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The Game Players #1
Would I Lie to You?
Software billionaire Marc Julian’s orderly life is shattered one night by a cyber-intrusion into his company’s servers. He’s always surrounded himself with the best people, but finding the culprit behind this might require a real expert...and sometimes it takes a thief to catch a thief.
Jesse Winchester and his team of “grey hat” hackers are suddenly available to Marc. Marc doesn’t know if he should trust Jesse with the keys to his company’s kingdom. After all, Jesse’s a convicted felon, sent to prison for violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. A felon sentenced to thirty-five years in prison, who mysteriously served only three years before being released.
Marc’s first company, his whole life, was shattered because he trusted the wrong person. This time there’s even more at stake, but few other options. Especially when his evil enemies, the billionaire industrialist Krom brothers, are revealed to be the source of the intrusion.
Is Jesse there to help Marc, or does he have his own history with the Kroms, his own score to settle? As Jesse and Marc spend more time together, their growing intimacy is at war with their need to win their respective battles. Soon the game they start to play with each other, against each other, becomes more exciting, more exquisitely frustrating…and more dangerous.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2015
16 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Brad Vance
61 books245 followersBrad Vance is the author of over twenty books. He's hard at work on the sequel to Stabitha. Keep up with Brad at BradVanceAuthor.com, or email him at BradVanceAuthor@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 28, 2016
2 stars. DNF @50%
Due to personal reasons, I no longer review books that get less than three stars from me. In order that I can remember why a book didn't work out for me, I've decided to file them accordingly. Meaning, I had to extend my shelves substantially.
QUOTES FOR YOUR PERUSAL:
Beauty Worship
What had changed? How had this guy become… Jesse Winchester? The insanely gorgeous, solidly built, well groomed, elegantly tailored man who had just been in his office.
OK, he told himself. The bug exists. Denial does not solve problems. The bug is simple. He’s the most gorgeous man you’ve ever seen.
Jesse laughed, hard. Marc smiled. It felt good, making a handsome man laugh. Jesse was even more beautiful, leaning back, head tilted, eyes flashing with humor… Stop it!
Each piece of clothing that Jesse removed revealed more smooth, healthy, glowing skin, more cuts and chisels and channels, each piece as perfect on its own as any unearthed limb from a shattered Greek statue… but together, articulated, in motion, Jesse was magnificent. Economical, that was the best word. An athlete’s body, made for action.
Monster Cock Worship
Talk about a pair of legs that could crush your head… Marc thought. Jesse wore little black briefs that couldn’t conceal the size of his package. Monster cock, of course, Marc thought with satisfaction. Good.
He knew the flavor of his own sweat. Rivers of it had run into his mouth when he was training with Parker. He could taste the difference, could discern what was himself and what was the residue of Jesse… The sweat of a clean man on a clean diet, rich with testosterone, adrenaline…. He couldn’t move his torso, but he could move his hips. He could just thrust enough to rub the bottom of his dick against the toilet seat, licking his lips again and again, sampling more of Jesse’s essence. It didn’t take long. He gasped as he shot his load across the room. He’d cum without touching himself before, yeah. Always in the hands of a true master. Jesse? Jesse hadn’t even needed to be in the same room with him…
Seriously?
Marc was so thrilled to please To see him wink, to feel his approval. And to hope for… something more.
seed, the Elixir of Life, the Fountain of Youth… Marc knew there was nothing as magically rejuvenating as the seminal discharge of a strapping young man.
Watching Jesse stretch was pure pleasure. His body was flexible, agile, and Marc could only imagine the positions that Jesse could get into… Jesse was obviously aware that Marc was watching, since Marc could tell that he was getting a little something extra –maybe a few extra seconds of Jesse on the floor, his hands stretched to his feet, his broad strong back and small waist like the sail of a schooner. Maybe a few extra seconds of Jesse pushing one arm flat across his chest with the other, stretching his shoulder, but also letting the golden sunset paint his chiseled abs, enhance the impossible slimness of his waist… How could he even have room in there for his organs, Marc thought…
Due to personal reasons, I no longer review books that get less than three stars from me. In order that I can remember why a book didn't work out for me, I've decided to file them accordingly. Meaning, I had to extend my shelves substantially.
QUOTES FOR YOUR PERUSAL:
Beauty Worship
What had changed? How had this guy become… Jesse Winchester? The insanely gorgeous, solidly built, well groomed, elegantly tailored man who had just been in his office.
OK, he told himself. The bug exists. Denial does not solve problems. The bug is simple. He’s the most gorgeous man you’ve ever seen.
Jesse laughed, hard. Marc smiled. It felt good, making a handsome man laugh. Jesse was even more beautiful, leaning back, head tilted, eyes flashing with humor… Stop it!
Each piece of clothing that Jesse removed revealed more smooth, healthy, glowing skin, more cuts and chisels and channels, each piece as perfect on its own as any unearthed limb from a shattered Greek statue… but together, articulated, in motion, Jesse was magnificent. Economical, that was the best word. An athlete’s body, made for action.
Monster Cock Worship
Talk about a pair of legs that could crush your head… Marc thought. Jesse wore little black briefs that couldn’t conceal the size of his package. Monster cock, of course, Marc thought with satisfaction. Good.
He knew the flavor of his own sweat. Rivers of it had run into his mouth when he was training with Parker. He could taste the difference, could discern what was himself and what was the residue of Jesse… The sweat of a clean man on a clean diet, rich with testosterone, adrenaline…. He couldn’t move his torso, but he could move his hips. He could just thrust enough to rub the bottom of his dick against the toilet seat, licking his lips again and again, sampling more of Jesse’s essence. It didn’t take long. He gasped as he shot his load across the room. He’d cum without touching himself before, yeah. Always in the hands of a true master. Jesse? Jesse hadn’t even needed to be in the same room with him…
Seriously?
Marc was so thrilled to please To see him wink, to feel his approval. And to hope for… something more.
seed, the Elixir of Life, the Fountain of Youth… Marc knew there was nothing as magically rejuvenating as the seminal discharge of a strapping young man.
