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A Different Game
You know that saying: One man's trash is another man’s treasure.
I found out that it was true. At least, that's what I’d thought a year earlier when a few stolen moments with this one, unexpected girl, turned my heart to mush.
I thought she was different.
I thought she was special.
But it turned out I was wrong.
I was the kind of guy who learned from his mistakes quickly, so I moved away, threw myself into my budding football career, and I was determined to make something of myself and focus on my future.
And it worked, despite me missing her.
For a short while, I had everything figured out again.
Then, in one split second, it was all gone, ripped out from beneath my feet.
An injury forced me back home to Winslow to face the world I’d left behind.
But I wasn't the same man when I returned.
I was different now. Too different for everything to go back the way it was before.
-Jake
I wasn't the relationship type. I was the girl who mothers warned their sons about. I was the local piece of trash.
At least, that's what they all thought.
None of them ever really knew me at all. None of them except him.
And then he left me… alone and confused. He forced me to hate him, to hate them all. I wanted to drift away. Leave Winslow far behind me and start afresh someplace else. Someplace new. Somewhere I could become anything and anyone I wanted to be.
But then he came back, dragging with him every moment, every explicit memory I had of us together and dumping them unceremoniously at my feet.
I wanted to keep hating him.
I wanted to resist.
But he was different now.
So cold, so angry, and sexy as all hell.
He’d changed, and all my plans for a happy ever after were shattered the moment he made the decision to return and show me exactly what I’d been missing while he’d been gone.
I was screwed.
-Melanie
I found out that it was true. At least, that's what I’d thought a year earlier when a few stolen moments with this one, unexpected girl, turned my heart to mush.
I thought she was different.
I thought she was special.
But it turned out I was wrong.
I was the kind of guy who learned from his mistakes quickly, so I moved away, threw myself into my budding football career, and I was determined to make something of myself and focus on my future.
And it worked, despite me missing her.
For a short while, I had everything figured out again.
Then, in one split second, it was all gone, ripped out from beneath my feet.
An injury forced me back home to Winslow to face the world I’d left behind.
But I wasn't the same man when I returned.
I was different now. Too different for everything to go back the way it was before.
-Jake
I wasn't the relationship type. I was the girl who mothers warned their sons about. I was the local piece of trash.
At least, that's what they all thought.
None of them ever really knew me at all. None of them except him.
And then he left me… alone and confused. He forced me to hate him, to hate them all. I wanted to drift away. Leave Winslow far behind me and start afresh someplace else. Someplace new. Somewhere I could become anything and anyone I wanted to be.
But then he came back, dragging with him every moment, every explicit memory I had of us together and dumping them unceremoniously at my feet.
I wanted to keep hating him.
I wanted to resist.
But he was different now.
So cold, so angry, and sexy as all hell.
He’d changed, and all my plans for a happy ever after were shattered the moment he made the decision to return and show me exactly what I’d been missing while he’d been gone.
I was screwed.
-Melanie
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About the author
Charlie M. Matthews
4 books31 followersCharlie M. Matthews is a hopeless romantic, lost in her own world of fairy tales and adventures. Mum to three beautiful children, Charlie lives in a small village on the outskirts of Oxfordshire, England. Between school runs and generally doing the whole 'mum' thing, you'll most likely find her relaxing on the sofa in her jammies with a glass of wine and her trusty kindle in her hands. A lover of art and painting, she'd happily trade in her everyday clothes in exchange for a paint smudged shirt, but fate stepped in and took her creativity down a path she never expected. The first time she put pen to paper, a writer was born, and Charlie has never looked back since.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 2, 2018
The story for A Different Game continued from the first in the series, The Wrong Game, but could easily stand-alone. The premise was interesting and the storylines featured a mercurial and atomically sensual relationship between two unlikely former college lovers with an unfortunate history, as well as uniquely dysfunctional family dynamics in both households. The family drama had understandably resulted in significant and long-term damage to all parties. While it was well-written, I struggled with this book as I am just not a fan of constant conflict and this story was a full-on angst-fest. I was further hampered by my difficulty in scraping up an appreciation for many of the characters as they were not easily likable and more than a bit obnoxious and prone to immature and selfish behavioral patterns. Yet Ms. Matthew’s unique brand of storytelling and compelling narrative held my attention and I couldn’t seem to put my Kindle down, despite my desire to growl and sigh despondently at the characters’ toxic and melodramatic train wreck displays. Craftily written from a dual POV, I found considerably more enjoyment and appeal in the characters’ inner musings than in their interpersonal interactions. Melanie was my least favorite of the cast with her past behaviors, which were briefly recapped from the previous book, being highly promiscuous as well as maliciously vile and toxic; and although she believed herself to have “changed” after college graduation, those behaviors were not all behind her as she could still switch on the vicious and cruel harpy and spitefully lash out at will. Yikes. While this one may not have been tailored to my personal preference, if you feast on angst, emotional conflicts, and relationship dramas, then this is the book for you.
