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Dirty Games
Let the games begin.
When you play dirty, mud gets in your eyes. And when your vision clears, it might be too late to say sorry.
Linton Williams is moving up in life, he’s secured a great job, he’s living his dream - until it all comes crashing down, courtesy of a brother who’s hooked on cocaine and owes money to dangerous people. When Linton’s offered enough cash to pay off his brother’s debts and send him to rehab, he can’t say no.
But there’s a catch. To save his brother from the hell of addiction, Linton makes a deal with the devil. His job? To teach film star Thorne Morrisey a public lesson in humility that might just destroy Thorne’s acting career for good.
When Thorne and Linton meet, sparks fly, and one kiss sets into motion a chain of events that could destroy them both. By the time Linton decides the price is too high, it’s too late. He’s fallen hard. And now he’s trapped between destroying his lover or his brother.
Game over
This book has dark themes and violence.
When you play dirty, mud gets in your eyes. And when your vision clears, it might be too late to say sorry.
Linton Williams is moving up in life, he’s secured a great job, he’s living his dream - until it all comes crashing down, courtesy of a brother who’s hooked on cocaine and owes money to dangerous people. When Linton’s offered enough cash to pay off his brother’s debts and send him to rehab, he can’t say no.
But there’s a catch. To save his brother from the hell of addiction, Linton makes a deal with the devil. His job? To teach film star Thorne Morrisey a public lesson in humility that might just destroy Thorne’s acting career for good.
When Thorne and Linton meet, sparks fly, and one kiss sets into motion a chain of events that could destroy them both. By the time Linton decides the price is too high, it’s too late. He’s fallen hard. And now he’s trapped between destroying his lover or his brother.
Game over
This book has dark themes and violence.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2017
31 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Elsborg
100 books1,677 followersBarbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the south of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
March 18, 2017
A story of revenge,blackmail.....and love.
Linton is an Architect and has just returned back to the UK after 3 months in America where he was sent by his boss Max,after he was involved in an office scandal..He returns to his flat to find his younger,addicted,brother in bed with a man and a woman who paid him for sex.Not only that but the flat is a mess.He completely flips and kicks Dirk out.....a decision that will have far reaching consequences.....
Thorne is an upcoming Actor.Extremely good looking but a bit arrogant.He's bi sexual and has recently gone through a very public break up with Owen ( Max's brother )
Thorne and Linton are the main characters but there are a LOT of secondary characters interwoven into the story when a plan for revenge is set in motion.
Max wants revenge on Thorne for publicly humiliating his brother (Owen) and also for his reputation being tarnished.What better way than for Thorne to fall for someone,only to be dumped and humiliated the same way Owen was......
Linton finds himself drawn into the plan for revenge.He's put in an impossible position.......he wants no part in seducing Thorne but fate transpires against him when he needs money.....and quickly.
This Author has created some fantastic MM couples and Linton and Thorne are no exception.They have great chemistry and the sex scenes are smoking hot but what I loved the most was the banter between them.....some of the best I've read.
I found this compulsive reading although a bit confusing at times with so many characters introduced.Still,though,an enjoyable read that I would recommend.
If you've read Dirty Angel by this Author,you'll love the tiny part it plays here.Thorne is cast as Aden in an upcoming movie of the book.A really nice touch I thought.
An Arc of Dirty Games was kindly provided by the Author to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
Linton is an Architect and has just returned back to the UK after 3 months in America where he was sent by his boss Max,after he was involved in an office scandal..He returns to his flat to find his younger,addicted,brother in bed with a man and a woman who paid him for sex.Not only that but the flat is a mess.He completely flips and kicks Dirk out.....a decision that will have far reaching consequences.....
Thorne is an upcoming Actor.Extremely good looking but a bit arrogant.He's bi sexual and has recently gone through a very public break up with Owen ( Max's brother )
Thorne and Linton are the main characters but there are a LOT of secondary characters interwoven into the story when a plan for revenge is set in motion.
Max wants revenge on Thorne for publicly humiliating his brother (Owen) and also for his reputation being tarnished.What better way than for Thorne to fall for someone,only to be dumped and humiliated the same way Owen was......
Linton finds himself drawn into the plan for revenge.He's put in an impossible position.......he wants no part in seducing Thorne but fate transpires against him when he needs money.....and quickly.
This Author has created some fantastic MM couples and Linton and Thorne are no exception.They have great chemistry and the sex scenes are smoking hot but what I loved the most was the banter between them.....some of the best I've read.
I found this compulsive reading although a bit confusing at times with so many characters introduced.Still,though,an enjoyable read that I would recommend.
If you've read Dirty Angel by this Author,you'll love the tiny part it plays here.Thorne is cast as Aden in an upcoming movie of the book.A really nice touch I thought.
An Arc of Dirty Games was kindly provided by the Author to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
August 1, 2017
Omgomgomgomgomgomg!!!!!!
Guys, slap me once please. No, please. I'm serious. Give me a hard one. Throw your weight behind it.
*OUCH!*
Thank you. Yea, I'll tell you why I made that request. Just give me a moment to catch my breath. You pack quite a punch, eh? ;)
So, my dear fellow reviewer, I have had this book on my e-reader for a month, and because long-ish books give me a while of hesitation, I didn't really pick it up, rather went on to continue reading short length books, and that is precisely why I asked you to hit me. You see, I really shouldn't have delayed reading this story, even though I was satisfying my craving for some adorable MPREG. This story was so amazing, I want to cry at the sheer awesomeness of it!
The book started out really light and tummy-aching hilariously! I was having the time of my life, laughing at Thorne's and Linton's (really unique character names, btw, I really loved them) brands of sarcastic and quick wit. In fact, I was in my zone, thinking I was going to have an amusing time reading this book, quite like this:
And I guess that is the moment the author was waiting for, to metaphorically throw a bucket of cold water on me and show me the flip side of all that light-heartedness. There were so many dark truths coming out into light that my heart felt heavy and tears clogged my throat and filled my eyes.
I loved everything about this book, the main characters--Thorne and Linton; the supporting characters--River, Dirk, Josh and Marta (okay, Amadeo, too); and I especially loved the dialogues. Man, the quick and weird wit is behind the state I am in right now. I loved the progression of the story, the relationship development between the MCs, and the push and pull of their emotions.
I'm now going to go stalk the author's published books. ;-) A great book, recommended to all the angst lovers, who love a side dish of sass, snark and humour.
Guys, slap me once please. No, please. I'm serious. Give me a hard one. Throw your weight behind it.
*OUCH!*
Thank you. Yea, I'll tell you why I made that request. Just give me a moment to catch my breath. You pack quite a punch, eh? ;)
So, my dear fellow reviewer, I have had this book on my e-reader for a month, and because long-ish books give me a while of hesitation, I didn't really pick it up, rather went on to continue reading short length books, and that is precisely why I asked you to hit me. You see, I really shouldn't have delayed reading this story, even though I was satisfying my craving for some adorable MPREG. This story was so amazing, I want to cry at the sheer awesomeness of it!
The book started out really light and tummy-aching hilariously! I was having the time of my life, laughing at Thorne's and Linton's (really unique character names, btw, I really loved them) brands of sarcastic and quick wit. In fact, I was in my zone, thinking I was going to have an amusing time reading this book, quite like this:
And I guess that is the moment the author was waiting for, to metaphorically throw a bucket of cold water on me and show me the flip side of all that light-heartedness. There were so many dark truths coming out into light that my heart felt heavy and tears clogged my throat and filled my eyes.
I loved everything about this book, the main characters--Thorne and Linton; the supporting characters--River, Dirk, Josh and Marta (okay, Amadeo, too); and I especially loved the dialogues. Man, the quick and weird wit is behind the state I am in right now. I loved the progression of the story, the relationship development between the MCs, and the push and pull of their emotions.
I'm now going to go stalk the author's published books. ;-) A great book, recommended to all the angst lovers, who love a side dish of sass, snark and humour.
March 30, 2017
4,5 stars rounded to 5
This is my first book by Barbara Elsborg and I must admit I really enjoyed it. I was hooked by her writing style. Funny and light, but also deep and soul wrenching at times!
"He could feel blood trickling down his face. Or maybe it was tears.
Okay, I get it.
We're done.
Game over.
You won." *this broke my heart in so many pieces*
I wasn't expecting such a deep and angsty story. What started as a predictable one, became SO much more!
I've read it in one sitting and it's not a short story.
Even if I got a little bored at one point (because I felt the story dragged for too long in the fist half), well the second part of the book made me fall for it SO hard and I adored the epilogue!!! It left me with a HUGE smile on my face and such a warm feeling!
Linton tried all his life to help his brother, but now he got to the end of it and beyond. He agrees to such dirty games thinking he'd make it right in the end.
I was expecting the other shoe to drop for a while, but this story still surprised me. I thought I knew who will drop the bomb, but seems like I was wrong.
Thorne is a smug actor with trust issues, but somehow what he felt for Linton made him let his guard down. And they were so HOT together. I absolutely adored their dialogues, all the sexy scenes and this author made me chuckle so much!