Watching Jesse stretch was pure pleasure. His body was flexible, agile, and Marc could only imagine the positions that Jesse could get into… Jesse was obviously aware that Marc was watching, since Marc could tell that he was getting a little something extra –maybe a few extra seconds of Jesse on the floor, his hands stretched to his feet, his broad strong back and small waist like the sail of a schooner. Maybe a few extra seconds of Jesse pushing one arm flat across his chest with the other, stretching his shoulder, but also letting the golden sunset paint his chiseled abs, enhance the impossible slimness of his waist… How could he even have room in there for his organs, Marc thought…
January 12, 2016
I’m gonna start by saying that Vance has a smooth storytelling voice, and the writing and I were a good fit. I’ve been meaning to check out some of his books ever since someone said to me, and I quote: “Holy shit, that man writes butcher than you do.”
Colour me intrigued.
I picked up this one because I enjoy hacker stuff and the premise sounded interesting… and you know what? It was great. This was a smart, funny, and sexy read. The sex was well-written and hot. I liked the pop culture references and laughed over the mockery of hacker-trope stuff (Hack the planet! *grin*). The chemistry between Marc and Jesse was spot on, and I’d love to see more about those two. I’ll be picking up the next book.
It would make a great movie, that's for sure.
It’s one of those books that made me step out of myself, take a good long look at my… let’s call them “issues”, and shake my head.
One thing that really, really, really fucking frustrated me, was that it took so long for Marc and Jesse to fuck. When they had the chance and didn’t take it, I had to go do something else for a while. Why? Because I don’t like to wait. I see something, I take it (within the confines of consent, of course heh). None of this waiting. Oh god. SO bloody frustrating. *grits teeth* Argh…
…it was great. No, really... I loved it. Sometimes it is better to stop and really savour every mouthful before finishing a meal, so to speak.
Bravo for frustrating the fuck out of me. Made it a five star read, that's for sure.
Looking forward to the next.
Colour me intrigued.
I picked up this one because I enjoy hacker stuff and the premise sounded interesting… and you know what? It was great. This was a smart, funny, and sexy read. The sex was well-written and hot. I liked the pop culture references and laughed over the mockery of hacker-trope stuff (Hack the planet! *grin*). The chemistry between Marc and Jesse was spot on, and I’d love to see more about those two. I’ll be picking up the next book.
It would make a great movie, that's for sure.
It’s one of those books that made me step out of myself, take a good long look at my… let’s call them “issues”, and shake my head.
One thing that really, really, really fucking frustrated me, was that it took so long for Marc and Jesse to fuck. When they had the chance and didn’t take it, I had to go do something else for a while. Why? Because I don’t like to wait. I see something, I take it (within the confines of consent, of course heh). None of this waiting. Oh god. SO bloody frustrating. *grits teeth* Argh…
…it was great. No, really... I loved it. Sometimes it is better to stop and really savour every mouthful before finishing a meal, so to speak.
Bravo for frustrating the fuck out of me. Made it a five star read, that's for sure.
Looking forward to the next.
May 18, 2015
This might be the case where it's not the book, it's me. I couldn't get into it, I was waiting for it to get better and better, to suck me in and make me part of that world. And I waited in vain because that never happened.
I disliked the flash backs each character had as it they were quite long, and you're not warned it's a damn flashback. It's just there, and I had to figure it out by myself that the story wasn't happening in the present time. And there's also no warning or hint the the flashback is over and the story resumes in the present day where it left off, it's your job as a reader to figure it out. Why couldn't their background be at the beginning of the book in 2 separate chapters, before the characters even meet?
I can't say I'm a fan of con-men stories, but über-smart, geniuses in disguise are intriguing to me, so I thought this was going to be a heck of a love story with some intense sex among all the hacking taking place. It took forever to get to that point and by that time I lost all interest. Each person has his own agenda and I got bored with it all.
And a big problem for me was the BDSM factor that wasn't even mentioned in the blurb. I like some BDSM stories, but they have to be well written and I need to be in the right frame of mind to attempt reading them.
I disliked the flash backs each character had as it they were quite long, and you're not warned it's a damn flashback. It's just there, and I had to figure it out by myself that the story wasn't happening in the present time. And there's also no warning or hint the the flashback is over and the story resumes in the present day where it left off, it's your job as a reader to figure it out. Why couldn't their background be at the beginning of the book in 2 separate chapters, before the characters even meet?
I can't say I'm a fan of con-men stories, but über-smart, geniuses in disguise are intriguing to me, so I thought this was going to be a heck of a love story with some intense sex among all the hacking taking place. It took forever to get to that point and by that time I lost all interest. Each person has his own agenda and I got bored with it all.
And a big problem for me was the BDSM factor that wasn't even mentioned in the blurb. I like some BDSM stories, but they have to be well written and I need to be in the right frame of mind to attempt reading them.
May 15, 2015
Jesse Winchester, brilliant criminal, used by his ex, landing him in prison as the fall guy. Marc Julian, astute business man, used by his ex, costing him, his business. Both men are extremely smart, aggressive business men, on both sides of the law. Jesse and Marc come together to take down a group of wealthy men that have deep ties into government local and national. For the first time, these two men have found the person "that gets them", their soul-mate in all sense of the word. What follows is an intense passion for the game, life and each other.
I wish I could do justice to this amazing piece of writing. All I can say is it's intense, enthralling, passionate. This is superb, impressive story telling. It's worthy of more than five stars.
I wish I could do justice to this amazing piece of writing. All I can say is it's intense, enthralling, passionate. This is superb, impressive story telling. It's worthy of more than five stars.
May 5, 2015
A review by The Blogger Girls.
This first book in a new series had it all for me. I was captivated from the start and wanted to know all the details of just about every aspect. I will admit I was a tiny bit lost at times with all the cyber details – coding is so not my thing. Even the coding on the blog makes my head spin, but here, I had no trouble following along and almost felt as though I wanted to be part of the team.
Marc is awesome. He managed to bounce back from an early betrayal that left not only himself with nothing, but the other people who counted on him as an employer. He eventually made it up to them tenfold, but his story was quite interesting. Not allowing himself to lose that kind of control again, he became a powerful player in business. To counter this, and to release his aggression, he found the one person he could trust, a Dom/Escort, Ryan, who he paid handsomely for his services. They end up forming a strong friendship, and I really liked how that played out.
