gray love interests, and romances that feel a little dangerous, His Wicked Game is an absolute must-read. This book consumed me from start to finish, and I’m already thinking about rereading it. Rose James definitely delivered—and I will be eagerly picking up more from this author.
Highly recommend. 🖤📚🔥
January 9, 2026
“I’m coming for you, baby, and you're going to say yes."
“It’s always been you for me, Chrissy, ever since the first time I laid eyes on you.”
Once again another winner from Rose James!!! This one hits all the spots. I got pulled in before the first chapter ended. I devoured this... But I devour all her books.
dark modern day retelling of Beauty and the Beast? Yes please! You feel the familiarity of the classic tale but this is totally new, dark, disturbing, and absolutely scrumptious.
Ben- the Beast of the story. Very morally grey. Totally intense... And with good reason. He's everything wrong yet oh so right 😍
Chrissy-Our FMC- she is strong, has no problem challenging him, and is highly intelligent when it comes to his game.
Both MC's have their own trauma and burdens. Both wounded. So much depth and the journey throughout this is so emotional. The path to their love is unconventional, unhinged, with a morally twisted game and plenty of spice.... I lapped it up. The authors descriptive detail to their thought processes and why they are thinking the way they are. 😍 This will have you swoon when you prob shouldn't and totally have you questioning your standards ♥️ while this is dark, and morally questionable it's filled with love, understanding. Ugh so good. Highly reccomend.
✔️Retelling
✔️Stalking
✔️Dark Christmas romance
✔️Morally Grey mmc
✔️Spicy
✔️Obsession
✔️Strong FMC
Thank you for my ARC I'm leaving this review voluntarily!
“It’s always been you for me, Chrissy, ever since the first time I laid eyes on you.”
Once again another winner from Rose James!!! This one hits all the spots. I got pulled in before the first chapter ended. I devoured this... But I devour all her books.
dark modern day retelling of Beauty and the Beast? Yes please! You feel the familiarity of the classic tale but this is totally new, dark, disturbing, and absolutely scrumptious.
Ben- the Beast of the story. Very morally grey. Totally intense... And with good reason. He's everything wrong yet oh so right 😍
Chrissy-Our FMC- she is strong, has no problem challenging him, and is highly intelligent when it comes to his game.
Both MC's have their own trauma and burdens. Both wounded. So much depth and the journey throughout this is so emotional. The path to their love is unconventional, unhinged, with a morally twisted game and plenty of spice.... I lapped it up. The authors descriptive detail to their thought processes and why they are thinking the way they are. 😍 This will have you swoon when you prob shouldn't and totally have you questioning your standards ♥️ while this is dark, and morally questionable it's filled with love, understanding. Ugh so good. Highly reccomend.
✔️Retelling
✔️Stalking
✔️Dark Christmas romance
✔️Morally Grey mmc
✔️Spicy
✔️Obsession
✔️Strong FMC
Thank you for my ARC I'm leaving this review voluntarily!
January 11, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
💍 Scarred Billionaire Romance
💍Arranged Marriage Romance
💍Suspense
My Thoughts:
She did it again, folks. This couple was everything. Their journey had my heart happy, sad, mad, and—of course—completely mushy. I love a good bad boy who will do anything to get the girl, and Ben absolutely delivered.
Summary:
Ben Stonewood carries the weight of a devastating past. A horrific car accident left him scarred, in a coma for three years, and cost him his father. By the time he finally woke, his stepmother had already left the country, and the town made sure he never forgot what he’d lost. People whisper about him. Strangers stare at the scars that mark his body.
So when Ben is injured while shopping and Chrissy Jones steps in to help, he’s caught completely off guard. She doesn’t gawk. She doesn’t pry. She simply treats him like any other person.
That simple kindness changes everything. Ben can’t stop thinking about her—and soon, he’s determined to make her his.
With a clause in his father’s will demanding that he marry by December 24th or lose everything to his manipulative stepmother, Ben creates the Game—a dangerous, carefully planned scheme to claim Chrissy as his wife. He knows she’s drowning in debt and caring for her grandmother. He also knows she won’t be able to refuse.
What starts as a Game,l quickly becomes something far more intense…...
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
💍 Scarred Billionaire Romance
💍Arranged Marriage Romance
💍Suspense
My Thoughts:
She did it again, folks. This couple was everything. Their journey had my heart happy, sad, mad, and—of course—completely mushy. I love a good bad boy who will do anything to get the girl, and Ben absolutely delivered.
