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The Game Maker #3
The Player
Not yet published
Expected 31 Dec 30#1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole brings readers the third book of the erotic Game Maker Series, a searing tale of a man racked with dark desires and the beautiful young woman who could sate him at last.
A madman with a shadowed past . . .
In Las Vegas, Sin City, Dmitri Sevastyan finds her, Victoria Valentine--sexy, vulnerable, and in need of a protector. Obsession takes root deep inside him. Despite a history tainted with violation and betrayal, he will stop at nothing to possess her.
A grifter with nothing to lose . . .
Descended from a long line of con artists, twenty-four-year-old Victoria, a.k.a. Vice, needs the score of a lifetime to keep her loved ones safe. She sets her sights on gorgeous and rich Dmitri Sevastyan. Even as the irresistible Russian toys with her body and mind, he tempts her heart.
Love is the ultimate wild card.
When Vice and her associates maneuver Dmitri into a hasty Vegas wedding, he refuses to protect himself with a prenup, trusting her with all that he has. But can she trust him? As secrets unfold, the newlyweds share days of doubts and nights of the wickedest pleasures. Yet once Vice discovers her husband's past, will she stay to fight for her marriage or cut her losses and run?
A madman with a shadowed past . . .
In Las Vegas, Sin City, Dmitri Sevastyan finds her, Victoria Valentine--sexy, vulnerable, and in need of a protector. Obsession takes root deep inside him. Despite a history tainted with violation and betrayal, he will stop at nothing to possess her.
A grifter with nothing to lose . . .
Descended from a long line of con artists, twenty-four-year-old Victoria, a.k.a. Vice, needs the score of a lifetime to keep her loved ones safe. She sets her sights on gorgeous and rich Dmitri Sevastyan. Even as the irresistible Russian toys with her body and mind, he tempts her heart.
Love is the ultimate wild card.
When Vice and her associates maneuver Dmitri into a hasty Vegas wedding, he refuses to protect himself with a prenup, trusting her with all that he has. But can she trust him? As secrets unfold, the newlyweds share days of doubts and nights of the wickedest pleasures. Yet once Vice discovers her husband's past, will she stay to fight for her marriage or cut her losses and run?
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2016
521 people are currently reading
9956 people want to read
About the author
Kresley Cole
65 books27.4k followersKresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, the erotic Gamemakers series, and five award-winning historical romances.
A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.
Her IAD books have been translated into 23 foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a RWA Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.
Cole lives in Florida with her family. Learn more about Kresley at: www.kresleycole.com & www.thearcanachronicles.com
A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.
Her IAD books have been translated into 23 foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a RWA Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.
Cole lives in Florida with her family. Learn more about Kresley at: www.kresleycole.com & www.thearcanachronicles.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,170 reviews
February 9, 2017
Kresley Cole's books are a guilty pleasure of mine. I love her over the top Alpha-males and their monosyllabic dialogues. No other author can make a guy grunting words like, "mine" and "come" sound so damn appealing! Yet, time and time again, I fall for these cavemen.
Dmitri Sevastyan is no exception to the rule. He's possessive, dominating and completely irresistible. At the same time, there is something vulnerable and sensitive about him that lures you in.
When Victoria Valentine, aka Vice, sets her sights on Dmitri, you know that heartache is in store for the Russian billionaire. Victoria is a grifter and plans to swindle millions from Dmitri in the biggest con of her life. However, as her feelings for Dmitri grow, this job becomes far tougher than Victoria had ever bargained for.
After conning the wrong person, Victoria and her family are scrambling to repay a debt. If they can't pay off the kingpin that beat them at their own game, their father will pay with his life. That is a price that none of them are willing to pay.
The more time Victoria spends with Dmitri, the harder she falls for this wounded man. The guilt of her actions eats her alive and only worsens when she marries him. Everything goes as planned, so she should feel relieved.
However, there is far more to the situation than Victoria ever knew. When the other shoe drops, I was shocked...and impressed. This story had a huge twist that I never saw coming.
Like every book I've read by Ms. Cole, this was an incredibly hot one! I listened to the Audible version and there's something to be said for the narrator's sexy Russian accent. It was like listening to an erotic story read by the Count, from Sesame Street. I was grinning from ear to ear during my morning commute.
If you're in the mood for pure, smutty goodness, I highly recommend this book. Ms. Cole never fails to deliver.
Dmitri Sevastyan is no exception to the rule. He's possessive, dominating and completely irresistible. At the same time, there is something vulnerable and sensitive about him that lures you in.
When Victoria Valentine, aka Vice, sets her sights on Dmitri, you know that heartache is in store for the Russian billionaire. Victoria is a grifter and plans to swindle millions from Dmitri in the biggest con of her life. However, as her feelings for Dmitri grow, this job becomes far tougher than Victoria had ever bargained for.
After conning the wrong person, Victoria and her family are scrambling to repay a debt. If they can't pay off the kingpin that beat them at their own game, their father will pay with his life. That is a price that none of them are willing to pay.
The more time Victoria spends with Dmitri, the harder she falls for this wounded man. The guilt of her actions eats her alive and only worsens when she marries him. Everything goes as planned, so she should feel relieved.
However, there is far more to the situation than Victoria ever knew. When the other shoe drops, I was shocked...and impressed. This story had a huge twist that I never saw coming.
Like every book I've read by Ms. Cole, this was an incredibly hot one! I listened to the Audible version and there's something to be said for the narrator's sexy Russian accent. It was like listening to an erotic story read by the Count, from Sesame Street. I was grinning from ear to ear during my morning commute.
If you're in the mood for pure, smutty goodness, I highly recommend this book. Ms. Cole never fails to deliver.
August 22, 2021
I skimmed a lot, largely due to the dreadfully dull, avaricious heroine who was as self-righteous as she was hypocritical. Aside from that, the plot quite simply was uninspired.
April 19, 2016
3.5 stars
You'd think that by now I would have learned this lesson.
Maybe I shouldn't look forward to a book too much, I usually end up disappointed.
I was expecting something mythical I suppose. I had built up Dmitri's book so much in my mind that the actual book let me down. I have no one to blame but myself. It's by no means a bad book or plot. Just not what I expected and needed.
I didn't get Dmitri's POV at all. I didn't see how he clicked. I didn't feel his torture or his salvation. All of this happens off page and we only find out about them when he confides in Victoria. So it's just a telling of events. Not a description of what he went through but rather a statement. I wanted to feel his pain and agony and finally joy when he found Victoria.
What I got was Victoria's POV. And for some reason I felt like I barely knew her even though I was reading everything from her eyes. I don't know what kept me from connecting with her. Maybe it was a lack of depth in her. She didn't have Lucia's sassiness and humor or Natalie's gutsiness. The first half of the book when she was surrounded by them you couldn't really tell but when everyone left so did all her characteristics. All I kept reading was her stress over her family debt, getting more money, being unreasonably attracted to Dmitri, vacillating between playing him or falling for him and rinse and repeat. Maybe I'm being unfair and a bitch. I don't know.
In a monotone, I repeated lines I’d heard all my life: “We’re the last of the long-conners, the aristocrats of grifters. Living by our wits, smiled upon by Lady Luck. The only thing we can’t cheat is fate. . . .”
Since I’d met him, my life had been like quicksand; the more I tried to right myself—to do right by my family and by Dmitri—the deeper I sank with him. As if fate wouldn’t have it any other way.
What were his issues? What would he do when I asked for a divorce?
A traitorous thought arose. What if I . . . didn’t?
“If he finds out we played him, he could get that postnup overturned. You would be left with nothing.” She sighed into the phone. “Pete knew this would happen. He told me to remind you we’re a different breed.”
The only thing we can’t cheat is fate. . . .
Again, I couldn’t catch my breath. Freaked out and on edge, I could envision every scenario in the world except one: us living happily ever after.
You can’t cheat fate.
Add the fact that I saw the twist at the end coming really early and the death knell of my expectations was loud and clear. Even the sex scenes suffered towards the end of the book, in my opinion. I wanted to be swept off my feet but I was rooted instead.
There are many fab reviews that praise this book and you should read them before making up your mind about reading it. And I should make it clear that this is my opinion and this is not in any way,shape or form a bad book just because I wasn't floored by it. In light of recent events, I thought I should highlight this..
Safety Gang Note:
Prior to reading
You'd think that by now I would have learned this lesson.
Maybe I shouldn't look forward to a book too much, I usually end up disappointed.
I was expecting something mythical I suppose. I had built up Dmitri's book so much in my mind that the actual book let me down. I have no one to blame but myself. It's by no means a bad book or plot. Just not what I expected and needed.