I hated the awful boss, I loved their brothers. I was really happy they both found their peace in the end.
I can't wait to read another book by this author! This story remained in my heart after I've read it and this is how I know a book was added to my "5 stars books", I kept thinking about the characters and their story long after finishing it.
"Why do I want you so much? Thorne hissed in his ear. "Why do I want someone who betrayed me? I trusted you. I fucking trusted you. I told you I had an issue with trust and you still played your fucking game."
ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
This is my first book by Barbara Elsborg and I must admit I really enjoyed it. I was hooked by her writing style. Funny and light, but also deep and soul wrenching at times!
"He could feel blood trickling down his face. Or maybe it was tears.
Okay, I get it.
We're done.
Game over.
You won." *this broke my heart in so many pieces*
I wasn't expecting such a deep and angsty story. What started as a predictable one, became SO much more!
I've read it in one sitting and it's not a short story.
Even if I got a little bored at one point (because I felt the story dragged for too long in the fist half), well the second part of the book made me fall for it SO hard and I adored the epilogue!!! It left me with a HUGE smile on my face and such a warm feeling!
Linton tried all his life to help his brother, but now he got to the end of it and beyond. He agrees to such dirty games thinking he'd make it right in the end.
I was expecting the other shoe to drop for a while, but this story still surprised me. I thought I knew who will drop the bomb, but seems like I was wrong.
Thorne is a smug actor with trust issues, but somehow what he felt for Linton made him let his guard down. And they were so HOT together. I absolutely adored their dialogues, all the sexy scenes and this author made me chuckle so much!
I hated the awful boss, I loved their brothers. I was really happy they both found their peace in the end.
I can't wait to read another book by this author! This story remained in my heart after I've read it and this is how I know a book was added to my "5 stars books", I kept thinking about the characters and their story long after finishing it.
"Why do I want you so much? Thorne hissed in his ear. "Why do I want someone who betrayed me? I trusted you. I fucking trusted you. I told you I had an issue with trust and you still played your fucking game."
ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
April 12, 2017
Call me crazy, but I really liked this one.
Mixed reviews from my GRs friends, but I have a hard time saying no to a Barbara Elsborg book so in I jumped.
And oh doggy was I hooked from the first pages.
Yeah, it was all kinds of fucked up. No lie the blurb had me really confused. I couldn't tell who was with who, who was related to who, who was the blackmailer, who was being blackmailed. But once I got in it, it was all pretty clear.
Quite a few unlikable characters...okay most were unlikable at some point or another. With the exception of Linton of course. And well, while he wasn't perfect, he was a likable character.
Pretty much from the first chapter or so this was a complete ticking time bomb. No way, no how can things not turn to shit at some point given the premise of blackmail and revenge. But damn if I wasn't sucked in and curious to see how it all played out.
And I don't know, I liked how it all played out *shrugs*. I read for pure entertainment purposes. I don't take things all that seriously. I don't focus on the details. So yeah, this one was exciting and entertaining.
Nobody does the banter and steam like Barbara Elsborg and she certainly didn't disappoint there. No hearts and rainbows and unicorns here people, but I was okay with that. Maybe it just fit my mood. Whatever the case, I ended up quite liking this one!
Mixed reviews from my GRs friends, but I have a hard time saying no to a Barbara Elsborg book so in I jumped.
And oh doggy was I hooked from the first pages.
Yeah, it was all kinds of fucked up. No lie the blurb had me really confused. I couldn't tell who was with who, who was related to who, who was the blackmailer, who was being blackmailed. But once I got in it, it was all pretty clear.
Quite a few unlikable characters...okay most were unlikable at some point or another. With the exception of Linton of course. And well, while he wasn't perfect, he was a likable character.
Pretty much from the first chapter or so this was a complete ticking time bomb. No way, no how can things not turn to shit at some point given the premise of blackmail and revenge. But damn if I wasn't sucked in and curious to see how it all played out.
And I don't know, I liked how it all played out *shrugs*. I read for pure entertainment purposes. I don't take things all that seriously. I don't focus on the details. So yeah, this one was exciting and entertaining.
Nobody does the banter and steam like Barbara Elsborg and she certainly didn't disappoint there. No hearts and rainbows and unicorns here people, but I was okay with that. Maybe it just fit my mood. Whatever the case, I ended up quite liking this one!
Want to read
April 10, 2017LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
My next Mmm/m!
Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
The last thing Linton needs when he arrives home after three months in the States, is to find his beautiful flat is a squat, complete with his younger brother Dirk, who’s lying in Linton’s bed with a couple who’ve paid him for sex. Dirk isn’t even supposed to have a key. But after Linton throws Dirk out, life slams in hard and if his brother is to have any hope of a future, Linton has to play dirty. Or at least pretend to. What he hasn’t factored in is having to play the game to the bitter end.
Film star Thorne Morrisey has everything. Good looks, charm, seductive magnetism and a voice that could charm a snake from its basket. He can also be a real shit and yet people still love him - though he’d rather not have the love of his suicidal ex, dumped by Thorne in a very public and humiliating way. His ex’s wealthy brother has his own reasons for wanting revenge on Thorne, and his weapon of choice is Linton.
Linton and Thorne are on a collision course and in for the game of their lives. But who is playing whom?
This book has dark themes and violence.
My next Mmm/m!
Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
The last thing Linton needs when he arrives home after three months in the States, is to find his beautiful flat is a squat, complete with his younger brother Dirk, who’s lying in Linton’s bed with a couple who’ve paid him for sex. Dirk isn’t even supposed to have a key. But after Linton throws Dirk out, life slams in hard and if his brother is to have any hope of a future, Linton has to play dirty. Or at least pretend to. What he hasn’t factored in is having to play the game to the bitter end.
Film star Thorne Morrisey has everything. Good looks, charm, seductive magnetism and a voice that could charm a snake from its basket. He can also be a real shit and yet people still love him - though he’d rather not have the love of his suicidal ex, dumped by Thorne in a very public and humiliating way. His ex’s wealthy brother has his own reasons for wanting revenge on Thorne, and his weapon of choice is Linton.
Linton and Thorne are on a collision course and in for the game of their lives. But who is playing whom?
This book has dark themes and violence.
April 2, 2021
2 Stars
DNF @ 40%
First, it’s too slow and I mean snail slow. 40% into the story and the MCs haven’t seen each other except for one or two times. Nope, patience isn’t one of my virtues! Another thing is I didn’t like the writing, I couldn’t focus on the story completely, my mind was wandering in other places. Hope you enjoy it more than me though!
DNF @ 40%
First, it’s too slow and I mean snail slow. 40% into the story and the MCs haven’t seen each other except for one or two times. Nope, patience isn’t one of my virtues! Another thing is I didn’t like the writing, I couldn’t focus on the story completely, my mind was wandering in other places. Hope you enjoy it more than me though!
May 27, 2019
A beautifully crafted story, with deeply emotional characters and intricate relationships. I thoroughly enjoyed Barbara Elsborg's Dirty Games.
Just as a heads up, Ms. Elsborg touches on some very intense subjects here: date rape (on page), and (off page) rape, abduction, drug abuse, addiction, cheating, and suicide. There's also a wide range of family drama woven into the story.
In spite of all that, I found myself smiling and laughing and completely engrossed.
One of the best characters I've read in a very long time, Linton is incredibly witty, and comes up with the best one-liners on the spot. His banter is laugh-out-loud funny and the running jokes added a whole layer to the story (like I said, beautifully crafted). I'm very impressed.
While the subjects covered in Dirty Games are intense, the overall outlook is uplifting and hopeful. Love is there for everyone if you just open your heart and stop with the Dirty Games.
Linton and Thorne have amazing chemistry and their romance is smokin' hot. Barbara Elsborg writes some fantastic sex scenes in this one and the characters' personality really comes through. Some very intimate and some just plain ole down and dirty.
This novel is original and smart - I highly recommend it.
a copy of Dirty Games was provided to me for the purpose of my review
Just as a heads up, Ms. Elsborg touches on some very intense subjects here: date rape (on page), and (off page) rape, abduction, drug abuse, addiction, cheating, and suicide. There's also a wide range of family drama woven into the story.
In spite of all that, I found myself smiling and laughing and completely engrossed.
One of the best characters I've read in a very long time, Linton is incredibly witty, and comes up with the best one-liners on the spot. His banter is laugh-out-loud funny and the running jokes added a whole layer to the story (like I said, beautifully crafted). I'm very impressed.
While the subjects covered in Dirty Games are intense, the overall outlook is uplifting and hopeful. Love is there for everyone if you just open your heart and stop with the Dirty Games.
Linton and Thorne have amazing chemistry and their romance is smokin' hot. Barbara Elsborg writes some fantastic sex scenes in this one and the characters' personality really comes through. Some very intimate and some just plain ole down and dirty.
