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Lovegame: A Novel
Hailed by J. Kenner as an author who “knows how to steam up the pages,” Tracy Wolff delivers a darkly addictive novel of seduction and psychological obsession. The stakes are high in Lovegame, when a movie star with a shattered past meets a man who can either break her or make her whole.
True Crime novelist Ian Sharpe has spent his career writing about serial killers for very personal reasons. For his latest exposé, he is taking on the sadistic madman known as the Red Ribbon Strangler, and when his research leads him to Hollywood’s most private and provocative actress, he will break every rule to uncover her truth.
The daughter of one of Hollywood’s golden couples, chased by paparazzi and treated as a commodity her entire life, Veronica Romero wields her sex appeal like a weapon. She expects Ian to be as easy to control as every other man she’s ever known. But from the beginning, he refuses to fall into line. Mysterious and cool, challenging and just a little bit dangerous, Ian somehow makes her feel safe—even as he digs into the deepest secrets of her life and pushes her to the breaking point.
As raw ecstasy gives way to agonized truths, their dark obsession exposes secrets that have been buried for far too long. Ian wants to tear down her walls and heal the sensual woman underneath. But if Veronica’s learned anything, it’s that the line between pleasure and pain is a narrow one—and when caught between them the only thing that matters is how you play the game.
Lovegame is intended for mature audiences. This ebook includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
True Crime novelist Ian Sharpe has spent his career writing about serial killers for very personal reasons. For his latest exposé, he is taking on the sadistic madman known as the Red Ribbon Strangler, and when his research leads him to Hollywood’s most private and provocative actress, he will break every rule to uncover her truth.
The daughter of one of Hollywood’s golden couples, chased by paparazzi and treated as a commodity her entire life, Veronica Romero wields her sex appeal like a weapon. She expects Ian to be as easy to control as every other man she’s ever known. But from the beginning, he refuses to fall into line. Mysterious and cool, challenging and just a little bit dangerous, Ian somehow makes her feel safe—even as he digs into the deepest secrets of her life and pushes her to the breaking point.
As raw ecstasy gives way to agonized truths, their dark obsession exposes secrets that have been buried for far too long. Ian wants to tear down her walls and heal the sensual woman underneath. But if Veronica’s learned anything, it’s that the line between pleasure and pain is a narrow one—and when caught between them the only thing that matters is how you play the game.
Lovegame is intended for mature audiences. This ebook includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2016
52 people are currently reading
1292 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Wolff
139 books12.4k followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Tracy Wolff is a lover of vampires, dragons, and all things that go bump in the night. A onetime English professor, she now devotes all her time to writing dark and romantic stories with tortured heroes and kick-butt heroines. She has written all her sixty-plus novels from her home in Austin, Texas, which she shares with her family. tracywolffbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
June 2, 2016
As the daughter of a world renowned director and movie vixen mother, Veronica Romero’s lineage is of Hollywood royalty. However her success as one of Hollywood’s leading ladies is entirely her own. Her reputation as a screen siren is reinforced by her immense talent and onscreen presence. With her latest performance putting her in line to win an Oscar, she fiercely tries to hold on to the privacy she is famously known for.
True Crime novelist Ian Sharpe has spent his life researching the minds of the depraved. Part of his latest project includes an in depth interview with Veronica about her role as the infamous murderess, “Belladonna”. There is an immediate power struggle that takes place as they both vie for control. Veronica has no issue wielding her sex appeal as both armor and a weapon to deflect and distract, but much to her grievance Ian is unwilling to yield.
The relationship between them was highly addictive reading. I was totally engrossed by the push/pull constant one-upmanship that harboured the explosive chemistry simmering below the surface. It's only as Ian begins to lower her defences, that the attention grabbing dark and sinister subplot is revealed.
With Lovegame Tracy Wolff delivers an instantly alluring, potently-suspenseful, erotic read. I was taken aback by how deeply I revelled in the story and the intensity of the emotions garnered. Maybe because I could have happily continued on reading, did I feel the last 10% was slightly rushed. The epilogue however was wonderful, and easily allied any complaints I may of otherwise have had.
June 8, 2016
Veronica Romero has everything to the outside world. Daughter of one of Hollywood’s most renowned couple, this has always been her universe, and with the best from both her parents – her mother’s beauty and her father’s talent – she has secure her own role as the world’s top leading actress.
She might be pale, but the look she gives me is pure, unadulterated Veronica. Part Disney villain and part Jessica Rabbit, it’s sultry and defiant and a little bit of fuck you all wrapped up in a solid punch to the dick.
What no one knows is all the secrets and pain she keeps so well locked behind her sex vixen facade. That is, until a certain writer enters her life and sees so much more than any of them anticipated.
Ian Sharpe is an ex FBI profiler and currently a True Crime writer. He comes to Veronica’s life with the pretext of an exclusive and particular interview with her, regarding the role of her life as the murderess ‘Belladona’, that she has just now finished filming. A movie based on the best seller book written by Ian, and the perfect cluefor him to get close enough to Veronica, since she may hold the only clue on his current project, a book on a serial killer. That is his ending goal and obsession in life, to unravel the mind of a killer.
What neither of them had anticipated was the primal attraction and reaction they had with one another from their very first meeting, and they had no chance to fight it, even though they sure tried.
They both brought to light needs and personality traits they never had before and with anyone else.
Ian, who prides himself of always being in control of the situation, is shocked with the über dominant nature that Veronica brings to life in him. Which is the perfect contra balance for the her undiscovered needs. Her submission to Ian comes just as much as a surprise to her as his dominance came to him.
And then his mouth is on mine and I forget anything—everything—that I was going to say. Instead, I just sink into it. Sink into him.
And he lets me. More, he demands it of me.
Veronica was such a strong and incredible character, that is no wonder why Ian felt so draw to her. She has been fighting so many demons, and this latest role affected her so much more than she was expecting. But Ian helps her forget, in the most delicious ways…
Ian was such an incredible and delicious character. He is not without his own demons, but his inquisitive mind wants to find out what Veronica is hiding behind this well constructed facade, to find out what makes her tick. Without giving anything away, I’ll just say he ends up discovering so much more than he bargained, even about himself.
She still looks beautiful, of course she does, but it’s a broken kind of beauty.
Haunted.
Fragile.
Shattered.
And still I want her. Still I want to bury myself so deeply inside of her that she’ll never get me out.
Veronica truly becomes his very own obsession, and the more he gets closer to her and sees behind her siren front, the more he wants her. More than he ever wanted anything else.
This was such an incredibly enthralling story, I devoured it in one sitting. Yes, it take a bit to develop, given its slow paced start, but after a bit it gets you completely hooked with it’s suspense. And have to doubt, for me it was an erotic psychological thriller at his best.
I love Tracy Wolff’s writing, and this book was no exception, the intensity of the characters, the emotional turmoil were key to this perfectly constructed tale. My curious mind was just has committed has Ian’s to find out all the hidden secrets, and the result did not disappoint. Another of the ‘stand-out’ aspects was the unmeasurable chemistry between the main couple. You could truly feel they magnetism while reading, as if something palpable, so much so that the sexual tension was knife-cutting, and translated in some wicked sexy and HOT sex scenes. Definitely one of the highlights of the book. The thriller and dark aspect only enhanced them, making them more memorable and erotic.
Lovegame was an emotional roller coaster ride that I will not soon forget. Ian and Veronica’s love story will make you go through every feeling in the spectrum, but in the end you will be grateful for that journey and the amazing epilogue guarantees you finishing with a smile on your face and an happy feeling in your heart.
“You sure you want me to be your happy ending?”
“You’re already my happy ending, Veronica. I want you to be my everything.”
ARC kindly provided by the author via Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review
For complete review with Release Blitz, check out my blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
She might be pale, but the look she gives me is pure, unadulterated Veronica. Part Disney villain and part Jessica Rabbit, it’s sultry and defiant and a little bit of fuck you all wrapped up in a solid punch to the dick.
What no one knows is all the secrets and pain she keeps so well locked behind her sex vixen facade. That is, until a certain writer enters her life and sees so much more than any of them anticipated.
Ian Sharpe is an ex FBI profiler and currently a True Crime writer. He comes to Veronica’s life with the pretext of an exclusive and particular interview with her, regarding the role of her life as the murderess ‘Belladona’, that she has just now finished filming. A movie based on the best seller book written by Ian, and the perfect cluefor him to get close enough to Veronica, since she may hold the only clue on his current project, a book on a serial killer. That is his ending goal and obsession in life, to unravel the mind of a killer.
What neither of them had anticipated was the primal attraction and reaction they had with one another from their very first meeting, and they had no chance to fight it, even though they sure tried.
They both brought to light needs and personality traits they never had before and with anyone else.
Ian, who prides himself of always being in control of the situation, is shocked with the über dominant nature that Veronica brings to life in him. Which is the perfect contra balance for the her undiscovered needs. Her submission to Ian comes just as much as a surprise to her as his dominance came to him.
And then his mouth is on mine and I forget anything—everything—that I was going to say. Instead, I just sink into it. Sink into him.
And he lets me. More, he demands it of me.
Veronica was such a strong and incredible character, that is no wonder why Ian felt so draw to her. She has been fighting so many demons, and this latest role affected her so much more than she was expecting. But Ian helps her forget, in the most delicious ways…
Ian was such an incredible and delicious character. He is not without his own demons, but his inquisitive mind wants to find out what Veronica is hiding behind this well constructed facade, to find out what makes her tick. Without giving anything away, I’ll just say he ends up discovering so much more than he bargained, even about himself.
She still looks beautiful, of course she does, but it’s a broken kind of beauty.
Haunted.
Fragile.
Shattered.
And still I want her. Still I want to bury myself so deeply inside of her that she’ll never get me out.
Veronica truly becomes his very own obsession, and the more he gets closer to her and sees behind her siren front, the more he wants her. More than he ever wanted anything else.
This was such an incredibly enthralling story, I devoured it in one sitting. Yes, it take a bit to develop, given its slow paced start, but after a bit it gets you completely hooked with it’s suspense. And have to doubt, for me it was an erotic psychological thriller at his best.
I love Tracy Wolff’s writing, and this book was no exception, the intensity of the characters, the emotional turmoil were key to this perfectly constructed tale. My curious mind was just has committed has Ian’s to find out all the hidden secrets, and the result did not disappoint. Another of the ‘stand-out’ aspects was the unmeasurable chemistry between the main couple. You could truly feel they magnetism while reading, as if something palpable, so much so that the sexual tension was knife-cutting, and translated in some wicked sexy and HOT sex scenes. Definitely one of the highlights of the book. The thriller and dark aspect only enhanced them, making them more memorable and erotic.
Lovegame was an emotional roller coaster ride that I will not soon forget. Ian and Veronica’s love story will make you go through every feeling in the spectrum, but in the end you will be grateful for that journey and the amazing epilogue guarantees you finishing with a smile on your face and an happy feeling in your heart.