February 1, 2018
I’m so glad that I picked A Different Game by Charlie M. Matthews. Not only did I get a great, sexy, and emotional romance, but I also found a new writer that I have fallen in love with.
I have not read the first book of this series which is about a different couple. I didn’t really have a hard time keeping up with the storyline or characters, but I will be reading the first book because I see that the stories flow together.
Melanie and Jake live in the same town. Jake’s life is in their small village, but Melanie is waiting to flee it. She is looked down upon because of her past mistakes and feels like she can’t breathe there. Jake and Melanie shared a short period in the past, and both thought they could move on. When Jake returns home, all bets are off. Can they make this fling a relationship? Will she ever be able to trust anyone again, especially someone who has the power to completely crush her?
Melanie was an intriguing character..she definitely isn’t perfect, and people in the book seem to make some unfair judgments about her. Yes, she made some bad choices, but no one ever asked why she did. They assumed, never asking themselves why she became the person they thought she was. She is the first to admit her flaws, but life dealt her a crap hand, and she dealt with it the only way she knew how. She lost two of the most important people in her life, and she began thinking no one ever stays, so why should she allow her heart to be broken again. She thought she had protected her heart, but she found out she hadn’t when Jake came back into her life.
Jake, himself, is also an intriguing character. He is flawed as well, but aren’t we all? Life dealt him a blow as well, professionally and more importantly, personally. Things he grew up thinking were true were lies. He is having a hard time dealing with it, especially when it impacts his relationship and who he thought his cousin, Taylor, was. His heart has always belonged to Melanie, even if he doesn’t realize it yet. He can’t get her out of his head, and he’ll take her anyway he can get her.
“She was intriguing—a closed book I wanted to tear open and devour every last word of.”
I just love when two people who have been hurt and in pain find one another and begin the healing process. These two were destined to be together. Not only do they find love, but they also discovered who they were as individuals. Life will definitely take them places they only dreamed of.
***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
I have not read the first book of this series which is about a different couple. I didn’t really have a hard time keeping up with the storyline or characters, but I will be reading the first book because I see that the stories flow together.
Melanie and Jake live in the same town. Jake’s life is in their small village, but Melanie is waiting to flee it. She is looked down upon because of her past mistakes and feels like she can’t breathe there. Jake and Melanie shared a short period in the past, and both thought they could move on. When Jake returns home, all bets are off. Can they make this fling a relationship? Will she ever be able to trust anyone again, especially someone who has the power to completely crush her?
Melanie was an intriguing character..she definitely isn’t perfect, and people in the book seem to make some unfair judgments about her. Yes, she made some bad choices, but no one ever asked why she did. They assumed, never asking themselves why she became the person they thought she was. She is the first to admit her flaws, but life dealt her a crap hand, and she dealt with it the only way she knew how. She lost two of the most important people in her life, and she began thinking no one ever stays, so why should she allow her heart to be broken again. She thought she had protected her heart, but she found out she hadn’t when Jake came back into her life.
Jake, himself, is also an intriguing character. He is flawed as well, but aren’t we all? Life dealt him a blow as well, professionally and more importantly, personally. Things he grew up thinking were true were lies. He is having a hard time dealing with it, especially when it impacts his relationship and who he thought his cousin, Taylor, was. His heart has always belonged to Melanie, even if he doesn’t realize it yet. He can’t get her out of his head, and he’ll take her anyway he can get her.
“She was intriguing—a closed book I wanted to tear open and devour every last word of.”
I just love when two people who have been hurt and in pain find one another and begin the healing process. These two were destined to be together. Not only do they find love, but they also discovered who they were as individuals. Life will definitely take them places they only dreamed of.
***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
January 31, 2018
Melanie went through a rough period of time when she was younger, and with parents who checked out of her life, she was left on her own to grieve. That had her acting out in different ways, basically burning every bridge in her life, which has made her the girl that no one wants around. So she's doing her best to just work, and save every penny in order to move somewhere that no one knows her to start over. Jake has been working hard in his football career, until an injury sent him home to Winslow to face the family life he left behind. He's different now, but won't let anyone know what is truly going through his brain. However, when he runs into Melanie, their past hurts collide, and yet, they can't stay away from each other, even though no one wants them together. A Different Game is a great story that held every bit of my attention cover to cover. The emotional journey that I was taken on, kept all of my emotions on my sleeve. Melanie was a hurt soul, that didn't let anyone in to see the real her, and I wanted to take up for her so badly. And Jake, he was hurting too, but he hurt her more, which upset me a lot, so I'm still not happy with him. Plus, the cast of secondaries added more pain to mix which seeped out of my kindle, with all of their feelings about Melanie, even though she did make mistakes, but she was ready to own them. Charlie M. Matthews really took me on a ride with her talented, and addictive writing style, that I'm still not recovered from to be honest, with the push & pull of this story. And I still have questions about a few things, so I hope there are going to be more books surrounding all of these people in the future! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
February 1, 2018
A Different Game
By Charlie M. Matthews
“So, what do you do when your world is ripped out from under your very feet? What do you do when all you've ever known is lost? Do you fight? Or do you just sit back and watch everything fade away?”
Everyone has a story. Everyone has a past. And sometimes those stories and pasts define who we are. Melanie has a past. A past filled with happy memories and love, until one day those memories and love are ripped away. When tragedy strikes her family, Melanie is shoved aside and she constructs a wall to protect herself from getting hurt again. Jake has had it all. Money, fame, and a loving family. One secret rips his whole world in pieces, and Jake is faced with reality. He needs to find who he is and what he wants, but at what cost?
“Faced with the realisation that no one could be trusted, I learned quickly that I didn’t need anyone in my life and I would treat others how they treated me. I wouldn’t love again.”
This book...I loved it! I love the characters, yes, even Melanie. And I love how Charlie was able to keep the story flowing with The Wrong Game. The intensity of the characters attraction has you wanting more, while the heartache breaks you down. A Different Game is just that, it’s different. Raw, honest and real. (There is a surprise character in this story as well!!!)
“Now, with her fingers in my hair and her contented breaths dancing across my chest, I knew that whatever storm awaited us, we would ride it out together. Because as long as we had each other, nothing and no one could tear us apart.”
Tara
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
By Charlie M. Matthews
“So, what do you do when your world is ripped out from under your very feet? What do you do when all you've ever known is lost? Do you fight? Or do you just sit back and watch everything fade away?”
Everyone has a story. Everyone has a past. And sometimes those stories and pasts define who we are. Melanie has a past. A past filled with happy memories and love, until one day those memories and love are ripped away. When tragedy strikes her family, Melanie is shoved aside and she constructs a wall to protect herself from getting hurt again. Jake has had it all. Money, fame, and a loving family. One secret rips his whole world in pieces, and Jake is faced with reality. He needs to find who he is and what he wants, but at what cost?
“Faced with the realisation that no one could be trusted, I learned quickly that I didn’t need anyone in my life and I would treat others how they treated me. I wouldn’t love again.”
This book...I loved it! I love the characters, yes, even Melanie. And I love how Charlie was able to keep the story flowing with The Wrong Game. The intensity of the characters attraction has you wanting more, while the heartache breaks you down. A Different Game is just that, it’s different. Raw, honest and real. (There is a surprise character in this story as well!!!)
“Now, with her fingers in my hair and her contented breaths dancing across my chest, I knew that whatever storm awaited us, we would ride it out together. Because as long as we had each other, nothing and no one could tear us apart.”
Tara
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 30, 2018
After the brief exchanges I had with Melanie in the first installment, I was pretty certain I wasn't going to like her. I won't spoil the first book if you haven't read it yet, but let's just say she was an acquired taste. I'm happy to report that oh boy, was I ever wrong! Not only is Melanie a complex character to get into the mind of, but she's also engaging. Add in the smoking hot Jake Knight and the chemistry between them and damn! This author created some magic.
Charlie M. Matthews really sucks you into this world she's created. The culture of these characters and the world where they live surrounds you and you feel like a fly on the wall, sometimes yelling at the pages as though they can hear you. What I love most about this writer, is the raw reality of her world. Reading this book, I laughed, I cried, I even giggled out loud and ugly cried. All of the emotions are there, wrapped up in these beautiful characters and their journey.
If you love a good romance and great characters, head out and get this little beauty of a story. You won't be sorry!
Charlie M. Matthews really sucks you into this world she's created. The culture of these characters and the world where they live surrounds you and you feel like a fly on the wall, sometimes yelling at the pages as though they can hear you. What I love most about this writer, is the raw reality of her world. Reading this book, I laughed, I cried, I even giggled out loud and ugly cried. All of the emotions are there, wrapped up in these beautiful characters and their journey.