This novel is original and smart - I highly recommend it.
a copy of Dirty Games was provided to me for the purpose of my review
March 8, 2017
I'm a big fan of this author's paranormal romances. I haven't read much of her contemporary stuff, but I wanted to give Dirty Games a shot. This one sounded a bit angsty, which is fine with me and the blurb, while convoluted, still intrigued me enough to read the story.
The plot, though, was ... busy. That's about the only way I can describe it. There's so much going on and the characters criss-cross in some unbelievable ways that I nearly had to draw a map to keep up . Also, it involves revenge dating and blackmail, which I wasn't so sure about but thought I would try anyway, just to see. Well...
Linton is an architect. It's all he's ever wanted to be. He left London for three months to work at his company's New York office, to get away from a coworker he got involved with (Pascal). The relationship ended badly when Linton found out that his boyfriend had been cheating on him, with a woman. So, he swears off dating bisexuals and heads to New York to try to get a hold of himself.
When Linton gets back to London, he finds his younger brother has trashed his flat and has been turning tricks. Again. And after a couple days, his brother ends up in the hospital, after being beaten up and dosed with heroin, and he finally wants to get clean. Of course, Linton wants to put him in rehab, but he needs money to do that, and also to pay the debt that his brother owes to some very bad people.
Thorne is an actor. A bit arrogant and very much gorgeous and he has a tendency to get into trouble. He's bisexual, and his agent keeps trying to get him to "choose" to be gay or straight, even though he knows it doesn't work that way. Well, Thorne's last relationship ended spectacularly badly and he's feeling very burnt by it all. Trust doesn't come easy for him at the moment because he's been burned too much by people that were supposed to care about him.
And herein lies the plot. Linton's boss, Max, is the older brother of Thorne's ex, Owen. Owen is very unstable and went off the rails after Thorne, very publicly, dumped him. So, Max pays Linton to seduce Thorne and publicly humiliate him, and blackmails him to make sure that Linton complies.
O.M.G. If you think those last few paragraphs were exhausting, you should read the story. I didn't hate it, I didn't love it, but damn, was it a lot to keep up with.
Summary of things I liked about the story:
And what I didn't like:
Dirty Games isn't what I expected. Sometimes that works out, sometimes it doesn't. I'm still trying to work out which it is, in this particular case.
---------------------
ARC of Dirty Games was generously provided by the author, via Signal Boost Promotions, in exchange for an honest review.
The plot, though, was ... busy. That's about the only way I can describe it. There's so much going on and the characters criss-cross in some unbelievable ways that I nearly had to draw a map to keep up . Also, it involves revenge dating and blackmail, which I wasn't so sure about but thought I would try anyway, just to see. Well...
Linton is an architect. It's all he's ever wanted to be. He left London for three months to work at his company's New York office, to get away from a coworker he got involved with (Pascal). The relationship ended badly when Linton found out that his boyfriend had been cheating on him, with a woman. So, he swears off dating bisexuals and heads to New York to try to get a hold of himself.
When Linton gets back to London, he finds his younger brother has trashed his flat and has been turning tricks. Again. And after a couple days, his brother ends up in the hospital, after being beaten up and dosed with heroin, and he finally wants to get clean. Of course, Linton wants to put him in rehab, but he needs money to do that, and also to pay the debt that his brother owes to some very bad people.
Thorne is an actor. A bit arrogant and very much gorgeous and he has a tendency to get into trouble. He's bisexual, and his agent keeps trying to get him to "choose" to be gay or straight, even though he knows it doesn't work that way. Well, Thorne's last relationship ended spectacularly badly and he's feeling very burnt by it all. Trust doesn't come easy for him at the moment because he's been burned too much by people that were supposed to care about him.
And herein lies the plot. Linton's boss, Max, is the older brother of Thorne's ex, Owen. Owen is very unstable and went off the rails after Thorne, very publicly, dumped him. So, Max pays Linton to seduce Thorne and publicly humiliate him, and blackmails him to make sure that Linton complies.
O.M.G. If you think those last few paragraphs were exhausting, you should read the story. I didn't hate it, I didn't love it, but damn, was it a lot to keep up with.
Summary of things I liked about the story:
-- I liked Linton and Thorne. I liked their banter. I liked their chemistry. I liked their sexy-times. I liked that they really wanted to do right by their brothers.
-- I liked River (Thorne's brother)
-- I even came to like Dirk (Linton's brother), somewhat, once he stopped being a selfish twat.
And what I didn't like:
-- I didn't like that that Linton kept putting off telling Thorne about Max and Owen's plan and where Linton fit into it. So much bullshit could have been avoided by having that conversation and I spent way too long dreading what would happen when Thorne found out (and I wasn't much a fan of what did happen when Thorne found out).
-- I didn't like Max, Owen and Pascal. At all. Not a single redeeming anything with the lot of them.
-- As it turns out, I didn't care for the blackmail plot line or the petty revenge, either
Dirty Games isn't what I expected. Sometimes that works out, sometimes it doesn't. I'm still trying to work out which it is, in this particular case.
---------------------
ARC of Dirty Games was generously provided by the author, via Signal Boost Promotions, in exchange for an honest review.
dnf
April 8, 2017Just could not get into this. Too much shit happening, lots of telling not showing. It feels chaotic. The author dangles tidbits out there that's only part of the picture to try to drag you into the story but it's not working for me.
I didn't read enough to rate it but I wouldn't recommend it either. I loved this authors Falling and PNR series so it may be a case of it's me and not the book.
I didn't read enough to rate it but I wouldn't recommend it either. I loved this authors Falling and PNR series so it may be a case of it's me and not the book.
April 3, 2017
For me this was stunning- when I am so consumed with a book that I can't focus on RT then I know I'm onto something. This was hard, angsty and nail biting- truths not being told, deception and pain, but all coming from the best of intentions. There were so many issues going on and people kept inflaming issues that were never laid to rest. From the pain came some relief... a little more family time would have been great but at least the "penguins " are happy ❤
April 13, 2017
4.5 Stars
‘How was it possible to hate and love someone at the same time?’
We’ve been huge admirers of Barbara Elsborg’s work for some time. Whether it’s MM, MF, Contemporary romance or paranormal, we’ve been impressed and loved everything we’ve read and wish more readers looking for a ‘new to them’ author would experience this talented lady’s work!
With Dirty Games, we found ourselves completely captivated by this emotional, angsty and passionate story of love, revenge and manipulation. Though, at the core of Thorne and Linton’s s story is one of love, loyalty, healing, forgiveness and acceptance.
‘He wasn’t going to break Thorne’s heart, but he worried that in the process, he might break his own.’
Linton Williams is an up and coming architect who returns to England after a three month working stint in New York to find his life turned upside down. Linton’s brother Dirk is a drug addict, unemployed and has moved himself into Linton’s flat without permission during his absence. Trouble follows the damaged Dirk and soon Linton sees himself an unwitting victim in Dirks seedy world. Being forced to make a deal he’s dead set against in order to save Dirk and get him the help he so desperately requires. There is nothing Linton wouldn’t do for Dirk. He’s always protected and cared for Dirk, leaving him feeling incapable of love, this aspect of Dirty Games broke our hearts!
“All my life I’ve tried to let pain flow over me without letting it touch me. A bit like standing at the back of a waterfall and watching the torrent fall in front of me but I only get a bit wet, not drenched.“
We were completely immersed in Dirty Games, as the emotion of Thorne and Linton were stripped raw. The sex, though sensual and steamy, never overshadowed the emotion, instead enhancing the feelings, connection and passion between Thorne and Linton. Barbara’s wit is always spot on. We adore her droll, sarcastic humour which always endears her characters to us even further. The sarky humour ensured the story, whilst dramatic, never became melodramatic. We loved it!
‘He dragged his teeth over his bottom lip as he smiled, and with that one simple gesture, broke into Thorne’s damaged heart.’ Click here to see full review at TBB
DIRTY GAMES is available to purchase below
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April 13, 2017
4.5 stars
I'm not feeling well, so no review tonight. It's coming soon, though :)
~*~
All right, well this cold has been kicking my ass for the past two days. But I'm finally feeling okay enough to write this review.
Whew, okay :D
So, I really liked this story. I thought Thorne and Linton were wonderful together and had an amazing, real connection, and I love stories where one "pretends" to like another for money or a bet or what have you, but they end up falling for that person anyway.
But what I loved about this story right away was that Linton never really wanted to do it, to hurt Thorne, and was basically blackmailed into it, and he wasn't going to go through with the complete plan, and he was prepared to work for Max, his boss (and total asshat), for as long as it took to pay him back (for 50,000 pounds!!!) than ever actually hurt someone who didn't deserve it.
The things that made me give this 4.5 stars were two big things - Linton's biphobia almost throughout the whole novel (he got over it, thankfully, and saw his relationship for Pascal for what it was, not the easy answer. "Oh, it's because he was bisexual" no, it's because Pascal was a douche. And Linton even felt bad for his girlfriend - and her baby! - by the end) and the scene near the end .
Other than those two things I enjoyed this book so much. How well Thorne and Linton fit together, how we got to see them actually talk to each other and become closer.
