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Jordan’s Game #1
Total Exposure
The spotlight is my enemy.
The cameras are my cure.
Jordan Wells says he can help me. Heal my soul and fix my fear so I can perform on stage again to a sold-out crowd. His game gives me a reason to go on, but his price is total exposure.
The stranger watching my every move is anonymous.
Or is he?
The daily notes he leaves seem familiar. His unreasonable requests bring out all my hidden fears. And then one night in the dark… his touch is everything I ever wanted.
It was supposed to be a guaranteed win.
A way to move past the performance anxiety.
One less thing to worry about in a sea of dreadful things to worry about.
But what we do in the secret anonymity of night might be more frightening than anything else.
Because I like it. And I want more of it. And I’m willing to give up everything just so I can play this game forever…
The cameras are my cure.
Jordan Wells says he can help me. Heal my soul and fix my fear so I can perform on stage again to a sold-out crowd. His game gives me a reason to go on, but his price is total exposure.
The stranger watching my every move is anonymous.
Or is he?
The daily notes he leaves seem familiar. His unreasonable requests bring out all my hidden fears. And then one night in the dark… his touch is everything I ever wanted.
It was supposed to be a guaranteed win.
A way to move past the performance anxiety.
One less thing to worry about in a sea of dreadful things to worry about.
But what we do in the secret anonymity of night might be more frightening than anything else.
Because I like it. And I want more of it. And I’m willing to give up everything just so I can play this game forever…
Audible Audio
First published January 16, 2018
764 people are currently reading
2220 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Huss
135 books9,034 followersJ.A. Huss never wanted to be a writer and she still dreams of that elusive career as an astronaut. She originally went to school to become an equine veterinarian but soon figured out they keep horrible hours and decided to go to grad school instead. That Ph.D wasn’t all it was cracked up to be (and she really sucked at the whole scientist thing), so she dropped out and got a M.S. in forensic toxicology just to get the whole thing over with as soon as possible.
After graduation she got a job with the state of Colorado as their one and only hog farm inspector and spent her days wandering the Eastern Plains shooting the shit with farmers. After a few years of that, she got bored. And since she was a homeschool mom and actually does love science, she decided to write science textbooks and make online classes for other homeschool moms. She wrote more than two hundred of those workbooks and was the number one publisher at the online homeschool store many times, but eventually she covered every science topic she could think of and ran out of shit to say.
So in 2012 she decided to write fiction instead. That year she released her first three books and started a career that would make her a New York Times bestseller and land her on the USA Today Bestseller’s List eighteen times in the next three years. Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie award in 2016 and 2017 respectively, her audiobook Mr. Perfect was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017, and her book, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Johnathan McClain is her first (and only) writing partner and even though they are worlds apart in just about every way imaginable, it works.
She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.
After graduation she got a job with the state of Colorado as their one and only hog farm inspector and spent her days wandering the Eastern Plains shooting the shit with farmers. After a few years of that, she got bored. And since she was a homeschool mom and actually does love science, she decided to write science textbooks and make online classes for other homeschool moms. She wrote more than two hundred of those workbooks and was the number one publisher at the online homeschool store many times, but eventually she covered every science topic she could think of and ran out of shit to say.
So in 2012 she decided to write fiction instead. That year she released her first three books and started a career that would make her a New York Times bestseller and land her on the USA Today Bestseller’s List eighteen times in the next three years. Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie award in 2016 and 2017 respectively, her audiobook Mr. Perfect was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017, and her book, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Johnathan McClain is her first (and only) writing partner and even though they are worlds apart in just about every way imaginable, it works.
She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
October 2, 2021
Hot and bothered!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: 💋💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 👱🏻♀️🧔🏻👩🏻👱🏻♂️👩🏻🦱
The heroine: Evangeline - was a child violin prodigy who was used by her parents for fame and money. When she started to grow up the money started to dry up since she was no longer such an oddity. She grew up in the spotlight and after leaving her parents she became a recluse with an extreme phobia.
The Hero(es): Ixion (a.k.a. Ix) - his former friend Jordan, that he shares a mysterious past with asks him to do a favor. Jordan is a lawyer that makes things happen and he is working with a psychologist to help a female client in a very non-standard form of aversion therapy.
The Story: In order to get rid of her phobia so she can play the violin again, Evangeline’s therapist suggests she move into a house where she is being filmed all the time and watched by a man. Ix stays in the basement of the mansion Evangeline is staying at. He isn’t supposed to reveal himself or talk to her.
This was sizzling hot and made even better by the narration. Christian Fox has a deep and sensuous voice which hit every button of mine. I plan to search out more books that he narrated. His voice was so perfect for the stalkerish voyeur that is Ix. I loved that name as well. Elena Wolf did the female narration and I have been impressed with her in other books and she did a good job with this one as well. Teddy Hamilton was added for the mysterious Jordan.
There was a lot of mystery in this book. There was a long history between Jordan and Ix and every time he referred to the past, I kept looking for his name in the blurbs of other J.A. Huss books to see if I was missing something that happened in a previous book. Jordan is mentioned but not Ix, so it is certainly possible though the other people he mentioned don’t appear in the blurbs either. Everything was explained as the story progressed and I really like the way it was done.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: 💋💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 👱🏻♀️🧔🏻👩🏻👱🏻♂️👩🏻🦱
The heroine: Evangeline - was a child violin prodigy who was used by her parents for fame and money. When she started to grow up the money started to dry up since she was no longer such an oddity. She grew up in the spotlight and after leaving her parents she became a recluse with an extreme phobia.
The Hero(es): Ixion (a.k.a. Ix) - his former friend Jordan, that he shares a mysterious past with asks him to do a favor. Jordan is a lawyer that makes things happen and he is working with a psychologist to help a female client in a very non-standard form of aversion therapy.
The Story: In order to get rid of her phobia so she can play the violin again, Evangeline’s therapist suggests she move into a house where she is being filmed all the time and watched by a man. Ix stays in the basement of the mansion Evangeline is staying at. He isn’t supposed to reveal himself or talk to her.
This was sizzling hot and made even better by the narration. Christian Fox has a deep and sensuous voice which hit every button of mine. I plan to search out more books that he narrated. His voice was so perfect for the stalkerish voyeur that is Ix. I loved that name as well. Elena Wolf did the female narration and I have been impressed with her in other books and she did a good job with this one as well. Teddy Hamilton was added for the mysterious Jordan.
There was a lot of mystery in this book. There was a long history between Jordan and Ix and every time he referred to the past, I kept looking for his name in the blurbs of other J.A. Huss books to see if I was missing something that happened in a previous book. Jordan is mentioned but not Ix, so it is certainly possible though the other people he mentioned don’t appear in the blurbs either. Everything was explained as the story progressed and I really like the way it was done.
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January 18, 2018
3.75 Stars
January 15, 2018
This was an absolutely fantastic read, so clever and different, and I loved the fact that it kept me guessing as to what was going to happen and where the story would take me.
A man paid to watch a woman who is fearful of being watched - an erotic tale of two people who have never felt like they weren't alone, until they find each other.
Another brilliant and suspenseful story from JA Huss.
"But he's not a stranger anymore. He's my stranger. He's my watcher. He's... Mine."
A man paid to watch a woman who is fearful of being watched - an erotic tale of two people who have never felt like they weren't alone, until they find each other.
Another brilliant and suspenseful story from JA Huss.
January 21, 2018
That was not at all what I was expecting! I don’t know why I’m even surprised that this author surprised me again. It just seems to be a given that I’m never going to get what I expect. I can’t tell you how much enjoyment I get when an author constantly surprises me like this.
It’s so hard for me to review JA Huss because I like to go in blind with her books. I like having to constantly guess what’s going to happen and I don’t want to take that away from anyone reading my review. So, I’ll do my usual warnings and you can decide if you want to proceed or not. My advice is to go in blind.
JA Huss likes to bring her readers the damaged souls you can’t help but fall for. She likes to to show you how broken they are and the journey it takes to heal them. That path is usually dark and twisty and probably will push some boundaries, but it is worth every moment! ARC provided by author.
It’s so hard for me to review JA Huss because I like to go in blind with her books. I like having to constantly guess what’s going to happen and I don’t want to take that away from anyone reading my review. So, I’ll do my usual warnings and you can decide if you want to proceed or not. My advice is to go in blind.
JA Huss likes to bring her readers the damaged souls you can’t help but fall for. She likes to to show you how broken they are and the journey it takes to heal them. That path is usually dark and twisty and probably will push some boundaries, but it is worth every moment! ARC provided by author.
January 22, 2018
Five “Let the games begin” Stars!
Total Exposure (Jordan’s Game #1) is a spin-off from The Turning Series, which kicks off the first of four in this Series. And while the name of the series might lead you to believe this is all about Jordan, the first three will focus on the overall game – building the anticipation until we finally get to see the puppet master himself.
With any JA Huss book, there is the surprise element. There is always this story playing in the background waiting to be revealed, when the time is right. Although I’ve learned over the years to expect the unexpected, this story came as such a surprise. It’s one that lingers in your thoughts.
Evangeline is a recluse in need of a cure. After years in the spotlight as a child, she’s spent the last decade closing in on herself, unable to stand even the briefest of glances. Enter Jordan and his game. Brought in as sort of a consultant, Jordan knows exactly what this woman needs. It’s then we meet Ixion. A man from Jordan’s past and although we get fragments of their twisted past, we aren’t shown all the pieces just yet. Hired as the watcher. His job is simple. Sit and watch. Do not engage.
But Ix is drawn to the tragic beauty of Evangeline. He knows he can help her – he knows that she needs more. And so it begins. Escaping behind the lens of the camera and breaking all the rules.
Let me touch on Jordan a bit, from his role in The Turning Series, I didn’t think he was a bad guy, I just never found that I could trust him. He played his cards too closely – so little was revealed about him and what we did see was a touch manipulative with a dash of a deeper sense of responsibility to help. And although we do get a bit of foundation built of his character in Total Exposure, I just haven’t been able to let my guard down yet. I have faith that through the journey of this series, I’ll fall in love with Jordan and I am really hoping that when I do, it’s at the end and that it comes as a complete surprise.
Total Exposure was a total mind fuck – a story that tantalizes all your senses.
"I want to own those things inside you. All those sick, bloody fears that make you afraid to leave your house. I want your memories. I want your stories. I want your secrets. If you stay here with me and we play his game together, we're gonna take them, Evangeline. We're gonna take everything you've got bottled up in that messed-up head and shake it out of you."
Now on to the story of Ix and Evangeline. Wow. Evangeline’s story was tragic, stuck in her fear, unwilling to take risks, to expose herself after spending her youth in the spotlight. And given the little bit we learn about Ix and Jordan’s past, his role was perfect. While this was sexy and erotic read, there were so many layers that will leave this story taking up real estate in your mind long after. It’s been days and I still keep thinking about it.
I went into this thinking it was going to be this sexually charged story, and although it was hot as sin, it was just so much more. It was beautiful and it was such a story of transformation, for both characters. JA Huss knocks the first release of 2018 out of the park and I can’t wait for the next story.
Total Exposure (Jordan’s Game #1) is a spin-off from The Turning Series, which kicks off the first of four in this Series. And while the name of the series might lead you to believe this is all about Jordan, the first three will focus on the overall game – building the anticipation until we finally get to see the puppet master himself.
With any JA Huss book, there is the surprise element. There is always this story playing in the background waiting to be revealed, when the time is right. Although I’ve learned over the years to expect the unexpected, this story came as such a surprise. It’s one that lingers in your thoughts.
Evangeline is a recluse in need of a cure. After years in the spotlight as a child, she’s spent the last decade closing in on herself, unable to stand even the briefest of glances. Enter Jordan and his game. Brought in as sort of a consultant, Jordan knows exactly what this woman needs. It’s then we meet Ixion. A man from Jordan’s past and although we get fragments of their twisted past, we aren’t shown all the pieces just yet. Hired as the watcher. His job is simple. Sit and watch. Do not engage.
But Ix is drawn to the tragic beauty of Evangeline. He knows he can help her – he knows that she needs more. And so it begins. Escaping behind the lens of the camera and breaking all the rules.
Let me touch on Jordan a bit, from his role in The Turning Series, I didn’t think he was a bad guy, I just never found that I could trust him. He played his cards too closely – so little was revealed about him and what we did see was a touch manipulative with a dash of a deeper sense of responsibility to help. And although we do get a bit of foundation built of his character in Total Exposure, I just haven’t been able to let my guard down yet. I have faith that through the journey of this series, I’ll fall in love with Jordan and I am really hoping that when I do, it’s at the end and that it comes as a complete surprise.
Total Exposure was a total mind fuck – a story that tantalizes all your senses.
"I want to own those things inside you. All those sick, bloody fears that make you afraid to leave your house. I want your memories. I want your stories. I want your secrets. If you stay here with me and we play his game together, we're gonna take them, Evangeline. We're gonna take everything you've got bottled up in that messed-up head and shake it out of you."
Now on to the story of Ix and Evangeline. Wow. Evangeline’s story was tragic, stuck in her fear, unwilling to take risks, to expose herself after spending her youth in the spotlight. And given the little bit we learn about Ix and Jordan’s past, his role was perfect. While this was sexy and erotic read, there were so many layers that will leave this story taking up real estate in your mind long after. It’s been days and I still keep thinking about it.
I went into this thinking it was going to be this sexually charged story, and although it was hot as sin, it was just so much more. It was beautiful and it was such a story of transformation, for both characters. JA Huss knocks the first release of 2018 out of the park and I can’t wait for the next story.
January 18, 2018
I'm not sure if I'm shocked or awed or what, but I am speechless. The only thing I can say is "READ THE BOOK." Shocking, I know. But seriously, go read this fucking book. Now. Stop reading my review--because it could never do it justice--and read the fucking book.
And then come back and read my review, give it a like, and then write your own review.
You think you know what's gonna happen here. You think you know Jordan. You think you know the Game because you spent time at Turning Point. And if you didn't visit Turning Point, if this is your first little trip into a Huss world, well, buckle up bitches, you're in for a wild ride.
And this wild ride will take you to the depths of your mind and leave you with so many questions.
Questions like, "why do I enjoy this?" "Should I enjoy this?" "Can I get an Ixion?"
And then you'll be sitting there, thinking about it, and telling yourself, "this is normal" "he's helping her" "She's fucked up" "He's fucked up" "Oh my god, I WANT IX!"
I know, none of that makes sense. But if you read this, it will.
And Jordan's Game? I have a feeling we haven't even scratched the surface of Jordan yet. And I'm still holding out hope that he'll fuck that real estate guy from Turning Point.
And then come back and read my review, give it a like, and then write your own review.
You think you know what's gonna happen here. You think you know Jordan. You think you know the Game because you spent time at Turning Point. And if you didn't visit Turning Point, if this is your first little trip into a Huss world, well, buckle up bitches, you're in for a wild ride.
And this wild ride will take you to the depths of your mind and leave you with so many questions.
Questions like, "why do I enjoy this?" "Should I enjoy this?" "Can I get an Ixion?"
And then you'll be sitting there, thinking about it, and telling yourself, "this is normal" "he's helping her" "She's fucked up" "He's fucked up" "Oh my god, I WANT IX!"
I know, none of that makes sense. But if you read this, it will.
And Jordan's Game? I have a feeling we haven't even scratched the surface of Jordan yet. And I'm still holding out hope that he'll fuck that real estate guy from Turning Point.
July 24, 2022
3 to 3.5 stars ⭐️
This was my first book by JA Huss. I listened to the audiobook, which was amazing! The narrators were phenomenal. They both did a great job.
The story itself was good, but I was very confused. From reading other reviews I’ve learned that this is a spin-off from another series. Maybe if I had read that series, this one would have made more sense. I felt like I was expected to know all of the characters, but didn’t. I finished the book and still didn’t really understand who Jordan was or what he did. If I had read this instead of listened to it, I would have hated it.
Also…. This has one of the grossest sex scenes I have ever come across in a book: 🍑 to 👄.
5 stars ⭐️ for the audio
2 stars ⭐️ for the book
This was my first book by JA Huss. I listened to the audiobook, which was amazing! The narrators were phenomenal. They both did a great job.
The story itself was good, but I was very confused. From reading other reviews I’ve learned that this is a spin-off from another series. Maybe if I had read that series, this one would have made more sense. I felt like I was expected to know all of the characters, but didn’t. I finished the book and still didn’t really understand who Jordan was or what he did. If I had read this instead of listened to it, I would have hated it.
Also…. This has one of the grossest sex scenes I have ever come across in a book: 🍑 to 👄.
5 stars ⭐️ for the audio
2 stars ⭐️ for the book
January 23, 2018
Jordan’s Game surprised me because I thought it would be about Jordan! We met him in JA Huss’ prior Turning series from which this one is spun off, and I assumed this was the same game, just his story!
Wrong.
This is still Jordan’s game. He’s the mastermind behind what is taking place in this book, manipulating people for his own desires, but the romance here is not his. It’s Ixion’s and Evangeline’s. And if two people ever needed one other, it’s these two. One loves to watch. One fears being seen. Yet somehow, they work perfectly together.
Ix is sinfully wealthy, a voyeur into the lives of those around him, but we never gain a full picture of this man until the end. I almost feel the need to re-read this book again, knowing now what I do and seeing him in an entirely different light. But Evangeline, she was an open book. A child prodigy who never progressed into normal adult relationships and continued to fear people watching her, whether it was because they wouldn’t see her true self, or because they would, and would find her lacking.
I did find myself a bit confused with the backstory on Ix and Jordan and what exactly took place to create the tension between them, but this didn’t impact my enjoyment of the present and the growing obsession between Evangeline and her “Watcher”. I loved the taboo aspect of the intimacy with an unseen stranger. And I loved the little twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.
This story was totally unexpected. It was devious and manipulative and erotically charged. JA Huss is a master of playing with her reader’s mind, and I for one love the game.
January 20, 2018
"It's not in his best interest for people to see the real me. Because then they might see the real him."
Y'all already know that the Turning series was one of my favorite series for 2017 so my expectations for Jordan's Game was already set very high.
ACCURATE IMAGE OF ME STARTING THIS BOOK
I was expecting a whole new game when going into this series and J.A. Huss did just that! I had no idea where things were going with this plot and every time I thought the pieces were coming together, Huss totally threw me for a loop. The twist and turns kept me guessing until the very, very end. I also enjoyed the romance. If you're looking for a simple romance, you won't find it here. There's layer to this love story and voyeurism does play a role in the development of this relationship so if that's not your kink then this book is not for you. I will also say that this book isn't as dark as some of the book in the Turning series, but it's still very emotional.
Huss has mastered writing complex characters and Ixion and Evangeline are no different. Ixion was so damn hard to figure out. I was constantly asking myself "is he an asshole or is he just a little rough around the edges?" I won't say what type of man Ixion truly is, but I will say that his story is not what I thought it would be. And then we have Evangeline. She has severe anxiety and has spent the last few years locked up in her home. I enjoyed seeing her slowly overcome her battles and realize that she is no longer that little girl that needs to hide from the spotlight. I also liked that Jordan's POV was included throughout this book. He helped to fill in the blanks and we also got to know some of his secrets. And we can't forget the best character of all, CHELLA! Y'all, I'm so hyped that we get to see some of the characters from the previous series, especially Chella because she's my favorite. I'm so happy to see her become such a successful woman and I love that she's still playing games too. She'll definitely make this series more interesting.
"I have felt adored, Ixion. And of all the people on this earth, only you were able to do that. That's why I'm here."
My only main issue with this book was the ending. I felt like things just wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking and I wanted just a few more pages with Ixion and Evangeline being all happy together. Also, I'm still not sure about how I feel about Jordan. He truly can be such a bastard sometimes, but he does keep me on my toes and I can't wait to get to know him better as the series goes on.
I'm so excited for The Pleasure of Panic. Chella is about to cause trouble for her friends love life and I'm interested to see how things play out.
January 21, 2018
While the writing itself was well done, this was not my favorite book by J.A. Huss. To start with I thought this would be Jordan's story so I was a little disappointed when it turned out not to be. I liked the premise of the story but found it difficult to connect with the characters. I'll also admit I found the scene with the private violin performance to be uncomfortable. Not because of the content but because it was so implausible that the character could continue to play with what was going on. I found myself clicking through the pages just to get it over with.
January 27, 2018
4,5. Demorei pra ler esse livro, mas não foi porque não estava boa a leitura, foi porque estava de férias e impossível ter um tempo livre.
Mas acabei. Que livro intenso. Li um livro dessa autora e realmente não me prendeu. Mas esse... adorei. Personagens marcantes, uma trama que deixa com gosto de quero mais.
Mas acabei. Que livro intenso. Li um livro dessa autora e realmente não me prendeu. Mas esse... adorei. Personagens marcantes, uma trama que deixa com gosto de quero mais.
April 13, 2023
Oh. My. Word. Why did I not enjoy this back in 2017? Because this time around I absolutely loved Evangeline and Ix's story. It had the perfect balance of effed up and smexy, a welcome swirl of angst (but not too much), and whilst the intrigue was a little over-egged it also held my attention.
This time I found myself totally drawn in by their inner turmoil and found myself really enjoying how they each shared their troubled pasts. Ix and Evangeline were perfect for each other and I was only too happy to see them get their HEA.
My Original Review
This time I found myself totally drawn in by their inner turmoil and found myself really enjoying how they each shared their troubled pasts. Ix and Evangeline were perfect for each other and I was only too happy to see them get their HEA.
My Original Review
July 27, 2019
This is a tear-jerker, but don't let that throw you off. They are happy tears. Trust me. And I know I ticked off about thirty boxes but this book is ALL. THE. THINGS. 5 stars is really way too few.
Jordan's Game, Total Exposure is the first of a spin-off series from the Turning Series by JA Huss. You do NOT have to have read that other series to appreciate or get this one. Though it occurs in an interconnecting world, you will not at all be lost.
To say that this book is the first in a spin-off series from another series in the romance genre makes it seem somehow "lesser" than what it truly is. This book is SO much more than a "romance spinoff series intro from another series." It could and does stand all on its own as it's own self-encapsulated thing and it's truly just a beautiful book. It's also got great structure.
Huss has some secrets in this story and she knows EXACTLY when to reveal them. This book has a sort of magic quality wherein, you don't see things the author doesn't want you to see until RIGHT BEFORE it's revealed. So you are surprised, but you also feel smart, like you figured something out. It's a hard technique to wield masterfully, but Huss gives you that experience like a pro.
Like everything, I listened to this in Audio. Elena Wolfe was a new narrator to me and I thought she did an incredibly good job and has a vocal quality that helps you get lost in the story. Some narrators are very talented but you can never separate yourself out from the fact that the narrator is there, narrating. Somehow Elena Wolfe BECOMES her narration and blends with it seamlessly where you can't find the edges between her voice and the story. THAT is talent.
Teddy Hamilton and Christian Fox were both also fantastic in this.
This book really ticks all the boxes for me. It's a great story with a deeper message that I think most people really need to hear because most people let things hold them back in their own lives. They make a million excuses for why this or that thing is impossible. Watching a character like Evangeline face her rather extreme phobias is inspiring even in fiction.
And shit, I haven't even told you what this book is about... okay so... the basic setup is that Evangeline was one of these, fell out of the womb knowing how to play the violin, kids. Her parents used her and carted her all over the place getting rich off her talent and damaging her young mind in the process by taking away the chance to have a normal childhood and instead giving her a life she was much too young to process.
As an adult she has a terror of being watched by others to the point that she is a recluse who almost never leaves her house. She's started seeing a therapist and has made some improvements but it's not enough. She has a show coming up and she'll never be able to play it if she can't overcome her fears. So her therapist decides on exposure therapy. Someone will watch her all the time via cameras until she asks for it to stop.
This watcher decides to play things his own unorthodox way and that is all I can say. There is some sort of D/s kink and strong emotions and this book is so much you guys that I really have rambled forever about it in this review but you NEED this book in your life. Trust me. It's brilliant.
Because of the title, the way it's situated as a spin-off series, and "romance", unfortunately a lot of people will miss how deep and beautiful this story truly is. It was nominated for a RITA and I can totally see why.
Do yourself a favor. Read this.
I also found JA Huss's "End of Book Shit" really inspiring for this book. And in audio, she reads it herself so that really adds an extra something to it I think. I've written reader's notes to my readers before, but for whatever stupid reason I was always putting them at the beginning of my books and I started cutting them out because I didn't want to create friction between a new reader and the story with my rambling because they don't know me yet, and frankly they don't care what I have to say about my book.
Huss's End of Book Shit makes me realize I can STILL do these personal reader notes... it just needs to go at the end. I haven't figured out how I'll work it with the other info I want readers to know when they finish a book (like where to find more stuff), and I definitely won't call it "End of Book Shit", that's Huss's thing. But I am definitely inspired by this "conversation" she has with her readers beyond the text of the book itself.
I've been a little bit of a Huss fangirl when it comes to her marketing prowess and how she handles her business in general. I've only recently discovered her work itself. And I'm so glad I gave it a try.
Jordan's Game, Total Exposure is the first of a spin-off series from the Turning Series by JA Huss. You do NOT have to have read that other series to appreciate or get this one. Though it occurs in an interconnecting world, you will not at all be lost.
To say that this book is the first in a spin-off series from another series in the romance genre makes it seem somehow "lesser" than what it truly is. This book is SO much more than a "romance spinoff series intro from another series." It could and does stand all on its own as it's own self-encapsulated thing and it's truly just a beautiful book. It's also got great structure.
Huss has some secrets in this story and she knows EXACTLY when to reveal them. This book has a sort of magic quality wherein, you don't see things the author doesn't want you to see until RIGHT BEFORE it's revealed. So you are surprised, but you also feel smart, like you figured something out. It's a hard technique to wield masterfully, but Huss gives you that experience like a pro.
Like everything, I listened to this in Audio. Elena Wolfe was a new narrator to me and I thought she did an incredibly good job and has a vocal quality that helps you get lost in the story. Some narrators are very talented but you can never separate yourself out from the fact that the narrator is there, narrating. Somehow Elena Wolfe BECOMES her narration and blends with it seamlessly where you can't find the edges between her voice and the story. THAT is talent.
Teddy Hamilton and Christian Fox were both also fantastic in this.
This book really ticks all the boxes for me. It's a great story with a deeper message that I think most people really need to hear because most people let things hold them back in their own lives. They make a million excuses for why this or that thing is impossible. Watching a character like Evangeline face her rather extreme phobias is inspiring even in fiction.
And shit, I haven't even told you what this book is about... okay so... the basic setup is that Evangeline was one of these, fell out of the womb knowing how to play the violin, kids. Her parents used her and carted her all over the place getting rich off her talent and damaging her young mind in the process by taking away the chance to have a normal childhood and instead giving her a life she was much too young to process.
As an adult she has a terror of being watched by others to the point that she is a recluse who almost never leaves her house. She's started seeing a therapist and has made some improvements but it's not enough. She has a show coming up and she'll never be able to play it if she can't overcome her fears. So her therapist decides on exposure therapy. Someone will watch her all the time via cameras until she asks for it to stop.
This watcher decides to play things his own unorthodox way and that is all I can say. There is some sort of D/s kink and strong emotions and this book is so much you guys that I really have rambled forever about it in this review but you NEED this book in your life. Trust me. It's brilliant.
Because of the title, the way it's situated as a spin-off series, and "romance", unfortunately a lot of people will miss how deep and beautiful this story truly is. It was nominated for a RITA and I can totally see why.
Do yourself a favor. Read this.
I also found JA Huss's "End of Book Shit" really inspiring for this book. And in audio, she reads it herself so that really adds an extra something to it I think. I've written reader's notes to my readers before, but for whatever stupid reason I was always putting them at the beginning of my books and I started cutting them out because I didn't want to create friction between a new reader and the story with my rambling because they don't know me yet, and frankly they don't care what I have to say about my book.
Huss's End of Book Shit makes me realize I can STILL do these personal reader notes... it just needs to go at the end. I haven't figured out how I'll work it with the other info I want readers to know when they finish a book (like where to find more stuff), and I definitely won't call it "End of Book Shit", that's Huss's thing. But I am definitely inspired by this "conversation" she has with her readers beyond the text of the book itself.
I've been a little bit of a Huss fangirl when it comes to her marketing prowess and how she handles her business in general. I've only recently discovered her work itself. And I'm so glad I gave it a try.
August 4, 2021
This was book 1 in the
"Jordan's Game"
Evangeline Rolaine was a world renowned child prodigy a violinist performing concerts for kings and heads of state by the time she was four years old by the time she was 16 she had a meltdown and has locked herself away in her apartment for the past decade never performing again. Ixion, a man whose past is tied to Jordan’s. They were once friends but now they are two men still trying to deal with events in the past that changed both of their lives forever. Jordan wants Ix to watch Evangeline in a house for a week. Don’t talk to her, don’t interact and never let her see you. She knows he will be there so it’s more of a psychological game, a way of exposing Evangeline to the world again all without talking to a single soul. Her doctor is forcing a tough love approach on her because Evangeline has scheduled a comeback concert, and she’s not ready. The plan was thought by Jordan but Ix is use to his games they grew up together. It was one of his games that ruined there friendship so Ix decides to change the game. This was a good read and very hot I listened and read this book at the same time I loved the narration. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading or listening to the next book in this series.
Evangeline Rolaine was a world renowned child prodigy a violinist performing concerts for kings and heads of state by the time she was four years old by the time she was 16 she had a meltdown and has locked herself away in her apartment for the past decade never performing again. Ixion, a man whose past is tied to Jordan’s. They were once friends but now they are two men still trying to deal with events in the past that changed both of their lives forever. Jordan wants Ix to watch Evangeline in a house for a week. Don’t talk to her, don’t interact and never let her see you. She knows he will be there so it’s more of a psychological game, a way of exposing Evangeline to the world again all without talking to a single soul. Her doctor is forcing a tough love approach on her because Evangeline has scheduled a comeback concert, and she’s not ready. The plan was thought by Jordan but Ix is use to his games they grew up together. It was one of his games that ruined there friendship so Ix decides to change the game. This was a good read and very hot I listened and read this book at the same time I loved the narration. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading or listening to the next book in this series.
January 16, 2018
Finished! WOW and OMG! To say this was fun is an understatement, it was a signature JAH mind fuck.
I went into reading Total Exposure expecting something other than what I read. Yeah, really. Soooooo.....why do I always think I can out think JA Huss? You’d think I’d learn by now but NO! And due to my short term memory loss I’ll probably go through this the next time I start a new JAH series.
Needless to say I didn’t see what or who was coming at me. One word. Ixion. What is an Ixion or in this case, who. He’s a watcher. And he waits. Until the time he chooses. And then....
There’s Evangeline. She’s a former child prodigy in self imposed exile. She hates people watching her. She’s being watched. Um hmm.
It’s Jordan’s game. He made the rules. Ixion and Evangeline are the players. Rules? What rules? Oh shit...This is JA Huss at her best I tell you!
And then of course, at the end..The creme de la creme. The piece de resistance. The cherry on top. The EOBS. End of Book Shit. I live for Julie’s EOBS. I love getting to know this fascinating author and in each EOBS she gives her readers a piece of herself. And this particular one...OMG! Well let me just say, I love and respect her more now than ever.
For me Total Exposure is 5 BOLD stars! Ixion...
I went into reading Total Exposure expecting something other than what I read. Yeah, really. Soooooo.....why do I always think I can out think JA Huss? You’d think I’d learn by now but NO! And due to my short term memory loss I’ll probably go through this the next time I start a new JAH series.
Needless to say I didn’t see what or who was coming at me. One word. Ixion. What is an Ixion or in this case, who. He’s a watcher. And he waits. Until the time he chooses. And then....
There’s Evangeline. She’s a former child prodigy in self imposed exile. She hates people watching her. She’s being watched. Um hmm.
It’s Jordan’s game. He made the rules. Ixion and Evangeline are the players. Rules? What rules? Oh shit...This is JA Huss at her best I tell you!
And then of course, at the end..The creme de la creme. The piece de resistance. The cherry on top. The EOBS. End of Book Shit. I live for Julie’s EOBS. I love getting to know this fascinating author and in each EOBS she gives her readers a piece of herself. And this particular one...OMG! Well let me just say, I love and respect her more now than ever.
For me Total Exposure is 5 BOLD stars! Ixion...
July 14, 2018
I nearly threw up at chapter 42 and then I laughed.
First time in my life, but I swear to god I laughed at that sex scene.
Bringing a whole new meaning to the term "shit-faced" aren't we, Huss?
First time in my life, but I swear to god I laughed at that sex scene.
Bringing a whole new meaning to the term "shit-faced" aren't we, Huss?
January 22, 2018
3.5 stars
I needed more between the two, they didn't feel like they were into each other so much.
I needed more between the two, they didn't feel like they were into each other so much.
January 16, 2018
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Total Exposure takes mind-games to another level. Huss is a master at mind-games in her books, but here, she upped the ante times n. And I just couldn't stop reading. Flipping the pages. Wanting to know how Evangeline would react. What Ixion would do next. How this could ever end well.
Story:
I'm not even sure how to put Total Exposure into a genre, it is romance, for sure. But it is also has a bit of suspense - just not the usual kind. There is no lurking danger, there are no crimes, but still - between Ixion and Evangeline, there is some kind of mystery anyway.
Total Exposure is set in the same universe as Huss' The Turning series, and some of the characters from that series are mentioned, or show up. This one can be read as a stand alone, though. And my goodness, this huis clos is both exciting and enticing!
Evangeline's life has not been a dance on roses, and Total Exposure is her last chance to take back control and get her life on track once more. Ixion watching her, observing her takes a different turn than either of them had anticipated. Especially when he realizes this game might be just as much for him as it is for her.
Characters:
Evangeline was a child-prodigy violinist. Her parents carted her around the world for concerts, ever in the spotlight. Always observed. Until the day she just couldn't take it anymore.
Ixion was hard to analyze. At first, I thought he was just another bad guy, and he had to show me that he wasn't all that bad. And that his way of dealing with the past came through observing the present.
Jordan was in the background, but still very much a main player. I can't wait to see what will happen when his own game takes off - if it ever does.
Writing style :
Total Exposure is written in dual point of view, with very in depth chapters from either Evangeline's or Ixion's perspective. The pace is fairly fast, which kind of surprised me, as most of the action unfolds inside a mansion, and only the two main characters are present. The present tense of the narration brings the reader right into the middle of the plot - and it's impossible to look away.
Feels :
I think excitement is the strongest feeling I had. And there was also so much hope I almost didn't know what to do with it!
I could've just stayed up in Wyoming dong my thing and being me. But it didn't take much self-reflection to come to the conclusion that I'm doing a whole lot of nothing. Not to mention being me isn't as much fun as it once was. If it ever was.
Take the gain away and the relationship goes with it.
I don't even know this person. This watcher, this stranger. And there's no possible way to be attracted to someone from two stupid handwritten notes. And yet... irrational as it is, that's how I feel. Attracted. You're rested, but now you're hungry. I am, I realize. I didn't eat yesterday.
Total Exposure takes mind-games to another level. Huss is a master at mind-games in her books, but here, she upped the ante times n. And I just couldn't stop reading. Flipping the pages. Wanting to know how Evangeline would react. What Ixion would do next. How this could ever end well.
Story:
I'm not even sure how to put Total Exposure into a genre, it is romance, for sure. But it is also has a bit of suspense - just not the usual kind. There is no lurking danger, there are no crimes, but still - between Ixion and Evangeline, there is some kind of mystery anyway.
Total Exposure is set in the same universe as Huss' The Turning series, and some of the characters from that series are mentioned, or show up. This one can be read as a stand alone, though. And my goodness, this huis clos is both exciting and enticing!