If you love a good romance and great characters, head out and get this little beauty of a story. You won't be sorry!
February 1, 2018
5 fantastic stars
Read and reviewed for 3 Degrees of Fiction.
I had not read the first book in this series but had no trouble following along with this story as a standalone.
I have since picked up book 1 though because I have falling in love with the characters in this series.
The story flows smoothly and it will leave you a mess at times. Jake and Mel have great chemistry and the struggles they face to come together are amazing.
Mel's character really spoke to me because I too have lost (metaphorically) my brothers to drug addiction. Loving someone with an addiction is hard and I dont think its talked about enough. The picture painted is not pretty and not should it be. It is however something that should be talked about.
Odd bit of info this is the 3rd booK this year that I read where cousins who were extremely close turned out to be brothers. Its weird because none of the books came from the same place and none had that info in the blurb its all been really random.
I look forward to reading more from Charlie Matthews.
Read and reviewed for 3 Degrees of Fiction.
I had not read the first book in this series but had no trouble following along with this story as a standalone.
I have since picked up book 1 though because I have falling in love with the characters in this series.
The story flows smoothly and it will leave you a mess at times. Jake and Mel have great chemistry and the struggles they face to come together are amazing.
Mel's character really spoke to me because I too have lost (metaphorically) my brothers to drug addiction. Loving someone with an addiction is hard and I dont think its talked about enough. The picture painted is not pretty and not should it be. It is however something that should be talked about.
Odd bit of info this is the 3rd booK this year that I read where cousins who were extremely close turned out to be brothers. Its weird because none of the books came from the same place and none had that info in the blurb its all been really random.
I look forward to reading more from Charlie Matthews.
November 1, 2017
I read the first book in this series and I loved it, so I count myself as extremely lucky to have been able to beta read this second book for the author. Dont worry if you havent read The Wrong Game, this book works well as a standalone too.
It follows Mel and Jake through many ups and downs in their quest to be together. Both have troubled pasts that influences how they react and behave towards each other and at times I really wanted to give them both a shake! Although previously Mel was a bit of a bitch, I always knew that wasn't really the case. I love her in this book and my heart went out to her when I discovered her story. Equally Jake has his issues too, but I found him totally adorable (maybe thats just me) - I really want a Jake! Get ready for one hell of an emotional ride, but its so worth it.
This book needs to be added to your TBR list today. An absolutely fantastic book and some of the easiest 5*'s I've ever given.
It follows Mel and Jake through many ups and downs in their quest to be together. Both have troubled pasts that influences how they react and behave towards each other and at times I really wanted to give them both a shake! Although previously Mel was a bit of a bitch, I always knew that wasn't really the case. I love her in this book and my heart went out to her when I discovered her story. Equally Jake has his issues too, but I found him totally adorable (maybe thats just me) - I really want a Jake! Get ready for one hell of an emotional ride, but its so worth it.
This book needs to be added to your TBR list today. An absolutely fantastic book and some of the easiest 5*'s I've ever given.
October 28, 2017
I was lucky enough to get a chance to read this book as beta reader.
This being the first of Charlies books that I have read, I didn't know what to expect! But let me just say HOLY GRANOLI!
Charlie has managed to mix 2 of my favourite things in one book...fashion and English Football.
If you havent read the first book no vret...(I didn't either) This can be read as a standalone.
The trials and tribulations that Melanie and Jake have to go through to finally realise they BELONG together is totally realistic -nothing far fetched!
Jake gets you experiencing so many emotions.
.Do you hate him. Do you love him. Do you feel sorry for him.
Melanie....ahhhh you can't help but just love her. Feel some form of pity for all she has gone through.
Also I think I found a new best friend - Charlie...even though you support Arsenal I think I might just add you to my list of must read authors...
This being the first of Charlies books that I have read, I didn't know what to expect! But let me just say HOLY GRANOLI!
Charlie has managed to mix 2 of my favourite things in one book...fashion and English Football.
If you havent read the first book no vret...(I didn't either) This can be read as a standalone.
The trials and tribulations that Melanie and Jake have to go through to finally realise they BELONG together is totally realistic -nothing far fetched!
Jake gets you experiencing so many emotions.
.Do you hate him. Do you love him. Do you feel sorry for him.
Melanie....ahhhh you can't help but just love her. Feel some form of pity for all she has gone through.
Also I think I found a new best friend - Charlie...even though you support Arsenal I think I might just add you to my list of must read authors...
October 31, 2017
A Different Game
I was luckly enough to beta read for this author .