Summary:
Ben Stonewood carries the weight of a devastating past. A horrific car accident left him scarred, in a coma for three years, and cost him his father. By the time he finally woke, his stepmother had already left the country, and the town made sure he never forgot what he’d lost. People whisper about him. Strangers stare at the scars that mark his body.
So when Ben is injured while shopping and Chrissy Jones steps in to help, he’s caught completely off guard. She doesn’t gawk. She doesn’t pry. She simply treats him like any other person.
That simple kindness changes everything. Ben can’t stop thinking about her—and soon, he’s determined to make her his.
With a clause in his father’s will demanding that he marry by December 24th or lose everything to his manipulative stepmother, Ben creates the Game—a dangerous, carefully planned scheme to claim Chrissy as his wife. He knows she’s drowning in debt and caring for her grandmother. He also knows she won’t be able to refuse.
What starts as a Game,l quickly becomes something far more intense…...
January 4, 2026
This romance pulled me in with two characters carrying very different burdens. Our FMC is completely exhausted, working herself to the bone to pay for her grandmother’s care after the rest of her family refuses to help. Her sense of responsibility and quiet strength make her easy to root for from the very beginning.
The MMC is a reclusive bachelor with a trust fund that will only be released if he marries. After surviving a serious car accident that left him with scars across his face, he’s withdrawn from the world and keeps to himself, believing his appearance defines how others see him.
When the FMC and MMC meet briefly, the connection is immediate and unforgettable for both of them. Unable to let her go, the MMC devises an unusual “game” to test the FMC—one that challenges her emotionally and ultimately asks the biggest question of all: would she be willing to marry him?
This story is well written, emotionally engaging, and filled with plenty of steamy scenes that add heat without overpowering the plot. If you enjoy romances with wounded heroes, strong heroines, and an unconventional path to love, this is a satisfying and memorable read.
The MMC is a reclusive bachelor with a trust fund that will only be released if he marries. After surviving a serious car accident that left him with scars across his face, he’s withdrawn from the world and keeps to himself, believing his appearance defines how others see him.
When the FMC and MMC meet briefly, the connection is immediate and unforgettable for both of them. Unable to let her go, the MMC devises an unusual “game” to test the FMC—one that challenges her emotionally and ultimately asks the biggest question of all: would she be willing to marry him?
This story is well written, emotionally engaging, and filled with plenty of steamy scenes that add heat without overpowering the plot. If you enjoy romances with wounded heroes, strong heroines, and an unconventional path to love, this is a satisfying and memorable read.
January 11, 2026
Rose James has done it again. This book had me from the first moment.
His Wicked Game is a dark, addictive Christmas romance that pulls you into a carefully crafted web of obsession, power, and devotion. Chrissy Jones enters the Game desperate…desperate for money, for relief, for a miracle to save what little she has left. What she doesn’t know is that nothing about this Game is random… especially her.
Ben Stonewood is the kind of MMC you don’t forget…reclusive, dangerous, and utterly consumed by the woman he chose long before she ever realized she was playing. The Beauty and the Beast retelling elements are woven in perfectly, with a billionaire who built an entire world just to claim the one woman who once saw him when no one else would.
The tension is delicious, the atmosphere is dark and seductive, and the slow reveal of Ben’s intentions kept me glued to the page. Every rule, every test, every moment feels intentional…and the possessive devotion is intense in the best way.
If you love dark romance with obsession, morally gray billionaires, high stakes, and a heroine who must decide whether to run or surrender to the beast who wants to cage her… this one is absolutely for you.
His Wicked Game is a dark, addictive Christmas romance that pulls you into a carefully crafted web of obsession, power, and devotion. Chrissy Jones enters the Game desperate…desperate for money, for relief, for a miracle to save what little she has left. What she doesn’t know is that nothing about this Game is random… especially her.
Ben Stonewood is the kind of MMC you don’t forget…reclusive, dangerous, and utterly consumed by the woman he chose long before she ever realized she was playing. The Beauty and the Beast retelling elements are woven in perfectly, with a billionaire who built an entire world just to claim the one woman who once saw him when no one else would.