“You sure you want me to be your happy ending?”
“You’re already my happy ending, Veronica. I want you to be my everything.”
ARC kindly provided by the author via Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review
For complete review with Release Blitz, check out my blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
June 17, 2017
Steamy romantic-suspense read with complex characters and lengthy inner monologues. A Hollywood starlet and a journalist play an erotic game of push-and-pull in this story. Liked it but didn't love it. The male lead character should've groveled more at the end and the lead female character was a bit pretentious. Overall, an okay treat.
May 30, 2016
An intense, amazing read!
The first things I said when I finished this book was Damn!
This book is a work of art. It is complex, entertaining, twisted, depraved, tender, loving, and touching. It takes your emotions from high to low and punches your gut around a few times or two.
This is a psychological suspense thriller in many ways but it's also a romance, with a touch of erotica too. One that builds up from the beginning to a high emotional level then actually had me wiping away a few tears towards the end, just from the emotion and pain the characters feel. The ending almost leaves you hanging and then you were let down softly and brought into a beautiful happy ever after.
The author takes a complex story with deep insight into the human psyche and gives us a truly amazing story that you have to experience to believe. She knows how to get into the heads of people, not only her characters but also her readers.
This author has thoroughly given me a book hangover but one I'm savoring until I can get the next book from her.
The first things I said when I finished this book was Damn!
This book is a work of art. It is complex, entertaining, twisted, depraved, tender, loving, and touching. It takes your emotions from high to low and punches your gut around a few times or two.
This is a psychological suspense thriller in many ways but it's also a romance, with a touch of erotica too. One that builds up from the beginning to a high emotional level then actually had me wiping away a few tears towards the end, just from the emotion and pain the characters feel. The ending almost leaves you hanging and then you were let down softly and brought into a beautiful happy ever after.
The author takes a complex story with deep insight into the human psyche and gives us a truly amazing story that you have to experience to believe. She knows how to get into the heads of people, not only her characters but also her readers.
This author has thoroughly given me a book hangover but one I'm savoring until I can get the next book from her.
June 12, 2016
*** ARC kindly provided by the publisher Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. ***
Veronica --- Betrayal. Lots of betrayal by people who are supposed to be there for you at a very young age! Will you ever manage to live a normal life after all that. What if the man for which you start to get feelings, strong feelings, who makes you feel great, betrays you too? Can you handle that final blow?
Ian --- The need to prove to yourself that you are not like him. You’re different. Will you find out in time or will your quest hurt the one woman you want?
I loved this well written romance with a side of thriller. I could feel their chemistry right from the start and love both main characters. Until almost the end I had no clue who the ‘bad guy’ was so I was really surprised.
Something I’m not very fond of is insta-love but it didn’t feel that wrong in this book.
I also read The first book of the Ethan Frost series by this author and loved it. This story with a bumpy road was my second and I look forward to read more... This book gets 3,5 stars
Veronica --- Betrayal. Lots of betrayal by people who are supposed to be there for you at a very young age! Will you ever manage to live a normal life after all that. What if the man for which you start to get feelings, strong feelings, who makes you feel great, betrays you too? Can you handle that final blow?
Ian --- The need to prove to yourself that you are not like him. You’re different. Will you find out in time or will your quest hurt the one woman you want?
I loved this well written romance with a side of thriller. I could feel their chemistry right from the start and love both main characters. Until almost the end I had no clue who the ‘bad guy’ was so I was really surprised.
Something I’m not very fond of is insta-love but it didn’t feel that wrong in this book.
I also read The first book of the Ethan Frost series by this author and loved it. This story with a bumpy road was my second and I look forward to read more... This book gets 3,5 stars
June 21, 2016
4 so many shades of fucked up and I LOVED it stars! Veronica and Ian were something interesting to behold and I was all about it. Ian saw through Veronica's shield and really got her on a level no other being reached. The twists and turns create some confusion to the reader so it isn't a one, two, three and I got it type of read which I loved and something Tracy Wolff can really pull off. I've been reading Wolff for some time and I'm a loyal reader forever and always.
Veronica has been in the spotlight since she could remember with famous parents and then moving into Hollywood herself. It isn't just her actress status that makes Veronica famous and well-known, no, it's how absolutely gorgeous she is. Veronica literally oozes sensuality and she uses it like a weapon. Until she met Ian, she never really enjoyed or even felt during sex so that should tell you something.
Ian is a journalist which means he's part spy, part psychologist and part fantastic writer. He's perceptive, nosy and beyond attracted to Veronica. For him, however, it isn't just attraction to her physical beauty but also the vulnerability and person that is hidden beneath the facade she wears around. Ian does his part to shield Veronica, to help her and to open her up to a passion that she never thought she'd get.
Veronica has been in the spotlight since she could remember with famous parents and then moving into Hollywood herself. It isn't just her actress status that makes Veronica famous and well-known, no, it's how absolutely gorgeous she is. Veronica literally oozes sensuality and she uses it like a weapon. Until she met Ian, she never really enjoyed or even felt during sex so that should tell you something.
Ian is a journalist which means he's part spy, part psychologist and part fantastic writer. He's perceptive, nosy and beyond attracted to Veronica. For him, however, it isn't just attraction to her physical beauty but also the vulnerability and person that is hidden beneath the facade she wears around. Ian does his part to shield Veronica, to help her and to open her up to a passion that she never thought she'd get.
September 15, 2016
Lovegame is my first book by Tracy Wolff and it won't be my last. I couldn't put it down!
Intense, suspenseful and erotic - who could ask for more!
The story is told from two points of view, the main characters Ian and Veronica. Veronica is a beautiful and sexy Hollywood actress and Ian is a ex-FBI profiler turned true-crime writer. He is hired by Vanity Fair magazine to write a profile of Veronica who just starred in a movie based on one of his novels. Both lonely with dark secrets and troubled pasts, the chemistry between them is off the charts. As feelings grow what will happen when their secrets become known?
A thrilling read oozing with sensuality that captivates the reader.
Intense, suspenseful and erotic - who could ask for more!
The story is told from two points of view, the main characters Ian and Veronica. Veronica is a beautiful and sexy Hollywood actress and Ian is a ex-FBI profiler turned true-crime writer. He is hired by Vanity Fair magazine to write a profile of Veronica who just starred in a movie based on one of his novels. Both lonely with dark secrets and troubled pasts, the chemistry between them is off the charts. As feelings grow what will happen when their secrets become known?
A thrilling read oozing with sensuality that captivates the reader.
June 7, 2016
Leigh and Slick's reviews are posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Leigh's 4 star review
It took me a few chapters to really get into this book, but boy am I glad I stuck with it. While it started out confusing with some writing tics that I found distracting, these things quickly fell by the wayside and turned into a story that gripped me and held me until the end.
Veronica Romero was a strange one for me. It took me a while to get to like her, but once we understood her, the life she led and the things she had gone through in the past, it was difficult not to respect her. She was a woman that had taken control of her own destiny in a town and career that sought to eat her alive, and it was fascinating to see the way her mind worked behind the persona she put forth to the public. She was an enigma and I enjoyed the verbal sparring and sexual tension between her and Ian.
Ian was the perfect match for Veronica. He was direct and level while she was coy and calculating. He was cool and collected while she was fiery. But together, they were perfect. He was the dominant man while she was the surprisingly submissive partner who never realized what she needed out of a lover.
The one thing I will say that I felt a bit cheated on though, was a better grasp on Ian from a relationship perspective. We found out what motivated him in his career, what scared him, and why he was the person he had become. I loved that. But on a simpler level, I wanted to know mundane things about him. I wanted to know what he looked like! I wanted to know what his past romantic relationships were. Where did a man, one that seemed to read a woman’s wants and needs so well, hone these skills?
But aside from having to imagine these answers, I have no complaints about the story. I enjoyed the suspense, I loved the instant and overwhelming attraction and the passion that burned between these two. I loved the dominant/submissive dynamic. And most importantly, I loved that everything was tied up for me in a nice little package. I’m a sucker for epilogues and I want to know what goes on in the lives of these people that I have grown to enjoy, even after the curtain has gone down. Ms. Wolff did not disappoint with such a suspenseful and erotic read.
Slick's 3 star review
So this is a hard review for me to write. Let me first say that I have always been a big fan of Tracy Wolff's work and Lovegame is expertly written and although it does have a HEA ending this book was far from what I would call a romance which is why I felt somewhat duped. Part psychological thriller, part erotica, part suspenseful and part many shades of f*cked up Lovegame was a good book, but it is not for the faint of heart. Am I sorry I read it? In some ways yes, but in others no.
An ex-FBI profiler turned author and a Hollywood starlet meet when she stars in an adaptation of one of his most famous books. With his background, Ian Sharpe immediately begins to see the "real" Veronica Romero, not the one she shares with the world. This of course freaks Veronica out and their relationship (and I used that term loosely especially at first) is very tumultuous.
Lovegame is filled with many, many rough, BDSMish type sexual encounter which leaves both Ian and Veronica very raw and unsure of what is happening to them both. In addition the role that Veronica played did a number on her psyche and she is having trouble moving past it add in her very strange relationship with her mother and the fact that he entire life has been one big mess and well you get one very compelling and hard to put down story.
There is no doubt I felt many emotions reading this book from horror, to hate, to sadness, to grief and even a bit of happiness, but this book wore on me. I had a hard time reading it and I found myself having to put it down and do something else to cleanse my soul before moving on. Days after I finished I was still thinking about it and had to talk it out with my husband, yes friends this is not a pretty story and it left me feeling very raw and overwhelmed.
I must address again that Lovegame was incredibly well thought out and well written and had it been billed as a psychological thriller or even women's literature I most likely wouldn't have read it, but since it was labeled a romance (which in all honesty I still feel it was not despite the HEA) I did, and as a romance this book was a big disappointment.
Review copies provided for an honest review.
Leigh's 4 star review
It took me a few chapters to really get into this book, but boy am I glad I stuck with it. While it started out confusing with some writing tics that I found distracting, these things quickly fell by the wayside and turned into a story that gripped me and held me until the end.
Veronica Romero was a strange one for me. It took me a while to get to like her, but once we understood her, the life she led and the things she had gone through in the past, it was difficult not to respect her. She was a woman that had taken control of her own destiny in a town and career that sought to eat her alive, and it was fascinating to see the way her mind worked behind the persona she put forth to the public. She was an enigma and I enjoyed the verbal sparring and sexual tension between her and Ian.
Ian was the perfect match for Veronica. He was direct and level while she was coy and calculating. He was cool and collected while she was fiery. But together, they were perfect. He was the dominant man while she was the surprisingly submissive partner who never realized what she needed out of a lover.