This story is about love ,hurt and loss and how two
people belong with each other but go though so much to get there . Mel and Jake we meet in the wrong game .this can be read as a stand alone
Mel is passionate crazy about fashion and longs to live a differnt lifeaway from her home town but theres just one problem him
Jake is football crazy he lives footbball
His future hangs in the balance but he wont addmit the truth to himself or anybody else .
Then theres the girl he cant seem to forget as much as he say he dont want her ,shes all he thinks about .
Can thay get past it all ,Jake you love him you dislike him .
Mel has a hard exterior so she doesnt come across as a nice person but really she very vulnerable. You feel for both character's .a great read .
I was luckly enough to beta read for this author .
This story is about love ,hurt and loss and how two
people belong with each other but go though so much to get there . Mel and Jake we meet in the wrong game .this can be read as a stand alone
Mel is passionate crazy about fashion and longs to live a differnt lifeaway from her home town but theres just one problem him
Jake is football crazy he lives footbball
His future hangs in the balance but he wont addmit the truth to himself or anybody else .
Then theres the girl he cant seem to forget as much as he say he dont want her ,shes all he thinks about .
Can thay get past it all ,Jake you love him you dislike him .
Mel has a hard exterior so she doesnt come across as a nice person but really she very vulnerable. You feel for both character's .a great read .
January 24, 2018
I haven't read the first book in this series, but I can honestly say that this book reads as a standalone so I didn't feel like I was missing anything.
I have to admit it took me quite some time to get into this book. I just did not like Mel at all. But as the story goes on, her previous actions - though not excusable - you sort of understand as she felt so very alone and I think everything she did was a cry for not only help, but just to be acknowledged.
Jake is a good male lead character. He does act immaturely at times, but he also has moments of being the rock Mel needs.
I did end up enjoy reading this story, and I would definitely read more from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
I have to admit it took me quite some time to get into this book. I just did not like Mel at all. But as the story goes on, her previous actions - though not excusable - you sort of understand as she felt so very alone and I think everything she did was a cry for not only help, but just to be acknowledged.
Jake is a good male lead character. He does act immaturely at times, but he also has moments of being the rock Mel needs.
I did end up enjoy reading this story, and I would definitely read more from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
January 30, 2018
Holy hell! I don’t know how she did it but this author not only made me feel bad for but ended up having me rooting for a character I would not imagine ever liking! This is the second book in the series (The Wrong Game is book one). You don’t need to read The Wrong Game first but I think it brings a whole different dimension to the second book after having been introduced to the characters.
I kept trying to put this book down to get some sleep but the story would not let me. There were many ups and downs in this story so get ready for a bumpy ride that will have you laughing and crying!
I highly highly recommend this book and every other book by this author. She is definitely one to follow!
I kept trying to put this book down to get some sleep but the story would not let me. There were many ups and downs in this story so get ready for a bumpy ride that will have you laughing and crying!
I highly highly recommend this book and every other book by this author. She is definitely one to follow!
January 22, 2018
Oh my sweet Jesus!
Ok, so I loved book 1, The Wrong Game, and I was having a very hard time believing that A Different Game would be as good. Come on? Most authors don’t pull masterpieces like this one after the other...
But, this book, it was everything. It was sexy and sweet and it has thing where it really makes you think. The topics addressed aren’t easy and the characters aren’t exactly the easiest to get to know, but, Christ, I was so lost in my own head. I felt like I was a part of the story and I found myself completely entranced. I couldn’t put this book down.
I went in thinking that I could never love Mel, and I ended up so choked up by her. There is something so special about her. Through all her defensiveness and tough exterior, she has deep seated demons that make her fragile and vulnerable. She’s the perfect combo of hard and soft. I loved her interactions with Jake. Oh Jake...Jake...Jake... I thought Taylor was IT, but Jake. He has this grit and rawness that exude off him. He’s got this broodiness that makes him irresistible and compelling. Seriously, these two will ingrain themselves into your heart so fully, that you won’t remember what it was like before they were there.
This book is so special and so unique. It doesn’t deserve five stars, it deserves all the stars!
Full review to come soon!
Ok, so I loved book 1, The Wrong Game, and I was having a very hard time believing that A Different Game would be as good. Come on? Most authors don’t pull masterpieces like this one after the other...
But, this book, it was everything. It was sexy and sweet and it has thing where it really makes you think. The topics addressed aren’t easy and the characters aren’t exactly the easiest to get to know, but, Christ, I was so lost in my own head. I felt like I was a part of the story and I found myself completely entranced. I couldn’t put this book down.
I went in thinking that I could never love Mel, and I ended up so choked up by her. There is something so special about her. Through all her defensiveness and tough exterior, she has deep seated demons that make her fragile and vulnerable. She’s the perfect combo of hard and soft. I loved her interactions with Jake. Oh Jake...Jake...Jake... I thought Taylor was IT, but Jake. He has this grit and rawness that exude off him. He’s got this broodiness that makes him irresistible and compelling. Seriously, these two will ingrain themselves into your heart so fully, that you won’t remember what it was like before they were there.
This book is so special and so unique. It doesn’t deserve five stars, it deserves all the stars!
Full review to come soon!
January 30, 2018
A Different Game is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading The wrong Game first to get to know the characters. I really enjoyed this book more than the first. The author tells the story of Jake and Melanie,who I didn’t like in the first book,but she definitely turns that around, they are great characters that I loved getting to know and learning about their lives. It’s a beautiful story,very hard a times to hear their stories, Can’t wait to read more of Miss Matthews books.
February 9, 2018
"I haven't read the first book in this series, but I can honestly say that this book reads as a standalone so I didn't feel like I was missing anything.
I have to admit it took me quite some time to get into this book. I just did not like Mel at all. But as the story goes on, her previous actions - thhoug not excusable - you sort of understand as she felt so very alone and I think everything she did was not only a cry for help , but just to be acknowledged.
Jake is a good male lead character. He does act immaturely at times, but he also has moments of being the rock Mel needs.
I did end up enjoying this story, and I would definitely read from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book "
I have to admit it took me quite some time to get into this book. I just did not like Mel at all. But as the story goes on, her previous actions - thhoug not excusable - you sort of understand as she felt so very alone and I think everything she did was not only a cry for help , but just to be acknowledged.
Jake is a good male lead character. He does act immaturely at times, but he also has moments of being the rock Mel needs.
I did end up enjoying this story, and I would definitely read from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book "
January 30, 2018
Oh jake how have i missed you!!! Charlie has done it again and written an amazing story about love, pain and fighting for what you want....it was just beautiful! I loved jake in the first book, but now even more!! And melanie will fight her way into your heart, and stay there! Those two have to go trough some painful moments....and if you want to know if they make it, you should go and read it! You won’t be disappointed! Beautifully written by the amazing Charlie Matthews <3
January 4, 2019
I was pretty sure that I wasn't going to like Melanie after finishing the first book, how wrong I was! I soon fell in love with Melanie and Jake. I found myself cheering them both on in all the twists and turns of the story.
Beautifully written to engage the reader in the trials and tribulations throughout the book. Really enjoyed reading it.
Beautifully written to engage the reader in the trials and tribulations throughout the book. Really enjoyed reading it.
January 31, 2018
4.5 stars
This is my first book by Ms. Matthews but it will not be my last. This the second book but not having read the first one I wasn’t lost at all. Melanie is a complex and well developed character. And then there is Jake and the chemistry between the two sets the pages on fire. They both have their past issues to deal with and that shapes them in the way that they deal with this relationship. Mel started out as kind of a B and I really did not like her, but that all changed once the story developed.
** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **
This is my first book by Ms. Matthews but it will not be my last. This the second book but not having read the first one I wasn’t lost at all. Melanie is a complex and well developed character. And then there is Jake and the chemistry between the two sets the pages on fire. They both have their past issues to deal with and that shapes them in the way that they deal with this relationship. Mel started out as kind of a B and I really did not like her, but that all changed once the story developed.
** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **
January 30, 2018
FIVE GLOWING STARS from me. Charlie M. Matthews has created an epic world with her Wrong Game Series, and book 2 is even better than book 1 in my opinion. This author managed to make me adore someone I'd previously despised. How is that even possible?
And don't get me started on the swoon fest that is Jake Knight. That man makes good use of his hand in the shower and knows how to make the reader's eyes steam and heart beat faster. I loved the way he was written, to be as equally bad as he was good. I loved his private thoughts and the way this young guy was trying to overcome what so many young guys out there are trying to overcome: the pressure of society and the expectations set upon them.
You go through every emotion with this formidable journey, including heartache, fear, excitement, passion, steam and absolute love and adoration. Mel and Jake's chemistry is tangible. I love the way they love each other, even if I did want to bash their heads together a couple of times and tell them to just OPEN THEIR EYES AND EARS. But that's what love is all about, isn't it? Sometimes running, sometimes fighting. It's WHEN you fight that matters, and the game these two are playing is their own. It's different. It's perfect.