And like, I'm glad Owen realized the error of his ways by the end and even got Max to wave away Linton having to pay him back, and was getting help, and I actually started to be able tolerate him at the end. But before that he was sooo annoying and manipulative and whiny. I get he was going through his own shit, and was in a bad place, but the way he blamed Linton for what he did pissed me off. I was so happy when he finally saw he needed to move on from Thorne in the end. I was like thank goddd.
So overall, I enjoyed this, and recommend it :)
I'm not feeling well, so no review tonight. It's coming soon, though :)
~*~
All right, well this cold has been kicking my ass for the past two days. But I'm finally feeling okay enough to write this review.
Whew, okay :D
So, I really liked this story. I thought Thorne and Linton were wonderful together and had an amazing, real connection, and I love stories where one "pretends" to like another for money or a bet or what have you, but they end up falling for that person anyway.
But what I loved about this story right away was that Linton never really wanted to do it, to hurt Thorne, and was basically blackmailed into it, and he wasn't going to go through with the complete plan, and he was prepared to work for Max, his boss (and total asshat), for as long as it took to pay him back (for 50,000 pounds!!!) than ever actually hurt someone who didn't deserve it.
The things that made me give this 4.5 stars were two big things - Linton's biphobia almost throughout the whole novel (he got over it, thankfully, and saw his relationship for Pascal for what it was, not the easy answer. "Oh, it's because he was bisexual" no, it's because Pascal was a douche. And Linton even felt bad for his girlfriend - and her baby! - by the end) and the scene near the end .
Other than those two things I enjoyed this book so much. How well Thorne and Linton fit together, how we got to see them actually talk to each other and become closer.
And like, I'm glad Owen realized the error of his ways by the end and even got Max to wave away Linton having to pay him back, and was getting help, and I actually started to be able tolerate him at the end. But before that he was sooo annoying and manipulative and whiny. I get he was going through his own shit, and was in a bad place, but the way he blamed Linton for what he did pissed me off. I was so happy when he finally saw he needed to move on from Thorne in the end. I was like thank goddd.
So overall, I enjoyed this, and recommend it :)
April 20, 2017
I'm very sad that I didn't care enough for this, since I've loved so many of Barbara's books. Barbara does tend to write books that have some darkness in them. This definitely had its share but it was also very intriguing following all the twists and turns of the plot. I liked Lintons character a lot and it was quite easy to understand his motivations and his internal struggles. Thorne's character was very hard to like and by the end of the story, other than the epilogue, I could not find any redemption. His character was far too arrogant and thoughtless, and his anger issues really needed professional help. Really, just about everyone in the story needed therapy. I don't know how everyone got over some of these traumas on their own.
Some of my difficulties with it were also due to my own state of mind. However, it still didn't seem like a smooth flow. There were several secondary and other side characters that made the narrative feel too busy. Having their brothers there was fine but add in the other friends, the agent, the brothers that railroaded Linton, and the criminals, I felt distracted. I had a hard time getting the feel of Thorne and Linton's developing relationship. Barbara's talent with humor and banter was there but it seemed a bit too much in the midst of the sex scenes. I couldn't connect there, either. They seemed too quick and unromantic.
At the major crisis point is when it went downhill for me. After Thorne's actions, not so much his words, it seemed to get resolved very quickly and easily. What Linton did was wrong but he got over Thorne's disgusting behavior far too easily for me. Then boom, it's the epilogue. It seemed like too much missing. I wanted to see at least a little more of them building up their connection again than just one night. It was a let down in too many ways at the end. I'm sure I'll reread it in the future and perhaps my impression will be better.
Some of my difficulties with it were also due to my own state of mind. However, it still didn't seem like a smooth flow. There were several secondary and other side characters that made the narrative feel too busy. Having their brothers there was fine but add in the other friends, the agent, the brothers that railroaded Linton, and the criminals, I felt distracted. I had a hard time getting the feel of Thorne and Linton's developing relationship. Barbara's talent with humor and banter was there but it seemed a bit too much in the midst of the sex scenes. I couldn't connect there, either. They seemed too quick and unromantic.
At the major crisis point is when it went downhill for me. After Thorne's actions, not so much his words, it seemed to get resolved very quickly and easily. What Linton did was wrong but he got over Thorne's disgusting behavior far too easily for me. Then boom, it's the epilogue. It seemed like too much missing. I wanted to see at least a little more of them building up their connection again than just one night. It was a let down in too many ways at the end. I'm sure I'll reread it in the future and perhaps my impression will be better.
April 13, 2017
4.5 Stars
‘How was it possible to hate and love someone at the same time?’
We’ve been huge admirers of Barbara Elsborg’s work for some time. Whether it’s MM, MF, Contemporary romance or paranormal, we’ve been impressed and loved everything we’ve read and wish more readers looking for a ‘new to them’ author would experience this talented lady’s work!
With Dirty Games, we found ourselves completely captivated by this emotional, angsty and passionate story of love, revenge and manipulation. Though, at the core of Thorne and Linton’s s story is one of love, loyalty, healing, forgiveness and acceptance.
‘He wasn’t going to break Thorne’s heart, but he worried that in the process, he might break his own.’
Linton Williams is an up and coming architect who returns to England after a three month working stint in New York to find his life turned upside down. Linton’s brother Dirk is a drug addict, unemployed and has moved himself into Linton’s flat without permission during his absence. Trouble follows the damaged Dirk and soon Linton sees himself an unwitting victim in Dirks seedy world. Being forced to make a deal he’s dead set against in order to save Dirk and get him the help he so desperately requires. There is nothing Linton wouldn’t do for Dirk. He’s always protected and cared for Dirk, leaving him feeling incapable of love, this aspect of Dirty Games broke our hearts!
“All my life I’ve tried to let pain flow over me without letting it touch me. A bit like standing at the back of a waterfall and watching the torrent fall in front of me but I only get a bit wet, not drenched.“
Thirty year old Thorne Morrisey is seductive, charming and ridiculously good looking actor with his star on the rise. Whilst his career might be on the up, his personal life is anything but. Thorne has been unlucky in love, has made some poor choices and trusted the wrong people. The consequences of which have made it difficult for Thorne to open up and trust completely. Thorne would rather strike out and hurt someone before being deeply hurt himself. A coping mechanism that’s been forced upon him from his past issues.
‘He dragged his teeth over his bottom lip as he smiled, and with that one simple gesture, broke into Thorne’s damaged heart.’
It is through six degrees of separation and fate that Linton and Thorne’s paths cross, with players in the story being interconnected in more ways than one. Thorne and Linton strike up a friendship which becomes more. Both Thorne and Linton are devoted to, protective of, and fiercely loyal to their brothers, River (Thorne’s autistic brother) and Dirk (Linton’s troubled drug addict brother) a quality each respects in the other.
Thorne is drawn to Linton in ways he hasn’t felt before and Linton’s connection, patience and understanding of River has Thorne wanting to pursue something on a deeper level with Linton which is a big step for the cagey Thorne who believes everyone has a motive and Linton is harbouring a secret which could tear their relationship apart.
“I don’t want to have to choose between loneliness and a broken heart.”
We were completely immersed in Dirty Games, as the emotion of Thorne and Linton were stripped raw. The sex, though sensual and steamy, never overshadowed the emotion, instead enhancing the feelings, connection and passion between Thorne and Linton. Barbara’s wit is always spot on. We adore her droll, sarcastic humour which always endears her characters to us even further. The sarky humour ensured the story, whilst dramatic, never became melodramatic. We loved it!
DIRTY GAMES is available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
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August 1, 2017
After taking a bit of a break from M/M books, this was the perfect book for me to pick up.
I LOVE Barbara Elsborg's books, and this was no exception!
She masters the perfect balance between plot, erotica, mystery and LOVE... Sigh...
Highly recomanded!
I LOVE Barbara Elsborg's books, and this was no exception!
She masters the perfect balance between plot, erotica, mystery and LOVE... Sigh...
Highly recomanded!
Read
June 16, 2017DNF at 28%.
I tried to get back into it - to no avail.
The MCs don't meet until 27%. And then their dialogue put me off.
Sorry I wasn't patient enough for this to unfold.
I tried to get back into it - to no avail.
The MCs don't meet until 27%. And then their dialogue put me off.
Sorry I wasn't patient enough for this to unfold.
December 31, 2017
I will make it short : It’s Barbara Elsborg and so far, she never disappointed me : her characters are always very endearing, the plot is always on the right line of being unrealistic but she makes it work very well for me. And it’s hot, very hot.
Here, Linton is being “forced” in exchange of money that could help to save his brother to seduce Thorne. Linton is not lame, for from it and is really reliable, so it kills him to trick Thorne, who, despite his sometimes bad temper, is full of love that just needs a bit of trust to shine.
It worked for me, I really enjoyed it…after all, what’s more need to be said ?!
Just a warning : some trigger such as rape and some editing errors.