The one thing I will say that I felt a bit cheated on though, was a better grasp on Ian from a relationship perspective. We found out what motivated him in his career, what scared him, and why he was the person he had become. I loved that. But on a simpler level, I wanted to know mundane things about him. I wanted to know what he looked like! I wanted to know what his past romantic relationships were. Where did a man, one that seemed to read a woman’s wants and needs so well, hone these skills?
But aside from having to imagine these answers, I have no complaints about the story. I enjoyed the suspense, I loved the instant and overwhelming attraction and the passion that burned between these two. I loved the dominant/submissive dynamic. And most importantly, I loved that everything was tied up for me in a nice little package. I’m a sucker for epilogues and I want to know what goes on in the lives of these people that I have grown to enjoy, even after the curtain has gone down. Ms. Wolff did not disappoint with such a suspenseful and erotic read.
Slick's 3 star review
So this is a hard review for me to write. Let me first say that I have always been a big fan of Tracy Wolff's work and Lovegame is expertly written and although it does have a HEA ending this book was far from what I would call a romance which is why I felt somewhat duped. Part psychological thriller, part erotica, part suspenseful and part many shades of f*cked up Lovegame was a good book, but it is not for the faint of heart. Am I sorry I read it? In some ways yes, but in others no.
An ex-FBI profiler turned author and a Hollywood starlet meet when she stars in an adaptation of one of his most famous books. With his background, Ian Sharpe immediately begins to see the "real" Veronica Romero, not the one she shares with the world. This of course freaks Veronica out and their relationship (and I used that term loosely especially at first) is very tumultuous.
Lovegame is filled with many, many rough, BDSMish type sexual encounter which leaves both Ian and Veronica very raw and unsure of what is happening to them both. In addition the role that Veronica played did a number on her psyche and she is having trouble moving past it add in her very strange relationship with her mother and the fact that he entire life has been one big mess and well you get one very compelling and hard to put down story.
There is no doubt I felt many emotions reading this book from horror, to hate, to sadness, to grief and even a bit of happiness, but this book wore on me. I had a hard time reading it and I found myself having to put it down and do something else to cleanse my soul before moving on. Days after I finished I was still thinking about it and had to talk it out with my husband, yes friends this is not a pretty story and it left me feeling very raw and overwhelmed.
I must address again that Lovegame was incredibly well thought out and well written and had it been billed as a psychological thriller or even women's literature I most likely wouldn't have read it, but since it was labeled a romance (which in all honesty I still feel it was not despite the HEA) I did, and as a romance this book was a big disappointment.
Review copies provided for an honest review.
April 21, 2016
**Lovegame generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
4 "I think I'm losing my mind." Stars
Erotic suspense featuring a movie star and a true crime novelist? Yes, please! A stand alone told from the dual points of view of both hero and heroine? Sign me up! Tracy Wolff continually entertains me with her romance stories. Lovegame is something just a little different than the others of hers I've read. A true cat and mouse game of two people dodging, evading, and hiding truths they'd leave covered. It's a story packed with passion and edge gripping you from beginning to end.
Wolff's writing keeps you guessing throughout the entire book. The characters are as charismatic as they are enigmatic. Interesting layers of mentally thrilling prose are woven between the pages of a non-stop plot where nothing is ever as it seems. Ian Sharpe is a hero I adored. He's alpha, determined, and witty. His proclivity for intelligent banter and sharp game playing attracts readers to this hero. His match, movie-star Veronica Romero, keeps herself hidden behind shadows even as she puts herself out there for the whole world to see. Their chemistry is off the charts hot as a battle of wills ensues. The games of seduction, passion, and sex are just as emotional and mental as they are physical between these two making for an excellent book to lose yourself in fully.
There were a few chapters in the first 25% of the book where I felt the author was being repetitive with inner dialogue from both characters. Digressing too much into the same reasons behind their actions or hesitations about the chaos surrounding them. It was a distraction for me because I ended up inside my own head thinking about how I wished it was get deeper into the issues they were talking about. However, by the middle Wolff got me there and definitely showed me the depth of both Ian and Veronia in a truly vulnerable way making the book really work for me. I loved the dark side of stardom Wolff chose to explore with these characters and really how she chose to navigate the exploration. She works the plot by precisely matching the darkness they each hide to the driving force of the book. With the added gift of intelligent dialogue and witty conversation this book is hard not find alluring.
Erotic suspense lovers will find Lovegame right up their alleys. Wolff always creates enticing journey's for her characters to entertain her readers. And there's an amazing epilogue which I love. As I said above, I'm constantly so satisfied after reading the words of this author and appreciate the ease for which she so easily holds me captive with her characters. This is a book I won't soon forget and I appreciate the chance I was given to read it. I look forward to much more erotic suspense from Tracy Wolff.
June 5, 2016
A sexy, seductive, enthralling read that was a really gripping page-turner.
I was intrigued by the blurb and looking forward to getting stuck into an old-Hollywood royalty read. It didn't disappoint.
Ian is a highly-successful author whose latest blockbuster has just been adapted for the big screen. Enter the gorgeous and highly acclaimed Veronica Romero, to play the aptly-named Belladonna. Ian has secured a gig writing a high-profile piece about Veronica in the run up to the movie release, but he is there on false pretense. He is writing a new book and he's discovered that Veronica has a hidden past linked to a horrific serial killer, and he's determined to dig deeper. Until he meets Veronica and they fall for one another.
Both of them are vulnerable and hiding aspects of their true natures to avoid opening up the past. Lovegame takes us on a journey of discovery as they learn to push past their vulnerability and let one another in. But, oh, the path to true love never runs smoothly, and there was plenty of back and forth witty banter and one-upmanship.
When they give into their lust for one another, it quickly became quite depraved. That was probably the only aspect of the story I didn't like. While they did have explosive chemistry, it was very clear that Veronica had psychological issues tied up with sex. She isn't adverse to playing up her sex-symbol status, or using it where the situation demands it, but it isn't who she is behind the actress persona. She actually has some series issues, as a result of the horrific trauma she suffered in the past, and it was obvious they were unresolved. Therefore, I found it difficult to accept her sexual transformation with Ian, when they had only just met and they hopped into bed quite quickly and especially given everything he did to her.
Veronica fears she is losing her mind when certain inexplicable situations arise. She becomes confused and unsure who she should trust. I enjoyed this part of the story, even if it was fairly easy to predict the culprit. It was still very well-written.
I loved the call that Ian made toward the end of this book, and he was prepared to put his love for her above everything else. I was so rooting for them.
I also really enjoyed the epilog.
The pacing was consistent, the writing accomplished and the world-building stylish and effortlessly described. I always enjoy dual POV and Lovegame was no exception.
In summary, this was a fantastic read which will appeal to fans of well-written erotic romance.
Thanks to Barclay PR and Loveswept for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review will appear on my blog on June 17th. http://myyanabookobsession.com
I was intrigued by the blurb and looking forward to getting stuck into an old-Hollywood royalty read. It didn't disappoint.
Ian is a highly-successful author whose latest blockbuster has just been adapted for the big screen. Enter the gorgeous and highly acclaimed Veronica Romero, to play the aptly-named Belladonna. Ian has secured a gig writing a high-profile piece about Veronica in the run up to the movie release, but he is there on false pretense. He is writing a new book and he's discovered that Veronica has a hidden past linked to a horrific serial killer, and he's determined to dig deeper. Until he meets Veronica and they fall for one another.
Both of them are vulnerable and hiding aspects of their true natures to avoid opening up the past. Lovegame takes us on a journey of discovery as they learn to push past their vulnerability and let one another in. But, oh, the path to true love never runs smoothly, and there was plenty of back and forth witty banter and one-upmanship.
When they give into their lust for one another, it quickly became quite depraved. That was probably the only aspect of the story I didn't like. While they did have explosive chemistry, it was very clear that Veronica had psychological issues tied up with sex. She isn't adverse to playing up her sex-symbol status, or using it where the situation demands it, but it isn't who she is behind the actress persona. She actually has some series issues, as a result of the horrific trauma she suffered in the past, and it was obvious they were unresolved. Therefore, I found it difficult to accept her sexual transformation with Ian, when they had only just met and they hopped into bed quite quickly and especially given everything he did to her.
Veronica fears she is losing her mind when certain inexplicable situations arise. She becomes confused and unsure who she should trust. I enjoyed this part of the story, even if it was fairly easy to predict the culprit. It was still very well-written.
I loved the call that Ian made toward the end of this book, and he was prepared to put his love for her above everything else. I was so rooting for them.
I also really enjoyed the epilog.
The pacing was consistent, the writing accomplished and the world-building stylish and effortlessly described. I always enjoy dual POV and Lovegame was no exception.
In summary, this was a fantastic read which will appeal to fans of well-written erotic romance.
Thanks to Barclay PR and Loveswept for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review will appear on my blog on June 17th. http://myyanabookobsession.com
May 31, 2016
3.5 stars
Love game, written by Tracy Wolff, is an erotic suspenseful romance with lots of steam and twists and turns that kept me turning the pages.
Veronica Romero is a famous actress and one of the biggest sex symbols in Hollywood. She is good at what she does and is able to put on a show, hiding her emotions and never letting anyone get too close. She grew up with famous parents but did not have the happy childhood everyone assumes. She has walls around her heart, and has her reasons for distrusting people. She is also hiding a secret that she is determined to take to her grave.
Ian Sharpe is a non-fiction writer who focuses on true crime stories. He is commissioned to write a cover article for Vanity Fair about Veronica, the lead actress in a movie based on one of his crime novels. We soon learn that Ian has an ulterior motive for taking the job.
Veronica hides her true self from the world and from Ian as he interviews her. She deflects his questions and isn’t being completely honest with him. Ian has a knack for reading people and he is determined to crack Veronica’s shell.
Ian can't help the instant attraction he has to her, and the sexual tension between Veronica and Ian is palpable. When the tension proves to be too much, Veronica makes her move and things do not go as planned.
Ian continues interviewing Veronica and the more time they spend together, the more Veronica slowly opens her heart to him and begins to trust him. Though he doesn’t know what is going on in her head, he understands what she needs.
When her secret is finally revealed, its emotional and Ian is there for her. However, he still doesn’t come clean, and when his secret comes to light, will there be a future for Veronica and Ian?
Lovegame wouldn't be a suspenseful romance without suspense and Tracy adds just enough to make you question everything. Veronica can’t shake the feelings she got when she played the role in the movie based on Ian's book.
At the end of filming, she thought she wiped her hands of it all but now strange things are happening all around her. Is she going crazy or is someone else making it seem that way? The questions that filled my mind while reading kept me theorizing and eager to find out what is truly going on.