Then comes along Jesse, a computer/hacker expert with a very secret past, to help Marc out of a major security breach at his company. Marc finds it difficult to trust Jesse at first, with all his secrets, but it doesn’t take long before they are comfortable enough to work together. The amazing scorching chemistry they seem to share doesn’t hurt either. Jesse doesn’t like to give up control either, having also been betrayed and forced to do time in prison. But, Jesse is everything Marc needs, and vice versa.
Now, let me say that while this book felt smoking hot throughout, Marc and Jesse don’t actually even kiss or have sex until after 80% into this story. There are other scenes, showing how they each came to the current situation, but their finally coming together took time. It was well worth the wait. They have a very complicated relationship, both knew it would be, and they decided to wait until things were more settled with the other part of the story before they jumped off that bridge together.
These are two very high powered guys, with the growly personas to match. This is not a fluffy love story, though there are definitely tender moments. There are twists and connections that kept me on my toes. As I said earlier, it had just the right amount of everything for me, and I couldn’t read it fast enough to find out about their pasts, how things would go down and where they’d end up. This is a fast-paced read that was very well written. I’m really excited to see these guys again and looking forward to learning more about Ryan.
October 23, 2015
The writing in this book is intelligent, but I gotta say my favorite part of the whole book is still the cover photo. That guy is still too adorable.
The book itself -- intelligent, but it didn't make me care. I'm not much into BDSM in the first place, which isn't Vance's fault, but he didn't make me care about the relationship or the characters. And way too much time spent on the respective backstories, as opposed to the interactions between the characters. And too much depended on each character being brilliant and able to make the least bit of info jump through hoops for them. I never felt any real sense of risk in either their interpersonal conflict or their conflict with the Bad Guys. Oh, and too much political preaching, too.
This makes it sound like I'm slamming the book, and that isn't my intent. The prose is good. The plot is interesting enough. It just seemed too easy, and it didn't involve me emotionally.
3 stars for me.
The book itself -- intelligent, but it didn't make me care. I'm not much into BDSM in the first place, which isn't Vance's fault, but he didn't make me care about the relationship or the characters. And way too much time spent on the respective backstories, as opposed to the interactions between the characters. And too much depended on each character being brilliant and able to make the least bit of info jump through hoops for them. I never felt any real sense of risk in either their interpersonal conflict or their conflict with the Bad Guys. Oh, and too much political preaching, too.
This makes it sound like I'm slamming the book, and that isn't my intent. The prose is good. The plot is interesting enough. It just seemed too easy, and it didn't involve me emotionally.
3 stars for me.
April 30, 2015
Anyone can say I Love You, as easily as they say I’m Sorry. Holy hell, people say it all the time, to people they barely even know, people they met once, a year ago. But of all the people to whom you say I Love You, to how many of them can you also say, I Trust You?
This, in my opinion, is Brads best book thus far. Six plus stars.
This, in my opinion, is Brads best book thus far. Six plus stars.
May 16, 2015
*copy provided by author/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review*
When computer programmer and business owner, Marc Julian's company's computer system is hacked he hires, convicted felon Jesse Dillinger to find his hacker, and the whereabouts of his stolen software. There is an instant attraction, but can these two men let their guard down enough to trust one another, to give this a chance?
Wow.. This was a very well written book. It was a story of mystery, suspense, and even some love and passion. I really don't like BDSM, so when I read the opening scene of the book, I just knew I was in trouble. I thought about closing the book right then and there, but I couldn't. I had to see what was going to happen, I figured I would just have to skip the sex scenes. Turns out there was nothing to skip. There is a crap load of sexual tension, but not a whole lot of sex, only one scene in fact, and boy am I glad I didn't skip it! It was sexy, hot and passion filled. Much like the two main characters in this story.
Jesse and Marc had a chemistry that was electric. The book held me captivated and turning the pages. I also usually don't like flashbacks, and a good portion of this book is told in flashbacks, but in this story I think it was a necessity. You couldn't just say this is Marc's past and this is Jesse's past, you needed to see it happening to understand it and get the full effect. A lot of this book was tech savvy, but Brad made it not only interesting and intriguing, but he also didn't make me feel like a dummy either. I felt I understood what was happening.
This story was riveting and exciting and I cannot wait to see where the next leg of their journey leads these lovers!
September 29, 2015
Life with the high rollers, where the stakes are high and the sex is hard. This was a great industrial espionage thriller and shows us at least the next war to come could quite well be a virtual one.
Loved the whole idea of this story with many twists and turns that I can honestly say I didn’t see coming but well thought out and nicely connecting so I never got the feeling I was lost at any stage.
Marc is a billionaire and co-owner of a software company. This man is your typical alpha male as far a business is concerned, but what about the bedroom? Well, here he is a total sub and likes nothing more than being ordered around and told what to do. It is as though he can escape all his responsibilities and decision making from his real life and just change rolls and let someone else take the lead with him not having to think about anything. He pays an escort, one who is trustworthy and discreet, so although not in a relationship he trusts him, is able to talk to him and this means a lot to Marc.
His company is hacked and a lot of information is stolen so this is where Jessie enters the game with his team of experts in trying to find out the person and reason behind the hack. My goodness I never release how explosive virtual crime actually is. Brad's writing keeps the suspense going not only with the thriller side of things but also turns the heat up with Jessie and Marc. Jessie likes to dominate his men so when these two meet it could almost be a match made in heaven. However, at this level the stakes are high and the word "trust" becomes a big thing. Marc has already been badly burnt by someone using his trust, taking off and leaving him practically destitute.
They both have their secrets that they're keeping from each other which doesn't help matters a lot either. Jessie's past is by no means unblemished and Marc needs to keep a lid on some of his less favourable virtues. This obviously becomes paramount at the level these guys are playing at where anything can be used against you to bring you down and ruin you. At this level there are lot of people who would wish to do this. Jessie has his own hidden agenda and we find out more about this as we read about his past. Initially I thought what has this got to do with anything, but as I read further the pieces of the puzzle started to come together. There were a lot of surprises, twists and turns which kept me thoroughly entertained and wanting to read more.