I didn't get Dmitri's POV at all. I didn't see how he clicked. I didn't feel his torture or his salvation. All of this happens off page and we only find out about them when he confides in Victoria. So it's just a telling of events. Not a description of what he went through but rather a statement. I wanted to feel his pain and agony and finally joy when he found Victoria.
What I got was Victoria's POV. And for some reason I felt like I barely knew her even though I was reading everything from her eyes. I don't know what kept me from connecting with her. Maybe it was a lack of depth in her. She didn't have Lucia's sassiness and humor or Natalie's gutsiness. The first half of the book when she was surrounded by them you couldn't really tell but when everyone left so did all her characteristics. All I kept reading was her stress over her family debt, getting more money, being unreasonably attracted to Dmitri, vacillating between playing him or falling for him and rinse and repeat. Maybe I'm being unfair and a bitch. I don't know.
In a monotone, I repeated lines I’d heard all my life: “We’re the last of the long-conners, the aristocrats of grifters. Living by our wits, smiled upon by Lady Luck. The only thing we can’t cheat is fate. . . .”
Since I’d met him, my life had been like quicksand; the more I tried to right myself—to do right by my family and by Dmitri—the deeper I sank with him. As if fate wouldn’t have it any other way.
What were his issues? What would he do when I asked for a divorce?
A traitorous thought arose. What if I . . . didn’t?
“If he finds out we played him, he could get that postnup overturned. You would be left with nothing.” She sighed into the phone. “Pete knew this would happen. He told me to remind you we’re a different breed.”
The only thing we can’t cheat is fate. . . .
Again, I couldn’t catch my breath. Freaked out and on edge, I could envision every scenario in the world except one: us living happily ever after.
You can’t cheat fate.
Add the fact that I saw the twist at the end coming really early and the death knell of my expectations was loud and clear. Even the sex scenes suffered towards the end of the book, in my opinion. I wanted to be swept off my feet but I was rooted instead.
There are many fab reviews that praise this book and you should read them before making up your mind about reading it. And I should make it clear that this is my opinion and this is not in any way,shape or form a bad book just because I wasn't floored by it. In light of recent events, I thought I should highlight this..
Safety Gang Note:
Prior to reading
April 28, 2019
(4/25/19) - I listened to the audio version and this book is still a +5 stars re-read for me!! The complete Game Maker Series is just awesome!! 🔥🔥💓💓
Masterfully done!
Loved this third installment in the Game Maker series. First I have to tell you that at the beginning I was not too fond on Victoria. I didn’t like the fact that she and her family played Dmitri this way. Even knowing she was acting in the interest of the con and what was at stake, I just didn’t care. But then she redeemed herself and I realized this was just part of the plot and not the core of the story. Slowly but surely I grew attached to her.
Victoria (aka Vice) is a con artist. She’s caring, loyal to a fault and when she open her heart to another she does so for life. She was raised to believe that fairy tale doesn’t exist and that if something seems to good to be true, it is. She is afraid and always waiting for the other shoe to drop. She thinks that she’s only meant for a grifter.
Dmitri is so PERFECT! He’s a complicated and intriguing billionaire tech genius. He’s real, genuinely nice and honest (almost), so thoughtful and generous. Sometimes all dominant and confident, at other times so vulnerable. He’s totally obsessed with Victoria and determined to give her the world. And he’s so HOT…
Their pull towards one another is primal, carnal, sexy as hell, and when they give in to the chemistry between them, the ground shakes, continents move. HOLY HOTNESS!
Nothing but the best with this author. This book will get under your skin and there will not be a damn thing you can do about it. This book will crush you emotionally just reading it.
There is nothing sugar-coated in this book. This story is raw, wild and sensationally pure and I loved every second of it.
Victoria and Dmitri’s story will take you on a crazy ride. Brace yourselves because this book will rock your world!
I’m totally addicted to this SIZZLING series and to the incredible Sevastyan brothers (Maksim will always be my favorite). Kresley Cole is a gifted and brillant author with a flawless writing style. The Game Maker Series is one of my all time favorite. I was eager to read each and every one of them. An absolute MUST READ!
My favorite quotes (Dmitri is so yummy):
"Would you like to know how I view the world? Imagine a pitch-black room with a single candle lit in the center. The room is the world. You are the candle.”
“When you’ve been in the dark as long as I have, moy ángel, there is no mistaking the light.”
Masterfully done!
Loved this third installment in the Game Maker series. First I have to tell you that at the beginning I was not too fond on Victoria. I didn’t like the fact that she and her family played Dmitri this way. Even knowing she was acting in the interest of the con and what was at stake, I just didn’t care. But then she redeemed herself and I realized this was just part of the plot and not the core of the story. Slowly but surely I grew attached to her.
Victoria (aka Vice) is a con artist. She’s caring, loyal to a fault and when she open her heart to another she does so for life. She was raised to believe that fairy tale doesn’t exist and that if something seems to good to be true, it is. She is afraid and always waiting for the other shoe to drop. She thinks that she’s only meant for a grifter.
Dmitri is so PERFECT! He’s a complicated and intriguing billionaire tech genius. He’s real, genuinely nice and honest (almost), so thoughtful and generous. Sometimes all dominant and confident, at other times so vulnerable. He’s totally obsessed with Victoria and determined to give her the world. And he’s so HOT…
Their pull towards one another is primal, carnal, sexy as hell, and when they give in to the chemistry between them, the ground shakes, continents move. HOLY HOTNESS!
Nothing but the best with this author. This book will get under your skin and there will not be a damn thing you can do about it. This book will crush you emotionally just reading it.
There is nothing sugar-coated in this book. This story is raw, wild and sensationally pure and I loved every second of it.
Victoria and Dmitri’s story will take you on a crazy ride. Brace yourselves because this book will rock your world!
I’m totally addicted to this SIZZLING series and to the incredible Sevastyan brothers (Maksim will always be my favorite). Kresley Cole is a gifted and brillant author with a flawless writing style. The Game Maker Series is one of my all time favorite. I was eager to read each and every one of them. An absolute MUST READ!
My favorite quotes (Dmitri is so yummy):
"Would you like to know how I view the world? Imagine a pitch-black room with a single candle lit in the center. The room is the world. You are the candle.”
“When you’ve been in the dark as long as I have, moy ángel, there is no mistaking the light.”
April 12, 2016
This review is 100% spoiler free and more or less sums up the entire series.
Q. What do you do when an ARC of one your most anticipated reads ends up on your Kindle?
A. You drop EVERYTHING and read it, of course!
They say 'good things come to those who wait' and in this case the wait was so worth it! VICE and Dmitri didn't disappoint!
To say I am a HUGE fan of this series would be an understatement! I first fell in love with it while reading The Professional and was a complete goner after The Master! Of course you KNEW Dmitri's book was coming but the way Kresley just casually slipped it out there - like it was no big deal - was very naughty! Just like this series!
I am not going to recap the story for you because I am sure you are quite capable of reading the blurb and will most likely be reading the book so there is no real need for that but I will say this ...
1. Kresley Cole writes some of THE best heroines out there! They sure know how to hold their own. They are smart. They are funny. They are sassy. They are loyal. And they sure hit the men who dare to fall in love with them like a force of nature - these poor guys never see it coming and it's SO MUCH FUN to see them try and navigate the feelings they are not familiar with.
2. speaking of men ... this Russian trio is BEYOND! I mean, they are brooding, they are dark and dangerous and they are SO SEXY that I truly have no words. And when they fall for their woman, THEY FALL HARD and will stop at NOTHING to get her!
3. Kresley's writing ... what is there to say other than it's ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! I am one of the slowest readers on Earth and I ZOOM through her books in one sitting. Her stories are always fast paced, funny, make you shed a tear or two and filled with some of THE hottest sex scenes out there!
4. speaking of sex ... VERY FEW authors can get away with writing 70/30 sex to story ratio and not leave you feeling like ALL you are reading about is sex. Kresley is one of those authors.
5. I am so sad that this series is now over. I am hoping that Kresley Cole will gift us a little novella in the future about all three couples vacationing somewhere together. It was SUCH a hoot to see them all together in this book!
P.S. Picking a favorite couple in this series was one of the hardest things! I have to say that, as much as I LOVED (and trust me - when I say 'LOVED' I mean 'LOOOOOOOOOOVED'!) Dmitri and Victoria, Maksim and Lucia still reign as King and Queen of this series (for me). But at the end of the day, this entire series is worth the read. And then reread. And then another reread! It's just THAT good!