I enjoyed the book, but I did not fully connect with the characters. While both were complex and intriguing, I wasn't fully invested in them as a couple. Veronica was broken, and my heart broke for her when we learned about her past, but the back and forth between Ian and her was a little too much. Ian was sweet and I liked him a lot, but even he bugged me a bit with his internal struggles. I think the relationship moved too quickly and when they were supposedly in love, they didn’t really know each other to warrant such strong emotions. This book has a lot of steamy sex that is raw and intense, but its a lot of the same stuff over and over. A bit more variety would have been nice. The suspense did keep me entertained and though the book started out on the slow side, the pace quickly picked up, and I wanted to know how it ended. Overall this was an enjoyable book for people who like erotic romance with suspense that keeps you guessing.
*ARC generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Love game, written by Tracy Wolff, is an erotic suspenseful romance with lots of steam and twists and turns that kept me turning the pages.
Veronica Romero is a famous actress and one of the biggest sex symbols in Hollywood. She is good at what she does and is able to put on a show, hiding her emotions and never letting anyone get too close. She grew up with famous parents but did not have the happy childhood everyone assumes. She has walls around her heart, and has her reasons for distrusting people. She is also hiding a secret that she is determined to take to her grave.
Ian Sharpe is a non-fiction writer who focuses on true crime stories. He is commissioned to write a cover article for Vanity Fair about Veronica, the lead actress in a movie based on one of his crime novels. We soon learn that Ian has an ulterior motive for taking the job.
Veronica hides her true self from the world and from Ian as he interviews her. She deflects his questions and isn’t being completely honest with him. Ian has a knack for reading people and he is determined to crack Veronica’s shell.
Ian can't help the instant attraction he has to her, and the sexual tension between Veronica and Ian is palpable. When the tension proves to be too much, Veronica makes her move and things do not go as planned.
He is very definitely in control right now and he wants to make sure that I know it. More, that I remember it.
The knowledge makes me wet all over again and that – more than anything else – has fear slamming through me. It’s only amplified by the need unfurling deep inside me, arousal and terror a double edged sword I am suddenly desperate to escape. Desperate to protect myself from.
Ian continues interviewing Veronica and the more time they spend together, the more Veronica slowly opens her heart to him and begins to trust him. Though he doesn’t know what is going on in her head, he understands what she needs.
I don’t know what’s going on between us – or even if there is an us. All I know if that I can breathe when Ian’s touching me, really breathe, in a way I haven’t been able to for far too long.
When her secret is finally revealed, its emotional and Ian is there for her. However, he still doesn’t come clean, and when his secret comes to light, will there be a future for Veronica and Ian?
“I don’t understand.” I turn to look at him, trying to figure out why he would do something like that.
But he looks as shattered as I feel. “I know you don’t. And that’s the worst part of this whole damn thing. That you’ve been hurt so badly and so many times that you don’t expect the man who loves you to put you first.”
“But I am, and I swear to you, Veronica, that from here on out I always will. Even if this is the end. Even if you never talk to me again after tonight. I promise you, I will never betray you again.”
Lovegame wouldn't be a suspenseful romance without suspense and Tracy adds just enough to make you question everything. Veronica can’t shake the feelings she got when she played the role in the movie based on Ian's book.
It’s been months since I played her, months since I had to think like she thought and act like she acted. And still she haunts me. Still I can feel her inside of me, knocking me off center. Twisting me up.
At the end of filming, she thought she wiped her hands of it all but now strange things are happening all around her. Is she going crazy or is someone else making it seem that way? The questions that filled my mind while reading kept me theorizing and eager to find out what is truly going on.
I enjoyed the book, but I did not fully connect with the characters. While both were complex and intriguing, I wasn't fully invested in them as a couple. Veronica was broken, and my heart broke for her when we learned about her past, but the back and forth between Ian and her was a little too much. Ian was sweet and I liked him a lot, but even he bugged me a bit with his internal struggles. I think the relationship moved too quickly and when they were supposedly in love, they didn’t really know each other to warrant such strong emotions. This book has a lot of steamy sex that is raw and intense, but its a lot of the same stuff over and over. A bit more variety would have been nice. The suspense did keep me entertained and though the book started out on the slow side, the pace quickly picked up, and I wanted to know how it ended. Overall this was an enjoyable book for people who like erotic romance with suspense that keeps you guessing.
*ARC generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
June 24, 2016
This romantic suspense novel piqued my interest when I was reading the blurb as it featured a true crime novelist and one of Hollywood’s golden couple’s daughter as an actress. Ian Sharpe is a master at writing crime novels. He’s now written the ultimate novel that was put on film and starred the intoxicating Veronica Romero. And, when Ian is sitting down with the beautiful Veronica to write an article about her, she thinks that she can control Ian with all her sex appeal just as she does with others as she evades most of his questions. She’s a very private person. But, what she doesn’t know is that Ian is not like all the others. He doesn’t back down. He’s his own person. And, he won’t be controlled. As the two give into this dark relationship that is forming, their affair takes on a pretty intricate task of weaving through the difficult obstacles that the past has created. Both have been victims of some pretty harrowing situations. Ms. Wolff tackles some pretty heavy topics as the reader is pulled into this psychological thriller.
This wasn’t a bad book, but for some reason I kept putting it down. There was just something missing for me. I guess I needed a little more of that shock element. More excitement. I also couldn’t relate to the two main characters. I really wasn’t a fan of either one. I didn’t really see that much chemistry between the two. It seemed more lustful than loving. If you’re looking for some pretty hot and heavy sex scenes, then you have come to the right place. The intimacy was scorching and totally igniting. The two together radiated against the sheets. But, that’s about all I can say that entertained me. This was my first read by this author, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t be checking out her future projects.
This wasn’t a bad book, but for some reason I kept putting it down. There was just something missing for me. I guess I needed a little more of that shock element. More excitement. I also couldn’t relate to the two main characters. I really wasn’t a fan of either one. I didn’t really see that much chemistry between the two. It seemed more lustful than loving. If you’re looking for some pretty hot and heavy sex scenes, then you have come to the right place. The intimacy was scorching and totally igniting. The two together radiated against the sheets. But, that’s about all I can say that entertained me. This was my first read by this author, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t be checking out her future projects.
May 30, 2016
LoveGame is a seductive, intriguing, and passionate tale. When I requested this, I had no idea what it was about. I do that all the time. I think maybe, its the thrill of not knowing whats inside.
Veronica Romero, is an actress, a sex symbol but also very private. She’s been able to hide the real Veronica and has learned to use that sex symbol status as a mask. No one knows the real Veronica. That is until she meets Ian Sharpe, A True Crime writer, who is given the opportunity to do an article for Vanity Faire. Through it all, he has his own agenda, to really get at the truth. Find out this mystery he’s been chasing for the last couple years.
“The question is why. And who ? Who damaged her so badly that she figured out this was the way to protect herself? Who broke her so completely that she’s turned every part of herself into a weapon?”
The writing is done beautifully. This story just had me completely on edge. It had this eery feel. Like you knew something shocking was just around the corner. Veronica and Ian together was totally raw, hot and just no holds barred. Their sexuality really is what made them both so vulnerable. Veronica isn’t very trusting of others for good reason. But Ian is really a great man, through everything he did not want to hurt her.
LoveGame is a very captivating story. It held me, glued me till the very end. This is the first that I’ve read of Wolff’s and I’m glad that I took this chance. Anyone who really loves this genre, I think will love this story....Lissa
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
Veronica Romero, is an actress, a sex symbol but also very private. She’s been able to hide the real Veronica and has learned to use that sex symbol status as a mask. No one knows the real Veronica. That is until she meets Ian Sharpe, A True Crime writer, who is given the opportunity to do an article for Vanity Faire. Through it all, he has his own agenda, to really get at the truth. Find out this mystery he’s been chasing for the last couple years.
“The question is why. And who ? Who damaged her so badly that she figured out this was the way to protect herself? Who broke her so completely that she’s turned every part of herself into a weapon?”
The writing is done beautifully. This story just had me completely on edge. It had this eery feel. Like you knew something shocking was just around the corner. Veronica and Ian together was totally raw, hot and just no holds barred. Their sexuality really is what made them both so vulnerable. Veronica isn’t very trusting of others for good reason. But Ian is really a great man, through everything he did not want to hurt her.
LoveGame is a very captivating story. It held me, glued me till the very end. This is the first that I’ve read of Wolff’s and I’m glad that I took this chance. Anyone who really loves this genre, I think will love this story....Lissa
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
March 3, 2019
This book is going to work your mind ... It's an erotic romance, but more than that, it's actually a suspenseful thrilling journey. And when I say thrilling, I'm suggesting more of a tremor and not excitement. You're probably thinking "cryptic much?". Why yes, yes I am ;) lol Because you have to read the book to get the plot!
The story is told in dual POV so it's a win win for me. I LOVE getting into the head of both MCs in a book. I prefer it. It leaves no room for misinterpretation of any one's thoughts or motivations.
Tracy Wolff has always been a favorite of mine. I haven't read nearly as many books of hers as I would like, but I've always been very satisfied with her work. It's intriguing and unique and has a style that draws the reader into the story as opposed to just reading the story. Hes books are very addictive and you won't be able to stop once you begin! #TRUTH
Copy provided for blog tour review
The story is told in dual POV so it's a win win for me. I LOVE getting into the head of both MCs in a book. I prefer it. It leaves no room for misinterpretation of any one's thoughts or motivations.
Tracy Wolff has always been a favorite of mine. I haven't read nearly as many books of hers as I would like, but I've always been very satisfied with her work. It's intriguing and unique and has a style that draws the reader into the story as opposed to just reading the story. Hes books are very addictive and you won't be able to stop once you begin! #TRUTH
Copy provided for blog tour review
April 23, 2016
I was provided a digital copy of this book by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
This review does contain spoilers, but nothing you won't find out early on or so in depth that the reading experience will be ruined. Still, if you plan to read this, you might want to proceed with caution.
So this was my first time reading an erotic romance, so I am not familiarized with the typical formula that this genre typically follows. Nonetheless, of course I expected there to be plenty of sexy times as well as the details for these specific scenes to be incredibly graphic and vivid. What I had not anticipated was there to be more sexual tension/sex scenes than actual plot. That's not to say that I did not enjoy the book because I did. It was in no way the most outstanding piece of the literature I've ever read; however, the main characters as individuals were very interesting and relatively likable, and the predicaments that left them in an emotional spiral were enticing enough to keep me engaged and wanting answers.
Lovegame tells the story of Veronica Romero, a wildly famous, enviably sexy actress that plays the main role in a highly anticipated movie about a female criminal called the Belladonna, and Ian Sharpe, the author of the book that inspired the movie, who's trying desperately to interview her and get exclusive information for an article for Vanity Fair magazine that'll promote the soon-to-be blockbuster film. Or at least, that's the front that he's put up. In reality, Ian is a true crime novelist and former FBI analyst who desires to garner the missing pieces involving the backstory of another notorious murderer, and is hoping for Veronica, who he believes was a victim of the said murderer before his prime, to offer them up. The situation is that Veronica is extremely closed off and refuses to let guard down long enough to relinquish any information about her past. After little success with her during their first encounters, Ian quickly learns the only way to get Veronica to fess up is to get her to lose herself. In other words, she must give up her control. And so, Ian and Veronica find themselves in a relentless battle of dominance, their own fiery attractions giving way to passionate lovemaking. However, though he is able to make Veronica forget her defenses temporarily so that she get attain ultimate pleasure, it doesn't mean that she is willing to trust him; and Veronica has undergone and is still being confronted with some strange and twisted circumstances that makes her hesitance to confide in anyone honestly just.