Lover of sports romances or not, pick up this book and read it right now. Charlie M. Matthews has smashed it and her writing gets stronger and stronger with every novel she releases. I can't wait to see what she creates next.
And don't get me started on the swoon fest that is Jake Knight. That man makes good use of his hand in the shower and knows how to make the reader's eyes steam and heart beat faster. I loved the way he was written, to be as equally bad as he was good. I loved his private thoughts and the way this young guy was trying to overcome what so many young guys out there are trying to overcome: the pressure of society and the expectations set upon them.
You go through every emotion with this formidable journey, including heartache, fear, excitement, passion, steam and absolute love and adoration. Mel and Jake's chemistry is tangible. I love the way they love each other, even if I did want to bash their heads together a couple of times and tell them to just OPEN THEIR EYES AND EARS. But that's what love is all about, isn't it? Sometimes running, sometimes fighting. It's WHEN you fight that matters, and the game these two are playing is their own. It's different. It's perfect.
Lover of sports romances or not, pick up this book and read it right now. Charlie M. Matthews has smashed it and her writing gets stronger and stronger with every novel she releases. I can't wait to see what she creates next.
November 3, 2017
This book can be read as a stand alone but I did read The Wrong Game first. I began this book not liking Melanie at all and adoring Jake. Soon, I began to like Melanie and even loved her in the end. Jake, well..I mostly loved him the whole time. Charlie develops the story really well and doesn't shy away from struggles in relationships. From not wanting to be second best, to mindless sex, to wanting to be better for the person you love and overcoming preconceived notions. Charlie is a great story teller. I'm forever a fan.
February 2, 2018
I’ve been online stalking Ms Matthews for some time now but I never had a chance to read her books. And what a silly silly person I was! When I started A Different Game I immediately fell in love with her writing. With world she created. With her characters she brought to life.
The story is about Melanie and Jake. She wants to leave their small village, where he has his whole life there. Both of them been put through enough in their life. Jake been lied to and everything he thought is good in his live turns out a lie. And Melanie? Two people she loved were taken, people are judging her by the choices she made but not by the reason she made them.
Ms Matthews has perfectly captured how two people can heal each other
Beautiful, captivating and sexy book!
Highly recommended!
5 stars!
The story is about Melanie and Jake. She wants to leave their small village, where he has his whole life there. Both of them been put through enough in their life. Jake been lied to and everything he thought is good in his live turns out a lie. And Melanie? Two people she loved were taken, people are judging her by the choices she made but not by the reason she made them.
Ms Matthews has perfectly captured how two people can heal each other
Beautiful, captivating and sexy book!
Highly recommended!
5 stars!
February 4, 2018
A Different Game is second in the A Wrong Game Series but it can be read as a stand alone which is how I read it. I didn't have any problems with not reading the first although I plan to read the first book. A Different Game is a sexy, emotional romance read and I would recommend it to any reader who enjoys second chance reads.
Melanie and Jake are both interesting characters that I found easy to connect with. Both have been hurt and when their past catches up with them, they can't seem to stay away. In the healing they find that they are stronger together. A Different Game is an emotional roller coaster of a read and I really enjoyed it.
Review by Raychel
Melanie and Jake are both interesting characters that I found easy to connect with. Both have been hurt and when their past catches up with them, they can't seem to stay away. In the healing they find that they are stronger together. A Different Game is an emotional roller coaster of a read and I really enjoyed it.
Review by Raychel
February 20, 2021
Adored Mel and Jake’s story! After disliking her so much in The Wrong Game it was so fab to get to see her story and all the pain underneath. Beautifully written words. Thank you!
January 16, 2021
We start off this story with Melanie. If you read The Wrong Game you will already know that she is a bit like marmite. You either love her or you hate her. I love her. This is her story and you get to understand why her walls are so high. After being left alone and confused by the only person that ever really knows her Mel builds her walls high and made from steel to protect herself from the hurt and pain that seems to follow her like a shadow. Planning to leave her small town to go where no-one knows her to start fresh. That all come crashing down when he comes back. The boy that stole her heart and is making it pang with all the memories that come flooding back.
Then there is Jake. The one who had it all until a tragedy strikes and a secret are revealed that sets him down a different path. He had a budding football career ahead of him until in one split second, it was all gone, ripped out from beneath his feet and landing him back in his small town. The small town was the Girl he though was the One resides. He is not the same man he was yet there is a familiar tug in his chest when he sees Mel again.