P.P.S. I've yet to meet Kresley Cole in person but I feel like I have a very good idea of what she would be like if I ever did get the chance. I feel like her personality shines through her writing and I like - no, LOVE - what I see! I hope if/when you pick up this series, you'll fall in love with it [and it's creator] as fast and as hard as I did!
'THE PLAYER' fan-made mini trailer.
July 3, 2019
Another amazing story! My favourite book from the series was The Master, but this is a close second.
“Would you like to know how I view the world?”
Would I? I didn’t know if I was ready to peek into his tricky, complicated mind. “Okay,” I said, the word sounding more like a question.
“Imagine a pitch-black room with a single candle lit in the center,” he said, his voice gone low. “The room is the world. You are the candle.”
A shaky breath escaped my lips. “How can you be so sure about me?”
He leveled his spellbinding gaze on my face. “When you’ve been in the dark as long as I have, moy ángel, there is no mistaking the light.”
The whole story is like a game.
Is Dmitri that naive and easily manipulated?
Is Victoria such a good con artist?
When Victoria Valentine meets Dmitri Sevastyan, she only wants to take advantage of him. Her family is in big trouble. They need to find as much money as possible - otherwise her father is dead. Dmitri is a nice victim. He is a billionaire without any obligations and if Victoria plays her cards right, soon Dmitri will be her milk-cow.
In a milk-cow, a temptress would whip a mark into a sexual frenzy, teasingly withholding intercourse to maneuver him into buying jewelry, cars, even real estate.
Astonished Victoria will soon realise that she does not even need to try. Dmitri will provide everything for her, anything that she wants and much much more. Before they spent even a week together, they will be married and Victoria will have half of his fortune. Is this man for real? Victoria never believed in fairy-tales, but now she starts feeling in love with this strange Russian who does not look sane at all.
The book was hot. The whole series was hot. Dmitri is the third brother and I was so glad that his story was not a copy paste of the stories of the two other brothers. Each Sevastyan brother actually has a unique story to tell.
Dmitri is an extremely smart man who craves love and who really needs someone to look after.
Victoria is very loyal to her family (her motives may disappoint many readers in the beginning) but she has a heart of gold. The story is told from her point of view and you can see her internal struggle to accept the fact that Dmitri is truly her prince charming and that she does not really need to deceive him to have anything she needs.
“Would you like to know how I view the world?”
Would I? I didn’t know if I was ready to peek into his tricky, complicated mind. “Okay,” I said, the word sounding more like a question.
“Imagine a pitch-black room with a single candle lit in the center,” he said, his voice gone low. “The room is the world. You are the candle.”
A shaky breath escaped my lips. “How can you be so sure about me?”
He leveled his spellbinding gaze on my face. “When you’ve been in the dark as long as I have, moy ángel, there is no mistaking the light.”
The whole story is like a game.
Is Dmitri that naive and easily manipulated?
Is Victoria such a good con artist?
When Victoria Valentine meets Dmitri Sevastyan, she only wants to take advantage of him. Her family is in big trouble. They need to find as much money as possible - otherwise her father is dead. Dmitri is a nice victim. He is a billionaire without any obligations and if Victoria plays her cards right, soon Dmitri will be her milk-cow.
In a milk-cow, a temptress would whip a mark into a sexual frenzy, teasingly withholding intercourse to maneuver him into buying jewelry, cars, even real estate.
Astonished Victoria will soon realise that she does not even need to try. Dmitri will provide everything for her, anything that she wants and much much more. Before they spent even a week together, they will be married and Victoria will have half of his fortune. Is this man for real? Victoria never believed in fairy-tales, but now she starts feeling in love with this strange Russian who does not look sane at all.
The book was hot. The whole series was hot. Dmitri is the third brother and I was so glad that his story was not a copy paste of the stories of the two other brothers. Each Sevastyan brother actually has a unique story to tell.
Dmitri is an extremely smart man who craves love and who really needs someone to look after.
Victoria is very loyal to her family (her motives may disappoint many readers in the beginning) but she has a heart of gold. The story is told from her point of view and you can see her internal struggle to accept the fact that Dmitri is truly her prince charming and that she does not really need to deceive him to have anything she needs.
July 27, 2016
This book pretty much grabbed hold and didn't let go. The more involved the story line got, the more invested I was in the outcome. To top it off, although I had an inkling of what was to happen, it was so well executed that I found myself genuinely surprised. Dimitri is the most introspective of the three Sevastyan brothers. He can easily come off as standoffish or even rude. Then he meets an angel in the form of Victoria and he falls HARD. Like his brothers did at their turn, he knows she is the one for him but she's hiding an entire con artist family's worth of secrets. Dimitri takes his Vika beyond her perceived sexual limits and their whirlwind romance leads them into a complicated relationship. Dimitri must deal with his own past in order to move forward with Victoria but that is certainly not easy. Victoria has her own demons to wrestle with. The plot was very interesting. The characters are very complex, unique and dynamic. The "con" lingo is on point, reminding me of when I read Trick Baby by Iceberg Slim. The writing was very well done. Safety: No OW/OM/Sharing. There is voyeurism. There is rape and abuse.
February 9, 2017
I'm always nervous to start a book I have been so anxiously waiting to read. I'm worried that it might not live up to the expectations I have in my mind for it. That wasn't the case here AT ALL.
O-M-G did this book live up to all my expectations. In fact, it pretty much blew them out of the water! I didn't think anything could be hotter than Maxim in THE MASTER but GOOD GOD dirty talking Dmitri made me change my panties more than once...
Dmitri, what can I say. The man was PURE perfection. Hot, dirty talking, vulnerable, sweet and loyal. The perfect hero. He broke my heart and I loved every minute of it. Vika was a little more complicated for me. She was a great heroine, but because of what she was doing to Dmitri I didn't want to like her. Alas, she was just such a wonderful character you couldn't help but fall for her. The side characters were all great and well developed. I'd love to see a book or two staring Vika's brothers and sisters.
I ADORED this book and I grieves me deeply that this was the last in the series. I want more of the Sevastyan brothers. Maybe the author will give us a novella at a later date...PLEASE PLEASE!
O-M-G did this book live up to all my expectations. In fact, it pretty much blew them out of the water! I didn't think anything could be hotter than Maxim in THE MASTER but GOOD GOD dirty talking Dmitri made me change my panties more than once...
Dmitri, what can I say. The man was PURE perfection. Hot, dirty talking, vulnerable, sweet and loyal. The perfect hero. He broke my heart and I loved every minute of it. Vika was a little more complicated for me. She was a great heroine, but because of what she was doing to Dmitri I didn't want to like her. Alas, she was just such a wonderful character you couldn't help but fall for her. The side characters were all great and well developed. I'd love to see a book or two staring Vika's brothers and sisters.
I ADORED this book and I grieves me deeply that this was the last in the series. I want more of the Sevastyan brothers. Maybe the author will give us a novella at a later date...PLEASE PLEASE!
March 19, 2017
OMG My Nook is loaded!!!
My Body is Ready!!
Full Review coming as soon!!!
My Body is Ready!!
Full Review coming as soon!!!
December 29, 2016
Masterfully done!
I loved this third installment in the Game Maker series. First I have to tell you that at the beginning I was not too fond on Victoria. I didn’t like the fact that she and her family played Dmitri this way. Even knowing she was acting in the interest of the con and what was at stake, I just didn’t care. But then she redeemed herself and I realized this was just part of the plot and not the core of the story. Slowly but surely I grew attached to her.
Victoria (aka Vice) is a con artist. She’s caring, loyal to a fault and when she open her heart to another she does so for life. She was raised to believe that fairy tale doesn’t exist and that if something seems to good to be true, it is. She is afraid and always waiting for the other shoe to drop. She’s think that she’s only meant for a grifter.
Dmitri is so PERFECT! He’s a complicated and intriguing billionaire tech genius. He’s real, genuinely nice and honest (almost ), so thoughtful and generous.
Sometimes all dominant and confident, at other times so vulnerable. He’s totally obsessed with Victoria and determined to give her the world. And he’s so HOT…
Their pull towards one another is primal, carnal, sexy as hell, and when they give in to the chemistry between them, the ground shakes, continents move. HOLY HOTNESS!
Nothing but the best with this author. This book will get under your skin and there will not be a damn thing you can do about it. This book will crush you emotionally just reading it.
There is nothing sugar-coated in this book. This story is raw, wild and sensationally pure and I loved every second of it.
Victoria and Dmitri’s story will take you on a crazy ride. Brace yourselves because this book will rock your world!