Surprisingly, the thing that I disliked most about this book is what it advertises, which is the romance. It was not exactly the rough sex that turned me off (although that may have been a contributing factor since I like my sex scenes to be less aggressive), but more so the fact there was sex scene after sex scene after sex scene after sex scene for first half of the book, and I mean this literally: for nearly every chapter of the first 50% of the book, there was either a seduction scene or feral sex scene. After a while, I found myself seriously thinking "These two cannot be in the same room for more than two minutes without getting aroused, can they?" On top of this, it seemed like no real, significant differences between the numerous sex scenes. The setting may have changed, but the strategies they used during their intercourse were majorly the same, and it just made the scenes feel repetitive. The first time Ian and Veronica began getting at each other, it was irrefutably very, very intense; but, as they recycled that exact procedure to a near tee for the following scenes, they all blended together. The book is called "lovegame," so you would think that they would up the ante throughout their battle for dominance, inventing and creating innovative tactics in order to propel the other to their limit and get them to submit under their authority. Finally, I did not like that, once the sex scenes slowed down after the halfway point to focus more on the character development and the plot, that we were supposed to expect that they loved each other. I'm sorry, but NO! Ian and Veronica had barely gotten to know anything about each other (well, other than what they both looked like naked) and their sex scenes weren't quite what I'd call "intimate." Were they intense? Yes. Were they steamy? Yes. Were they romantic? Ummm...
Nevertheless, I did appreciate Ian and Veronica as individuals. I thought it was fascinating why Ian decided to become an analyst for murder crimes in the first place, and while it might have disturbed me at times how Ian treated Veronica once his cock conquered his brain, I grew to like and understand his character when he devoted his heart and soul in ensuring that Veronica felt safe and unafraid of herself. I wish there had been further elaboration on the past of his repulsive brother and how they acted together as children, so we as the readers could have thoroughly grasped the fear latched on his shoulder about becoming like them and how his behavior while in bed with Veronica signified that plausibility. Moreover, Veronica was a stunningly sympathetic (considering how cold and often unpredictable she could), strong protagonist. Evidently, she had a taxing childhood and it was remarkable how well she turned. She did not have even one solid, persistent figure throughout her younger years and still, she hadn't completely surrendered the faith that there could be someone left to rely on. Given all the hints the she was losing bits and pieces of time, her doubts concerning her sanity were wholly valid; and, being that madness was basically calling her to its depths, her strength was utterly admirable.
By the conclusion, Ian and Veronica's romance does become sweeter and pleasant, for they evolve from a combative love to an actual companionship. All-in-all though, I would say that this book is worth the read not so much for erotic romance between the main protagonists, but for who they are as individuals and the inner turmoils they steadfastly fight to overcome.
This review does contain spoilers, but nothing you won't find out early on or so in depth that the reading experience will be ruined. Still, if you plan to read this, you might want to proceed with caution.
So this was my first time reading an erotic romance, so I am not familiarized with the typical formula that this genre typically follows. Nonetheless, of course I expected there to be plenty of sexy times as well as the details for these specific scenes to be incredibly graphic and vivid. What I had not anticipated was there to be more sexual tension/sex scenes than actual plot. That's not to say that I did not enjoy the book because I did. It was in no way the most outstanding piece of the literature I've ever read; however, the main characters as individuals were very interesting and relatively likable, and the predicaments that left them in an emotional spiral were enticing enough to keep me engaged and wanting answers.
Lovegame tells the story of Veronica Romero, a wildly famous, enviably sexy actress that plays the main role in a highly anticipated movie about a female criminal called the Belladonna, and Ian Sharpe, the author of the book that inspired the movie, who's trying desperately to interview her and get exclusive information for an article for Vanity Fair magazine that'll promote the soon-to-be blockbuster film. Or at least, that's the front that he's put up. In reality, Ian is a true crime novelist and former FBI analyst who desires to garner the missing pieces involving the backstory of another notorious murderer, and is hoping for Veronica, who he believes was a victim of the said murderer before his prime, to offer them up. The situation is that Veronica is extremely closed off and refuses to let guard down long enough to relinquish any information about her past. After little success with her during their first encounters, Ian quickly learns the only way to get Veronica to fess up is to get her to lose herself. In other words, she must give up her control. And so, Ian and Veronica find themselves in a relentless battle of dominance, their own fiery attractions giving way to passionate lovemaking. However, though he is able to make Veronica forget her defenses temporarily so that she get attain ultimate pleasure, it doesn't mean that she is willing to trust him; and Veronica has undergone and is still being confronted with some strange and twisted circumstances that makes her hesitance to confide in anyone honestly just.
Surprisingly, the thing that I disliked most about this book is what it advertises, which is the romance. It was not exactly the rough sex that turned me off (although that may have been a contributing factor since I like my sex scenes to be less aggressive), but more so the fact there was sex scene after sex scene after sex scene after sex scene for first half of the book, and I mean this literally: for nearly every chapter of the first 50% of the book, there was either a seduction scene or feral sex scene. After a while, I found myself seriously thinking "These two cannot be in the same room for more than two minutes without getting aroused, can they?" On top of this, it seemed like no real, significant differences between the numerous sex scenes. The setting may have changed, but the strategies they used during their intercourse were majorly the same, and it just made the scenes feel repetitive. The first time Ian and Veronica began getting at each other, it was irrefutably very, very intense; but, as they recycled that exact procedure to a near tee for the following scenes, they all blended together. The book is called "lovegame," so you would think that they would up the ante throughout their battle for dominance, inventing and creating innovative tactics in order to propel the other to their limit and get them to submit under their authority. Finally, I did not like that, once the sex scenes slowed down after the halfway point to focus more on the character development and the plot, that we were supposed to expect that they loved each other. I'm sorry, but NO! Ian and Veronica had barely gotten to know anything about each other (well, other than what they both looked like naked) and their sex scenes weren't quite what I'd call "intimate." Were they intense? Yes. Were they steamy? Yes. Were they romantic? Ummm...
Nevertheless, I did appreciate Ian and Veronica as individuals. I thought it was fascinating why Ian decided to become an analyst for murder crimes in the first place, and while it might have disturbed me at times how Ian treated Veronica once his cock conquered his brain, I grew to like and understand his character when he devoted his heart and soul in ensuring that Veronica felt safe and unafraid of herself. I wish there had been further elaboration on the past of his repulsive brother and how they acted together as children, so we as the readers could have thoroughly grasped the fear latched on his shoulder about becoming like them and how his behavior while in bed with Veronica signified that plausibility. Moreover, Veronica was a stunningly sympathetic (considering how cold and often unpredictable she could), strong protagonist. Evidently, she had a taxing childhood and it was remarkable how well she turned. She did not have even one solid, persistent figure throughout her younger years and still, she hadn't completely surrendered the faith that there could be someone left to rely on. Given all the hints the she was losing bits and pieces of time, her doubts concerning her sanity were wholly valid; and, being that madness was basically calling her to its depths, her strength was utterly admirable.
By the conclusion, Ian and Veronica's romance does become sweeter and pleasant, for they evolve from a combative love to an actual companionship. All-in-all though, I would say that this book is worth the read not so much for erotic romance between the main protagonists, but for who they are as individuals and the inner turmoils they steadfastly fight to overcome.
June 8, 2016
Link: https://collectorofbookboyfriends.com...
Book Review: 4 Belladona Stars
For starters, this book had me in this situation:
At first, I was all in and I had my head stuck so close to my screen that I will definitely have myopia in the future. No doubt about it :p I was the half curve from the point (0,1) to the point before the (π,-1) one. Something like I was in a down hill. Then, I was in the point (π,-1) where this big curve is happening and where I’m not in the mood of continuing the book and I was stuck in reading 1 chapter per 2 days. I just couldn’t get myself up so I could finish the story. And then,- THANK GOD! – I finally entered the other half curve from the (π,-1) point until the end, during which I read the rest in record time. I got so excited and intrigued that I couldn’t put it down.
And I went through that because, except from my mood, the book also had a similar to the diagraph pace. Which means, at first it was flowing quite quickly and it kept me on my toes; around in the middle it slowed down a bit; and then, the last half of the book was simply addictive. The way the plot was unfolding was fast, shocking, amazing, unexpected and effective. Whatever was happening there, it had me breathless and shocked-to-my-core. Oh! And an i n c r e d i b l y big drool on the floor!
I can easily say that this book proved to be one of those which surprise you big time in the end because you simply never expected for them to be so awesome. And these are the books I appreciate and love the most; those which have the ability to burn my stupid, unbiased expectations to the very ground. And Tracy Wolff did a hell of a great job on that. This book just is a huge, big, shocking surprise.
As for the drool comment above; well, this goes to the amazing couple that she created. Ian and Veronica are one of the most lovely, complicated, addicting, unique, made-for-each-other couple. The chemistry of these two? Pheeww! Out. Of. The. Charts. Good! They complete each other in a way that is healing and wonderful. And i just L O V E when the guy is the one who’s trying his hardest to unchain the heart and break down the walls of the woman he loves.Who can resist that, huh? I will tell you; NOBODY! Also, both Ian and Veronica change completely when they are in each other’s arms. It set them utterly free so they can come together as they are meant to. They may started as the reporter/writer and the famous actress who plays the lead role in one of his book, but each time they are close, the love which-has-still-to-be-acknowledged grows deeper and deeper, no matter if they realize it or not. The way they are going around and around each other, playing games that rises everything in the very top parts of the thermometer, is simply magnificent.
“Every time you answer a question dishonestly, I’m going to take off a piece of clothing – yours or mine.”
“You want to play strip interview?” she asks incredulously.
“I want to play strip Veronica.”, I counter.
Tracy did something that made me like even more the book. First, she does an incredible spin off; in the prologue, you get to read a scene which gives the sense that this is how everything started and then, you find yourself reading the same scene, from a different POV, many many pages down the line. It simply blew my mind! And second, although the books is written in dual POV, the chapters has no indication which character’s thoughts you are reading. Only when I read the first paragraph I was able to see who is speaking. For me, that’s one of the smartest things and an incredible way to keep me on my toes and guessing. Well done, Tracy!!