Can their second chance romance survive with there past and people wanting them apart? Will they get there Happily Ever After or will it end like the last time you need to read this story
WOW! Charlie M Matthews has done It again and did not disappoint giving us a well-written story filled full of emotion. The story has twists, turns and character development through the roof, that will keep you on the edge of your seat engrossed in this wonderfully written tale of Love, angst and healing. In my opinion, this could be read as a stand-alone event with its continuation from The Wrong Game. This book deals with real-life issues that have a hard-hitting impact on their lives and the journey they have to go through to get there Happily ever after which I think is great for the YA audience as these are issues that they will be experiencing too.
I loved the way the author brought these to characters together in such a way that made me say just one more chapter until the book had finished. I was sad to see the characters go and hope there will be more books in this series as I just can not get enough of the authors writing style and way with words and characters that just have you hooked from the very start.
Overall. If you are looking for a great read that will suck you in from beginning to end then pick up this book. It is like nothing I have ever read before and I would 100% recommend. Be warned you will find yourself laughing, crying and fall in love with the characters and book whilst reading.
Then there is Jake. The one who had it all until a tragedy strikes and a secret are revealed that sets him down a different path. He had a budding football career ahead of him until in one split second, it was all gone, ripped out from beneath his feet and landing him back in his small town. The small town was the Girl he though was the One resides. He is not the same man he was yet there is a familiar tug in his chest when he sees Mel again.
Can their second chance romance survive with there past and people wanting them apart? Will they get there Happily Ever After or will it end like the last time you need to read this story
WOW! Charlie M Matthews has done It again and did not disappoint giving us a well-written story filled full of emotion. The story has twists, turns and character development through the roof, that will keep you on the edge of your seat engrossed in this wonderfully written tale of Love, angst and healing. In my opinion, this could be read as a stand-alone event with its continuation from The Wrong Game. This book deals with real-life issues that have a hard-hitting impact on their lives and the journey they have to go through to get there Happily ever after which I think is great for the YA audience as these are issues that they will be experiencing too.
I loved the way the author brought these to characters together in such a way that made me say just one more chapter until the book had finished. I was sad to see the characters go and hope there will be more books in this series as I just can not get enough of the authors writing style and way with words and characters that just have you hooked from the very start.
Overall. If you are looking for a great read that will suck you in from beginning to end then pick up this book. It is like nothing I have ever read before and I would 100% recommend. Be warned you will find yourself laughing, crying and fall in love with the characters and book whilst reading.
August 4, 2020
I was so looking forward to this as I really liked Jake in the previous book and thought Melanie made a great 'bad girl'. It was interesting reading Jake's view on all that happened in the first book and how he was coping with everything or not as it turns out. Both Taylor and Jake had followed their dreams and were playing football professionally, however, Jake injured his knee and he is trying to adjust to the idea he may never play again. The book starts with him returning home in total denial and keeping it all to himself. Then we have Melanie who is desperately trying to change from her bad girl persona and leave home to start afresh. We also catch up with Aubrey and Riley as well as Taylor and Lola. There is a total lack of communication between Jake and Mel throughout the book which causes most of their problems but they are both like it with their families so you can understand how hard it is for them to open up to each other. I enjoyed how the author slowly revealed the different issues each character had and how they were trying to cope with everything. Their relationship is so up and down , I found it hard to put the book down because I wanted to know what happened next. There are some really funny parts in between the angst but there are also times when Jake is so sweet you are reminded of what a kind soul he really is even if it seems he has lost his way.
I particularly liked the scenes with Bessy and when the boys visit their college football coach.
Hopefully we will get Aubrey and Riley's story next and I felt there are a few questions still to be answered about all three couples.
I particularly liked the scenes with Bessy and when the boys visit their college football coach.
Hopefully we will get Aubrey and Riley's story next and I felt there are a few questions still to be answered about all three couples.
September 26, 2018
This book continues from book one but can be read as a stand-alone.
I absolutely love Charlie M Matthews books and this was no different. Book 2 in the series follows Melanie and Jake. You see a little of Mel in book one and to be honest I didn’t think I’d like her but i easily feel in love with her when I got to know her a little better.
This is an amazing read and Charlie has a way of drawing you into the story and loving the characters so much you won’t want the story to end. This is how I felt with Jake Knight!!
Another fabulous 5 star read and would recommend this series to anyone!
I absolutely love Charlie M Matthews books and this was no different. Book 2 in the series follows Melanie and Jake. You see a little of Mel in book one and to be honest I didn’t think I’d like her but i easily feel in love with her when I got to know her a little better.
This is an amazing read and Charlie has a way of drawing you into the story and loving the characters so much you won’t want the story to end. This is how I felt with Jake Knight!!
Another fabulous 5 star read and would recommend this series to anyone!
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