So now we have a our dilemma, both guys are capable of having hot sex together and believe me it is HOT!!! As only our Smutketeer Brad can write. But how do you go to that next level? The level that needs trust, the level where you have to admit that something is developing which is more than just stress relieving sex. An emotional connection which can be called love, maybe? Yes, love and trust, two words that in many respects are synonymous but with these two guys the "trust" part is like a big elephant in the room that needs to removed before they can move forward. I loved the dynamics between the two MCs, “work hard - play hard” and phew when these guys went to play!!!! Time to get the air conditioning on! Oh my, the heat level was almost off the scale. I say almost because how much better could it get if they were able to remove that great big elephant sat in the middle of the room? An immovable object called “trust” that neither characters for various reasons are able to get over and beyond.
Well, by a turn of fate where Marc does some background checking on Jessie and realise they both have the same enemy in common. The gauntlet is laid to come clean, to get all secrets out in the open. Geez, it was like a whole weight was lifted off my shoulders, all they way I kept saying to myself, "Oh for goodness sake, just tell him!" or "Will you please just come down from your ego trips for one minute and talk to each other?" Yes, as with any CEO or high flyers they both had egos the size of houses. But they have to find that level playing field where they can meet and then start to trust each other. After this was done, then there was no holding the two of them back. What a team! Yes, they got behind the baddies and got their revenge even though there was a cost to it. But Jessie thinking more about Marc, his reputation and safety has to make a sacrifice. Oh the hurt! The bitter disappointment! Marc thinks he's been duped once again but then releases it for the sacrifice it actually is and comes to terms with it. After all isn’t love about sacrifice as well? This in a way so so sweet, Jessie needed to do this so Marc would be OK so if this wasn't a sign of love then I don't know what is.
The whole thriller aspect of this was great. Not your James Bond action type of spy thriller where you have Mr Macho running around shooting people and blowing things up. Here the collateral damage is a lot more subtle as it is virtual, an internet one, but the damage caused is as far reaching and just as devastating as blowing anything up. It was just as riveting and got me smiling like a Cheshire Cat when the bad guys, who were seriously detestable, got their just rewards in the end. A thoroughly entertaining read from Brad and should Jessie's and Marc's story continue I'll definitely be getting myself a copy.
Loved the whole idea of this story with many twists and turns that I can honestly say I didn’t see coming but well thought out and nicely connecting so I never got the feeling I was lost at any stage.
Marc is a billionaire and co-owner of a software company. This man is your typical alpha male as far a business is concerned, but what about the bedroom? Well, here he is a total sub and likes nothing more than being ordered around and told what to do. It is as though he can escape all his responsibilities and decision making from his real life and just change rolls and let someone else take the lead with him not having to think about anything. He pays an escort, one who is trustworthy and discreet, so although not in a relationship he trusts him, is able to talk to him and this means a lot to Marc.
His company is hacked and a lot of information is stolen so this is where Jessie enters the game with his team of experts in trying to find out the person and reason behind the hack. My goodness I never release how explosive virtual crime actually is. Brad's writing keeps the suspense going not only with the thriller side of things but also turns the heat up with Jessie and Marc. Jessie likes to dominate his men so when these two meet it could almost be a match made in heaven. However, at this level the stakes are high and the word "trust" becomes a big thing. Marc has already been badly burnt by someone using his trust, taking off and leaving him practically destitute.
They both have their secrets that they're keeping from each other which doesn't help matters a lot either. Jessie's past is by no means unblemished and Marc needs to keep a lid on some of his less favourable virtues. This obviously becomes paramount at the level these guys are playing at where anything can be used against you to bring you down and ruin you. At this level there are lot of people who would wish to do this. Jessie has his own hidden agenda and we find out more about this as we read about his past. Initially I thought what has this got to do with anything, but as I read further the pieces of the puzzle started to come together. There were a lot of surprises, twists and turns which kept me thoroughly entertained and wanting to read more.
So now we have a our dilemma, both guys are capable of having hot sex together and believe me it is HOT!!! As only our Smutketeer Brad can write. But how do you go to that next level? The level that needs trust, the level where you have to admit that something is developing which is more than just stress relieving sex. An emotional connection which can be called love, maybe? Yes, love and trust, two words that in many respects are synonymous but with these two guys the "trust" part is like a big elephant in the room that needs to removed before they can move forward. I loved the dynamics between the two MCs, “work hard - play hard” and phew when these guys went to play!!!! Time to get the air conditioning on! Oh my, the heat level was almost off the scale. I say almost because how much better could it get if they were able to remove that great big elephant sat in the middle of the room? An immovable object called “trust” that neither characters for various reasons are able to get over and beyond.
Well, by a turn of fate where Marc does some background checking on Jessie and realise they both have the same enemy in common. The gauntlet is laid to come clean, to get all secrets out in the open. Geez, it was like a whole weight was lifted off my shoulders, all they way I kept saying to myself, "Oh for goodness sake, just tell him!" or "Will you please just come down from your ego trips for one minute and talk to each other?" Yes, as with any CEO or high flyers they both had egos the size of houses. But they have to find that level playing field where they can meet and then start to trust each other. After this was done, then there was no holding the two of them back. What a team! Yes, they got behind the baddies and got their revenge even though there was a cost to it. But Jessie thinking more about Marc, his reputation and safety has to make a sacrifice. Oh the hurt! The bitter disappointment! Marc thinks he's been duped once again but then releases it for the sacrifice it actually is and comes to terms with it. After all isn’t love about sacrifice as well? This in a way so so sweet, Jessie needed to do this so Marc would be OK so if this wasn't a sign of love then I don't know what is.
The whole thriller aspect of this was great. Not your James Bond action type of spy thriller where you have Mr Macho running around shooting people and blowing things up. Here the collateral damage is a lot more subtle as it is virtual, an internet one, but the damage caused is as far reaching and just as devastating as blowing anything up. It was just as riveting and got me smiling like a Cheshire Cat when the bad guys, who were seriously detestable, got their just rewards in the end. A thoroughly entertaining read from Brad and should Jessie's and Marc's story continue I'll definitely be getting myself a copy.
May 30, 2015
Having read Vance's entire collection at this point, I find it hard to reconcile the master of short-form slap-and-spank with this writer of longer narratives, who takes the time to build the characters, place them in a fully-conceptualized milieu, and let the magic happen. I've picked up the habit of highlighting phrases that, with minimal wording, convey many of the textures that make Vance's character so enjoyable.
For example, as an introduction to how Marc's personality impacts his personal and professional choices, Vance writes "It had been a long journey...getting to the point where he could...let go of the leash, stop watching for signs of incompetence, inadequacy...betrayal." Vance proficiently writes about navigating IT security in the corporate world, playing with its metaphors and imagery; the way his MC lives and breathes coding was a strength of the story. "Marc rewrote the code in his head...the whole subroutine that had catalogued Jesse's eyes, his grip, his laugh...Delete, he sent the command."
The rough edges peeked out from time to time, when referring to "VC" (singular), discussing the fictionalized and insolvent "Octobook," or Marc's attempt at comparing his bedroom predilections to the driverless car's lack of appeal.
Not enough M/M writers put forth characters who are reflective and can express a deep sense of self. Vance's MCs do this, revealing layers of confidence, strong preferences, and clear mindsets that shape their actions and keep readers interested. "Marc knew. This was how it was going to be. Jesse would give him what he wanted, what he needed. Just a little taste at a time...the way Jesse liked it. The way Marc would come to like it. Or not. It didn't matter."
The exposition of Marc's management of his mental health was another element that gave his character a unique dimensional sobriety and elevated the thematic nature of speaking to the human condition. The detour into Jesse's sexual history was yet another way we get to imagine an MC's trajectory of development, complementing Marc's evolution.
In Vance's Have A Little Faith In Me, the soapbox and spotlight segments focused on the damaging polarization that evangelizing hypocrites brought to the discussion of marriage equality. Here, his desire to tackle big ideas grows, declaring "Power is not a plinth...upon which a man stands forever like a status. Power is a set of scales, a seesaw...Whoever weighs more on any given side is the one with the power that day."
Enough flirting with base side of human nature in the dungeon and the office, Vance. I'm waiting for you to give us a story with a dark and flawed villain, one with the substance of these characters and a bit of gravitas, someone for us to love and hate for the ages.
Keep writing!
For example, as an introduction to how Marc's personality impacts his personal and professional choices, Vance writes "It had been a long journey...getting to the point where he could...let go of the leash, stop watching for signs of incompetence, inadequacy...betrayal." Vance proficiently writes about navigating IT security in the corporate world, playing with its metaphors and imagery; the way his MC lives and breathes coding was a strength of the story. "Marc rewrote the code in his head...the whole subroutine that had catalogued Jesse's eyes, his grip, his laugh...Delete, he sent the command."
The rough edges peeked out from time to time, when referring to "VC" (singular), discussing the fictionalized and insolvent "Octobook," or Marc's attempt at comparing his bedroom predilections to the driverless car's lack of appeal.
Not enough M/M writers put forth characters who are reflective and can express a deep sense of self. Vance's MCs do this, revealing layers of confidence, strong preferences, and clear mindsets that shape their actions and keep readers interested. "Marc knew. This was how it was going to be. Jesse would give him what he wanted, what he needed. Just a little taste at a time...the way Jesse liked it. The way Marc would come to like it. Or not. It didn't matter."
The exposition of Marc's management of his mental health was another element that gave his character a unique dimensional sobriety and elevated the thematic nature of speaking to the human condition. The detour into Jesse's sexual history was yet another way we get to imagine an MC's trajectory of development, complementing Marc's evolution.
In Vance's Have A Little Faith In Me, the soapbox and spotlight segments focused on the damaging polarization that evangelizing hypocrites brought to the discussion of marriage equality. Here, his desire to tackle big ideas grows, declaring "Power is not a plinth...upon which a man stands forever like a status. Power is a set of scales, a seesaw...Whoever weighs more on any given side is the one with the power that day."
Enough flirting with base side of human nature in the dungeon and the office, Vance. I'm waiting for you to give us a story with a dark and flawed villain, one with the substance of these characters and a bit of gravitas, someone for us to love and hate for the ages.
Keep writing!
May 12, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
If, like me, you are a reader that likes an intriguing plot, one that keeps you on your toes and keeps dropping surprise after surprise, then you will love Would I Lie To You!
Marc Julian owns a software company that has made him a billionaire. He is not your usual CEO and he has built a team around him that he both trusts and respects. Marc learnt the hard way about offering his trust too easily which is why his team are so important to him. His ideas are visionary and although he has never bragged about or flaunted his wealth he has made some pretty powerful enemies. Those enemies are now coming after Marc, infiltrating his systems, stealing his ideas and even trying to end his life. As in control of his life as he is he needs a release and that comes in the form of dominant escort Ryan who fulfils Marc’s very submissive needs in the bedroom.
Jesse Winchester, ex con and computer genius, is brought into Marc’s inner circle to help solve his current issues. Having recently spent time in prison for hacking Marc is curious to know how he has been released without serving even a tenth of his sentence. Jesse is a man with many secrets and enemies even more dangerous than Marc’s but he is also a beautiful man that compels Marc from their first meeting with his mystery, his intelligence and his air of dominance.
As the plot thickens we get to see both men’s pasts and how they have impacted on the men we see today. I loved Marc for his vulnerability and naivety with Walt and the pain he suffered afterwards when he fell into a very dark place. His thoughtfulness at trying to help everyone that had been affected even though he was affected just as badly. His ability to start slowly trusting again even though his trust had been abused in the worst possible way.
Jesse was slightly different in that he had lived a con his entire life. He was bored, his work never challenged him and Chip found him at the perfect time. Whilst learning about himself sexually he thought he had found love only to be conned himself with the most disastrous consequences.
This story is full of heat and sexual tension although has very little sex on the page, its more about their actions, their thoughts and their unsaid promises. About the game they are intent on playing and the moves they must make to get to the end. I look forward to reading more about Marc and Jesse, I have a feeling their story will take us to Indonesia, I was surprised to learn who Chip was with at the end! I also look forward to reading more of Ryan’s story which I am sure will be dark and delicious.
If, like me, you are a reader that likes an intriguing plot, one that keeps you on your toes and keeps dropping surprise after surprise, then you will love Would I Lie To You!
Marc Julian owns a software company that has made him a billionaire. He is not your usual CEO and he has built a team around him that he both trusts and respects. Marc learnt the hard way about offering his trust too easily which is why his team are so important to him. His ideas are visionary and although he has never bragged about or flaunted his wealth he has made some pretty powerful enemies. Those enemies are now coming after Marc, infiltrating his systems, stealing his ideas and even trying to end his life. As in control of his life as he is he needs a release and that comes in the form of dominant escort Ryan who fulfils Marc’s very submissive needs in the bedroom.
Jesse Winchester, ex con and computer genius, is brought into Marc’s inner circle to help solve his current issues. Having recently spent time in prison for hacking Marc is curious to know how he has been released without serving even a tenth of his sentence. Jesse is a man with many secrets and enemies even more dangerous than Marc’s but he is also a beautiful man that compels Marc from their first meeting with his mystery, his intelligence and his air of dominance.
As the plot thickens we get to see both men’s pasts and how they have impacted on the men we see today. I loved Marc for his vulnerability and naivety with Walt and the pain he suffered afterwards when he fell into a very dark place. His thoughtfulness at trying to help everyone that had been affected even though he was affected just as badly. His ability to start slowly trusting again even though his trust had been abused in the worst possible way.
Jesse was slightly different in that he had lived a con his entire life. He was bored, his work never challenged him and Chip found him at the perfect time. Whilst learning about himself sexually he thought he had found love only to be conned himself with the most disastrous consequences.
This story is full of heat and sexual tension although has very little sex on the page, its more about their actions, their thoughts and their unsaid promises. About the game they are intent on playing and the moves they must make to get to the end. I look forward to reading more about Marc and Jesse, I have a feeling their story will take us to Indonesia, I was surprised to learn who Chip was with at the end! I also look forward to reading more of Ryan’s story which I am sure will be dark and delicious.
February 10, 2016
Marc Julian's been burned before. A bipolar software programming savant, Marc's first company was bankrupted when his partner walked off with the venture capitalist's money. He never forgave Walt, who used and abused him, but Marc grew up a lot in the process of rebuilding his fortunes. Now CEO of Imperat, he uses his genius to devise programs that assist mankind. He has a new empathy for people and has developed steady relationships, though he never dates. He has a bond with a discreet escort who provides the kind of rough play and domination that Marc craves for release. And Marc certainly needs release when he learns his newest project has been hacked and stolen.
This brings ex-con master con artist/hacker Jesse Winchester into Marc's life, and oh it's a mixed bag, that. Marc doesn't want to lust after Jesse, and Jesse doesn't want to be attracted to Marc, but thems the breaks. They're able to be mostly professional, and determine the source of the hack: the Kroms, wealthy, Republican, untouchable...also the reason Jesse spent three years (of a 35 year sentence) in prison.
The book is mainly centered on the hack-back of the Kroms database, and the revelations of the dirty deeds these unsavory old bastards perpetrate on the unwitting populace. Think: Treason. But, as with many books from this author, there are extended flashback chapters that reveal the backstory for both Marc and Jesse. Neither Marc nor Jesse can bear to trust another man with his heart, or his history. Can he? They've each been violated, but the key to beating the Krom's rests on their complete honesty, and that might be a step to far for either man. Well...maybe. I will say the story ends with a bang, and I don't only mean the explosion that nearly kills Marc and Jesse. No, it ends with a manhunt and an Andorran escape plan.
I really liked the tech elements, and the thriller aspect. I love how Jesse and Marc interact, and how the whole "Hollywood Hacker" mystique is humorous to them. As with all the work I've read by Vance, the pace tears along and the sexytimes are minimal. There is a romance brewing, but it's not the focus, and won't be. Revenge is the objective and the connection that builds between Marc and Jesse is an intriguing and delicious slow burn. This story ends well, with a Happy For Now vibe, and there's a sequel that puts Marc and Jesse into connection again, against foes which remain.
I think people who enjoy some light M/M domination elements, tech thrillers and cyber crime plots will find this book to be a knockout. I enjoyed it, and only wished for a bit more sexytimes for Marc and Jesse before I turned the final page.
This brings ex-con master con artist/hacker Jesse Winchester into Marc's life, and oh it's a mixed bag, that. Marc doesn't want to lust after Jesse, and Jesse doesn't want to be attracted to Marc, but thems the breaks. They're able to be mostly professional, and determine the source of the hack: the Kroms, wealthy, Republican, untouchable...also the reason Jesse spent three years (of a 35 year sentence) in prison.
The book is mainly centered on the hack-back of the Kroms database, and the revelations of the dirty deeds these unsavory old bastards perpetrate on the unwitting populace. Think: Treason. But, as with many books from this author, there are extended flashback chapters that reveal the backstory for both Marc and Jesse. Neither Marc nor Jesse can bear to trust another man with his heart, or his history. Can he? They've each been violated, but the key to beating the Krom's rests on their complete honesty, and that might be a step to far for either man. Well...maybe. I will say the story ends with a bang, and I don't only mean the explosion that nearly kills Marc and Jesse. No, it ends with a manhunt and an Andorran escape plan.
I really liked the tech elements, and the thriller aspect. I love how Jesse and Marc interact, and how the whole "Hollywood Hacker" mystique is humorous to them. As with all the work I've read by Vance, the pace tears along and the sexytimes are minimal. There is a romance brewing, but it's not the focus, and won't be. Revenge is the objective and the connection that builds between Marc and Jesse is an intriguing and delicious slow burn. This story ends well, with a Happy For Now vibe, and there's a sequel that puts Marc and Jesse into connection again, against foes which remain.
I think people who enjoy some light M/M domination elements, tech thrillers and cyber crime plots will find this book to be a knockout. I enjoyed it, and only wished for a bit more sexytimes for Marc and Jesse before I turned the final page.
July 7, 2016
Whew ..... what a book! Fantastic plot focusing on corporate cyber crime / white hat hacking, more than a twist of revenge, and two smokin' hot MCs, plus an interesting cast of side characters (many of whom I hope get their own book soon).
It's a mark of Vance's excellent writing skills that along the way you realize you've learned an awful lot about cyber crime and hacking, without feeling you're reading a lecture. And Marc and Jesse's backstories are flawlessly inserted along the way to enrich the underlying plot and their motivations. As always, Vance provides some absolutely spot-on commentary about the conservatives and their pro-hate agenda.
As other reviewers have noted, there is less sex in "Would I Lie To You?" than other Vance books, but what we are given instead is the delicious anticipation of Marc and Jesse's eventual "accouplement" (and once we get there, it is oh so very sexy and hot) and a whole lot of appreciation for savoring the sights, smells, tastes and sensations of everyday life.
Brad also effortlessly sets up the next book(s) in the series and I cannot wait to read more about Ryan, Chip, Walt, Leonid, Ma Winchester. Bring on the next installment in the Game Players series!
It's a mark of Vance's excellent writing skills that along the way you realize you've learned an awful lot about cyber crime and hacking, without feeling you're reading a lecture. And Marc and Jesse's backstories are flawlessly inserted along the way to enrich the underlying plot and their motivations. As always, Vance provides some absolutely spot-on commentary about the conservatives and their pro-hate agenda.
As other reviewers have noted, there is less sex in "Would I Lie To You?" than other Vance books, but what we are given instead is the delicious anticipation of Marc and Jesse's eventual "accouplement" (and once we get there, it is oh so very sexy and hot) and a whole lot of appreciation for savoring the sights, smells, tastes and sensations of everyday life.
Brad also effortlessly sets up the next book(s) in the series and I cannot wait to read more about Ryan, Chip, Walt, Leonid, Ma Winchester. Bring on the next installment in the Game Players series!
January 5, 2016
ALERT: This book has D/S theme. I read a lot of good reviews for this book and it wasn't bad but it was not for me. Im giving it 3 stars because I really cant pick it apart and say the story was bad or that the writing wasn't good. This is a 5 star book probably for people interested in plotting/revenge/cat and mouse games/dom and sub games. Its obvious when reading this book the author did a lot of research and planning to execute it, I'm objective enough to point all that out but I just didn't enjoy the book that much. I didn't feel the connection between the two Mc's and felt like the book didn't really build the connection between them on the page enough. However if you are interested in all the themes I listed you would probably enjoy this book.
February 14, 2016
I was intrigued from the first page. Loved Marc right away and then along came Jesse. Their chemistry was instant and hotter than Hell. I really enjoyed the evolution of Marc's relationship with Ryan and how it opened him to the possibilities with Jesse. Two very sexy men and a wickedly delish story. Can't wait for book two and to find out more about Ryan and his new interest.
March 26, 2016
Great chemistry between these two MCs. They were smart. They were sexy. They were too good to be true but I loved them. I loved the cover.
May 1, 2015
Here’s why you’re going to buy and read a copy of Would I Lie to You? right now. The plot will tickle your paranoia-bone. The message will make you slow the hell down and really savor all of the tastes of your life. The sex will get you hot. Most of all, you will believe the character’s weaknesses and motives. For those of you with little time, that’s the short version. If you’re resisting and need one final quick reason, then do it because I told you to.
If you are willing to comply with the story’s message to slow down and savor life, read on…
Marc is a billionaire. He’s flawed, and he’s been hurt badly. But along the way he learned to master all of that and parlayed it into his fortune. He wields his intellect and his fortune as weapons to counter the greed of a pair of wealthy-elite brothers who grind people up and destroy them for profit. Marc’s life is under control right up until the code for his company’s most recent product is stolen from his own servers.
Enter Jesse, a recently paroled convict who’d been involved in a high-profile incident the NSA had hushed up. He and his team are the technological powerhouses Marc needs to recover his code. But Jesse’s past is sketchy. Sure, he’s the proverbial crook Marc needs to catch a crook, but neither man was entirely prepared for the intellectual connection or primal lust that springs up between them.
The author dips into each man’s past to highlight why it’ll take both men operating at the top of their game to bring the evil brothers down.
If I had to point out one thing that left me wanting, I’d have to say it’s the tidiness of the plot. The loose ends are cleanly tied up (or at least cleanly acknowledged). Given how messy the characters’ lives have been, and knowing how messy real life is, I almost wanted a bit of untidiness around the edges of the ending. Too much wouldn’t have worked, but a little.
That said, there are many more things I liked about Would I Lie to You. I developed a bit of a man-crush on the characters and their complications. I really got into the sex and the denial of sex. Unexpectedly, I enjoyed the plot the most. The entire premise worked for the greed and betrayal I see in our own world. I couldn’t wait to finish work and get back to it each day.
Now, do as I’ve said… savor it.
If you are willing to comply with the story’s message to slow down and savor life, read on…
Marc is a billionaire. He’s flawed, and he’s been hurt badly. But along the way he learned to master all of that and parlayed it into his fortune. He wields his intellect and his fortune as weapons to counter the greed of a pair of wealthy-elite brothers who grind people up and destroy them for profit. Marc’s life is under control right up until the code for his company’s most recent product is stolen from his own servers.
Enter Jesse, a recently paroled convict who’d been involved in a high-profile incident the NSA had hushed up. He and his team are the technological powerhouses Marc needs to recover his code. But Jesse’s past is sketchy. Sure, he’s the proverbial crook Marc needs to catch a crook, but neither man was entirely prepared for the intellectual connection or primal lust that springs up between them.
The author dips into each man’s past to highlight why it’ll take both men operating at the top of their game to bring the evil brothers down.
If I had to point out one thing that left me wanting, I’d have to say it’s the tidiness of the plot. The loose ends are cleanly tied up (or at least cleanly acknowledged). Given how messy the characters’ lives have been, and knowing how messy real life is, I almost wanted a bit of untidiness around the edges of the ending. Too much wouldn’t have worked, but a little.
That said, there are many more things I liked about Would I Lie to You. I developed a bit of a man-crush on the characters and their complications. I really got into the sex and the denial of sex. Unexpectedly, I enjoyed the plot the most. The entire premise worked for the greed and betrayal I see in our own world. I couldn’t wait to finish work and get back to it each day.
Now, do as I’ve said… savor it.
May 13, 2015
Whoa, get ready for some major twists and turns lol! They’ll make your head spin, but by God you’ll love every minute of it. Very rarely have I read a book where the attraction between the two main characters (Marc and Jesse) affects me so deeply. You can’t help but pull for them.
Marc Julian owns a software company which has made him filthy rich lol. The man is very involved in his company too. The team he’s built has earned his trusts and respect.
Jesse Winchester is an ex con who was sent to jail for hacking. And he’s out with only serving a tenth of his time. Hmmmm… lol. Oh, and he’s a computer genius. Marc and Jesse meet when Jesse is brought into Marc’s inner circle to help solve his current issues. And they are some serious issues. So of course Marc wants to know how Jesse’s out with so little time served.
Each man has have things happen in the past that… well, makes them very hesitate to get involved. Once you get burned it’s hard to trust again. It’s hard to move on and let things go. But some things are worth taking that chance on.
And when these two connect sexually… the pages smoke lol. I hope to read more on these two.
Marc Julian owns a software company which has made him filthy rich lol. The man is very involved in his company too. The team he’s built has earned his trusts and respect.
Jesse Winchester is an ex con who was sent to jail for hacking. And he’s out with only serving a tenth of his time. Hmmmm… lol. Oh, and he’s a computer genius. Marc and Jesse meet when Jesse is brought into Marc’s inner circle to help solve his current issues. And they are some serious issues. So of course Marc wants to know how Jesse’s out with so little time served.
Each man has have things happen in the past that… well, makes them very hesitate to get involved. Once you get burned it’s hard to trust again. It’s hard to move on and let things go. But some things are worth taking that chance on.
And when these two connect sexually… the pages smoke lol. I hope to read more on these two.
April 30, 2015
Awesome Job Brad!! I really enjoyed this book! It was amazing how quickly Marc & Jesse connected even though the had to fight it for awhile. They had great chemistry. I was iffy on Jesse, back & forth disliking & liking him, haha. But loved Marc right away, Ryan too :) Can't Wait to read more about him! Dang Cliffhangers Brad!! :/ So can't wait to see what happens next!!
February 13, 2016
Very Well Done.
It astounds me, the level of knowledge and research that must go into writing a book like this. I'm no computer expert but the author managed to translate all that computer jargon into a very exciting and understandable story for us lay folk. Very much looking forward to tucking into book 2.
It astounds me, the level of knowledge and research that must go into writing a book like this. I'm no computer expert but the author managed to translate all that computer jargon into a very exciting and understandable story for us lay folk. Very much looking forward to tucking into book 2.
April 27, 2015
THis one is definitely 1 of my favourites by Brad !!! Absolutely loved it !
May 1, 2015
3.75
May 1, 2015
This is a really good book. Enough intrigue and mystery with great character development.
May 22, 2015
A really interesting story. It was more than a simple M/M Romance with a BDSM plot. It was an intelligent and enticing read.
May 28, 2018
3.5* It was fun and engaging not what I've expected.
May 3, 2015
Yes, we can!
Intelligent and entertaining, mature, masculine and versatile – that is how I would describe “Would I Lie To You”, Brad Vance’s latest novel, in a few words. A very enjoyable reading that kept me downright “on the verge” till the end.
Set in nowadays US, the encounter of two brilliant minds with wounded souls and complicated characters amidst a plot development that bears elements of a political thriller between corporate espionage and ordinary crime is a dramatic, however refreshingly straightforward “clash of civilizations”.
Especially pleasing (for me) was the fact that the relationship between the main characters is not concentrated on and reduced to the aspect of dominance and submission - with special emphasis on humiliation - as initially insinuated (sadisms that loves to humiliate is a hard limit for me).
In fast motion reviewed, the evolution of their communication is simply satisfactory:
And than there is the USA – the very contemporary one - where the regular news channels “… with two talking heads, one of whom was some anti-science, anti-gay, anti-women moron whose insane rantings got airtime in the name of “balance”. They’d never put a Klansman on to “balance” a conversation about race, but they’d willingly put on any fag-basher from an organization with “Family” in it’s title to talk about gay rights.” provide exactly the right stimulation for a brilliant and restless mind to deal exclusively with financial news and games until the person behind is rich enough to comfortably start a successful business. Then get aware of reality and start to engage in order to help the change for a better society thus landing in a war with … but read for yourselves.
If you are interested in more than the bare bones of the world where the love story takes place, if you are informed about the situation and current disputes in the USA and if you can befriend the idea that men may be complex without angst and miscommunication, you will love this story.
Perfectly written (or I would not have so many quotes *lol*), highly recommended.
Intelligent and entertaining, mature, masculine and versatile – that is how I would describe “Would I Lie To You”, Brad Vance’s latest novel, in a few words. A very enjoyable reading that kept me downright “on the verge” till the end.
Set in nowadays US, the encounter of two brilliant minds with wounded souls and complicated characters amidst a plot development that bears elements of a political thriller between corporate espionage and ordinary crime is a dramatic, however refreshingly straightforward “clash of civilizations”.
Especially pleasing (for me) was the fact that the relationship between the main characters is not concentrated on and reduced to the aspect of dominance and submission - with special emphasis on humiliation - as initially insinuated (sadisms that loves to humiliate is a hard limit for me).
In fast motion reviewed, the evolution of their communication is simply satisfactory:
And than there is the USA – the very contemporary one - where the regular news channels “… with two talking heads, one of whom was some anti-science, anti-gay, anti-women moron whose insane rantings got airtime in the name of “balance”. They’d never put a Klansman on to “balance” a conversation about race, but they’d willingly put on any fag-basher from an organization with “Family” in it’s title to talk about gay rights.” provide exactly the right stimulation for a brilliant and restless mind to deal exclusively with financial news and games until the person behind is rich enough to comfortably start a successful business. Then get aware of reality and start to engage in order to help the change for a better society thus landing in a war with … but read for yourselves.
If you are interested in more than the bare bones of the world where the love story takes place, if you are informed about the situation and current disputes in the USA and if you can befriend the idea that men may be complex without angst and miscommunication, you will love this story.
Perfectly written (or I would not have so many quotes *lol*), highly recommended.
April 10, 2022
Please ignore the dreadful cover! Not the tone of the book at all.
I liked both MC's who were given a bit more depth/ back story than many other MC's of m/m romance. This book was also really interested in it's plot. It wasn't just a ploy to get the men together, the author was exploring ideas and how the financial world works.
I enjoyed it, read it in one gulp and downloaded the next straight away.
I liked both MC's who were given a bit more depth/ back story than many other MC's of m/m romance. This book was also really interested in it's plot. It wasn't just a ploy to get the men together, the author was exploring ideas and how the financial world works.
I enjoyed it, read it in one gulp and downloaded the next straight away.
January 24, 2017
Did not finish
The book was ok, but I'm not into humiliation. If you're into it, great, it's just nmk. I couldn't get past that past of the book.
The book was ok, but I'm not into humiliation. If you're into it, great, it's just nmk. I couldn't get past that past of the book.
April 18, 2021
3.5 stars
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