**Note for my Secret Santa : thank you for this great <3**
Here, Linton is being “forced” in exchange of money that could help to save his brother to seduce Thorne. Linton is not lame, for from it and is really reliable, so it kills him to trick Thorne, who, despite his sometimes bad temper, is full of love that just needs a bit of trust to shine.
It worked for me, I really enjoyed it…after all, what’s more need to be said ?!
Just a warning : some trigger such as rape and some editing errors.
**Note for my Secret Santa : thank you for this great <3**
February 1, 2018
4 Stars
April 8, 2017
4.5 STARS - Wonderful, suspense filled story about with two complex M/C's. I was looking forward to reading, and once I started this I was glued to my kindle. I enjoyed the suspense aspect of the book, as well as learning all about each of the M/C's. Linton & Thorne each had enormous personal and emotional history to overcome - although quite different their flaws and strengthens worked well for each other. This was written so well, it flowed perfectly between the action plot line, supporting characters interactions, angst, chemistry and romance - I was on he edge of my seat the entire time. I loved the banter between Linton & Thorne it was sweet, funny and so sexy. Loved this book :)
March 26, 2022
"Thorne had never been turned down by anyone. It was annoying. It was refreshing. It was irresistible."
If you like a real slooooooooowwwww burn MM romance, then you'll love Dirty Games by Barbara Elsborg, who was a new-to-me author.
I actually found Dirty Games pretty slow to start, in fact it really took me a while to get into, with lots of competing story arcs. But I'm so glad I perservered, because I actually enjoyed it and when the steamy times hit they were worth the wait 🔥.
There are several confronting issues in the book and I don't remember seeing any TWs (I could be wrong), so be careful if you are triggered by references to rape (off page), date rape with drugs (on page, starts off consensual and then not) parental isolation, assault, drug use, references to suicide attempts.
This is not a dark book despite these TWs, but it does have some dark/confronting issues in it.
Tropes:
💙 MM
💙 Contemporary romance
💙 Hurt/comfort
💙 Steamy
💙 HEA
Recommended.
If you like a real slooooooooowwwww burn MM romance, then you'll love Dirty Games by Barbara Elsborg, who was a new-to-me author.
I actually found Dirty Games pretty slow to start, in fact it really took me a while to get into, with lots of competing story arcs. But I'm so glad I perservered, because I actually enjoyed it and when the steamy times hit they were worth the wait 🔥.
There are several confronting issues in the book and I don't remember seeing any TWs (I could be wrong), so be careful if you are triggered by references to rape (off page), date rape with drugs (on page, starts off consensual and then not) parental isolation, assault, drug use, references to suicide attempts.
This is not a dark book despite these TWs, but it does have some dark/confronting issues in it.
Tropes:
💙 MM
💙 Contemporary romance
💙 Hurt/comfort
💙 Steamy
💙 HEA
Recommended.
April 11, 2017
There are busy books and then there's...
'Dirty Games'...if you like books that are busier than a shopping mall at Christmas time...pull up a chair, I've got just the story for you.
I've read some books that have had a lot going on...I mean seriously a lot but I'm not sure any of them can compete with this one and I could tell you some of it but the problem is...in some way at some point it all connects. Actually I could probably keep it a lot shorter by telling you what didn't happen in this book...no one died...or at least I don't remember anyone dying...no, no I'm sure of it no one died. Pretty much every thing else is fair game...ok, maybe not EVERY thing...but damned close.
I truly don't remember the last time I read a book that had so many things happening in it. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this one. Would I want all my books to be this busy...oh hell no...not unless they come with their own roadmaps, but this one worked for me.
I very much enjoyed the MCs and their interactions. Not that he didn't take life seriously but Linton definitely had a lighter side and was quick with a joke as long as you didn't expect him to use the 'L' word because that ain't gonna' happen...nope, nope, nope. Thorne was instantly drawn to Linton and his quick wit that couldn't help but make Thorne laugh. He loved that Linton wasn't afraid to call him on his bs and wasn't afraid to help Thorne keep his ego in check either.
Thorne had definite trust issues and when he felt his trust had been misplaced he was quick to anger and that anger held a definite mean undertone to it. But his anger was equaled by his love and desire to help the people he cared about.
There were some interesting and dare I say 'deserving of their own story' secondary characters as well...Linton's brother, Dirk. While Dirk started off as a jerk towards the end we were beginning to see a different and a far more likable side to him.
Thorne's brother, River. River is autistic and displays what I think is probably a very high intelligence level...dare I say potentially genius and I for one found him to be a very interesting young man. I would love a story for him if not his own book.
Josh is Thorne's best friend, one few who's not afraid to call b*llsh!t on Thorne when he gets to full of himself and one of the few people Thorne truly trust. Orlando is Thorne's agent and while we only get little glimpses of him, he struck me as yet another character with the potential for an interesting story. He's an agent and he seems to be one off the good guys who also seems to always be one step ahead of where he should be...how is that? I'm just curious...like I said potential for a story.
There's also Nate and Owen. I'd actually like to see these two end up together...so that'll require a book and of course we have our usual raft of bad guys, Max and Pascal, Owen's brother and Linton's ex...respectively neither of them deserving of more than a quick mention and let's throw in a few thugs and general bad guys just for good measure as well.
Initially I really wasn't sure how much I was going to like this because I was getting a little dizzy with everything that was going on but somewhere around the halfway mark things started to click into place for me and I found myself really enjoying the story and anxiously reading every chance I got to see what could possibly happen next.
If you can handle the busy, busy stuff than this one is definitely worth reading. It's very possible that this story could have been just as good with less going on but honestly I doubt it because at the end every thing seemed to be tied together in one way or another. So if you're a fan of stories with a lot going on and some really good characters, If you like your MCs to be sexy, funny, strong and slightly broken and did I mention some of what was going on was pretty freakin' hot? and if you can also handle having more than a few interesting characters sitting in the background trying to steal your attention, than...'Dirty Games' is a book that you need to check into.
********************
An ARC of 'Dirty Games' was graciously provided by the author via Signal Boost Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
'Dirty Games'...if you like books that are busier than a shopping mall at Christmas time...pull up a chair, I've got just the story for you.
I've read some books that have had a lot going on...I mean seriously a lot but I'm not sure any of them can compete with this one and I could tell you some of it but the problem is...in some way at some point it all connects. Actually I could probably keep it a lot shorter by telling you what didn't happen in this book...no one died...or at least I don't remember anyone dying...no, no I'm sure of it no one died. Pretty much every thing else is fair game...ok, maybe not EVERY thing...but damned close.
I truly don't remember the last time I read a book that had so many things happening in it. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this one. Would I want all my books to be this busy...oh hell no...not unless they come with their own roadmaps, but this one worked for me.
I very much enjoyed the MCs and their interactions. Not that he didn't take life seriously but Linton definitely had a lighter side and was quick with a joke as long as you didn't expect him to use the 'L' word because that ain't gonna' happen...nope, nope, nope. Thorne was instantly drawn to Linton and his quick wit that couldn't help but make Thorne laugh. He loved that Linton wasn't afraid to call him on his bs and wasn't afraid to help Thorne keep his ego in check either.
Thorne had definite trust issues and when he felt his trust had been misplaced he was quick to anger and that anger held a definite mean undertone to it. But his anger was equaled by his love and desire to help the people he cared about.
There were some interesting and dare I say 'deserving of their own story' secondary characters as well...Linton's brother, Dirk. While Dirk started off as a jerk towards the end we were beginning to see a different and a far more likable side to him.
Thorne's brother, River. River is autistic and displays what I think is probably a very high intelligence level...dare I say potentially genius and I for one found him to be a very interesting young man. I would love a story for him if not his own book.
Josh is Thorne's best friend, one few who's not afraid to call b*llsh!t on Thorne when he gets to full of himself and one of the few people Thorne truly trust. Orlando is Thorne's agent and while we only get little glimpses of him, he struck me as yet another character with the potential for an interesting story. He's an agent and he seems to be one off the good guys who also seems to always be one step ahead of where he should be...how is that? I'm just curious...like I said potential for a story.
There's also Nate and Owen. I'd actually like to see these two end up together...so that'll require a book and of course we have our usual raft of bad guys, Max and Pascal, Owen's brother and Linton's ex...respectively neither of them deserving of more than a quick mention and let's throw in a few thugs and general bad guys just for good measure as well.
Initially I really wasn't sure how much I was going to like this because I was getting a little dizzy with everything that was going on but somewhere around the halfway mark things started to click into place for me and I found myself really enjoying the story and anxiously reading every chance I got to see what could possibly happen next.
If you can handle the busy, busy stuff than this one is definitely worth reading. It's very possible that this story could have been just as good with less going on but honestly I doubt it because at the end every thing seemed to be tied together in one way or another. So if you're a fan of stories with a lot going on and some really good characters, If you like your MCs to be sexy, funny, strong and slightly broken and did I mention some of what was going on was pretty freakin' hot? and if you can also handle having more than a few interesting characters sitting in the background trying to steal your attention, than...'Dirty Games' is a book that you need to check into.