P.S.: You know that feeling you get when, even after the epilogue, you still want more and haven’t found closure? Well, that;s how I’m feeling right now. Even the epilogue is designed for that specific reason, to give you closure, I feel like I need something extra so I can find it. And what I need is to read what happens after Veronica “gets rid off her roundness” – if you know what I mean ;) - and how Ian is acting when that happens. It will def be the best closure I could have. So, please Tracy! Think about it! :)
June 7, 2016
3.5 stars
Set up: The hottest female actress is being showcased by Vanity Fair. The writer that wrote the true crime book about her latest role is the one interviewing her for the publication. They both are incredibly secretive and playing their own game. Only you can’t have two sides on offense. She doesn’t want anyone to see past her sex appeal; he wants to know her darkest secret for his own professional gain. Who comes out on top and is declared the winner?
Hero: 3/5 stars! I don’t have anything wonderful to say about him but I don’t necessarily have anything bad to say either. Maybe it’s bad that there isn’t anything memorable?
Heroine: 2/5 stars! Okay, so I kind of hated the heroine… I could not connect with her in any way. She acted like a whore, but wasn’t. It wasn’t empowering or helped her likability in my view. It was weird and confusing. I would have rather her have been visibly broken then use her body to hide her vulnerability. I think there is strength (maybe not in Hollywood) in not hiding yourself. There is strength in vulnerability and she lacked that completely.
Plot: 3/5 stars! Do you have friends on FBland that love to post these vague status updates?! Like “I don’t really want to talk about it, but if you all would pray for me I would appreciate it” or “I can’t believe she did that to me”. Stuff like that. I hate those posts. It’s annoying and a passive aggressive way of asking for attention. I digress, but I bring that up because I felt like the entire first half of this book was one big giant passive aggressive vague status update on FB. The dialogue between the characters was so vague and annoying. The latter half of the book is better but I don’t know how many times I almost DNF’d in the beginning of the book.
Sex scenes: 4/5 stars! The sex scenes were very intense, but also very hot. The sexual tension and chemistry was off the charts. I believe this is one of the better parts of this book.
What I loved: The mystery and suspense was well very well done. I liked the A-list celebrity/non-fiction writer dynamic. It was a nice change to see those two occupations in a couple.
What I disliked: I could not connect with the heroine. It’s what kept me from tearing through the book in a day or two.
In short: A mysterious and suspenseful read that just didn’t hold my interest in the end.
Will I read this author again? I’m not sure. This is my first book by this author and it seems this is not the normal type of book from her. I wasn’t a huge fan of this book, but if y’all have a great book by her you think I should read, I’ll give it a chance!
ARC provided by the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Set up: The hottest female actress is being showcased by Vanity Fair. The writer that wrote the true crime book about her latest role is the one interviewing her for the publication. They both are incredibly secretive and playing their own game. Only you can’t have two sides on offense. She doesn’t want anyone to see past her sex appeal; he wants to know her darkest secret for his own professional gain. Who comes out on top and is declared the winner?
Hero: 3/5 stars! I don’t have anything wonderful to say about him but I don’t necessarily have anything bad to say either. Maybe it’s bad that there isn’t anything memorable?
Heroine: 2/5 stars! Okay, so I kind of hated the heroine… I could not connect with her in any way. She acted like a whore, but wasn’t. It wasn’t empowering or helped her likability in my view. It was weird and confusing. I would have rather her have been visibly broken then use her body to hide her vulnerability. I think there is strength (maybe not in Hollywood) in not hiding yourself. There is strength in vulnerability and she lacked that completely.
Plot: 3/5 stars! Do you have friends on FBland that love to post these vague status updates?! Like “I don’t really want to talk about it, but if you all would pray for me I would appreciate it” or “I can’t believe she did that to me”. Stuff like that. I hate those posts. It’s annoying and a passive aggressive way of asking for attention. I digress, but I bring that up because I felt like the entire first half of this book was one big giant passive aggressive vague status update on FB. The dialogue between the characters was so vague and annoying. The latter half of the book is better but I don’t know how many times I almost DNF’d in the beginning of the book.
Sex scenes: 4/5 stars! The sex scenes were very intense, but also very hot. The sexual tension and chemistry was off the charts. I believe this is one of the better parts of this book.
What I loved: The mystery and suspense was well very well done. I liked the A-list celebrity/non-fiction writer dynamic. It was a nice change to see those two occupations in a couple.
What I disliked: I could not connect with the heroine. It’s what kept me from tearing through the book in a day or two.
In short: A mysterious and suspenseful read that just didn’t hold my interest in the end.
Will I read this author again? I’m not sure. This is my first book by this author and it seems this is not the normal type of book from her. I wasn’t a huge fan of this book, but if y’all have a great book by her you think I should read, I’ll give it a chance!
ARC provided by the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
May 5, 2016
Tracy Wolff outdoes herself with her new book Lovegame! The very handsome Ian Sharpe is a True Crime novelist who writes about serial killers. Research for his latest book has led him straight to one of hollywood's most enticing yet private actresses.
Veronica Romero was born into the hollywood elite. Her parents were the golden couple of hollywood in their younger days and Veronica was treated as an accessory rather than a daughter. She's learned to use her sex appeal as a weapon to get what she wants. She doesn't care what the paparazzi thinks, she let's them speculate on her life all they want.
Ian has been granted an unusual amount of time to spend observing and interviewing Veronica because she just wrapped up playing the lead character in one of his true crime books. Veronica tries all of her usual tricks to throw Ian off of his game. She doesn't answer personal questions about herself or her life. She's great at deflecting. She tries flirting, sex appeal, teasing, but nothing gets Ian off topic.
Ian sees that Veronica is distrustful of reporters but she's used to tabloid hacks that don't dig too deep. Ian can read Veronica and reacts accordingly when interviewing her. If he needs to back off of a subject then he does. He's like a lion laying in wait. He's patient. He'll wait until the time is right to push for the information he's looking for.
But while Veronica and Ian spend time in Veronica's parents house (now hers) you begin to feel like things just aren't right. The house is like a mausoleum. It has weird rooms and large separate wings.
While Ian tours the house first with Veronica and later with Veronica's mother he finds little clues that lead to a bigger picture of a possible crime. But Ian doesn't know who, if anybody, in Veronica's family knows about the secrets he's trying to flush out.
Meanwhile strange things begin to happen to Veronica. She thinks she's going crazy. Her last role which was based on one of Ian's true crime book characters has been giving her nightmares. She was so close to the character that she played that she has trouble separating herself from the character. When these strange and terrifying incidents continue to happen to Veronica she doesn't know who to turn to. Who can she trust? Certainly not a reporter? But why not the reporter? Right now Ian is the only man who makes her feel like she's not gone completely off the deep end....yet!
Well written, excellent suspense, building romance and a conclusion that will shock you right along with Veronica!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Veronica Romero was born into the hollywood elite. Her parents were the golden couple of hollywood in their younger days and Veronica was treated as an accessory rather than a daughter. She's learned to use her sex appeal as a weapon to get what she wants. She doesn't care what the paparazzi thinks, she let's them speculate on her life all they want.
Ian has been granted an unusual amount of time to spend observing and interviewing Veronica because she just wrapped up playing the lead character in one of his true crime books. Veronica tries all of her usual tricks to throw Ian off of his game. She doesn't answer personal questions about herself or her life. She's great at deflecting. She tries flirting, sex appeal, teasing, but nothing gets Ian off topic.
Ian sees that Veronica is distrustful of reporters but she's used to tabloid hacks that don't dig too deep. Ian can read Veronica and reacts accordingly when interviewing her. If he needs to back off of a subject then he does. He's like a lion laying in wait. He's patient. He'll wait until the time is right to push for the information he's looking for.
But while Veronica and Ian spend time in Veronica's parents house (now hers) you begin to feel like things just aren't right. The house is like a mausoleum. It has weird rooms and large separate wings.
While Ian tours the house first with Veronica and later with Veronica's mother he finds little clues that lead to a bigger picture of a possible crime. But Ian doesn't know who, if anybody, in Veronica's family knows about the secrets he's trying to flush out.
Meanwhile strange things begin to happen to Veronica. She thinks she's going crazy. Her last role which was based on one of Ian's true crime book characters has been giving her nightmares. She was so close to the character that she played that she has trouble separating herself from the character. When these strange and terrifying incidents continue to happen to Veronica she doesn't know who to turn to. Who can she trust? Certainly not a reporter? But why not the reporter? Right now Ian is the only man who makes her feel like she's not gone completely off the deep end....yet!
Well written, excellent suspense, building romance and a conclusion that will shock you right along with Veronica!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2016
This book had me hooked ! It was suspenseful and utterly romantic, with two complex and seductive characters whose chemistry sets the pages ablaze. It started with an intense cat and mouse game and a mystery that kept getting deeper and more intriguing.
Ian Sharpe, Pulitzer prize-winning and bestseller author, writing about serial killers and mass murderers, has accepted to interview Veronica Romero, Hollywood most famous actress, for Vanity Fair. His dedication to this assignment can be surprising, but Ian has a hidden agenda.
A former FBI profiler, Ian is very observant and sees through the perfect and controlled image Veronica wants to give in public. She feels pretty unsettled by Ian’s attitude, always watching her and trying to unravel the truth about her. Ian knows there is a lot more to her than meets the eye. But then, strange things start happening to Veronica. She has memory lapses and is under the impression that she is losing her mind. Is this a set up? Will she accept to show Ian her true self, haunted, fragile and shattered by past events? Trust is important in their relationship, but it must be deserved and mutual.
I had so many questions in my mind while reading, or rather devouring, this book! To say that it kept me on the edge of my seat is an understatement! If you are in the mood for a dark, mysterious and seductive story, told in dual POV, look no further and pick this one. I hope you will enjoy the ride as much as I did !
ARC kindly provided by publisher Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review
Ian Sharpe, Pulitzer prize-winning and bestseller author, writing about serial killers and mass murderers, has accepted to interview Veronica Romero, Hollywood most famous actress, for Vanity Fair. His dedication to this assignment can be surprising, but Ian has a hidden agenda.
A former FBI profiler, Ian is very observant and sees through the perfect and controlled image Veronica wants to give in public. She feels pretty unsettled by Ian’s attitude, always watching her and trying to unravel the truth about her. Ian knows there is a lot more to her than meets the eye. But then, strange things start happening to Veronica. She has memory lapses and is under the impression that she is losing her mind. Is this a set up? Will she accept to show Ian her true self, haunted, fragile and shattered by past events? Trust is important in their relationship, but it must be deserved and mutual.
I had so many questions in my mind while reading, or rather devouring, this book! To say that it kept me on the edge of my seat is an understatement! If you are in the mood for a dark, mysterious and seductive story, told in dual POV, look no further and pick this one. I hope you will enjoy the ride as much as I did !
ARC kindly provided by publisher Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review
March 9, 2018
Lovegame by Tracy Wolff brings to us the story of Hollywood. And I am not talking about the Hollywood in the Movies but the one behind the scene, the sometimes ugly one.