The tension is delicious, the atmosphere is dark and seductive, and the slow reveal of Ben’s intentions kept me glued to the page. Every rule, every test, every moment feels intentional…and the possessive devotion is intense in the best way.
If you love dark romance with obsession, morally gray billionaires, high stakes, and a heroine who must decide whether to run or surrender to the beast who wants to cage her… this one is absolutely for you.
January 4, 2026
I previously got to be an ARC for Rose James for her book A Smile Full of Lies and when I saw the sign up for the ARC for His Wicked Games, I could not move fast enough! I cant ever put her books down and find myself finishing them in less than 2 days. It's all just written so well and I can't even explain how drawn into the story I immediately was.
The book has so much in it....Billionaire Romance, reclusive MMC, hidden identities, masked men, broken & tortured pasts, so many secrets, an obsessive Touch her and die vibe and just overall suspense, angsty hard won love, and betrayal that ends in forgiveness.
Chrissy is a strong FMC, who works hard and loves fiercely. She's kind and compassionate but hard and fierce when it comes to protecting her loved ones. This is why she instantly steals Ben's heart.
Ben is a broken, hardened man due to a tragic event in his life. He hides from the world until it forces him to face his past and to fight to keep his family legacy. He's so stuck in what happened to him and how the world views him, that he instantly falls for the one woman who doesnt see his outward appearance.
The tests Ben puts Chrissy through to earn her love and be sure shes ready for his is the most intense, fast paced and intriguing story.
The book has so much in it....Billionaire Romance, reclusive MMC, hidden identities, masked men, broken & tortured pasts, so many secrets, an obsessive Touch her and die vibe and just overall suspense, angsty hard won love, and betrayal that ends in forgiveness.
Chrissy is a strong FMC, who works hard and loves fiercely. She's kind and compassionate but hard and fierce when it comes to protecting her loved ones. This is why she instantly steals Ben's heart.
Ben is a broken, hardened man due to a tragic event in his life. He hides from the world until it forces him to face his past and to fight to keep his family legacy. He's so stuck in what happened to him and how the world views him, that he instantly falls for the one woman who doesnt see his outward appearance.
The tests Ben puts Chrissy through to earn her love and be sure shes ready for his is the most intense, fast paced and intriguing story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2026
I had really enjoyed this book, the retelling was beautiful done! I can see the vision the author was leaning too, but there was some areas that i wish had a little more details. For example, if they were engaging in a "physical" activity like how come no one spoke up about it. Also all the doors are locked but two contestants got inside her room plus there are cameras too so was no one watching them. Also for Vivian character, i had kind of expected more like it seem her character was over exaggerated in a way. I do love the route she had taken, giving this book a full circle, allowing true growth in the characters. The ending had my heart melting, both in a good and sad way because come on the grandma. Also I had received a arc copy, there were a lot of writing errors/grammar issues however it did not really affect the book in a negative way! Overall, if you loved Beauty and The Beast and wanted a dark version than this is book to read. I would love to see more of her writing in the future, she has great vision and love for her characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2026
Rose James does not disappoint with her writing/books! I couldn’t get enough of His Wicked Game. Ben Stonewood a rich reclusive man scarred from a tragic “accident” finds a girl who sees him for him and not the monster he feels he is. His obsession starts from the first interaction they ever had. What he does to make her his is due to his fear and insecurity. Will he push her too far or does he win over her heart? Chrissy is the black sheep of her family always giving but never receives the same care from her family besides her Granny Irene who is in a facility which each day becoming a question of will she be lucid today or not? She was the only to raise Chrissy and is her true family. Chrissy is drowning in bills she can’t seem to catch up on. She receives an invitation to a game with a hefty prize that will pull her out of the water she’s been drowning in for so long. The game is the start of a crazy whirlwind story of love, deception, and past horrific events.
December 26, 2025
Add. This. To. Your. TBR. 🖤
Because Rose James really said, “You want a dark romance retelling of Beauty and the Beast?” and I said say less.
I loved this book. The FMC was strong, smart, and not about to be anyone’s doormat, and the MMC? Deliciously morally gray in the way that has you questioning your own standards 😌.
The tension, the darkness, the romance—it all hit. And don’t even get me started on Stonewood because Rose James had a girl ready to pack her bags and move into a fictional town 😉.