********************
An ARC of 'Dirty Games' was graciously provided by the author via Signal Boost Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2017
*** 4.5 Stars - rounded up! ***
***
First of all, the cover deserve more credit for its ability to grabbed this coverslut eyes attention. The next thing is the blurb. And I'm SOLD!
Before I starting my review I need to 'confess' that the truth is...I have that 'love- hate feeling' with Barbara Eslborg's book.
There's a time I 'hate' her book, but at another time I adored her book with very unlogic reasons. And this kinda 'frustrated' me because I keep reading her book even with all the things I felt. Well, maybe I'm a bit masochist or the author totally have that 'magic spells' that keep me lured to read her book?
I don't have the answer for myself. So, better we moved to the review, okay?
Due to the mixed feeling I have during reading this book, I decided not to give any SPOILER about the story. Because YOU need to read it by yourself to feels what I felt. And trust me.... It's kinda 'complicated' *smirk*
The story is kinda 'busy' and there's a lot - I need to repeat it once again - A LOT ! - characters for one story to 'swallowed'. BUT even with the 'busy plot' and a lot things happened in about the same time (and HELL-YEAH - it confused me sometimes), I must admit that I DO REALLY ENJOY THE READING!!!
TA-DAAA!!!!!
I have this constant urge to SLAPPED and HUGS some of the MC even they'd ANNOYED me for being so 'stupid' or for being too coward and their constantly annoying 'attitude'.
With that very intriguing blurb, I jumped to the story with big alert that the story will include the 'DIRTY GAMES' and assume that in the end someone will lose and get badly hurt. I thought I'd prepared enough and ready for that moment when it finally come...
But then when this line come up, it still broke my heart into pieces...
He could feel blood trickling down his face. Or maybe it was tears.
Okay, I get it.
We're done.
Game over.
You won.
Thorne, Linton, Dirk, Max, Owen, Pascal, River, Josh, Nate.
Not a small number of characters names that you should remember eh? But beware...because those names could upside down your feeling during reading this book!
Three of them even made me want to stab them right on their chest for REAL!!!
Just marked my word and keep those small soft thing within arms reach so you can throw it each time you get way too emotional and keep your Kindle safe in your hand. Just a little advice from someone who had been through the situation and SURVIVED! LOL!
This book deserve my very rare 4.5 Stars for the way this book made me feels and I tip my imaginary hat to the author for her ability to make this book into one of my emotional reading in 2017!
Last but not least...
There's a mention about another book from Barbara Elsborg, "Dirty Angel" in this book where Thorne took part as the main actor for Aden cast that made me super duper CURIOS!!!
Maybe I'll read the book right after this...
RECOMMENDED!
He was supposed to be in control, this was his game, yet it wasn’t. How could he have ever thought he could do any of this? He wasn’t an actor. He couldn’t pretend.
***
First of all, the cover deserve more credit for its ability to grabbed this coverslut eyes attention. The next thing is the blurb. And I'm SOLD!
Before I starting my review I need to 'confess' that the truth is...I have that 'love- hate feeling' with Barbara Eslborg's book.
There's a time I 'hate' her book, but at another time I adored her book with very unlogic reasons. And this kinda 'frustrated' me because I keep reading her book even with all the things I felt. Well, maybe I'm a bit masochist or the author totally have that 'magic spells' that keep me lured to read her book?
I don't have the answer for myself. So, better we moved to the review, okay?
Due to the mixed feeling I have during reading this book, I decided not to give any SPOILER about the story. Because YOU need to read it by yourself to feels what I felt. And trust me.... It's kinda 'complicated' *smirk*
The story is kinda 'busy' and there's a lot - I need to repeat it once again - A LOT ! - characters for one story to 'swallowed'. BUT even with the 'busy plot' and a lot things happened in about the same time (and HELL-YEAH - it confused me sometimes), I must admit that I DO REALLY ENJOY THE READING!!!
TA-DAAA!!!!!
I have this constant urge to SLAPPED and HUGS some of the MC even they'd ANNOYED me for being so 'stupid' or for being too coward and their constantly annoying 'attitude'.
With that very intriguing blurb, I jumped to the story with big alert that the story will include the 'DIRTY GAMES' and assume that in the end someone will lose and get badly hurt. I thought I'd prepared enough and ready for that moment when it finally come...
But then when this line come up, it still broke my heart into pieces...
He could feel blood trickling down his face. Or maybe it was tears.
Okay, I get it.
We're done.
Game over.
You won.
Thorne, Linton, Dirk, Max, Owen, Pascal, River, Josh, Nate.
Not a small number of characters names that you should remember eh? But beware...because those names could upside down your feeling during reading this book!
Three of them even made me want to stab them right on their chest for REAL!!!
Just marked my word and keep those small soft thing within arms reach so you can throw it each time you get way too emotional and keep your Kindle safe in your hand. Just a little advice from someone who had been through the situation and SURVIVED! LOL!
This book deserve my very rare 4.5 Stars for the way this book made me feels and I tip my imaginary hat to the author for her ability to make this book into one of my emotional reading in 2017!
Last but not least...
There's a mention about another book from Barbara Elsborg, "Dirty Angel" in this book where Thorne took part as the main actor for Aden cast that made me super duper CURIOS!!!
Maybe I'll read the book right after this...
RECOMMENDED!
March 27, 2017
4.5 stars
This is quite an unconventional m/m romance for me because it was filled with quite some angst, frustration and stupidity. I keep feeling like I want to throttle the characters in this book. But bottom line is, the plot was dramatic, engaging and I'm totally hooked.
Linton is a victim of circumstances, being blackmailed by his boss to revenge on Thorne. In order to keep his job and send his brother to rehab, he needs to make Thorne hurt emotionally. Linton is a good guy, despite some moment of cowardice. He doesn't have a malice bone on his body. He keep meaning to confess his crime, but he never did until is too late. Urg!!
Thorne is a total brat of a celebrity and self entitled jerk to the public. When things doesn't go his way, he just lashed out like a petulant child. He had his moment of stupidity, but I felt sympathetic to his character. He just have some growing up to do. I like that he make an effort to court Linton and their banter is hilarious. No matter how many cold shoulder Linton serve him, Thorne just keep coming back for more.
They are quite a cast of secondary characters, but the main one are their brothers, the ex and the evil boss who engineer the whole revenge plot. I usually never like angst in my book, but as long as there isn't any cheating, I'm okay with it. The thing that sorta bug me here is the multiple referencing to characters being . Woah! There isn't actually any explicit details, just a mentioned here and there. But I think is a tad OTT for it to happen on multiple characters. Just saying!
Overall, Dirty Games really works for me. I like the intensity of the relationship, the dramatic plot, despite some angst and frustrating. I think the epilogue is a nice touch. I kinda wish it to be longer, just to see how Thorne manage to grow up and be a decent man.
This is quite an unconventional m/m romance for me because it was filled with quite some angst, frustration and stupidity. I keep feeling like I want to throttle the characters in this book. But bottom line is, the plot was dramatic, engaging and I'm totally hooked.
Linton is a victim of circumstances, being blackmailed by his boss to revenge on Thorne. In order to keep his job and send his brother to rehab, he needs to make Thorne hurt emotionally. Linton is a good guy, despite some moment of cowardice. He doesn't have a malice bone on his body. He keep meaning to confess his crime, but he never did until is too late. Urg!!
Thorne is a total brat of a celebrity and self entitled jerk to the public. When things doesn't go his way, he just lashed out like a petulant child. He had his moment of stupidity, but I felt sympathetic to his character. He just have some growing up to do. I like that he make an effort to court Linton and their banter is hilarious. No matter how many cold shoulder Linton serve him, Thorne just keep coming back for more.
They are quite a cast of secondary characters, but the main one are their brothers, the ex and the evil boss who engineer the whole revenge plot. I usually never like angst in my book, but as long as there isn't any cheating, I'm okay with it. The thing that sorta bug me here is the multiple referencing to characters being . Woah! There isn't actually any explicit details, just a mentioned here and there. But I think is a tad OTT for it to happen on multiple characters. Just saying!
Overall, Dirty Games really works for me. I like the intensity of the relationship, the dramatic plot, despite some angst and frustrating. I think the epilogue is a nice touch. I kinda wish it to be longer, just to see how Thorne manage to grow up and be a decent man.
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July 8, 20175 Hearts
Wow. To say this book was complex would be putting it lightly. As a few reviews have stated, there is a lot going on in this book but the method to which each character is weaved into the fabric that ultimately becomes the romance between Thorne and Linton was done so flawlessly, you won’t get lost.
***I am going to say this now, this book has on page rape in it and also stories of past rape as well as on page violence so if those are a trigger for you, be aware.***
We meet Linton Williams as he arrives home to his flat after being gone for three months working in the States. When he gets there, the last thing he expected to find was his younger brother Dirk, assed out of his mind on some drug and drink and in Linton’s bed with a man and a woman. Linton hadn’t offered his flat to his brother and he is furious and lets his emotions run his mouth as he kick his brother out. Linton is rightfully upset at his brother for taking advantage yet when he gets a call that his brother has been beaten, overdosed and is in hospital, Linton drops everything to be at his side.