From the first page on the tone of this novel is as cool as the world would expect it from people living in that kind of high society.
The plot is well written and the characters are deeply developed. Unfortunately that is. Because I feel both, Ian as well as Veronica got lost in the setting of the novel.
Both felt cool to me from the first letter I read. There was no way to connect with them for me.
Ms. Wolff tells a great story but where the focus seems to have been aimed on both the love and the game, it feels that the psychological factor in this novel got the upper hand without having to struggle for it.
So I have to say that for me personally it was not what I expected because I wanted to read a romance (that I saw described in the blurb) with a psychological factor. But it was more the opposite of that.
Therefore if you are a fan of psychological games with a heat factor, than this is your novel. But as far as I am concerned, I was maybe misguided by the blurb, but I could not find the romance in this dark game.
May 14, 2016
NetGalley provided a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tracy Wolff’s Lovegame is a fast paced suspenseful contemporary romance.
Daughter of Hollywood royalty, Veronica Romero is an A list actor. Having grown up in the industry she understands the highs and lows of her life. Veronica is suspicious of people and in particular reporters. For her self- preservation, she has successfully built a wall between her public persona and her private life.
Ian Sharpe is a former FBI agent and has become a successful true crime writer. He is interviewing Veronica for her upcoming movie and Ian is the author the movie is based on. The character Veronica plays is disturbing to say the least. Given that the novel is told via Veronica and Ian’s points of view, the reader understands her fears and his agenda.
The chemistry between Veronica and Ian is undeniable. As the story unravels and is exposed the many secrets that each character holds are shocking. This original novel is well written. The twists and turns make it a page-turner. The strong characters add depth to Lovegame. Will their past interfere with their happiness? Is Veronica capable of a happily ever after in real life?
Tracy Wolff’s Lovegame is a fast paced suspenseful contemporary romance.
Daughter of Hollywood royalty, Veronica Romero is an A list actor. Having grown up in the industry she understands the highs and lows of her life. Veronica is suspicious of people and in particular reporters. For her self- preservation, she has successfully built a wall between her public persona and her private life.
Ian Sharpe is a former FBI agent and has become a successful true crime writer. He is interviewing Veronica for her upcoming movie and Ian is the author the movie is based on. The character Veronica plays is disturbing to say the least. Given that the novel is told via Veronica and Ian’s points of view, the reader understands her fears and his agenda.
The chemistry between Veronica and Ian is undeniable. As the story unravels and is exposed the many secrets that each character holds are shocking. This original novel is well written. The twists and turns make it a page-turner. The strong characters add depth to Lovegame. Will their past interfere with their happiness? Is Veronica capable of a happily ever after in real life?
June 11, 2016
Tortured, crazy, dark, and then beautiful all rolled into one. If you want to read a book that will have you by the throat, because that's the best way to describe this one, this is your book.
Ian, writer and former FBI profiler, also author of real crime novels is in L. A. to do a story on Veronica, actress, sex symbol and pivotal breakthrough for his new book. What he finds out though is she isn't just a sex symbol and she sure as hell is an actress even when not acting. She is hard to pin down and the harder she fights him the harder he falls. But someone is making her think she is crazy and doing a very good job of it.
Ian is also finding his dark side and while Veronica loves it, he hates it! She feels safe and protected and really for the first time in many years she just feels. And after spilling her secrets to this man she is falling in love with she finds out about why he wanted to meet her, why he wanted to do the article and who is making her feel crazy, and that is one too many things and it shatters her.
You'll have to read this one to find out all the gory details and take that ride. But don't take it if you have molestation triggers or abandonment issues. This is dark!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ian, writer and former FBI profiler, also author of real crime novels is in L. A. to do a story on Veronica, actress, sex symbol and pivotal breakthrough for his new book. What he finds out though is she isn't just a sex symbol and she sure as hell is an actress even when not acting. She is hard to pin down and the harder she fights him the harder he falls. But someone is making her think she is crazy and doing a very good job of it.
Ian is also finding his dark side and while Veronica loves it, he hates it! She feels safe and protected and really for the first time in many years she just feels. And after spilling her secrets to this man she is falling in love with she finds out about why he wanted to meet her, why he wanted to do the article and who is making her feel crazy, and that is one too many things and it shatters her.
You'll have to read this one to find out all the gory details and take that ride. But don't take it if you have molestation triggers or abandonment issues. This is dark!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2016
Power struggle, this book is the epitome. Lovegame is a twisted psychological thriller that had me wondering just what was coming next. It's a tangled and intriguing story about the complexities of the human psyche. Ian Sharpe, an ex-FBI profiler turned novelist, who's subjects of choice are serial killers. Veronica Romero is Hollywood Royalty, an actress with a dark past that haunts her. This story unfolds and they are quickly tempting the line between black and white, circumventing the line between pleasure and pain. Their relationship is raw and dark, quickly becoming an obsession, littered with secrets and danger.
Tracy has written a wonderful narrative that delves into the uncomfortable. It's well written, the characters well developed and well thought out. It's a tsunami of emotions that I found myself lost in and loved. The Epilogue brought all of their scattered pieces together, reminding us that we don't have to be the sum of our past mistakes.
"You sure you want me to be your happy ending?"
"You're already my happy ending Veronica. I want you to be my everything."
Tracy has written a wonderful narrative that delves into the uncomfortable. It's well written, the characters well developed and well thought out. It's a tsunami of emotions that I found myself lost in and loved. The Epilogue brought all of their scattered pieces together, reminding us that we don't have to be the sum of our past mistakes.
"You sure you want me to be your happy ending?"
"You're already my happy ending Veronica. I want you to be my everything."
June 24, 2017
Lovegame
was slow at the start but WOW did it finish strong. The author did an excellent job with the leading and secondary characters and once the story started burning it was hard to put it down.
Beautiful movie star Veronica has a troubled present, past and maybe future. Dealing with an abusive past and the failure of all those who were supposed to care for her; she's at her breaking point. Enters former FBI profiler turned author Ian Sharpe. Smart and attractive, he's after his next big story but what he finds is absolutely heart breaking.
A slight warning, some of the subject matter is a little disturbing and 'in your face'. But be assured is works very well in the story. Overall is 4.5.
~~ARC was graciously provided by the author via Netgalley.~~
Beautiful movie star Veronica has a troubled present, past and maybe future. Dealing with an abusive past and the failure of all those who were supposed to care for her; she's at her breaking point. Enters former FBI profiler turned author Ian Sharpe. Smart and attractive, he's after his next big story but what he finds is absolutely heart breaking.
A slight warning, some of the subject matter is a little disturbing and 'in your face'. But be assured is works very well in the story. Overall is 4.5.
~~ARC was graciously provided by the author via Netgalley.~~
December 16, 2024
I received this free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A touch of suspense mixed with a sizzling storyline make this one heck of a read. This started off a little slow for me but quickly picked up the pace after a few chapters. I wasn't sure if I would like Veronica Romero, but what you see on the surface isn't always what you get, and Ian Sharpe is interested in finding out who the real Veronica is. The alternating first person viewpoints give this depth and emotion which is exactly what Ms. Wolff wants the reader to see. Clear some allotted time in your schedule for this one.
A touch of suspense mixed with a sizzling storyline make this one heck of a read. This started off a little slow for me but quickly picked up the pace after a few chapters. I wasn't sure if I would like Veronica Romero, but what you see on the surface isn't always what you get, and Ian Sharpe is interested in finding out who the real Veronica is. The alternating first person viewpoints give this depth and emotion which is exactly what Ms. Wolff wants the reader to see. Clear some allotted time in your schedule for this one.
did-not-finish
July 26, 2022I tried...I couldn't get into it. I think it's a serious case of it's not you, it's me, I hate long, drawn out inner monologues.
June 11, 2016
**Review on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict, Lovegame was generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
‘I don’t know what’s going on between us – or even if there is an us. All I know if that I can breathe when Ian’s touching me, really breathe, in a way I haven’t been able to for far too long.’
Veronica Romero is a sex infused actress and daughter of the famous Salvatore and Melanie Romano. She meets Ian Sharpe who is a former FBI profiler and current True Crime writer. Veronica is the star of his most recent movie adaptation about a female criminal called the Belladonna. Ian is interviewing Veronica for a piece in Vanity Fair magazine to help promote the movie however he also has an alternative motive to wanting a sit down with her.
Veronica’s and Ian’s characters are very in-depth with multiple layers from all of Veronica’s carefully constructed walls to Ian’s profiling background. Part of Veronica’s walls is to use her sexuality as a weapon ensuring that she can distract and avoid any unwanted questions. While this might work on most Ian is anything but average male. Ian is instantly attached to Veronica and how could he not be with her more than perfect body and well practice sex appeal, but he knows that he has to look past all that if she is ever going to open up to him.
This book is full of suspense so I can only say so much without giving anything away but once you get into it you will not be able to stop. Not only is it very suspenseful but it also has lots of steamy sex that reveals both Veronica’s and Ian’s natural tendencies to be dominated and submissive. These tendencies make them look into themselves further to determine if they are comfortable with the way their relationship is forming and if they can handle the pleasure along with the roles.
‘And then his mouth is on mine and I forget anything—everything—that I was going to say. Instead, I just sink into it. Sink into him.
And he lets me. More, he demands it of me.’
Veronica’s role in the Belladonna was intense and resulted in nightmares from having to be in a killer’s mind for months while filming. Now that filming is done and Veronica is getting ready to promote it strange occurrences start to happen that have her questioning her sanity. At the same time Ian pursuing her and pushing her to drop her walls. Ian has his own demons to fight which come to surface even more while he is with Veronica. Their relationship or lack of one is a constant battle of wills and power struggles leaving them both frustrated and thoroughly sated at the same time.
As the suspense starts to kick up a notch in the book Ian is determined to help Veronica solve these mysteries all while gaining her trust and sharing his own secrets. But that is the worst part about secrets you never know when certain ones are going to come to the surface and how much damage they might cause. For Ian and Veronica certain secrets come to surface at the worst time possible making their HEA seem like it could never happen.
“You sure you want me to be your happy ending?”
“You’re already my happy ending, Veronica. I want you to be my everything.”
All in all I really enjoyed this book, I thought the story was very solid and there were certain aspects that were very drool worthy. If you enjoy a suspenseful story, intense characters and steamy sex scenes then I highly recommend this book.
‘I don’t know what’s going on between us – or even if there is an us. All I know if that I can breathe when Ian’s touching me, really breathe, in a way I haven’t been able to for far too long.’
Veronica Romero is a sex infused actress and daughter of the famous Salvatore and Melanie Romano. She meets Ian Sharpe who is a former FBI profiler and current True Crime writer. Veronica is the star of his most recent movie adaptation about a female criminal called the Belladonna. Ian is interviewing Veronica for a piece in Vanity Fair magazine to help promote the movie however he also has an alternative motive to wanting a sit down with her.