Evangeline's life has not been a dance on roses, and Total Exposure is her last chance to take back control and get her life on track once more. Ixion watching her, observing her takes a different turn than either of them had anticipated. Especially when he realizes this game might be just as much for him as it is for her.
Characters:
Evangeline was a child-prodigy violinist. Her parents carted her around the world for concerts, ever in the spotlight. Always observed. Until the day she just couldn't take it anymore.
Ixion was hard to analyze. At first, I thought he was just another bad guy, and he had to show me that he wasn't all that bad. And that his way of dealing with the past came through observing the present.
Jordan was in the background, but still very much a main player. I can't wait to see what will happen when his own game takes off - if it ever does.
Writing style :
Total Exposure is written in dual point of view, with very in depth chapters from either Evangeline's or Ixion's perspective. The pace is fairly fast, which kind of surprised me, as most of the action unfolds inside a mansion, and only the two main characters are present. The present tense of the narration brings the reader right into the middle of the plot - and it's impossible to look away.
Feels :
I think excitement is the strongest feeling I had. And there was also so much hope I almost didn't know what to do with it!
I could've just stayed up in Wyoming dong my thing and being me. But it didn't take much self-reflection to come to the conclusion that I'm doing a whole lot of nothing. Not to mention being me isn't as much fun as it once was. If it ever was.
Take the gain away and the relationship goes with it.
I don't even know this person. This watcher, this stranger. And there's no possible way to be attracted to someone from two stupid handwritten notes. And yet... irrational as it is, that's how I feel. Attracted. You're rested, but now you're hungry. I am, I realize. I didn't eat yesterday.
May 30, 2018
Evangeline lives a solitary life shut away from the world. Her past was not the norm, keeping her captive. Now, after a year of trying to break free she is given the chance to take a step that could possibly free her from her self-made prison. She never expected it to come with a man that would turn her fear of being watched into a desire to be watched.
Ixion has a long and rough past with Jordan. But when Jordan pushes him to accept the job of watching a woman, he takes it. Soon, he’s twisting Jordan’s game around and making it his own and in the process, he might possibly be able to let go of his own past.
This has a lot of deep dark undertones to it and a throbbing feel of suspense. I was never really sure when everything between these two characters were going to explode. Each of them are in bondage to their pasts and I was anxious to learn how they could find freedom.
This is a slow paced read with a lot of introspection that always hints at more secrets, more drama, and more twists. There is a lot of rough action in the sheets counterbalanced by the depth of emotions these characters brought into their unorthodox relationship. Secondary characters are well developed and add to the overall drama of the story. While this ends with a HEA for Ix and Evangeline, it sets the reader up for the next book.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Ixion has a long and rough past with Jordan. But when Jordan pushes him to accept the job of watching a woman, he takes it. Soon, he’s twisting Jordan’s game around and making it his own and in the process, he might possibly be able to let go of his own past.
This has a lot of deep dark undertones to it and a throbbing feel of suspense. I was never really sure when everything between these two characters were going to explode. Each of them are in bondage to their pasts and I was anxious to learn how they could find freedom.
This is a slow paced read with a lot of introspection that always hints at more secrets, more drama, and more twists. There is a lot of rough action in the sheets counterbalanced by the depth of emotions these characters brought into their unorthodox relationship. Secondary characters are well developed and add to the overall drama of the story. While this ends with a HEA for Ix and Evangeline, it sets the reader up for the next book.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
November 2, 2021
It's been awhile since I have read Taking turns series, and I do remember Jordan's character in them, so now this spin off with him as the mastermind gamer maker and the people he takes on as his subjects he deems to fix in his game are his puppets.
And even though they willingly acknowledge and accept to be the subjects in the set up game, the ulterior motive is yet unknown, and it certainly isn't out of the goodness of Jordan's heart...
This one was interesting and intriguing, and even though a tad bit different than the Turning point, the actual result in this game is a positive impact and a healing power, but I just didn't get that invested...don't quite know why exactly *shrugs*
And even though they willingly acknowledge and accept to be the subjects in the set up game, the ulterior motive is yet unknown, and it certainly isn't out of the goodness of Jordan's heart...
This one was interesting and intriguing, and even though a tad bit different than the Turning point, the actual result in this game is a positive impact and a healing power, but I just didn't get that invested...don't quite know why exactly *shrugs*
December 19, 2023
Suddenly I want to be locked in a mansion with a secret, hot guy watching my every move, leaving me notes & sneaking into my room at night but only if I keep my blind fold on.
Yum.
The story was a bit strange - I mean good & I enjoyed it but I felt like something was missing? I can’t put my finger on it.
Yum.
The story was a bit strange - I mean good & I enjoyed it but I felt like something was missing? I can’t put my finger on it.
January 20, 2018
I’ve been eagerly anticipating the start of this series, and it shhheeesh, it did not disappoint.
Holy Frick...it DID NOT disappoint.
Hanging for more about the mysterious, manipulative and sexy AFJordan Wells since the end of the Turning Series, what we get in this book has merely whet my appetite and left me craving much, much more.
In the interest of no spoilers, I’ll add that I loved and loathed everything about this story I suspect I was supposed to. From the intriguingly flawed and damaged characters, to the many twists and turns, and the reveals that felt big at the time but turned out to be just the tip of the iceberg, I devoured them all.
Bring on the next game.
Holy Frick...it DID NOT disappoint.
Hanging for more about the mysterious, manipulative and sexy AFJordan Wells since the end of the Turning Series, what we get in this book has merely whet my appetite and left me craving much, much more.
In the interest of no spoilers, I’ll add that I loved and loathed everything about this story I suspect I was supposed to. From the intriguingly flawed and damaged characters, to the many twists and turns, and the reveals that felt big at the time but turned out to be just the tip of the iceberg, I devoured them all.
Bring on the next game.
November 30, 2021
Well this was........ interesting 😃
I'm new to JA Huss books, and wasn't aware what tropes she usually writes about, so there were moments I certainly hadn't expected. Especially from Hero's past.
The whole book is marked as a dark romance, and it does have some darker signs - like being watched all day long by a stranger miiiight be a bit creepy 😳, but it's not as dark as a whole.
I pretty much liked both MCs and it was something different than your usual romance story. The thrill and excitement when you imagine being watched by a young sexy stranger, hmmm that's hot.🔥🤡
I'm clear on one thing though - I won't be reading Jordan story. The Hero's story from this book is connected to Jordan's past, and that trope isn't something I'm particularly interested. Don't want to spoil anything, so not saying more, but Jordan's book blurb says it all...
September 11, 2022
It had potential to be good but most of the characters are not likeable, and it got weird, although the narration was good.
As with a lot of these types of books it's quite predictable - damsel in distress meets knight in shining amour, they f*** and she's fixed. It's just not my kinda thing.
As with a lot of these types of books it's quite predictable - damsel in distress meets knight in shining amour, they f*** and she's fixed. It's just not my kinda thing.
August 21, 2021
3.75 stars
this was my first book by this author and i went it completely blind and also didn’t read the turning point series so all these characters were new to me.
this book kept me on my toes, the plot is so unique with h - evangeline being a child prodigy who disappeared and now has a fear of people watching her and is essentially a recluse. enter ixion he intrigued me so much i felt like he was such a complex character.
there was so much backstory between the two and we get to find out their story in small chunks but it sometimes took away from the present story. this is quite slow paced which works because there is so many secrets, games, secrets and keeps the suspense going for the story.
the twists i actually didn’t see coming so i loved that it wasn’t predictable but we never got to see evangeline and ixion really being a couple and that was not my vibe at all. nevertheless this was still a solid read.
jordan jordan jordan - i don’t like him and frankly he seems very selfish but we will see, i will definitely carry on the series at some point.
this was my first book by this author and i went it completely blind and also didn’t read the turning point series so all these characters were new to me.
this book kept me on my toes, the plot is so unique with h - evangeline being a child prodigy who disappeared and now has a fear of people watching her and is essentially a recluse. enter ixion he intrigued me so much i felt like he was such a complex character.
there was so much backstory between the two and we get to find out their story in small chunks but it sometimes took away from the present story. this is quite slow paced which works because there is so many secrets, games, secrets and keeps the suspense going for the story.
the twists i actually didn’t see coming so i loved that it wasn’t predictable but we never got to see evangeline and ixion really being a couple and that was not my vibe at all. nevertheless this was still a solid read.
jordan jordan jordan - i don’t like him and frankly he seems very selfish but we will see, i will definitely carry on the series at some point.
January 16, 2018
The Queen of mind games does it again!!
This book was definitely not what I expected. But that's what I have come to expect from JA Huss. Her words are a journey you just take, blind and unknowing because the end..... is oh so worth it!
Evangeline had already given up in a sense. She had already lost everything she held dear so why not take a huge leap of faith and throw yourself into the hands of someone else and see if they know how to help you get it all back. Ixion... He too had already given up. He had lost so much and really didn't seem to care what happened to himself or to anyone else. So what happens when you throw these two together? A completely unexpected tale. There is something alluring about being watched. We can deny it or accept it but it's the truth. And to be watched in everything you do? As scary as it sounds, I think it would make you change. Make you do things differently. Even with just the thought of being watched- because that's what we think right? That people are watching. When most times they aren't paying one iota of their attention to us. Jordan is a game organizer and I have to say I think he's gonna have fun finding the players for these games. I can't wait for HIS game. Cuz that's gonna be a good one ;)
This book was definitely not what I expected. But that's what I have come to expect from JA Huss. Her words are a journey you just take, blind and unknowing because the end..... is oh so worth it!
Evangeline had already given up in a sense. She had already lost everything she held dear so why not take a huge leap of faith and throw yourself into the hands of someone else and see if they know how to help you get it all back. Ixion... He too had already given up. He had lost so much and really didn't seem to care what happened to himself or to anyone else. So what happens when you throw these two together? A completely unexpected tale. There is something alluring about being watched. We can deny it or accept it but it's the truth. And to be watched in everything you do? As scary as it sounds, I think it would make you change. Make you do things differently. Even with just the thought of being watched- because that's what we think right? That people are watching. When most times they aren't paying one iota of their attention to us. Jordan is a game organizer and I have to say I think he's gonna have fun finding the players for these games. I can't wait for HIS game. Cuz that's gonna be a good one ;)
January 1, 2024
“I never want you to stop looking at me,
Intriguing, ultra sexy, mysterious tale where the broken characters help each other healing. Set in the Turning series, Total Exposure kept me entertained, and maybe lingiung for the head game I expected but didn't find...yet. This is not my favorite JA Huss book, but I liked it enough to get going and start the second book right now.
Intriguing, ultra sexy, mysterious tale where the broken characters help each other healing. Set in the Turning series, Total Exposure kept me entertained, and maybe lingiung for the head game I expected but didn't find...yet. This is not my favorite JA Huss book, but I liked it enough to get going and start the second book right now.
January 15, 2018
Nothing is ever what it seems when you read a Julie Huss book. She breaks every rule, and then bends and twists them to her will. This book is no exception.
In a world where life is a game and people are the moving pieces, Jordan Wells is the master game maker. He fills certain needs in the most unique situations and does it without fear of consequence or retribution. In the latest scenario he is tasked with bringing someone out of the shadows and into the light. Exposing her to what she fears most. The methods are questionable and the players are locked in. Life for those involved will never be the same again.
Don't even think for one second that you know who are what this story is about. You. Will. Be. Wrong.
In a world where life is a game and people are the moving pieces, Jordan Wells is the master game maker. He fills certain needs in the most unique situations and does it without fear of consequence or retribution. In the latest scenario he is tasked with bringing someone out of the shadows and into the light. Exposing her to what she fears most. The methods are questionable and the players are locked in. Life for those involved will never be the same again.
Don't even think for one second that you know who are what this story is about. You. Will. Be. Wrong.
October 22, 2021
Not my typical romance but it certainly drew me in. It was beautiful in a broken people struggling to break free from the past kind of way. Finding something in each other that neither expected.
January 16, 2018
I always expect the unexpected when I pick up a JA Huss book. Because she loves to play mind games. And this book was no different. JA Huss had me guessing all through out this book. Trying to figure out where she was going with this story. And it was so not what expected. I can't wait to see where she takes this series.
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