About the same time in a another part of town famous actor Thorne Morrissey is attending a charity premiere of his latest movie, but is quite bored. So when a good looking guy offers him a bit of fun in a hotel room, Thorne agrees. But this invite comes with a spiked drink, an extra player that Thorne wasn’t aware of and sex that he didn’t agree to, along with photo evidence of it all. When Thorne is coherent enough to leave the hotel, he comes upon a young man being beaten by two thugs and does what any human would do, he calls the police.
Linton is shaken at the condition of his brother. Not only the physical marks that are all over his body but learning he may have been raped and he had heroin in his body. Linton knows Dirk is an addict but heroin was never his drug of choice. When the doctor suggest he get Dirk into a rehab and Linton sees the cost, he has no idea how he will afford it. When Dirk tells him he owes his drug dealer, the one who had him beaten, £10,000 Linton knows he will do whatever it takes to save his brother but at what cost to him?
So that right there sets up our story, kinda. When Linton gets a frantic call from his boss, who is also the brother of a childhood friend, Linton drives to a meeting to find out what’s happened. Owen is the friend and Owen is quite frankly fucked up in the head in so many ways. Linton learns that Owen was engaged to Thorne Morrissey, but Thorne ended their engagement with a terrible live and hateful dismissal that happened to be very public. He not only disgraced his then fiancé but he also threw in a few words about Max’s architectural ability that cost Max a few clients and projects. The brothers decide they want revenge on Thorne since the breakup made Owen depressed and suicidal. They want Thorne to pay and to hurt like he hurt Owen so they offer him a deal. Max will give Linton £50,000 up front to make Thorne fall for him and then publically dump him the way he did Owen. Linton is disgusted at the offer and yet he will do anything to save his Dirk. When he asks about the money and the possibility that he can’t make Thorne fall for him, Max tells him it’s his if can make Thorne hurt.
By this time, all I wanted was for Thorne and Linton to meet and when they did in the most organic way I was one happy ginger. Their first kiss was exceptional and so good that it really began the game these two would play. The game, the real one of flirting, creating insane UST and the playful banter between Thorne and Linton was so much fun. I smiled ridiculously all while cringing knowing the secret that Linton held.
From the first time the men are together, you know the chemistry is strong and since we get both POV’s we know Thorne is falling just as fast for Linton as Linton is for Thorne. The true romance between the men was organic and so sweet and sexy AF. Goodness. The first kiss was great with its delivery but when Thorne takes his turn, things get so hot and then when they move forward, the hands were sweating from holding my Nook. I mean, the freaking Skype session and what Linton does and then um… belts? Yeah, Elsborg can write some seriously hot scenes that have so much emotion you feel it.
Oh! Talk about angst! The whole lie of why drove Linton a bit crazy and me too. I wanted him to tell Thorne so many times. I twistedly wanted him to tell Thorne and them to turn around a play a dirty game back with Owen and Max, but Owen has his own issues that get him in enough trouble.
Now there is much that Linton and Thorne have in common that really deepens the story. We have a lot of family dynamics going on with Linton and Dirk and how they grew up. They had a horrible mother who doted on Linton and treated Dirk like shit, so Linton has always felt the need to protect his brother because he didn’t realize all that went on when he left for Uni. Thorne has a brother as well, River, who is autistic and while Thorne grew up with money his parents treated River as if he was a mistake and not worth their time. Both men have unconditional love for their younger siblings and know they’d go through hell for them. This in itself is important to the fruition of the story.
I loved that Linton is so loyal that he’ll lose everything to help Dirk and not hurt Thorne intentionally. I know that may sound strange considering what he agreed to but Linton was blackmailed into it but I don’t fault him at all. When his past with Owen is revealed and we know what Owen was holding over his head from when they were young was awful on many levels but the way Max and Own used it and used Dirk being in rehab was unforgivable. I did not like either of them and though Owen grows up a bit toward the end, I still dislike him immensely.
Thorne was amazing. It was a blast being in his head knowing how much Linton affected him from the first time he saw him in the pub. Watching Thorne let his guard down and fall for the guy who doesn’t believe in love was a pure pleasure. Being witness to Thorne doing little things for Linton because he could and truly wanted to touched my heart. Sure, Thorne has a bit of reputation of being an ass to fans and to lovers when he leaves them but every old dog can learn new tricks when he has a penguin bringing him pebbles. I KNOW that made no sense but it does when you read the book.
Thorne and Linton together is full of every emotion possible. The author truly makes you see and feel it all. From the men bonding with one another’s brothers to them sharing their pasts and learning to trust. I know the trust sounds false when it’s built on a lie but what they have together is not a lie. It’s beautiful and it was a pure pleasure to watch.
I completely adored this book. I did. I honestly think that timing can be everything when you read a book and while it took me a second time to get into this when I first stopped after Thorne’s rape, I am beyond happy that I picked it up again. I devoured this in less than 24 hours. It was amazing and so complex with all that was going on that I couldn't stop reading. I stayed up late reading then woke up on my day off, rolled over grabbed the book and my glasses and read until I was done. I fell in love with this book and though the angst just about did me in I couldn't have stopped reading.
Dirty Games is just that, a book full of dirty games people will make you play to get what they want. It’s a story about doing anything for family and it’s a deep story about forgiving the ones you love, it’s a story about making mistakes and being able to move on to be a better person. It’s a story about love and loving those who can’t say the words back even when they feel them. It’s a beautiful story and I am again so happy I read it. This will be one of those books that stays with me for a long time.
Oh and one last note, that epilogue was stunning and those last three pages were perfection.
Wow. To say this book was complex would be putting it lightly. As a few reviews have stated, there is a lot going on in this book but the method to which each character is weaved into the fabric that ultimately becomes the romance between Thorne and Linton was done so flawlessly, you won’t get lost.
***I am going to say this now, this book has on page rape in it and also stories of past rape as well as on page violence so if those are a trigger for you, be aware.***
We meet Linton Williams as he arrives home to his flat after being gone for three months working in the States. When he gets there, the last thing he expected to find was his younger brother Dirk, assed out of his mind on some drug and drink and in Linton’s bed with a man and a woman. Linton hadn’t offered his flat to his brother and he is furious and lets his emotions run his mouth as he kick his brother out. Linton is rightfully upset at his brother for taking advantage yet when he gets a call that his brother has been beaten, overdosed and is in hospital, Linton drops everything to be at his side.
About the same time in a another part of town famous actor Thorne Morrissey is attending a charity premiere of his latest movie, but is quite bored. So when a good looking guy offers him a bit of fun in a hotel room, Thorne agrees. But this invite comes with a spiked drink, an extra player that Thorne wasn’t aware of and sex that he didn’t agree to, along with photo evidence of it all. When Thorne is coherent enough to leave the hotel, he comes upon a young man being beaten by two thugs and does what any human would do, he calls the police.
Linton is shaken at the condition of his brother. Not only the physical marks that are all over his body but learning he may have been raped and he had heroin in his body. Linton knows Dirk is an addict but heroin was never his drug of choice. When the doctor suggest he get Dirk into a rehab and Linton sees the cost, he has no idea how he will afford it. When Dirk tells him he owes his drug dealer, the one who had him beaten, £10,000 Linton knows he will do whatever it takes to save his brother but at what cost to him?
So that right there sets up our story, kinda. When Linton gets a frantic call from his boss, who is also the brother of a childhood friend, Linton drives to a meeting to find out what’s happened. Owen is the friend and Owen is quite frankly fucked up in the head in so many ways. Linton learns that Owen was engaged to Thorne Morrissey, but Thorne ended their engagement with a terrible live and hateful dismissal that happened to be very public. He not only disgraced his then fiancé but he also threw in a few words about Max’s architectural ability that cost Max a few clients and projects. The brothers decide they want revenge on Thorne since the breakup made Owen depressed and suicidal. They want Thorne to pay and to hurt like he hurt Owen so they offer him a deal. Max will give Linton £50,000 up front to make Thorne fall for him and then publically dump him the way he did Owen. Linton is disgusted at the offer and yet he will do anything to save his Dirk. When he asks about the money and the possibility that he can’t make Thorne fall for him, Max tells him it’s his if can make Thorne hurt.
By this time, all I wanted was for Thorne and Linton to meet and when they did in the most organic way I was one happy ginger. Their first kiss was exceptional and so good that it really began the game these two would play. The game, the real one of flirting, creating insane UST and the playful banter between Thorne and Linton was so much fun. I smiled ridiculously all while cringing knowing the secret that Linton held.
From the first time the men are together, you know the chemistry is strong and since we get both POV’s we know Thorne is falling just as fast for Linton as Linton is for Thorne. The true romance between the men was organic and so sweet and sexy AF. Goodness. The first kiss was great with its delivery but when Thorne takes his turn, things get so hot and then when they move forward, the hands were sweating from holding my Nook. I mean, the freaking Skype session and what Linton does and then um… belts? Yeah, Elsborg can write some seriously hot scenes that have so much emotion you feel it.