If you love dark romance, Beauty and the Beast vibes, and a MMC who lives rent-free in your head… this one’s for you. 🥀🖤
Because Rose James really said, “You want a dark romance retelling of Beauty and the Beast?” and I said say less.
I loved this book. The FMC was strong, smart, and not about to be anyone’s doormat, and the MMC? Deliciously morally gray in the way that has you questioning your own standards 😌.
The tension, the darkness, the romance—it all hit. And don’t even get me started on Stonewood because Rose James had a girl ready to pack her bags and move into a fictional town 😉.
If you love dark romance, Beauty and the Beast vibes, and a MMC who lives rent-free in your head… this one’s for you. 🥀🖤
January 9, 2026
What an interesting read! The Stonewood series is proving to be must read. I enjoyed the action and hint of mystery, even though the reader is privy to most of the details. It was an interesting concept for me and certainly a more unique perspective of an obsession/stalker romance. Certainly some spicy scenes but not so much that it detracts from the storyline. I really enjoyed both main characters and how they evolved.
February 17, 2026
This book gives off Beauty and the Beast & The Bachelor vibes. I could only "wish" someone had the type of instant love and obesssion that Ben "Jacob" has for Chrissy. I also love the relatability of being the oldest and having to carry the weight of family disappointment, all the while dealing with keeping hope afloat caring for a loved one. Not to mention drowning in self debt doing so.
Thank you again Rose James for the opportunity to ARC another edition to the Stonewood series.
Thank you again Rose James for the opportunity to ARC another edition to the Stonewood series.
December 27, 2025
loved it!!!. if you loved beauty and the beast, you will love this book. crissy is strong, smart, fierce, and humble. ben is morally Grey, protective, and did i mention morally Grey lol. I picture Alfred from Gotham as Henry.
Rose James did it again with book and i can't wait to see what else is in store for us readers.
Rose James did it again with book and i can't wait to see what else is in store for us readers.
January 4, 2026
Arc read :
This book was fantastic. I did not put it down once I started. The FMC -love her !! She is strong determined and with a heart of gold !
MMC - broken is so many ways but you learn to love
If you like beauty and the beast … this is like that but so much more add in a twisted morally grey game with plenty of spice!!
Would recommend !!!
This book was fantastic. I did not put it down once I started. The FMC -love her !! She is strong determined and with a heart of gold !
MMC - broken is so many ways but you learn to love
If you like beauty and the beast … this is like that but so much more add in a twisted morally grey game with plenty of spice!!
Would recommend !!!
January 11, 2026
I was so excited to get this book as an arc! The concept was interesting and a joy to read. I flew through this book and didn’t want to put it down. The journey the mmc and fmc go through was so lovely to read. Side characters Henry and Lucia were so much fun to read about. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
February 11, 2026
Beautifully written & couldn't put it down. It's filled with mystery, obsession & wanting to be loved with no judgment.
If you are looking for a Beauty & the Beast retelling with some spice & crazy games to lore the girl for him to keep then I recommend this book!
Thank you for choosing me to read your ARC!
If you are looking for a Beauty & the Beast retelling with some spice & crazy games to lore the girl for him to keep then I recommend this book!
Thank you for choosing me to read your ARC!
December 29, 2025
Ben and chrissys story is beautiful. from meeting to four yeas later all the hardships they both had to endure just beautiful. the ending had my heart feeling squeezed from emotion. im so happy they got what they deserved. Well done this book was amazing.
February 1, 2026
FMC helps MMC 4 years prior to a family inheritance deadline. MMC creates a game to lure the FMC to marry him. The setting is Alabama Gulf Coast. Twist and turns throughout the book. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice level
February 19, 2026
Despite the ‘game’ not making a lot of sense if Chrissy bothered to think about the logistics of it all, this was nearly a five star book. After the barn incident, it faded into four stars. Vivian was an over the top villain, and that was a bit silly.
But I mostly enjoyed this.
But I mostly enjoyed this.
January 9, 2026
More like a 4.5 star read. James Rose did it again ! I loved the fact that this one had a bachelor type game it made it so much more interesting! Also Grandma Irene 🥹🥹
February 1, 2026
🧜♀️ARC Review🧜♀️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
If you love beauty and the beast retellings but with games and trials, and throw in dark romance. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up! Rose definitely does this one justice.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
If you love beauty and the beast retellings but with games and trials, and throw in dark romance. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up! Rose definitely does this one justice.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews