Wicked Games

Queen City Rogues #2

by Aimee Nicole Walker

Ryder Jameson and Lucien Clarke have a complicated past: Ryder conserves art; Lucien steals it. Their love-hate relationship spans six years and two continents and has endured multiple heists. Hoping to restore his tarnished reputation and heal his jilted heart, Ryder returns home to Cincinnati. When Lucien suddenly reappears in Ryder’s life, the ancient Shang Dynasty artifact isn’t the only prize he wants to claim.

Something more sinister than stolen art is stirring. Ryder and Lucien must join forces to untangle a web of secrets, lies, and treachery bigger than either of them expected. Trust won’t come easy, but they’ll need to rely on each other because pulling the wrong thread could lead to their death.

Is it fate that keeps bringing Ryder and Lucky together, or are they merely pawns in someone’s wicked games? Will they play for keeps this time or become collateral damage?

Wicked Games is a second-chance romance filled with passion, humor, and intrigue. It’s the second book in the Queen City Rogues series but can be read on its own. Wicked Games contains mature sexual content intended for readers 18 and older.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Second Chance, Mystery, LGBT, Suspense

243 pages, ebook

First published March 11, 2019

About the author

I'm a wife and mother of three teenage kids. I've been married to the same wonderful man for twenty years. I've decided that if I can survive raising three kids then I can survive anything!! I haven't uttered the Mama's curse yet, but it could happen any day now. You know the one..."I hope you have a child just like you someday."

I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.

I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.

Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet in this excellent series

This might just be my favourite Aimee Nicole Walker book ever. When I first started my journalism career, I had a G4 Mac and one of the games on it was Where In The World Is Carmen Santiago.

I loved everything about this book, but the nods to that classic adventure game might just have sealed the deal. Heist stories are tough to pull off but Aimee got the pacing absolutely perfect for this one.

I loved the sparks between Ryder and Lucien, I loved the humour, I loved the daring do and action elements, I loved the secondary characters and I absolutely adored Carmen.

I love books with female characters who are integrally involved in the narrative and she was a real surprise.

I also very much appreciated the correct spelling of whisky as it pertained to a fine Scottish single malt too ;)

More please from this fabulous new series!

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** A magnificent, edge-of-your-seat thriller to the very end, with intense M/M romance riding along !
We didn't like Lucien in "Wicked Halos", but here he is in a different light.
* Lucien, in his 40s, is a former British SAS man,

who now works incognito returning stolen art works. He doesn't want to be without Ryder any longer.
* Ryder, 35, is a curator and art restoration expert

at a U.S. museum, but he and Lucien have a past in Europe, where Lucien ghosted Ryder.
They meet up, but Ryder's hatred is prominent.

There is a lively cast of colorful characters; flamboyant Percy, strong Dev, Draco the SEAL and Harry the Green Beret, plus Carmen, who we aren't sure about, and Quinn the hacker.
In addition I loved the two German Shepards, so great, even in their small parts.


There's the theft, a job loss and more. We get completely hot and super sizzling sexy times. These two explode.
The guys don't know who to trust anymore at work and the boss, "Banks," is shady. There's been an "accident" for Dev, a botched mission, a missing artifact, and strange meetings.



With investigating and proof, another meeting proves beneficial. The evil abuser must be stopped.

Fantastic tension, humor, suspense, violence, and action.

I loved the grand epilogue.

Highly recommended. ENJOY !

=====

[Demon · Rating 2 out of 5]

So first off, this was dumb.

Lucien knew he was destroying Ryder's life when he was stealing the art. He knew everything. And yet 3 chapters in and he's already acting like Ryder has or will forgive him? Just because of sex?

And Ryder? Come on, where is the heartbreak? Where is the fierceness to not let some theiving asshole run over your life? There was nothing. After all that Lucien did, Ryder lusted over him and still loved him just as strongly? Like what? Which human being does that? That's not being selfless, that's being someone who has no self respect.

I really wanted to see the grovelling and heartfelt emotions. But really nothing. Totally disappointed.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ryder Jameson and Lucien Clarke have a long and complicated love-hate past. Ryder works to conserve art and Lucien apparently steals art. When I saw these characters make a brief appearance in book one, Broken Halos, I read it first, but perhaps I shouldn’t have. Unfortunately, that story set the stage for my dislike of Ryder Jameson, the museum conservationist who is wrongly accused of the theft of artifacts at the last few museums where he’s worked. The fact is that those thefts are chiefly attributed to the man who Ryder fell for—and who happens to feel that way about him too—but Ryder always gets blamed.

Ryder wasn’t an endearing character in the first half of this book. Angry and miserable about another theft from another museum where he works, he totally blames the man he first knew as Sebastian, and has now come to find out is Lucien Clarke. A bout of angry sex with Lucien did nothing to raise Ryder in my esteem, but the author took the men much further into their current and past relationships, the childhoods that made them who they are, the men who loved and left them, and finally, finally, I saw a Ryder I could like.

Lucien was ostensibly a suave, debonair, man-of-the-word art thief—at least, that was his role. But in reality, he was a sweet man forced into the world of art theft and trying his best to find a good outcome for everyone. He apparently really cares for Ryder and we see how his story plays out in the second half. But what put me off him early in the story was his love ’em and leave ’em attitude toward Ryder. And his reactions to situations felt incongruous with his outward persona. He was a bit too “damsel in distress” at some points in the story, and I found it difficult to embrace him as a good character.

The story is outlandish and most certainly barely believable, but it’s fast-paced and interesting and by the end I felt compelled to keep turning pages so that I could see who lives and who loves by the time we reach an epilogue. Readers who enjoy lots of sex scenes, including angry sex, and those who enjoy an underlying plot of danger with their handsome, sexy men will likely really enjoy this story.

As I said, it took me a while to warm up to the characters but when I did I really enjoyed the rest of the book. Granted I wouldn’t believe the story could actually happen, but it is definitely entertaining and kept me on my toes so I do recommend it to readers who like a sexy action adventure MM romance.

ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.

[Sanaa]

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[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five fucking stars!!!
Really beautiful

[John Altman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked Games!

Rating Review Rollout:
(1) Attention Keeper: 4
(2) Digging deep in Character Development: 4
(3) Edit to Perfection!: 5
(4) Feeling the Words: 4
(5) Give me more please factor: 5
(6) Going with the Flow of the Story: 3.5
(7) Grammar Police: 5
(8) It's all about the Chemistry, baby: 4
(9) Love connection: 4
(10) Plot Worthy: 3.5
(11) Show me Entertainment: 4
(12) The Writing speaks for itself: 4

Total Rating: 4.2 out of 5 👍

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ... I loved this ! It was clever, well written and had a good twist to the plot. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect- but I sure got more than I bargained for. Really enjoyable ❤️ Ryder & Lucien were great characters

[Candice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of hurting people for sake of hurting them. Lucien KNEW Ryder would get in trouble at the museums. He KNEW walking away would destroy Ryder and he STILL did it. I did not like Lucien AT ALL! Then to come back into their lives and think everything is a-okay? Yeah, no, take a hike off a bridge. Ryder you're too nice and you have no spine. Learn to stand by your convictions. Easily distracted by sex. Too bad. I would have liked to see some real groveling and an apology.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series. I really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next one.

[Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Very Special

I passed by the first book in the series because I didn't care for the MCs. This one is hampered by a cover which does not quite live up to what I imagine the MCs to look like--but it sure as heck lives up to the passion between MCs Lucien (Lucky) and Ryder.

This is one of the best balanced, rip-roaring, over-the-top and loving books of this genre I've read in a long time--and I can't even identify the genre correctly.

Look, I usually write long reviews, but in this case I can tell you that I just don't want to introduce any spoilers other than to say Lucian and Ryder will grab you from the start, infuriate you, then mesmerize you and hold you tight.

Wow!

[Cariad Dussan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we first met Ryder back in Broken Halos he's mostly a dick.
The Ryder we find in Wicked Games (and oh, what wicked games they are) is a caring, heartbroken and beaten man.
And Sebas... I mean Lucien though heartbroken as well keeps this tongue firmly placed in his cheek (unless his tongue is busy somewhere else).
I enjoyed this story. It was fast paced, engaging, with delightful characters you find yourself caring about.
I want Percy and Dev to get there own book! Can that happen? I'm not averse to begging, just saying.
looking forward to book 4, Henry's story.

[Wendy Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

I thought Ryder was a real jerk in the first book of this series. I was happy to find out he wasn't really one. I loved Ryder and Lucky. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Jenette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored Ryder and Lucien. The plot was good, the characters fun and I just genuinely had good time. The chemistry and history between the two really worked for me and I enjoyed getting a chance to imagine their happy ending.

I even think I might have to read Trent’s book now. Maybe.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

This book was terrific! A little intrigue, a little (or more) hot sex, a love story-Put them together and I’m hooked!

[Jenn C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read...a bit of mystery and suspense and of course sexy times as well.

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and she did NOT disappoint. So much awesomeness.

Ryder Jameson is an art restorer. Six years ago he met Lucien Clarke and it changed his life. He fell in love, thought he had it all, then Lucien disappeared. And with this loss, he also lost his integrity in the art museum world when corresponding pieces went missing under his watch.

Things have come full circle now in Cincinnati when yet another piece of art is taken and Lucien just happens to be in town. Things get heated. And sexy. And rough. And, well, you just have to read it...

I love love love a good heist story and this was perfect. There was suspense and action and thrills, but there was also humor. The characters were so damn funny.

Not only did I fall hard for Ryder and Lucien, but their friends were a motley crew of misfits that somehow just worked in the very best of ways. And the over use of finger quotes in a story have never been so naughty. This was a thrill to read.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I loved this book so much! Such a fun, sexy, exciting, emotional story about second (er.. third?) chances and two men who are clearly made for each other, despite everything working against them. Lucien and Ryder are so hot together, even in all the anger and pain when they first meet again. I adore them and their friends, and honestly feel like I could read entire series’ worth of heir adventures. Percy and Dev are hilarious, and I fell hardcore in love with Carmen. Aimee Nicole Walker tends to give us strong, kickass women in her books, and this book is no different with Carmen, her mother, Ryder’s sister.. A fantastic book all around, and I hope to see more of these guys in the future!

[Tracy Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... This book was amazing , I loved it!
The book was a tad emotional sexy hot with a few laughs in between. A very enjoyable read. I loved Ryder & Lucien. A Must Read!

[Love Bytes Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 heart review by Cindy

It’s not often I enjoy a sequel more than I did the original story but in this case, I really did!

Ryder and Lucien are two men who have been pulled together and pushed apart for years. Just as we thought Ryder was one person and turned out to be another in the first book of this series, Lucien is a character who becomes much the same.

I loved the intrigue in this story. I had fun trying to figure out the reasons and the whys of the character’s behaviors and it’s what kept me glued to my screen through the whole story. It’s a little “James Bond” meets Hallmark story of the week, but with enough kickass to balance out the sweetness that could become a little too much if left unchecked.

I also liked the relationships in this book, and not just the one between Ryder and Lucien. Ryder and his mother made me smile as they worked through their own issues while Ryder tries to figure out how to deal with Lucien.

Lucien and his friends made me laugh a lot and their humor went a long way to helping me learn to like Lucien.

The characters in this book are an interesting group who kept me on the edge of my seat as I tried to work my mind around what was going on.

I usually like to see the characters from the first book in a sequel, but there are only a few quick glimpses in this one, but I found that I was okay with it. They belong to a whole different world than the two debonair and worldly men that stole my heart here.

The sex in this book is smoking hot and they use it to fix their relationship a little more than I’d like, it’s appropriate to the story and definitely not a hardship to read.

The author makes full use of their quick wit to craft excellent dialogue that mostly had me laughing, although there’s enough angst to keep it from being a true comedy.

I can heartily recommend this book and I can’t help but wonder if there’s going to be any more in this series. (She says hopefully).

This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.

[Carra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit up front—I’m not usually one to seek out romantic suspense like this story. That said, I have enjoyed this authors books in the past which is why I started reading the Queen City Rogues series. There’s a small bit of setup in the first book, Broken Halos, for Wicked Games towards the end of that story but you don’t have to read book one before starting this one. It’s been several months since I read the first book, and I’d honestly forgotten most of that setup for this story and I had no problem jumping right in.

I did feel for both Ryder and Lucien. Poor Ryder feeling used and basically like a sucker (no, not the fun kind), and Lucien feeling absolutely broken about deceiving Ryder and leaving how he did. But I understood Lucien’s position, and just held on hoping everything would eventually work out…this is a romance after all.

The two of them do have an intense physical chemistry together, but their connection does go deeper than that; it’s just getting around Lucien’s…job…that provides the conflict for this story.

I did so enjoy the secondary characters in this book, especially Dev and Percy who made me laugh. I liked their unconditional support of Lucien—which of course translated to Ryder as well—but it was their lighthearted banter that offered some levity to keep things from getting too dire.

For me, this was an enjoyable read and my rating is right around 3.5 stars—it was a good way to pass the time, and I’ll be continuing with the series going forward. The flow of this one wasn’t really smooth for me, I’m not sure if I should chalk that up to the genre or the writing this time around…but if you’re a fan of this author’s books you’re most likely going to enjoy this one as well. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.

[Jaymie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Twice now Ryder Jameson has been betrayed by the man he loves and his career as an Art Conservator can’t take any more hits because of it. First the Louvre then Cairo, Ryder seems to have the worst luck. Cincinnati is his last last chance and he really only got this position thanks to his mother’s position on the board of trustees. Little did he imagine that another piece of art would go missing again and this time he didn’t even have the pleasure of being seduced by Lucien first. Of course, Lucien shows up and reveals things aren’t exactly what they seem. Well, except for the fact that the two of them can’t seem to get the other one out of their mind or heart.

I love movies and books centered around heists and cons. It’s fun to watch it all unfold and the mystery of it all come to light. Wicked Games did a great job of that and had some very good suspense, a bit of action and of course, humor and romance topped with just the right amount of steam.

I really loved both Ryder and Lucien who were absolutely hysterical at times (fake mustaches and wigs). They had chart-topping chemistry and a wonderful connection. They definitely balanced one another out and the push and pull was excellent. I also liked that both were Alpha types who seemed to be able to fill any role in the relationship when it was really needed.

I adored the secondary characters we met along the way too. What a cast of characters they were and they were able to provide some much need levity at times and support when the men needed it. I can’t wait to see what stories await them in the future.

Overall, I would totally recommend this one to readers especially if you’re a fan of Aimee Nicole Walker. This one is probably one of my favorites of hers now.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great add to the series. Yes, Ryder and Lucien finally get to tell us what they have been up to. If you're like me you wanted to know about these two when we met them in Broken Halos, and knowing it was going to be a crazy ride. Ryder keeps hitting rock bottom and trying to figure out how to get back to the happy person he use to be. He's strong and full of passion! His intense determination will leave you breathless. Lucien has been lying his way through life for years and feels stuck in a horrible situation. His love for Ryder is combustible and he can't turn away. He learns that he's not alone as he thinks and fights for love. Add these two together and their love-hate enemies to lovers again story is a push and pull you'll enjoy. This book had everything I would want in a book: action, adventure, hilarious laughs, heartbreaking moments, twist and turns, sexy and sweet romance. Loved seeing side characters like Trent that we met in the Curl Up And Dye Mysteries Series pop up and tie into this world more. New characters like Iris, Ezra, Dev, Percy, Carmen and Quinton flow well with this plot and enhance this Universe in the best way. I want to see more and more of them! Can't wait for the next.

[Ansu · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

I so love ANW books, she writes such amazing stories with really good character development.

Ryder and Lucien where just perfect for each other and the secondary characters complimented the story perfectly.

So why not a 5* if I loved this book so much?

I just felt that towards the end both Ryder and Lucien's character took on a little too much of a female characteristic.

In the beginning Ryder was this self assured, dynamic personality that took no bullshit and stood up for himself but in the end I felt like he lost these traits. Don't get me wrong, this was still an awesome read and I still loved him, he just became too feminine for me.

Lucien was a great compliment to Ryder and they made a really nice couple but also I wanted Lucien to still be this bad ass recovery specialist, I was hoping that he could have solved the theft and Bank's issues without Carmen, it was just disappointing to have these issues just handed to them on a plate.

Overall another good book.

[Yunga2013 · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was the 2nd book in the Queen City Rogues series. And I loved it as much as the 1st one. Aimee Nicole Walker has created a gripping story with an interesting plot, gorgeous MCs, great secondary characters as well as humor, bickering, cute animals... - again. Oh, yes, and steamy sexy times - just the way she always does. This story is about Ryder and Lucien, who we met in the 1st installment of the series, where Ryder was introduced as a bitter ex of one of the MCs. He turns out to be a great guy, just lost and unhappy. But everything changes when his love turns up, and we get a second chance (or third chance to be precise) romance mixed with museums heists, blackmail, revenge and other necessary attributes of a story which will keep you up at night until you finish it. I enjoyed reading Ryder's and Lucien's adventures, loved the secondary characters (Percy was my champion) and can highly recommend this book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very gripping story, both the romance and the action plot. I did feel there was a bit too much focus on the suspense plot involving Lucien’s mysterious “employer” and the subsequent danger they find themselves in because of it, where I’d have preferred it if instead the author had taken more time to develop Ryder’s and Lucien’s relationship.

They have a lot of history, off page, and to my mind, they got over their trust issues and heartbreak a bit too fast, leaving too much unspoken when they get back together. This is not to say that things aren’t intense between them, and even at times quite moving as well. I loved how Lucien/Lucky called Ryder “Love” all the time, even when they are still at odds.

I really liked the secondary characters and the banter and flavor they brought to the story. Carmen, Dev and Percy stood out the most and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of them. I’m curious to see where the next book in this series will take us.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucien and Ryder have a history, a hot as hell history. Full of stolen artifacts, lies, broken hearts, and more lies. Lucien can’t let Ryder go because he gave him a piece of his heart. Ryder desperately needs to let Lucien go because he lost a piece of his heart too, and he wants it back damnit. Intrigue, lust, and rediscovery await.

It seems as if I’ve read a lot of what I’d call cute books lately. This one falls completely into that category. This authors Curl Up And Dye, Blissville, and Rogues books contain so many rich and varied characters. Lucien and Ryder may out-shine and out-snark Josh and Gabe. Oh so many new faces and personalities to absorb. So many wonderful possibilities in their futures. This one was just fun to read.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.

[RE Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like many of Walker's mysteries, but this book didn't work as well for me.

Some notes (for my own reminders): Ryder felt a lot like a peripheral part of the story to me. Yes, he was instrumental to the relationship, but even there, I'm not sure why either man thought they actually knew the other. Their times together were all about lust and sexual chemistry, and neither really spent enough time together (as themselves) to understand the other person (in my opinion). I also didn't really understand why Lucien stuck with Charles for so long -- that aspect didn't really work for me. And the resolution to everything was rushed and far too simple, imo (and again, Ryder didn't really play a role in it).

[Beverly Southern Babes Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I’m blown away by this authors words. She never EVER disappoints. She has such a way with words that the story will stay with me for a long time. They always have meaning, and truly tell a love story you will never forget.

Ryder and Lucky have had a rough go of it. Ryder the one that loves art, loves what it means and enjoys the tell it tells. Lucky is the one to steal the art. Two opposites that have so much chemistry it flys off the pages. These two have met their matches and will do anything to keep it. Even go undercover so to speak when lies start turning into truths.

What an adventure these two go on to find the real truth. It was exciting to see them come together to figure everything out. And what they find out you will not be expecting. Through it all they work to build a beautiful relationship that can withstand anything.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good, hot M/M read. I did not read book #1 (obviously somewhat of a cliffhanger due to the contents of book #2) but I think I got up with what was going on very well. MC's were a professional "reacquirer" of ancient antiquities that had been lost to the rightful owner and the museum restorer who unfortunately seemed to be working at each museum where something is "reacquired." Of course, the reacquirer and the restorer have met and fallen in love along the way. The romance was nice.

The mystery/suspense part of the story seemed a little vague and OTT sometimes. But otherwise a nice read.