Oh! Talk about angst! The whole lie of why drove Linton a bit crazy and me too. I wanted him to tell Thorne so many times. I twistedly wanted him to tell Thorne and them to turn around a play a dirty game back with Owen and Max, but Owen has his own issues that get him in enough trouble.
Now there is much that Linton and Thorne have in common that really deepens the story. We have a lot of family dynamics going on with Linton and Dirk and how they grew up. They had a horrible mother who doted on Linton and treated Dirk like shit, so Linton has always felt the need to protect his brother because he didn’t realize all that went on when he left for Uni. Thorne has a brother as well, River, who is autistic and while Thorne grew up with money his parents treated River as if he was a mistake and not worth their time. Both men have unconditional love for their younger siblings and know they’d go through hell for them. This in itself is important to the fruition of the story.
I loved that Linton is so loyal that he’ll lose everything to help Dirk and not hurt Thorne intentionally. I know that may sound strange considering what he agreed to but Linton was blackmailed into it but I don’t fault him at all. When his past with Owen is revealed and we know what Owen was holding over his head from when they were young was awful on many levels but the way Max and Own used it and used Dirk being in rehab was unforgivable. I did not like either of them and though Owen grows up a bit toward the end, I still dislike him immensely.
Thorne was amazing. It was a blast being in his head knowing how much Linton affected him from the first time he saw him in the pub. Watching Thorne let his guard down and fall for the guy who doesn’t believe in love was a pure pleasure. Being witness to Thorne doing little things for Linton because he could and truly wanted to touched my heart. Sure, Thorne has a bit of reputation of being an ass to fans and to lovers when he leaves them but every old dog can learn new tricks when he has a penguin bringing him pebbles. I KNOW that made no sense but it does when you read the book.
Thorne and Linton together is full of every emotion possible. The author truly makes you see and feel it all. From the men bonding with one another’s brothers to them sharing their pasts and learning to trust. I know the trust sounds false when it’s built on a lie but what they have together is not a lie. It’s beautiful and it was a pure pleasure to watch.
I completely adored this book. I did. I honestly think that timing can be everything when you read a book and while it took me a second time to get into this when I first stopped after Thorne’s rape, I am beyond happy that I picked it up again. I devoured this in less than 24 hours. It was amazing and so complex with all that was going on that I couldn't stop reading. I stayed up late reading then woke up on my day off, rolled over grabbed the book and my glasses and read until I was done. I fell in love with this book and though the angst just about did me in I couldn't have stopped reading.
Dirty Games is just that, a book full of dirty games people will make you play to get what they want. It’s a story about doing anything for family and it’s a deep story about forgiving the ones you love, it’s a story about making mistakes and being able to move on to be a better person. It’s a story about love and loving those who can’t say the words back even when they feel them. It’s a beautiful story and I am again so happy I read it. This will be one of those books that stays with me for a long time.
Oh and one last note, that epilogue was stunning and those last three pages were perfection.
April 26, 2017
I am so impressed!! I was a little confused by the blurb but once I started reading everything was pretty clear.
There is drama, sarcasm, angst, family and love. I thoroughly enjoyed Dirty Games and I know I will read it again.
There is drama, sarcasm, angst, family and love. I thoroughly enjoyed Dirty Games and I know I will read it again.
November 26, 2021
Shitty plot line. Dumb characters. Unnecessary drama. Annoying side characters. Wtf is happening.
April 12, 2017
Another winner for me from Barbara. You'll need your wits about you for the first couple of chapters, and there are triggers to look out for, but a lot of the nasty stuff doesn't appear on page, it's assumed that you'll know what's going on in the background. I could've have done with a little more truth and a little less secrecy from Linton at times, but that's a minor point, everyone has secrets, it's up to you whether you trust and let your significant other in enough to tell them everything....even the really shameful stuff, and I'm sure that's something Linton and Thorne will work on.
I really loved the interaction between the two MC's, so hot, so funny and quite romantic at times. Did not enjoy it when Thorne kept having temper tantrums, but therapists often work miracles...also liked that he's been cast as Aden in a film entitled Dirty Angel **big grin**. Dirk just about grew on me at the end, but as far as Max and his brother Owen are concerned...well, let's just say Max got his comeuppance and Owen needs to grow up and stop living in the past. 4.5 stars from me and these pics are very relevant to the story....
AND
I really loved the interaction between the two MC's, so hot, so funny and quite romantic at times. Did not enjoy it when Thorne kept having temper tantrums, but therapists often work miracles...also liked that he's been cast as Aden in a film entitled Dirty Angel **big grin**. Dirk just about grew on me at the end, but as far as Max and his brother Owen are concerned...well, let's just say Max got his comeuppance and Owen needs to grow up and stop living in the past. 4.5 stars from me and these pics are very relevant to the story....
AND
March 31, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Elsborg incorporates an amazing number of elements and does a respectable job weaving them into one story that does not overwhelm the reader. Just a few of Elsborg’s story elements include: Linton’s illicit affair with his coworker and that coworker’s continued pursuit of Linton, Linton being able to connect with Thorne’s brother River almost effortlessly, the drug dealers shifting their focus from Dirk to Linton and how that thread plays out with the police, Thorne’s celebrity, Dirk and Linton’s birth father…Of course, all of these are to bolster or hinder the main thread: the relationship that grows between Linton and Thorne.
Even as all these events unfold on page, I rarely felt like I had to work to suspend my disbelief. I enjoyed the ebb and flow between these story elements because it never felt forced to me. Take the way Dirk’s drug habit ends up getting Linton in a few tight spots. I liked how Elsborg doesn’t just resolve this side story by having Linton cough up the drug money Dirk owes and call it done. These drug thugs are peppered throughout the action. Why? Because although Linton is willing to pay them and wash his hands of the whole thing, it was Thorne who found Dirk after Dirk had been jumped by the drug thugs. Thorne didn’t know who Dirk was and was just being a good Samaritan by alerting the police…but the thugs think it was Linton who ratted them out, keeping that thread alive until the very end.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Elsborg incorporates an amazing number of elements and does a respectable job weaving them into one story that does not overwhelm the reader. Just a few of Elsborg’s story elements include: Linton’s illicit affair with his coworker and that coworker’s continued pursuit of Linton, Linton being able to connect with Thorne’s brother River almost effortlessly, the drug dealers shifting their focus from Dirk to Linton and how that thread plays out with the police, Thorne’s celebrity, Dirk and Linton’s birth father…Of course, all of these are to bolster or hinder the main thread: the relationship that grows between Linton and Thorne.
Even as all these events unfold on page, I rarely felt like I had to work to suspend my disbelief. I enjoyed the ebb and flow between these story elements because it never felt forced to me. Take the way Dirk’s drug habit ends up getting Linton in a few tight spots. I liked how Elsborg doesn’t just resolve this side story by having Linton cough up the drug money Dirk owes and call it done. These drug thugs are peppered throughout the action. Why? Because although Linton is willing to pay them and wash his hands of the whole thing, it was Thorne who found Dirk after Dirk had been jumped by the drug thugs. Thorne didn’t know who Dirk was and was just being a good Samaritan by alerting the police…but the thugs think it was Linton who ratted them out, keeping that thread alive until the very end.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
May 27, 2018
Dnf al 30% porque el encuentro ha sido totalmente un wtf del tamaño de una casa, como alguien pudo creer que era buena idea... Jamás lo entenderé 😂😂😂
March 29, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
4.5*s of complexity
This is a difficult book in the beginning, as it is challenging to find characters who are really good. The names we know we need to look out for demonstrate behaviours that are flawed and unkind, and unethical. So Ms Elsborg sets us up, draws us in and then slowly peels back the layers.
What I guess I am saying is, give this every opportunity to deliver a great story - because I believe it does achieve it. Linton gives us a lot of himself, and he deserves our patience, support and sympathy. Even Thorne, who behaves appallingly at times, loves his brother, River, and gets to understand how much better things can be when someone stands up to him. Both men grew up protecting their brothers, and keeping the world at bay - watching those barriers fall and be repaired is both frustrating and engaging.
This is one of those books which will stick with me for a long while, because life isn't all about roses, but can still be about love.
4.5*s of complexity
This is a difficult book in the beginning, as it is challenging to find characters who are really good. The names we know we need to look out for demonstrate behaviours that are flawed and unkind, and unethical. So Ms Elsborg sets us up, draws us in and then slowly peels back the layers.
What I guess I am saying is, give this every opportunity to deliver a great story - because I believe it does achieve it. Linton gives us a lot of himself, and he deserves our patience, support and sympathy. Even Thorne, who behaves appallingly at times, loves his brother, River, and gets to understand how much better things can be when someone stands up to him. Both men grew up protecting their brothers, and keeping the world at bay - watching those barriers fall and be repaired is both frustrating and engaging.
This is one of those books which will stick with me for a long while, because life isn't all about roses, but can still be about love.
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