I’m totally addicted to this SIZZLING series and to the incredible Sevastyan brothers (Maksim will always be my favorite). Kresley Cole is a gifted and brillant author with a flawless writing style. The Game Maker Series is one of my all time favorite. I was eager to read each and every one of them. An absolute MUST READ!
I loved this third installment in the Game Maker series. First I have to tell you that at the beginning I was not too fond on Victoria. I didn’t like the fact that she and her family played Dmitri this way. Even knowing she was acting in the interest of the con and what was at stake, I just didn’t care. But then she redeemed herself and I realized this was just part of the plot and not the core of the story. Slowly but surely I grew attached to her.
Victoria (aka Vice) is a con artist. She’s caring, loyal to a fault and when she open her heart to another she does so for life. She was raised to believe that fairy tale doesn’t exist and that if something seems to good to be true, it is. She is afraid and always waiting for the other shoe to drop. She’s think that she’s only meant for a grifter.
Dmitri is so PERFECT! He’s a complicated and intriguing billionaire tech genius. He’s real, genuinely nice and honest (almost ), so thoughtful and generous.
Sometimes all dominant and confident, at other times so vulnerable. He’s totally obsessed with Victoria and determined to give her the world. And he’s so HOT…
Their pull towards one another is primal, carnal, sexy as hell, and when they give in to the chemistry between them, the ground shakes, continents move. HOLY HOTNESS!
Nothing but the best with this author. This book will get under your skin and there will not be a damn thing you can do about it. This book will crush you emotionally just reading it.
There is nothing sugar-coated in this book. This story is raw, wild and sensationally pure and I loved every second of it.
Victoria and Dmitri’s story will take you on a crazy ride. Brace yourselves because this book will rock your world!
I’m totally addicted to this SIZZLING series and to the incredible Sevastyan brothers (Maksim will always be my favorite). Kresley Cole is a gifted and brillant author with a flawless writing style. The Game Maker Series is one of my all time favorite. I was eager to read each and every one of them. An absolute MUST READ!
February 5, 2018
4.5 The Player...Who is Being Played
* * * *1/2 Spoiler Free
I am going to keep this very short for there are enough reviews out there to give you all the details you may wish. My major contribution is this....
This book took all of the smarts from the second in this series, The Master, and added an additional layer. It had a plot, characters who were insanely attracted to each other, conflict and a delicious outcome. It also had Las Vegas.
Oh, and before I sign off...Lots and Lots of Sex.
A good time had by all.
The Professional (The Game Maker, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Master (The Game Maker, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Player (The Game Maker, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
I am finally making the time to read this... and know the ending of a series...can be bittersweet- Bitter because it ends, yet sweet to have the experience.
2/23/2016
Dmitri Sevastyan... you have been talked about...
I know something of your ugly past...
You think you can't escape the darkness...
But your brothers have found their light through the women they love...
Is it possible for such a dark soul to experience freedom from pain...
And will the desire to be free, to be loved...
Only leave you vulnerable for more hurt...
We will have our answers soon...
The Player, 2016
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * *1/2 Spoiler Free
I am going to keep this very short for there are enough reviews out there to give you all the details you may wish. My major contribution is this....
This book took all of the smarts from the second in this series, The Master, and added an additional layer. It had a plot, characters who were insanely attracted to each other, conflict and a delicious outcome. It also had Las Vegas.
Oh, and before I sign off...Lots and Lots of Sex.
A good time had by all.
The Professional (The Game Maker, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Master (The Game Maker, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Player (The Game Maker, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
I am finally making the time to read this... and know the ending of a series...can be bittersweet- Bitter because it ends, yet sweet to have the experience.
2/23/2016
Dmitri Sevastyan... you have been talked about...
I know something of your ugly past...
You think you can't escape the darkness...
But your brothers have found their light through the women they love...
Is it possible for such a dark soul to experience freedom from pain...
And will the desire to be free, to be loved...
Only leave you vulnerable for more hurt...
We will have our answers soon...
The Player, 2016
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 28, 2025
He fr played everyone and their dad in this book lmao I loved itttt. Mind games for days it was so scrum dilly yum 🤭
Not him challenging her to hurt his pockets. OUTRIGHT CHALLENGING HER TO HURT HIS POCKETS. And when she did? He said, “More income came in overnight. You didn’t even scratch the surface. Perhaps tomorrow you will be more aggressive. . . .”
Dmitri deserves every applause there is in this world.
Not him challenging her to hurt his pockets. OUTRIGHT CHALLENGING HER TO HURT HIS POCKETS. And when she did? He said, “More income came in overnight. You didn’t even scratch the surface. Perhaps tomorrow you will be more aggressive. . . .”
Dmitri deserves every applause there is in this world.
July 26, 2020
WOW! That’s all i can say.
No seriously, this series is a masterpiece, it’s an absolute must read!
Going into this book, I was really anxious, since i wasn’t sure it would measure up to The Master( which is still my favorite book in the series, and one of my all time faves). But i had no reason to be anxious, i absolutely loved it.
On one hand Dmitri Sevastian is a lethal combination of a hot possessive, obsessive and powerful alpha and a damaged, scarred and vulnerable russian man.( my Achilles heel 😍)
On the other hand, i was really conflicted about our heroine Victoria, since she set out to con Dmitri for his money in order to pay back her family debt. I was afraid she was gonna hurt him and betray his trust and love for her.
But I was absolutely astonished by the huge plot twist in the end, and all my worries just evaporated.
Kresley Cole really has a way with words, she’s a real genius and I’m huge fan of her books and her writing, she’s easily one of my favorite authors ever.
The Game Maker series is one of the most engrossing, intense and ridiculously sexy piece of literature i have ever read. I highly recommend reading each book in the series, the Sevastian brothers are totally intoxicating!
Again, i wanna thank my friend Mina https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5... for introducing me to the Sevastian brothers, you’re the best! 💕💕
Favorite quotes from the book:
“Imagine a pitch-black room with a single candle lit in the center,” he said, his voice gone low. “The room is the world. You are the candle.” - Dmitri Sevastian
“I believe when a man finds the one woman meant to be his, he associates her scent with happiness. In the deepest recesses of his brain, he thinks, This woman is where all happiness lies. She is my home. Every time he catches her scent, that link is reinforced.” Another kiss. “My happiness lies with you, Victoria. You are my home. It is because I’ve never experienced these feelings that I recognize them.” - Dmitri Sevastian
No seriously, this series is a masterpiece, it’s an absolute must read!
Going into this book, I was really anxious, since i wasn’t sure it would measure up to The Master( which is still my favorite book in the series, and one of my all time faves). But i had no reason to be anxious, i absolutely loved it.
On one hand Dmitri Sevastian is a lethal combination of a hot possessive, obsessive and powerful alpha and a damaged, scarred and vulnerable russian man.( my Achilles heel 😍)
On the other hand, i was really conflicted about our heroine Victoria, since she set out to con Dmitri for his money in order to pay back her family debt. I was afraid she was gonna hurt him and betray his trust and love for her.
But I was absolutely astonished by the huge plot twist in the end, and all my worries just evaporated.
Kresley Cole really has a way with words, she’s a real genius and I’m huge fan of her books and her writing, she’s easily one of my favorite authors ever.
The Game Maker series is one of the most engrossing, intense and ridiculously sexy piece of literature i have ever read. I highly recommend reading each book in the series, the Sevastian brothers are totally intoxicating!
Again, i wanna thank my friend Mina https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5... for introducing me to the Sevastian brothers, you’re the best! 💕💕
Favorite quotes from the book:
“Imagine a pitch-black room with a single candle lit in the center,” he said, his voice gone low. “The room is the world. You are the candle.” - Dmitri Sevastian
“I believe when a man finds the one woman meant to be his, he associates her scent with happiness. In the deepest recesses of his brain, he thinks, This woman is where all happiness lies. She is my home. Every time he catches her scent, that link is reinforced.” Another kiss. “My happiness lies with you, Victoria. You are my home. It is because I’ve never experienced these feelings that I recognize them.” - Dmitri Sevastian
dnf
May 31, 2016DNF @ 71%. I tried -- I really did! I just never felt their connection. WAY too instalove for me. In only a very few occasions have I been ok with "love at first sight" type situations, and it didn't work for me at all in this one. I kept on getting distracted and bored with my reading, but I kept at it. Honestly, the sex is pretty hot -- so there is that. That might have been the reason I held on so long. I had huge issues with the h being so dishonest. The H obviously adored her, so I didn't see why she had to keep up the grifter act!! He probably would've handed over whatever she needed without any hesitation! But no! I imagine this will be the source for drama later in the story, but I'm over it so much that I really don't care to find out...
March 6, 2019
4 STARS!
After reading this series, I've come to the conclusion that Kresley Cole writes some of the BEST TRASHY ROMANCE out there. I'll now have to start making my way through her extensive backlist. Yay!
Ok, so, my review...... While this installment was my least favorite of the series, there was still A LOT to like:
The hero: Dmitri was amazing! Dark, broody, unapologetic, driven, hot as hell, and ALL about Victoria. This about sums him up:
The sex: Hot as fuck! Literally. LOL. Kresley Cole knows how to write some ragingly hot yet intimate scenes.
The plot: The overarching framework of the story was so well done. It was complex, layered and interesting - something that's usually missing in this kind of a book.
There were a few things that felt 'off' for me while reading it though.
The heroine:
The sex: Taken on its own, yes, it was hot. But in the context of the story, at times, it felt a bit forced and inorganic. I get the author wanted Dmitri and Vika's kink to stand out from the other couples', but . . .
The plot:
A huge thank you to all my friends who encouraged me to read these books! <3
"It was always going to be you. Or it never would have been."Wow! What an ending!
After reading this series, I've come to the conclusion that Kresley Cole writes some of the BEST TRASHY ROMANCE out there. I'll now have to start making my way through her extensive backlist. Yay!
Ok, so, my review...... While this installment was my least favorite of the series, there was still A LOT to like:
The hero: Dmitri was amazing! Dark, broody, unapologetic, driven, hot as hell, and ALL about Victoria. This about sums him up:
You beautiful, fucked-up man.I LOVED HIM!
The sex: Hot as fuck! Literally. LOL. Kresley Cole knows how to write some ragingly hot yet intimate scenes.
The plot: The overarching framework of the story was so well done. It was complex, layered and interesting - something that's usually missing in this kind of a book.
There were a few things that felt 'off' for me while reading it though.
The heroine:
The sex: Taken on its own, yes, it was hot. But in the context of the story, at times, it felt a bit forced and inorganic. I get the author wanted Dmitri and Vika's kink to stand out from the other couples', but . . .
The plot:
A huge thank you to all my friends who encouraged me to read these books! <3
May 4, 2021
Pre-review: Although I dislike the first book of this series with a passion, but judging from the blurt the plots of this third book is too interesting to be missed...
Outline of the story: Victoria Valentine, aka Vice, was from a family of con artists and grifters, and her family must come up with tons of money within a month's notice since her parents pissed off the wrong people. In order to save her family, she tried to trick Dmitri Sevastyan, an IT billionaire, into a honey trap, using herself as the bait. Soon Dmitri was showering her with expansive gifts and coming up with a marriage proposal (with no prenup), but were all these a bit too good to be true?
Thoughts after reading: Holy cow, Ms. Cole really took me by surprise with her plot twists this time!
The story begins in Las Vegas, the Sin City, so everything in this book is pretty much loud, fast moving and pleasantly over-the-top. It’s romance escapism at its finest, with entertaining plots, wicked plot twists and vividly written characters to spice things up.
Though I suspect Ms. Cole's Game Maker series is an attempt to ride the BDSM erotica success-train of 50 Shades of Grey, still I’m pleased that this time the heroine is no blushing virgin, instead through Vice’s first person POV we readers are traveling with her through one exciting con game and scheme after another to milk money out of her mark, Dmitri.
Plus, I do like Vice’s family members! Although I’m not very happy with the possibility of Vice’s sister .
On the other hand, we are kept in the state of suspense alongside Vice as she interacts with Dmitri whilst suspicion continues to grow: what is Dmitri’s deal? Are things going too fast and too far when the guy proposals to a woman he only knew for days? Why would he entrust his fortune to his newlywed wife, with no question asked? What is the ‘dark past’ he kept hinting at to the heroine?
At the back of your head, you just have to sense something is way off with this guy! LOL
As to Dmitri, I found him to be a pleasant surprise! As with other Cole’s male leads, man! The guy has some major issues and he can be a crazy asshole at times (let’s face it, a lot of times), and he also has a typical sob story from his past, but unlike his older brother from the first book, Dmitri is a nut case with some redeeming qualities, and he shows that an abused victim can still be capable of loving and treasuring another person without turning into a full-on control freak and a dirtbag. Well, I'm not going to give out awards to Dmitri for meeting up with the basic level of human decency, but at least his effort makes the reading progress better for me.
PS: The 2/3 part of the story is a bit of a drag (when the couple grows a bit too goo-goo eyes in the middle of their romance to my liking) but it isn't too damaging. And I'm not very interested in the sex scenes so I skimmed most of them, but I may return to read them later?
Review for the first book of the series: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Outline of the story: Victoria Valentine, aka Vice, was from a family of con artists and grifters, and her family must come up with tons of money within a month's notice since her parents pissed off the wrong people. In order to save her family, she tried to trick Dmitri Sevastyan, an IT billionaire, into a honey trap, using herself as the bait. Soon Dmitri was showering her with expansive gifts and coming up with a marriage proposal (with no prenup), but were all these a bit too good to be true?
Diamonds are a girl's best friend (Tiffany)
Di-Diamonds are a girl's best friend
Southern girl in me, I ain't afraid to catch a case
VVS' on me and I flooded out the face (hey, hey, Cartier)
Diamonds are a girl's best friend (Tiffany)
Di-Diamonds are a girl's best friend
I don't need you, I got flooded out baguettes
I don't need you, all my diamonds drippin' wet (Cartier)
-Megan Thee Stallion & Normani - Diamonds (from Birds of Prey: The Album)
Thoughts after reading: Holy cow, Ms. Cole really took me by surprise with her plot twists this time!
The story begins in Las Vegas, the Sin City, so everything in this book is pretty much loud, fast moving and pleasantly over-the-top. It’s romance escapism at its finest, with entertaining plots, wicked plot twists and vividly written characters to spice things up.
It's now or never
Come, hold me tight
Kiss me, my darling (Ooh)
Be mine tonight
Tomorrow will be too late (Ah, ah, ah)
It's now or never (Ooh)
My love won't wait
When I first saw you
With your smile so tender
My heart was captured
My soul surrendered
I've spent a lifetime
Waiting for the right time
Now that you're near
The time is here, at last
-Elvis Presley - It's Now Or Never
Though I suspect Ms. Cole's Game Maker series is an attempt to ride the BDSM erotica success-train of 50 Shades of Grey, still I’m pleased that this time the heroine is no blushing virgin, instead through Vice’s first person POV we readers are traveling with her through one exciting con game and scheme after another to milk money out of her mark, Dmitri.
Plus, I do like Vice’s family members! Although I’m not very happy with the possibility of Vice’s sister .
On the other hand, we are kept in the state of suspense alongside Vice as she interacts with Dmitri whilst suspicion continues to grow: what is Dmitri’s deal? Are things going too fast and too far when the guy proposals to a woman he only knew for days? Why would he entrust his fortune to his newlywed wife, with no question asked? What is the ‘dark past’ he kept hinting at to the heroine?
At the back of your head, you just have to sense something is way off with this guy! LOL
As to Dmitri, I found him to be a pleasant surprise! As with other Cole’s male leads, man! The guy has some major issues and he can be a crazy asshole at times (let’s face it, a lot of times), and he also has a typical sob story from his past, but unlike his older brother from the first book, Dmitri is a nut case with some redeeming qualities, and he shows that an abused victim can still be capable of loving and treasuring another person without turning into a full-on control freak and a dirtbag. Well, I'm not going to give out awards to Dmitri for meeting up with the basic level of human decency, but at least his effort makes the reading progress better for me.
PS: The 2/3 part of the story is a bit of a drag (when the couple grows a bit too goo-goo eyes in the middle of their romance to my liking) but it isn't too damaging. And I'm not very interested in the sex scenes so I skimmed most of them, but I may return to read them later?
Review for the first book of the series: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 21, 2022
I can't wait for this novel. This has to be Dimitry's story and with everything he went though as a child and how hard it is for him to connect with people, it's going to take more than "love (*cough* lust) at first sight" to get him to move past it.
Well, it was still lust/love at first sight, but it was still good.
Well, it was still lust/love at first sight, but it was still good.
April 9, 2016
I told myself, when I opened The Player on my Kindle at around 6pm on Friday evening, that I would just get started. Get a feel for the book, and hopefully, be finished by the end of the weekend—children willing.
It's now 1:45am Saturday morning, and I just closed it. With only brief breaks as I made dinner, or acknowledged that I actually HAD kids, I read every page, poured over every word, gasped and grinned at the twists and turns, and fell completely in love with Dmitri Sevastyan.
To be clear, when I say completely, I mean totally and utterly. Gruff, broken, off-center—and very possibly off-balance—at first glance, this Russian billionaire is not your typical book boyfriend. Except...his protective extravagance, his dirty words and dominant tendencies, and his passionate obsession for Victoria were beyond sexy. Beyond swoonworthy. Dmitri Sevastyan was decadence, indulgence; a dark and scorching hot fairytale Beast come to life in the pages of one hell of a good book.
No, wait, not good. FABULOUS. It had me, to borrow a turn of phrase from the con artists that feature in this slightly over-the-top book, in its thrall. I'm the gull. The Player is the grifter. And I have been (happily and willingly) ensnared.
And I would be again. There's no doubt in my mind, I will be re-reading this book. Actually, all three of the Game Maker books. Why? Maybe the stellar writing. Perhaps the temperature-rising sex. Possibly the secondary characters that blend humor with emotion, making it easy to fall in love with them. DEFINITELY because the heroes and heroines in these books are sublime. Strong but broken. Smart but plagued by bad decisions and choices. Beautiful but far from perfect.
This book now marks three times in a three book series that I've found myself fully immersed in the insane and incredible world of the Sevastyan brothers. And as the clock ticks ever closer to 2am, and my eyelids start to droop (I'm hoping sleep will bring with it dreams of Dmitri), I can say with certainty that the next time I'm faced with a book by Ms. Cole, I'll be sure to start it in the early in the morning, so I'm not finishing it...early in the morning. ~ Beth, 5 stars
It's now 1:45am Saturday morning, and I just closed it. With only brief breaks as I made dinner, or acknowledged that I actually HAD kids, I read every page, poured over every word, gasped and grinned at the twists and turns, and fell completely in love with Dmitri Sevastyan.
To be clear, when I say completely, I mean totally and utterly. Gruff, broken, off-center—and very possibly off-balance—at first glance, this Russian billionaire is not your typical book boyfriend. Except...his protective extravagance, his dirty words and dominant tendencies, and his passionate obsession for Victoria were beyond sexy. Beyond swoonworthy. Dmitri Sevastyan was decadence, indulgence; a dark and scorching hot fairytale Beast come to life in the pages of one hell of a good book.
No, wait, not good. FABULOUS. It had me, to borrow a turn of phrase from the con artists that feature in this slightly over-the-top book, in its thrall. I'm the gull. The Player is the grifter. And I have been (happily and willingly) ensnared.
And I would be again. There's no doubt in my mind, I will be re-reading this book. Actually, all three of the Game Maker books. Why? Maybe the stellar writing. Perhaps the temperature-rising sex. Possibly the secondary characters that blend humor with emotion, making it easy to fall in love with them. DEFINITELY because the heroes and heroines in these books are sublime. Strong but broken. Smart but plagued by bad decisions and choices. Beautiful but far from perfect.
This book now marks three times in a three book series that I've found myself fully immersed in the insane and incredible world of the Sevastyan brothers. And as the clock ticks ever closer to 2am, and my eyelids start to droop (I'm hoping sleep will bring with it dreams of Dmitri), I can say with certainty that the next time I'm faced with a book by Ms. Cole, I'll be sure to start it in the early in the morning, so I'm not finishing it...early in the morning. ~ Beth, 5 stars
June 9, 2016
3 Ugh Stars
Why didn't I love this?! I don't know! And I'm so mad at myself for not loving it!
I gave both of the first two books 5 stars, and I was looking forward to this book so much. Maybe it was all of the anticipation in my head that just led to the disappointment? It just wasn't what I expected. I thought Dmitri's character would be much darker. I didn't care for the insta-love, especially with his past. It just didn't seem like something he would do. I was hoping she would have to fight for him a little. I also didn't like the con-artist lingo/story. There was a little too much of that for me. I just didn't care about her family of cons.
I truly hate when I don't love a book that I thought I was going to love.
Why didn't I love this?! I don't know! And I'm so mad at myself for not loving it!
I gave both of the first two books 5 stars, and I was looking forward to this book so much. Maybe it was all of the anticipation in my head that just led to the disappointment? It just wasn't what I expected. I thought Dmitri's character would be much darker. I didn't care for the insta-love, especially with his past. It just didn't seem like something he would do. I was hoping she would have to fight for him a little. I also didn't like the con-artist lingo/story. There was a little too much of that for me. I just didn't care about her family of cons.
I truly hate when I don't love a book that I thought I was going to love.
July 24, 2018
“Desire is like chess.
Do whatever you must to achieve your endgame.”
- Dmitri Sevastyan
* * *
“The lesson?
Never reach for the stars.”
- Victoria Valentine
* * *
“He controlled me. He’d taken ownership of my body, my mind. The thrall had me in its grip.”
- Victoria Valentine
* * *
“It was always going to be you. Or it never would have been.”
- Dmitri Sevastyan
* * *
“You trusted me, and I trusted us.”
- Dmitri
* * *
“When you truly open your heart to another, you do so for life, and you’re loyal to a fault. You’re patient. You’re protective. You’re secretive. But I know you’ll share all your secrets if I share mine. Your zest for life is boundless. And when your blue eyes brighten with happiness, I feel as if I’ve been drugged. To a man like me, you are a drug.”
- Dmitri
Do whatever you must to achieve your endgame.”
- Dmitri Sevastyan
* * *
“The lesson?
Never reach for the stars.”
- Victoria Valentine
* * *
“He controlled me. He’d taken ownership of my body, my mind. The thrall had me in its grip.”
- Victoria Valentine
* * *
“It was always going to be you. Or it never would have been.”
- Dmitri Sevastyan
* * *
“You trusted me, and I trusted us.”
- Dmitri
* * *
“When you truly open your heart to another, you do so for life, and you’re loyal to a fault. You’re patient. You’re protective. You’re secretive. But I know you’ll share all your secrets if I share mine. Your zest for life is boundless. And when your blue eyes brighten with happiness, I feel as if I’ve been drugged. To a man like me, you are a drug.”
- Dmitri
December 14, 2016
That was the thing about the beast from fairy tales; he didn't want to be a beast. He didn't want to be alone.
Ugh. If I had an impressionable, just becoming aware of gender issues, dynamics, etc. teenage daughter, would I want her to read this? Probably no. Then why do I find myself giving it three stars?!
"I'd rather have an honest madman than a sane liar."
I don't want to spoil anything but let's just say the hero has issues, deep heartwrenching ones that involve abuse and other ones I'm afraid get excused away because of the sympathy you feel for him, his wealth, looks, and the way the heroine rationalizes it all.
"What do you want from me now?"
"I want the wedding ring you bought for me that you think is hidden, the one I've tried on daily since its arrival."
It's a compelling story because told exclusively from the heroine's point of view, you sort of become her and internalize her fears and hopes; waiting for the other shoe to drop and wanting to believe it won't. Our heroine's tough, in control attitude was an illusion and I didn't get enough real felt emotion between the two. The hero is a bit like a blank screen, not in regards to his backstory or stated components but in that he never felt real to me. Giving characters abusive pasts doesn't automatically provide depth. It's a basic money focused rescue (there's some emotions but let's be honest with ourselves, his billionaire status is the main draw) story that I hate falling for.
This was definitely a beauty and the beast story, I'll beat myself up over liking it, but liked it I did. I don't know, I was completely absorbed as I was reading, less towards the end with some revelations that made me uncomfortable and snapped me out of my fairy tale daze, but when I finished, I'm not sure I felt good about what I read.
Ugh. If I had an impressionable, just becoming aware of gender issues, dynamics, etc. teenage daughter, would I want her to read this? Probably no. Then why do I find myself giving it three stars?!
"I'd rather have an honest madman than a sane liar."
I don't want to spoil anything but let's just say the hero has issues, deep heartwrenching ones that involve abuse and other ones I'm afraid get excused away because of the sympathy you feel for him, his wealth, looks, and the way the heroine rationalizes it all.
"What do you want from me now?"
"I want the wedding ring you bought for me that you think is hidden, the one I've tried on daily since its arrival."
It's a compelling story because told exclusively from the heroine's point of view, you sort of become her and internalize her fears and hopes; waiting for the other shoe to drop and wanting to believe it won't. Our heroine's tough, in control attitude was an illusion and I didn't get enough real felt emotion between the two. The hero is a bit like a blank screen, not in regards to his backstory or stated components but in that he never felt real to me. Giving characters abusive pasts doesn't automatically provide depth. It's a basic money focused rescue (there's some emotions but let's be honest with ourselves, his billionaire status is the main draw) story that I hate falling for.
This was definitely a beauty and the beast story, I'll beat myself up over liking it, but liked it I did. I don't know, I was completely absorbed as I was reading, less towards the end with some revelations that made me uncomfortable and snapped me out of my fairy tale daze, but when I finished, I'm not sure I felt good about what I read.
August 4, 2020
1 star
99% sex and 1% (terrible) plot
99% sex and 1% (terrible) plot
May 8, 2016
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this one. Super smutty, but with a nice emotional aspect to it, the third and (? final) book in The Game Maker series rounds out the story of the Sevastyan brothers really nicely.
This book tells the story of youngest Sevastyan brother, Dmitri. Having survived a tortuous childhood, Dmitri has become hugely wealthy and, having recently been reunited with his older brothers, has decided to take a well-earned break from business.
Victoria is from a long line of grifters. Well ensconced into the family business she considers herself a ‘confidence artist’, but her last few targets have been busts. With her father in a whole lot heap of trouble after a con gone wrong, the whole family is pulling together to raise the money needed to keep him alive. Dmitri is the ultimate target, and Victoria sets her sights on him as the answer to all of their problems.
As experienced as she is at her ‘job’, Victoria has no clue what she’s getting herself into with Dmitri. The gorgeous, dark and broody Russian takes one look at her and is instantly smitten, and he makes it clear that he intends to set her world on fire.
Yes, it’s a smut-fest as Dmitri claims Victoria as his, and then goes proving it to her over and over and over again. And though she knows in her head that he’s just a job, her heart and her body tell her otherwise as he takes her on a journey of sexual discovery unlike anything she has ever known, opening her up to new experiences and revealing her unknown kinky side. While at the same time surprising her at every turn and stealing her heart.
I liked the dynamic between these two. Victoria, the con artist with a heart who is falling for her mark, and Dmitri, the tortured recluse who doesn’t know how to deal with people but is so enamoured with Victoria that he puts himself right out there for her, and doesn’t care a bit.
Yes, things move quickly, but he’s a Sevastyan, and that seems to be the way things go with these boys. There are some ups and downs as they get to know each other, slowly learning to trust and revealing their secrets to each other. But Victoria is keeping the biggest secret of all, and it’s one that she can’t keep forever. What will happen when the truth is finally revealed? Dun dun duuuuuuun. There are some great twists and turns in this book, and though I predicted where the story was going, I still enjoyed the ride.
I really liked Dmitri. His past has been explored a bit in the previous books of the series, but getting it all from his perspective and seeing how it has affected him brings so much emotion to the story! He’s so incredibly damaged, but his love for Victoria is a beautiful thing, and I love how even though he is struggling to move forward, he fights hard for her and for the promise of a life together. His vulnerability and huge heart provided a really nice balance to the story.
Dmitri and Victoria have a very different story from the other couples in the series, and as much as I found their dynamic to be interesting, I didn’t feel their chemistry as much as I wanted to. Of course the sex is there (probably not as smutty as the previous two, but there is still lots of it) - graphic and with a bit of kink, and it’s all very hot, but I didn’t feel the warmth between them and it just felt like the story was missing something.
The couples from the previous books both make an appearance, as does scene-stealer Jess, and the drunken antics of this group are freaking hilarious!
This isn’t my favourite book of the series, but I still enjoyed it, and I’m so glad that Dmitri get his happy ending.
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed this one. Super smutty, but with a nice emotional aspect to it, the third and (? final) book in The Game Maker series rounds out the story of the Sevastyan brothers really nicely.
This book tells the story of youngest Sevastyan brother, Dmitri. Having survived a tortuous childhood, Dmitri has become hugely wealthy and, having recently been reunited with his older brothers, has decided to take a well-earned break from business.
Victoria is from a long line of grifters. Well ensconced into the family business she considers herself a ‘confidence artist’, but her last few targets have been busts. With her father in a whole lot heap of trouble after a con gone wrong, the whole family is pulling together to raise the money needed to keep him alive. Dmitri is the ultimate target, and Victoria sets her sights on him as the answer to all of their problems.
I would so fake-flirt with this Russian, in order to manipulate him into fake near-sex situations.
I would be perfect for a milk-cow, because I didn’t lose control sexually, even when I was supposed to.
As experienced as she is at her ‘job’, Victoria has no clue what she’s getting herself into with Dmitri. The gorgeous, dark and broody Russian takes one look at her and is instantly smitten, and he makes it clear that he intends to set her world on fire.
“There are two things you should know about me, Victoria. One, I will play games with you.”
Warmth flooded my body, centering between my thighs. I swallowed. “What’s the other thing, big guy?”
He palmed the back of my head, drawing me close. Yet then he hesitated, as if relishing that he was about to kiss me. “You will like my games.”
Yes, it’s a smut-fest as Dmitri claims Victoria as his, and then goes proving it to her over and over and over again. And though she knows in her head that he’s just a job, her heart and her body tell her otherwise as he takes her on a journey of sexual discovery unlike anything she has ever known, opening her up to new experiences and revealing her unknown kinky side. While at the same time surprising her at every turn and stealing her heart.
“You know that I’m not for sale, right?”
“I know. Or I would have already bought you.”
I grinned, thinking he was kidding, but he just stared into my eyes.
Too intense! So I tried a playful turn. “And what would you do if you owned me?” I tweaked his strong chin. “Would I be your slave?”
He shook his head. “I would free you, Victoria. And then I would buy you the entire goddamned world.”
I liked the dynamic between these two. Victoria, the con artist with a heart who is falling for her mark, and Dmitri, the tortured recluse who doesn’t know how to deal with people but is so enamoured with Victoria that he puts himself right out there for her, and doesn’t care a bit.
“You must be leaving Vegas soon.”
He seemed to be weighing his words. Finally he said, “Not without you.”
My jaw slackened.
“That was one of those things I should haven’t said aloud, isn’t it?”
Red flags waved all over the place. “This is going too fast.” I struggled for equilibrium.
“Compared to most other couples? Yes. But you and I are both aware of what’s happening.”
I sputtered, “Spell it out for me, big guy.”
“You are going to be mine,” he said. “Exclusively. You’re as good as already.”
Yes, things move quickly, but he’s a Sevastyan, and that seems to be the way things go with these boys. There are some ups and downs as they get to know each other, slowly learning to trust and revealing their secrets to each other. But Victoria is keeping the biggest secret of all, and it’s one that she can’t keep forever. What will happen when the truth is finally revealed? Dun dun duuuuuuun. There are some great twists and turns in this book, and though I predicted where the story was going, I still enjoyed the ride.
I really liked Dmitri. His past has been explored a bit in the previous books of the series, but getting it all from his perspective and seeing how it has affected him brings so much emotion to the story! He’s so incredibly damaged, but his love for Victoria is a beautiful thing, and I love how even though he is struggling to move forward, he fights hard for her and for the promise of a life together. His vulnerability and huge heart provided a really nice balance to the story.
“Imagine a pitch-black room with a single candle lit in the center,” he said, his voice gone low. “The room is the world. You are the candle.”
A shaky breath escaped my lips. “How can you be so sure about me?”
He levelled his spellbinding gaze on my face. “When you’ve been in the dark as long as I have, moy angel, there is no mistaking the light.”
Dmitri and Victoria have a very different story from the other couples in the series, and as much as I found their dynamic to be interesting, I didn’t feel their chemistry as much as I wanted to. Of course the sex is there (probably not as smutty as the previous two, but there is still lots of it) - graphic and with a bit of kink, and it’s all very hot, but I didn’t feel the warmth between them and it just felt like the story was missing something.
The couples from the previous books both make an appearance, as does scene-stealer Jess, and the drunken antics of this group are freaking hilarious!
“Over the last year, I have thrown myself and every other available woman at that man. But he turned this”—she waved at her spectacular figure—“down. Repeatedly. Pickiest guy ever. Yet now he can’t take his eyes off his new ‘date’. “You’ve beaten out millions. Tell me, was it as simple as swallowing?”
I snapped my gaze to her. “I met him fifteen minutes ago.”
Jessica nodded. “In those fifteen minutes, did you happen to swallow?”
This isn’t my favourite book of the series, but I still enjoyed it, and I’m so glad that Dmitri get his happy ending.
3.5 stars.
August 22, 2017
3.5 Tortured Hero Stars!!
Dmitri Sevastyan is the youngest Sevastyan brother, having survived a horrid childhood, he is now extremely wealthy, very handsome and very, very troubled. Having recently been reunited with his older brothers, he has decided to take break from business and visit Vegas along with his brothers and their beloved wives (loved catching up with them!!).
Victoria is from a long line of grifters (con artists). Victoria is very much involved in her family’s business and she considers herself a ‘confidence artist’, but her last few targets didn’t pan out. With her father in a trouble after a con gone wrong, the whole family is pulling together to raise the money needed to keep him alive. Dmitri is the ultimate target, and Victoria sets her sights on him as the answer to all of their problems.
Dmitri is amazing!! He’s possessive, obsessive, dark, and broody with tragic past, he’s literally the perfect tortured hero. Upon meeting Victoria falls for her…and falls hard !! He completely adores Victoria and pulls out all the stops to get her.
“I want to protect you. I want to spoil you. I want to have children with you and spoil them too. I want to grow old with you. And at the end of our lives, you will have no doubt you were loved and adored by me for every second.”
Victoria (and her family) was another story. She lies to him, uses him, and her whole family coaches her on how to fleece him. I never felt nothing but loathing toward the heroine and her whole family, not one of them has any scruples!
I’ve loved the heroines from the previous books, such a shame. Victoria, is the reason I'm giving the book 3 stars, the fact that she was conning him throughout the whole book did not sit well with me; even though, at the end Dmitri gave her a taste of her own medicine when he turns tables on her and her family….I did not see that coming!! But, I still did not like her, If I was to rate this book on hero alone, I would have given it 5 stars! I was so hoping he would have gotten a better heroine after all he’s been through, he deserved someone so much better.
“How can you be so sure about me?" He leveled his spellbinding gaze on my face. "When you've been in the dark as long as I have, moy angel, there is no mistaking the light.”
Gypsies, Tramps, & Thieves by Cher:
http://youtu.be/dG0C54J1qsQ
March 15, 2017
Rating: 5 stars for the amazing plot twist at the end.
Not a helluva lot happens in this book. The relationship and the characters carry things despite the watery plot. There is loads of sex. Intrigue. Sex. Luxury. Sex. Insta-luv-obsession. Sex.
Then once it all unravels. Bang! Zoom! I got hit with a cross blow of a plot twist.
Dmitri, who knew?
Vice/Victoria is mediocre to me. Her sister was more interesting. I can't understand what Dmitri sees in her but hey! He's a very damaged soul. I have to trust his judgement. Maybe she reminds him of his deceased mother? It would not shock me. But I liked the way the author turned Dmitri's damage and re-sectioned the effects of his past into something astonishing.
I vibed book two best out of all the series. Maksim is the man! And Lucia with her sassy ways.
But this wasn't too shabby, not at all. A sweet way to spend time.
Not a helluva lot happens in this book. The relationship and the characters carry things despite the watery plot. There is loads of sex. Intrigue. Sex. Luxury. Sex. Insta-luv-obsession. Sex.
Then once it all unravels. Bang! Zoom! I got hit with a cross blow of a plot twist.
Dmitri, who knew?
Vice/Victoria is mediocre to me. Her sister was more interesting. I can't understand what Dmitri sees in her but hey! He's a very damaged soul. I have to trust his judgement. Maybe she reminds him of his deceased mother? It would not shock me. But I liked the way the author turned Dmitri's damage and re-sectioned the effects of his past into something astonishing.
I vibed book two best out of all the series. Maksim is the man! And Lucia with her sassy ways.
But this wasn't too shabby, not at all. A sweet way to spend time.
did-not-finish
March 22, 2024DNF @ 40%
Nope, can't do it anymore. I need to stop for my sanity. There's nothing more I hate than lying, and Victoria and her family are pro with that; they're family of cons after all. Every word and action was done in a calculated manner, and I hate every minute when she and her family reconvene and plan how to make a play for Dmitri. 😤
I'm probably going to love his character because he's so down bad for her, but I cannot continue with this. Chapter after chapter, I'm left feeling even more annoyed. Maybe there would be a plot twist or something later on, but I don't have it in me to wait for that or skim this story.
I wish I could love this like the second book, but unfortunately, that's not the case. 😔
Nope, can't do it anymore. I need to stop for my sanity. There's nothing more I hate than lying, and Victoria and her family are pro with that; they're family of cons after all. Every word and action was done in a calculated manner, and I hate every minute when she and her family reconvene and plan how to make a play for Dmitri. 😤
I'm probably going to love his character because he's so down bad for her, but I cannot continue with this. Chapter after chapter, I'm left feeling even more annoyed. Maybe there would be a plot twist or something later on, but I don't have it in me to wait for that or skim this story.
I wish I could love this like the second book, but unfortunately, that's not the case. 😔
Read
May 17, 2016Dimitri, you got lots of work to catch up to maxim if you're going to entertain me.
FIENDING!!!
I feel that if he doesn't end up with Jess, which is a possibility, Jess should get her own book. I just love her!
FIENDING!!!
I feel that if he doesn't end up with Jess, which is a possibility, Jess should get her own book. I just love her!
February 9, 2017
I gave this audiobook an A- for the narration and B+ for the story at AudioGals*
Narrated by Kimberly Alexis
Fans of romances featuring grifters or con artists will love both the intensity and detailed background of living the life as a con artist detailed in The Player. I really am not sure where Ms. Cole did the research for all of the various con jobs she describes, but I found this aspect of the story to be fresh, entertaining, and eerily informative. Moreover, Ms. Cole manages to throw in one zinger of a twist towards the end of this story that instantly increased my rating. I must admit that up to this point, I couldn’t help but feel that the story was just too predictable and unbelievable, but the ending somehow tied it all together for me and, while still somewhat incredible in its grandiose nature, put my doubts to rest (this is romantic fiction, after all, which frequently features larger than life plots). Further complementing this story is Kimberley Alexis’ talented narration, making this a natural selection to enjoy in audio format.
One note of caution for listeners who prefer the passion in their romances on the tame side. The Player is an erotic romance with a high level of steam. Additionally, the story does feature some light BDSM elements, so if this is not your cup of tea, then it’s probably best to skip this story. If your concern is that you haven’t listened to the prior books in the Game Maker series, no worries on that front as the romance and underlying suspense arc is fully contained within this book.
See the full review at at AudioGals.
Narrated by Kimberly Alexis
Fans of romances featuring grifters or con artists will love both the intensity and detailed background of living the life as a con artist detailed in The Player. I really am not sure where Ms. Cole did the research for all of the various con jobs she describes, but I found this aspect of the story to be fresh, entertaining, and eerily informative. Moreover, Ms. Cole manages to throw in one zinger of a twist towards the end of this story that instantly increased my rating. I must admit that up to this point, I couldn’t help but feel that the story was just too predictable and unbelievable, but the ending somehow tied it all together for me and, while still somewhat incredible in its grandiose nature, put my doubts to rest (this is romantic fiction, after all, which frequently features larger than life plots). Further complementing this story is Kimberley Alexis’ talented narration, making this a natural selection to enjoy in audio format.
One note of caution for listeners who prefer the passion in their romances on the tame side. The Player is an erotic romance with a high level of steam. Additionally, the story does feature some light BDSM elements, so if this is not your cup of tea, then it’s probably best to skip this story. If your concern is that you haven’t listened to the prior books in the Game Maker series, no worries on that front as the romance and underlying suspense arc is fully contained within this book.
See the full review at at AudioGals.
March 19, 2020
If you enjoy insta lust and love then The Player is the right book for you. I knew from reading book 2 The Master that those two ingredients would be present in The Player too so I buckled up and enjoyed the ride. Dmitri is very intense when it comes to what he wants and craves. Victoria is what he wants and won’t stop at nothing to have her but she can play the game too since she’s a con artist. She wants something too and Dmitri is the way to get it. It’s a very sexual story which I already knew from reading The Master. I became addicted to Dmitri and his dominant and obsessive ways. He has his secrets as do Victoria. What first started out as pure lust and a game turns into so much more. I had such a good time reading The Player. A very hot and sensual time as well. I know it’s the final book but damn I would love for Victoria’s sister Karin to get her own book. I’m hoping just so I could spend more time with these characters.
4 Moya Ángel Stars
4 Moya Ángel Stars
August 16, 2020
I'm surprised how much I liked this. Not only are the sex scenes hot as sun, there's also plot that wasn't cheesy although it had great potential to be so. I mean, billionaire Russian mob that's actually not so much of a mob as he's gentle in the heart and powerful in all other departments. Takes mad skills to avoid the cheesiness and cliches. And I loved the characters. Would fuck them all myself.
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