Veronica’s and Ian’s characters are very in-depth with multiple layers from all of Veronica’s carefully constructed walls to Ian’s profiling background. Part of Veronica’s walls is to use her sexuality as a weapon ensuring that she can distract and avoid any unwanted questions. While this might work on most Ian is anything but average male. Ian is instantly attached to Veronica and how could he not be with her more than perfect body and well practice sex appeal, but he knows that he has to look past all that if she is ever going to open up to him.
This book is full of suspense so I can only say so much without giving anything away but once you get into it you will not be able to stop. Not only is it very suspenseful but it also has lots of steamy sex that reveals both Veronica’s and Ian’s natural tendencies to be dominated and submissive. These tendencies make them look into themselves further to determine if they are comfortable with the way their relationship is forming and if they can handle the pleasure along with the roles.
‘And then his mouth is on mine and I forget anything—everything—that I was going to say. Instead, I just sink into it. Sink into him.
And he lets me. More, he demands it of me.’
Veronica’s role in the Belladonna was intense and resulted in nightmares from having to be in a killer’s mind for months while filming. Now that filming is done and Veronica is getting ready to promote it strange occurrences start to happen that have her questioning her sanity. At the same time Ian pursuing her and pushing her to drop her walls. Ian has his own demons to fight which come to surface even more while he is with Veronica. Their relationship or lack of one is a constant battle of wills and power struggles leaving them both frustrated and thoroughly sated at the same time.
As the suspense starts to kick up a notch in the book Ian is determined to help Veronica solve these mysteries all while gaining her trust and sharing his own secrets. But that is the worst part about secrets you never know when certain ones are going to come to the surface and how much damage they might cause. For Ian and Veronica certain secrets come to surface at the worst time possible making their HEA seem like it could never happen.
“You sure you want me to be your happy ending?”
“You’re already my happy ending, Veronica. I want you to be my everything.”
All in all I really enjoyed this book, I thought the story was very solid and there were certain aspects that were very drool worthy. If you enjoy a suspenseful story, intense characters and steamy sex scenes then I highly recommend this book.
June 14, 2016
This book was a really good surprise. I had quite high expectations, and while there were things I did not like about it, I still enjoyed it very much.
I loved the two main characters, both Veronica and Ian. I thought they were very well portrayed, and I definitely felt their chemistry. Veronica was mysterious, strong yet also vulnerable, and I was never put off by her character. Considering she is considered the most beautiful woman in the world, everybody was in love with her, plus she was rich and successful, it would've been very easy to make her unlikable (i.e. poor little rich girl), but I for one liked her beginning to end.
Ian was also a really strong character, talented and successful, but not full of himself. I especially loved how he wasn't a know-it-all dominant man, like in so many other books. He thinks he knows what Veronica needs from a man, but that doesn't mean he thinks that he can do no wrong, or that he can't push things too far.
I also really loved the mysterious, noir vibe of the book.
On to the dislikes....
Everything happened too fast. There were really long scenes (and a lot of time spent in the characters' heads), and the book was quite long, but the bulk of it happened in a few days. This made it a bit unbelievable for me. I didn't believe for one second that the Veronica that had been portrayed in this book would so easily trust a reporter/true crime writer with her biggest secret, that she never told anyone else. With not even a "off the record", something. I also couldn't really believe in her trust and love for him, after only a few days. After living 20+ years so closed off, and the way she treated their relationship for the first few days, it didn't make sense that she would so easily change her mind.
The suspense, I think, was a bit sub-par.
I also didn't really like the hero and heroines' reunion, it felt too cute and sweet with all the Hollywood and happily every after references for how their relationship worked up until that point, and who they were as characters.
The name dropping was a bit odd as well - it feels strange to attribute work to famous, existing artists such as Andy Warhol and Annie Leibovitz.
While it might seem like my dislikes outnumbered my likes, I very much loved this book, and I'm really glad I discovered a new author to stalk.
June 7, 2016
I'm a fan of Tracy Wolff so I just knew I couldn't miss when I opted to read Lovegame.
This book had such a great old world feel about it to me. The mystery and intrigue surrounding Veronica Romero plays out like an old black and white movie when stars in Hollywood shined. Veronica is the daughter of a huge movie producer and her mom was a star. How could she not grow up with all eyes watching her yet be so secluded. So as an adult she is what Hollywood expects on the outside but inside, there is so much more going on. She has just filmed a movie, Belladonna, which was adapted by a book written by Ian Sharpe. Vanity Fair wants to write an article about her and they send Ian Sharpe to do interview her. She agrees to meet with Ian to do the article for Vanity Fair on her new movie and the real her, but there is more to the story than that.
There is a chemistry that brews between our two main characters while embarking on this article. But strange occurrences are happening in Veronica's life. Trust has never been something she gives but it seems Ian has issues of his own. They both has haunting secrets in their past that neither wish to share but if they want to try to have some type of relationship it will have to come out. The darkness that has been surrounding them seeps into the pages, it envelopes us the reader. It's stifling, yet intriguing. It made it impossible for me to put the book down and when I did I couldn't stop thinking of what was to come. How quickly I could finish what I had to do so that I could get back to my book. Yes, the author ensnared me in the pages of her story so much so that it ate away at my subconscious till I could pick up where I left off.
Even knowing this story is just the author's imagination, there were aspects that I found disturbing. Actions taken without a single thought for another's well being. The idea that protecting the one thing in life that should matter yet it takes a back seat to more ambitious goals just floored me. There was a lot of dark tones in the book but it also had heated scenes. The control and power plays that went on between Ian and Veronica were intense. The layers that went into giving us a complete and captivating story were perfection.
It was more than I hoped for with a wonderful and fulfilling epilogue.
This book had such a great old world feel about it to me. The mystery and intrigue surrounding Veronica Romero plays out like an old black and white movie when stars in Hollywood shined. Veronica is the daughter of a huge movie producer and her mom was a star. How could she not grow up with all eyes watching her yet be so secluded. So as an adult she is what Hollywood expects on the outside but inside, there is so much more going on. She has just filmed a movie, Belladonna, which was adapted by a book written by Ian Sharpe. Vanity Fair wants to write an article about her and they send Ian Sharpe to do interview her. She agrees to meet with Ian to do the article for Vanity Fair on her new movie and the real her, but there is more to the story than that.
There is a chemistry that brews between our two main characters while embarking on this article. But strange occurrences are happening in Veronica's life. Trust has never been something she gives but it seems Ian has issues of his own. They both has haunting secrets in their past that neither wish to share but if they want to try to have some type of relationship it will have to come out. The darkness that has been surrounding them seeps into the pages, it envelopes us the reader. It's stifling, yet intriguing. It made it impossible for me to put the book down and when I did I couldn't stop thinking of what was to come. How quickly I could finish what I had to do so that I could get back to my book. Yes, the author ensnared me in the pages of her story so much so that it ate away at my subconscious till I could pick up where I left off.
Even knowing this story is just the author's imagination, there were aspects that I found disturbing. Actions taken without a single thought for another's well being. The idea that protecting the one thing in life that should matter yet it takes a back seat to more ambitious goals just floored me. There was a lot of dark tones in the book but it also had heated scenes. The control and power plays that went on between Ian and Veronica were intense. The layers that went into giving us a complete and captivating story were perfection.
It was more than I hoped for with a wonderful and fulfilling epilogue.
June 4, 2016
I received a copy via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Having read Accelerate, I thought I knew what I was getting into with Lovegame and that I had Tracy's fictional worlds figured out. Boy was I wrong! Tracy gives us heat mixed with old world Hollywood full of limos, fancy parties, with plenty of glitz and glamor where everybody wears a beautiful mask covering an inner evil. Ian and Veronica gives us dark passion, insanity, and revenge best served cold in an addicting story that leaves a reader riveted to their seat with a racing heart and bated breath. Lovegame marks us in ways that I never thought possible.
Ian Sharpe is a man who loves to delve into the psyche of the insane and wicked, first as an FBI agent, and now as a journalist. Paths have brought him into contact with a gorgeous starlet who uses her sex appeal as armor. Ian plans on getting beneath her cold veneer to the warm passionate woman underneath and excavate all of her secrets in the process. Ian is all edgy and possessive and knows how to leave imprints on his woman and bring her to heights of passion.
Veronica Romero has spent her life critiquing her sexy persona to conceal the pain of the past and because she doesn't trust anyone. Men may have access to her body but they have never had access to her desire, mind, or heart. That is until she meets the equally sexy and intelligent Ian who drives her crazy with lust and wants all of her secrets. Veronica is the epitome of Marilyn Monroe incarnate that leaves men with their eyes glazed and tongues wagging wherever she goes. I couldn't help but admire the ice queen with a burning vixen underneath.
Tracy Wolff delivers a scorching and at times bone chilling read that leaves you fantasizing about what goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood. Tracy will have you mind suffering from whiplash and your body over heating. I highly recommend Lovegame for a red carpet experience that is sensual and full of mystery. Ian and Veronica are fifty shades meets Criminal minds. Their story is both titillating and compelling. Don't miss out on the sinister mixed with the glitz and glam.
Having read Accelerate, I thought I knew what I was getting into with Lovegame and that I had Tracy's fictional worlds figured out. Boy was I wrong! Tracy gives us heat mixed with old world Hollywood full of limos, fancy parties, with plenty of glitz and glamor where everybody wears a beautiful mask covering an inner evil. Ian and Veronica gives us dark passion, insanity, and revenge best served cold in an addicting story that leaves a reader riveted to their seat with a racing heart and bated breath. Lovegame marks us in ways that I never thought possible.
Ian Sharpe is a man who loves to delve into the psyche of the insane and wicked, first as an FBI agent, and now as a journalist. Paths have brought him into contact with a gorgeous starlet who uses her sex appeal as armor. Ian plans on getting beneath her cold veneer to the warm passionate woman underneath and excavate all of her secrets in the process. Ian is all edgy and possessive and knows how to leave imprints on his woman and bring her to heights of passion.
Veronica Romero has spent her life critiquing her sexy persona to conceal the pain of the past and because she doesn't trust anyone. Men may have access to her body but they have never had access to her desire, mind, or heart. That is until she meets the equally sexy and intelligent Ian who drives her crazy with lust and wants all of her secrets. Veronica is the epitome of Marilyn Monroe incarnate that leaves men with their eyes glazed and tongues wagging wherever she goes. I couldn't help but admire the ice queen with a burning vixen underneath.
Tracy Wolff delivers a scorching and at times bone chilling read that leaves you fantasizing about what goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood. Tracy will have you mind suffering from whiplash and your body over heating. I highly recommend Lovegame for a red carpet experience that is sensual and full of mystery. Ian and Veronica are fifty shades meets Criminal minds. Their story is both titillating and compelling. Don't miss out on the sinister mixed with the glitz and glam.
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