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Syndicate #3

The Long Game

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Lacey-

Once upon a time, I was the knight in shining armor.
But now my armor is tarnished. Dented.
One botched mission was all it took for this hero to fall from grace.
And that was when I met him- dark, broody, magnetic.
He was broken too. The jagged edges of his pieces cut me, but I thrived on the pain.

Rafe-

I'm no good for anybody.
I know, just ask my family.
But I'm a selfish bastard, so when she walked into my club, I vowed to make her mine.
She was damaged like me. Scarred like me.
But she was also goodness and light.
And my darkness had a way of snuffing out good things.

248 pages, Paperback

Published August 21, 2018

2 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

B.J. Bentley

22 books205 followers
Author. Cat mom. Coffee. Whiskey. Ambivert.

I've been reading romance novels since I was a tween back in the early 90s, and my mom had a Harlequin subscription. Now I write them too.

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5 stars
28 (63%)
4 stars
10 (22%)
3 stars
4 (9%)
2 stars
2 (4%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
384 reviews16 followers
August 28, 2018
The book itself would have been rated as a 3. However, the author included an introductory note that does not improve the quality and impact of the story. In my opinion, it harms the integrity of the story and themes further with terminology that had no valid reference or placement within it as well as belittling certain ideals by inadvertently saying they are wrong. This resulted in the loss of an additional star.

In regards to the character development, I found it to have some inconsistencies. Lacey especially was not fully developed and hard to emotionally connect with until the end. Rafe was better developed, however, I struggled with his behavior matching the club that he owned. The world building was well done and BJ Bentley made sure to bring the setting to life. The inconsistency and lack of development resulted in the reduction of a star.

The storyline in some ways worked. It had a very classic theme that had the characters been fully developed would have worked well. The major issue is that although the author mentions in the introductory note this is not a book about BDSM, Rafe owns a BDSM club and it is displayed in a few scenes. I have a significant affection for the BDSM community and I felt the author treated it with disrespect. The introductory note did not excuse this behavior. The scenes portrayed could be classified as harmful, unrealistic and not representative of the loving BDSM community. Due to the theme not being well executed it resulted in a star being reduced and the aspect of BDSM not being well researched and treated with disregard an additional star was taken away.

I passionately dislike giving low ratings to authors, especially as I know they give so much time and heart into giving us stories. In this case I feel it is justified. I have read other books by BJ Bentley that are amazing. This one just missed the mark.

2 stars for inconsistency and lack of research.
Profile Image for B.J. Bentley.
Author 22 books205 followers
August 8, 2018
Rafe is my favorite hero in this series so far! I hope you fall in love with him like I did.
Profile Image for Laundry.
241 reviews26 followers
August 14, 2018
The Long Game is book 3 in the Syndicate series by the ever so talented BJ Bentley. You do not have to read books 1 and 2 in order to understand what's going on in book 3. They are helpful, but not required. With that being said, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Rafe's story. Books 1 and 2 had me glaring at him with my arms crossed over my chest in defiance. But dang it, this book made me love him. Love him so much that his story is definitely one of my favorites for 2018.

Story Line: Rafe has a couple legit businesses and a couple not so legitimate ones. Lacey sets her sights on this sexy beast not for her good looks or phenomenal laundry skills, but to exploit his walks on the illegal side. But the joke is on her since she wasn't planning on falling for this Italian stallion. Rafe and Lacey's love story is absolutely beautiful. But its beauty is well beyond the surface of good looks and dahlia flowers. The beauty of it is found in their despair, their heartache and even in their distrust. If you're looking for a story about two perfect people who fall in love and have the white picket fence with 2.5 kids, you're looking the wrong way. But if you're looking for a story about two damaged souls learning to heal through time, intimacy and pushing boundaries, then strap yourself in. You're in for an incredible journey.

Interaction: One of the things I love most about Rafe is how he never freaking asks. He always tells his Fragolina what she's going to do. He never asks her if she wants to do something. She finds it irritating. I find it sexy and a total turn on. Of course if my hubby pulled that with me, I'd probably knee him in the family jewels. Anyways, if you're like me, you read "fragolina" and thought what in the world does that mean. Well, I'll save you the google search - it means little strawberry. Lacey has red hair so it's a super adorable nickname. And who doesn't love being spoken to in Italian? So hot.

Laundry: Rafe and Lacey waste no time getting to know one another in the laundry department. There's a scene in the beginning before their first time together that literally made me laugh out loud. I won't give anything away, let's just say Lacey tries to sound like she knows what she's talking about and fails miserably and it's funny and adorable. But of course, glorious Rafe sets her straight. And these two light up the sheets like the forth of July. The laundry department solidified my thoughts on Rafe. He's one of my favorite book boyfriends to date. I mean, he spends a lot of time south of the border and yeah. He's on my laminated list. For sure.

Depth: When I said that Rafe and Lacey are damaged, I wasn't kidding. Their pasts - some distant and some not-so-distant, are brutal. I shed many tears for both of their characters. Rafe's pain comes from deep guilt. It's as though Lacey recognizes that guilt since she too carries so much on her heart. And when these two finally pour their hearts out to one another? Breathtakingly beautiful. Their hurt. Their agony. And that impossible weight on their hearts. I felt it all. And that's what sets this love story ahead of the rest. It's a story about love conquering all and teaches us that we are not alone. Take a chance, let someone in and get your HEA just like Rafe and Lacey.
Profile Image for Yoneidis.
2,156 reviews10 followers
January 3, 2020
Lacey is an FBI agent who accepts work undercover to catch a famous hacker, Rafe Carusso. So she goes to the club Bound(sexual club that Rafe owns) hoping to see him. He is immediately attracted to her and after a few encounters he falls in love, she begins to have doubts about whether she can do her job but in the end her partner betrays her and decides for her blowing up her cover and arrest Rafe. Rafe will seek revenge and there will nothing to stop him.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lacey es una agente del FBI que acepta un trabajo encubierto para atrapar a un famoso hacker, Rafe Carusso. Así que se va al club Bound( club sexual propiedad de Rafe) con la esperanza de verlo. Él inmediatamente se siente atraído por ella y después de unos cuantos encuentros,se enamora de ella. Ella empieza a tener dudas sobre si podrá hacer su trabajo,pero al final su compañero la traiciona y decide por ella, descubriendo su tapadera y arrestando a Rafe. Rafe buscará venganza y no habrá nada que lo detenga.


“In case it wasn’t obvious, I want to be perfectly clear. I want you. Specifically, I want you naked and under me. I want you spread before me like a fucking buffett. And baby, I am starving
“I have something to confess. Well, several things, actually, and all I ask is that you hear me out before making any decisions.”“I am so fucking in love with you, Lacey Michaels.”“So, like it or not, fragolina , you are my everything.”

“I would say that I’ve thought long and hard about this, but that would be a lie. Because the truth is, this was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. And I’ve decided,” I paused, “we’re getting married.”“I’m sorry, was that a question?”“No.” It sure as fuck was not. She thinned her lips before she spoke again. “You know this isn’t how this is supposed to go, right?”“Marry me, fragolina , and I promise that you will always have dahlias on our anniversary. I will make you breakfast every morning. You can drive any of my cars, even the Aston, whenever you want. Hell, I’ll even buy you one of your own.” I swallowed. “Just promise me you’ll love me forever.” “And will you love me forever?” “Forever and a day.”
Profile Image for Rebecca Sharp.
Author 72 books2,764 followers
September 8, 2018
Yesss!!! I was eagerly anticipating Rafe and Lacey's story and boy, was I not disappointed! Their attraction was off the charts from the very beginning. I love stories where two people get the physcial attraction 'out of the way', so to speak, and then find deeper reasons to stay connected. Both Rafe and Lacey had past trauma that plagued them and through their attraction found a way to work through it and work closer to each other.

Every person, every relationship is unique - like a fingerprint. And Rafe and Lacey were just that. They didn't fit into labels, just like the rest of us. They found each other and a love that healed them both even if that love didn't fit neatly or squarely within one descriptor or another.

I love BJ's work and this one didn't disappoint - her sassy, determined heroines and badass men. LOVE. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Also, I loved Hendrix. Always have to give a shout out to the animals.
Profile Image for Elysian Fields.
2,224 reviews38 followers
November 6, 2019
This is my first book written by this author. I was a tad unsure going into the story, as it listed elements of BDSM throughout and that is usually something I pass on. However, I really enjoyed every page, the BDSM was neither overwhelming nor distracting.

This is an Italian mafia story, but more so it is about two strong, albeit hurting characters finding love and life again after deep (and separate) tragedies. I loved that both characters, Rafe and Lacey were real. They had issues, thoughts and made decisions that were not always “logical” but were made from where they were emotionally. I loved how they found each other and how that relationship developed.

I think the author did an amazing job of blending mafia, realistic expectations, action, passion and dialogue to create this very nice story. I will have to check out books one and two now. I received an ARC for my book club and I am leaving an honest review.

Profile Image for Sheridan.
582 reviews16 followers
August 22, 2018
This author knows how to bring us the pleasure in these bad boys! Jensen made me swoon in book 1. Aleksander has me obeying in book 2.
Rafe... well you just want to drop to your knees and let him command, whip and cherish you all in one go!

I’ve loved the previous snippets of Rafe in past books, but to read his story. 😍 His loss from the past, his present struggles believing he is a monster.
But when Lacey comes along, he starts to believe that she is the person to handle the pain of his life.
Until of course the ultimate betrayal and now it’s time for revenge ...

This book will have you squirming a little in your seat, flabbergasted at some of the things that happen but I thoroughly enjoyed Rafe and Lacey’s story!
Profile Image for Chanah Dickson (The Book Whisperer).
269 reviews11 followers
August 21, 2018
Long awaited book 3 in the Syndicate Series from author BJ Bentley and finally we get Rafes Story and although it’s part of this series I found this book could be read as a stand-alone as well but I wouldn’t want to miss meeting the other characters.

Rafe has been life long friends with Both Aleksander and Jensen and the most the closed off of the three of them but although he always wanted a family he never thought he deserved one. Tragedy early in his life left him with a deeply imbedded guilt that would triple of weaker soul. But one look at Lacey and he wanted to be deserving enough,he wanted more!

Lacey is a hard working independent woman living a life built on lies and borrowed time she finds not only what she’s paid to find in Rafe but she found something she didn’t know she needed a long the way. She just doesn’t know how to handle both sides of it but sometimes other people take your choices from you.

I love this series and the thin line between the white and the black that each characters lives on, they make the grey a little more tempting. BJ Bentley never fails to bring us great lead characters in both the Male and female roles and I love the sass and alpha battles she produces between them. The pages flowed perfectly but I loved the larger epilogue it was a perfect ending to the story.
Profile Image for Blog Pink Plum.
17 reviews
August 26, 2018
The Long Game is book number 3 in the Syndicate Series but can be read as a stand-alone. I didn’t know what to expect from Rafe’s book and let me tell you I definitely wasn’t expecting to fall in love with him! He became my favorite!!!! Rafe and Lacey’s love story is beautiful but it’s not the typical love story so don’t expect that, with that being said I loved how their relationship was showed and wow: what a ride has been! Can I say that I loved how dominant and bossy Rafe was? Cause I did!! And how he takes what he wants and don’t ask for permission. This series was amazing!!! With each book I fall in love with BJ’s words more and more, definitely recommend you all to read this series!!!
371 reviews
August 12, 2018
Rafe......oh lordy lords....how hot is he, but oh so dreamy.
Lacey.....oh my.....what a strong hard ass woman.
Together these winnable another amazing read in this Syndicate series, I wasn't sure if BJ Bentley could match Jenson or Alexsanders story but boy did she manage it.
I loved Rafe in the other book in this series so to get his own book was amazing..This book has plots you don't expect but they make the book. I really have enjoyed reading this series and can't wait to read more from BJ Bentley.
Don't hesitate 1 click this book today, but read the others first as I feel they need to be read in order to get the full wow effect..
Profile Image for Marcia.
34 reviews
August 13, 2018
I...LOVE...RAFE! I have been eagerly waiting for this story, and I was so not disappointed! I didn't want Lacey and Rafe's story to end. Such emotion...such intrigue. They both needed each other in their own way.

Lust, betrayal, vengeance, obsession, forgiveness. Rafe and Lacey's adventurous story was quite the page turner. This story had me on the edge of my seat, and I couldn't wait to discover what would happen next, especially in the second part.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all three Syndicate novels, and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Bentley has in store for us next.
Profile Image for Stacie McGlaughlin.
144 reviews
August 14, 2018
Rafe is Amazing!!! I loved this book! One thing that is really great about this series is how each book can be a standalone, but there is little bits and pieces of the other characters stories included and that intrigues the reader and makes them want to read the rest of the series. The whole series includes romance, suspense, chemistry and struggles to overcome the past. If you like your men to be dominate, sexy and dangerous; and the women to be strong and independent then this series will be a perfect read.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
626 reviews11 followers
August 25, 2018
Every book I have read by this author has gotten better and better. The Long Game is book three in the Syndicate series. Each book comes with it's own set of emotions. Each more raw than the previous. I believe with each book the author's writing has grown. The author is able to tell you a story with her words and make you love the characters so much. She paints a picture it's almost as if you are there with the characters. From start to finish I loved this book. It was a great story line filled with with a rollercoaster of emotions.
Profile Image for Sherry Haynes.
1,230 reviews16 followers
August 12, 2018
What I like about this series is how they can be standalone but with just enough tidbits of the other characters stories included that makes you want to read the rest.

Because it is Syndicate series the readers knows it will include illegal activities but it also has suspense, chemistry and struggles to overcome the past. If you like your men to be dominate, sexy and dangerous and the women to be strong and independent then this series will be a perfect read.
Profile Image for Ellie Rice.
Author 7 books250 followers
August 21, 2018
I freaking love this series! Rage is naughty and dirty and the good kind of bad guy. My favorite kind. The guy that does bad things for good reasons. Lacey is a bad-ass heroine. She never falters. Never surrenders. Even when she seems beat, she still fights.
These two are matches and gasoline from the get-go.
Loved the story, loved the characters, loved the damn ferret!

I was graciously offered an advanced copy for an honest review.
321 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2018
Even better then the last

Lacey and Rafe's story was so good that I couldn't put it down. This story line hooked me in and I loved Lacey's characters. These 2 broken characters made me fall in love with them. I wasn't sure I was going to like Rafe because he is such a hard man but he had me by the end. I also loved how at the end of the book we got to see the couple's from the first 2 books. Loved the emotion and suspense in this book.
Profile Image for Karen Mc.
28 reviews
August 26, 2018
Fragolina and Force

Rafael Caruso is quite the book boyfriend! I loved him. He is a force to be reckoned with, so much so that he doesn't ask for things from Lacey. He practically forces them on her. This man doesn't ask for forgiveness, he tells her to forgive him. The author masterfully keeps the reader in the dark about Lacey & Rafe's backgrounds, so the twists and turns of the plot keep the reader guessing. Definitely a great read.
Profile Image for Written Word Addict.
229 reviews13 followers
August 12, 2018
This author has quickly become one of my favorites! Rafe's story is so much more than I expected it to be and Lacey is as spunky as I expected her to be! I love the sassy heroine's in this series and the brooding men that love them! Rage is freakin hot, hot, hot and I claim him for myself! 😍 This series keeps getting better with each book and I am so excited to read more books from BJ Bentley!
Profile Image for Danica Dawn.
Author 3 books22 followers
August 14, 2018
Ooo boy that club...

BJ Bentley NEVER disappoints. Rafael is swoon worthy-alpha-hot-sexy-damn-son-wish-he-was-real Adonis!

I loved this series and the characters the author has developed. It was fun to see the crossovers and it was all action packed.

These are dark romances, but this one is lighter thematically than the first. I recommend ALL of these books!!!!
Profile Image for Sara Reads.
196 reviews5 followers
August 24, 2018
A sexy cat and mouse game. I definitely think this is my favorite of the Syndicate series. I really loved Laney and her character. Rafe was almost too good to be true and maybe a little more gullible and trusting than what the author was hoping for. This one has a bit more bdsm than the prior ones. I was very happy to review an advanced copy. A fun, spicy read.
Profile Image for Leah.
54 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2018
Talk about a twist. Lacey is on the job but failing deep, little did she know falling for Rafe would change her life. Rafe dark, moody, quiet, mysterious will win your heart over before you know it. I love these two together. They were meant to be. Hot, steamy, sexy relationship. This book is a definate keeper.
2,722 reviews25 followers
August 10, 2018
3 1/2*
Rafe owns a club called Bound & is instantly hooked when Lacey walks in alone.
Lacey wasn’t prepared for the chemistry she feels with Rafe & the attachment, but she has to see this through.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Michelle Karpinski.
16 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2018
Love the two main characters, Race and Lacey. They both have a troubled past with secrets, but the are definitely attracted to each other right from the start. Great story line and keeps you on your toes. Another book by B.J.
Bentley that I loved and would recommend to my friends!!
Profile Image for Christy Warthen.
864 reviews9 followers
August 10, 2018
Intense!

Fast paced and emotional roller coaster ride.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
639 reviews
August 21, 2018
Another great book in the Syndicate Series. Be ready for an emotional rollercoaster ride that you don’t want to end.
Profile Image for Cait's Creatures.
146 reviews38 followers
August 14, 2018



The Long Game was easily my favorite of the three Syndicate novels. Rafe captured my heart and Lacey broke it. The premise of this novel was different from the other two, but just as naughty and just as captivating. I wanted more from the very minute I started reading. 

Rafael Caruso is not a good guy, he's not the hero, but he's definitely not a villain either. His present was shaped by an ugly past, one he believed shaped his future as well. Feeling himself unworthy of love and anything good, he closed himself off from everyone, even his two friends Jensen and Aleksander. Even those two didn't really get past his firewalls. Hacker, protecting his friends' businesses, gamer, and also vigilante, his world changes when he meets Lacey Montgomery. 



Lacey Montgomery has her own scars and demons. She carries her own weight around, carrying the guilt of a young woman's death on her shoulders. Sent to take down Rafe, she ends up in his bed and in his heart. When she inadvertently betrays the man she has come to love, she runs away...

...but not for long. 

This book is filled with revenge, love, and heartbreak. It is easily my favorite of the three Syndicate novels. It was sweet and erotic, it was dominant and submissive, it had a heart wrenching alpha and a woeful heroine. But as with all her books, for as much as these two are broken, they are equally as strong. They fought for their lives, even when they felt they should give up. They were independent, yet dependent on each other. They were broken, but mended their pieces to fit each other. 

And they had AMAZING adult time ;).  

**All images are from unsplash.com and pexels.com and all fonts are from CreativeMarket.com. For more info on the fonts and images used, please email caitscreatures@gmail.com**
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews