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Game Series #1
The Intimidation Game
Bruises heal, but broken hearts can be scarred forever…….
Nikki fled South Africa to escape an abusive relationship. All she wanted was to disappear and start anew and Glasgow offered the perfect place to hide. Landing in the world of corporate espionage was the last thing Nikki had in mind. Landing in her boss's bed was certainly a step beyond. If the last year taught her anything, this is not a road she wants to travel again.
Keeping her secret shame close to her chest is just as important as staying hidden.
Dan has it all, or so it seems. A worldwide software empire, staff to meet his every need, and wealth beyond comprehension. He can't help wanting one more thing. Nikki. But he has secrets of his own, and secrets have a way of rearing their ugly head when least expected.
Can Nikki and Dan forge a new life together, or will a love borne from secrecy be the catalyst that brings down an empire?
The line between business and pleasure is well and truly destroyed in this hot new novel from the author of The Soul Series.
Buy this thrilling contemporary romance now!
Nikki fled South Africa to escape an abusive relationship. All she wanted was to disappear and start anew and Glasgow offered the perfect place to hide. Landing in the world of corporate espionage was the last thing Nikki had in mind. Landing in her boss's bed was certainly a step beyond. If the last year taught her anything, this is not a road she wants to travel again.
Keeping her secret shame close to her chest is just as important as staying hidden.
Dan has it all, or so it seems. A worldwide software empire, staff to meet his every need, and wealth beyond comprehension. He can't help wanting one more thing. Nikki. But he has secrets of his own, and secrets have a way of rearing their ugly head when least expected.
Can Nikki and Dan forge a new life together, or will a love borne from secrecy be the catalyst that brings down an empire?
The line between business and pleasure is well and truly destroyed in this hot new novel from the author of The Soul Series.
Buy this thrilling contemporary romance now!
- GenresContemporaryRomance
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2019
14 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 24, 2019
This is my first book by C.L. Stewart and I can say with confidence that it won't be my last!
This book was raw, endearing, witty, funny, and heart-breaking. It was a workplace, slow-burn, broken heroine, single-dad romance with several twists and turns.
I enjoyed getting to take a trip to Glasgow, Scotland, adored the Scottish dialogue, wording and culture. I loved Nikki and Dan's relationship, Nikki's friendship with Damo and how strong Nikki became despite how fragile she was in the beginning of this novel. She was easy to love, a broken soul healing from a dark past, and Dan was a gentleman with a bad boy side too, the perfect balance of professional and sexy. Both their pasts were heart-breaking but these two souls learned to heal together and that was the most beautiful part of this book.
If you want romance with a new, refreshing twist to the "game", check this book out! It won't disappoint!
This book was raw, endearing, witty, funny, and heart-breaking. It was a workplace, slow-burn, broken heroine, single-dad romance with several twists and turns.
I enjoyed getting to take a trip to Glasgow, Scotland, adored the Scottish dialogue, wording and culture. I loved Nikki and Dan's relationship, Nikki's friendship with Damo and how strong Nikki became despite how fragile she was in the beginning of this novel. She was easy to love, a broken soul healing from a dark past, and Dan was a gentleman with a bad boy side too, the perfect balance of professional and sexy. Both their pasts were heart-breaking but these two souls learned to heal together and that was the most beautiful part of this book.
If you want romance with a new, refreshing twist to the "game", check this book out! It won't disappoint!
November 16, 2019
Book Name : The Intimidation Game.
Series : Game Series #1. (Standalone for Nikki & Dan).
Genre : Contemporary - Office Romance.
Ratings : 4 Blazing Stars ★★★★
The Intimidation Game is the first book in Game Series by C.L. Stewart. Thankfully, not the last. This story was very composed and adventurous, nonetheless. Exploring the life of Nikki, a woman who has been suffering from domestic abuse soon grows a backbone, has enough and ventures out for a new lifestyle. This story isn't all about love and sex. It reflects upon the dynamics and struggles faced by a person who has undergone abuse for certain years. It's not easy for them to just fall for the next person in line or throw themselves on anyone who winks at them. It's a phase. A recovering module which is fueled by Love. Proper Care. Feelings. And support from the loved ones.
As Nikki takes up on a job, she soon finds herself amidst new chaos, life and more troubles from her past. But this girl won't be taking a shit from anyone else now. It was amusing to see her progress throughout the book. Her communication skills improvised greatly from being meek to brilliant. She learns many dynamics of her own life, through different people. She learns to let in the people that like her and respect her back. Kudos to Dan - our hot male lead. He's that perfect boyfriend material, who's rich, obedient, arrogant but an eventual gentleman and of course has a soft spot for our girl.
From thereon, the story goes smoothly. Yes, it had its own bumps and slopes. It was unfulfilling at points but let those not affect you thoroughly. Just devour their love story. Go with the flow. I certainly enjoyed reading this a million times, already now. It was fast paced, rocking, passionate, original and a great tear-jerker for me. Stewart has invested herself fully into this story. She has made it her goal to make the readers cry with Nikki and swoon at Dan. Also those sneaky kisses were simply epic. Dan was a perfect male lead for a woman like Nikki. I fully enjoyed the side-characters, we've got villains, some nasty ones and they deserved their rightful fate in the end. It was all about self discovery. Stewart may be new in this but she certainly slays like a queen! I am hoping and looking forward to more of the characters' stories in this series.
BETA READ.
December 2, 2019
I didn’t want the story to end! I loved everything about Dan and Nikki’s relationship. It gave me all the feels and more!! It was super sexy, romantic, and at times heartbreaking. This is one of my favorite books of 2019!
November 17, 2019
Wow what an incredible story! I have been on a rollercoaster of emotions but it was so worth it and i think if a story that actually has you feeling along with it, is for sure one that has been brilliantly written! Nikki - what a strong brave courageous woman i adore her. Dan - As much as i wanted to bitch slap him a few times, he really grew on me in the end. These characters brought to life a situation many women and men face and it was done so well by a truly great author 😊
December 5, 2019
The Intimidation Game is an intriguing story that highlights some important issues. Nikki escapes an abusive relationship and moves to a new country. While there she gets a new start at a new company, although not everything is as it initially appears there either. This story had a slow burn pace and includes a myriad of topics including corporate espionage, bullying, domestic abuse, and PTSD. Although all of these topics seem unrelated Stewart does a good job of tying them all together. The entire story is told from Nikki's point of view, which really lets you understand her personal dilemma and PTSD. I would have liked to have gotten Dan's POV, he always seemed elusive to me as a character.
The title says Game Series #1, but I honestly have no idea what will come next in the series. It seems like this is a stand alone, so maybe the next books will feature different main characters? Also, there are some possible triggers that you should be away of, including: domestic abuse, murder and suicide.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The title says Game Series #1, but I honestly have no idea what will come next in the series. It seems like this is a stand alone, so maybe the next books will feature different main characters? Also, there are some possible triggers that you should be away of, including: domestic abuse, murder and suicide.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2019
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the ARC. I swear from chapter one I was absolutely hooked to the story. It was so freaking intense. I really got no words to describe how amazing this book was. I'm not going to give out any spoilers but I'm surely going to recommend reading this book. Fabulous job C.L. Stewart
July 14, 2020
This story was a great message of hope and strength, with the heroine healing after an abusive relationship.
December 16, 2019
Overall, I enjoyed Nikki and Dan's story! It gets a little redundant and sometimes is a bit confusing but it's a good story. Nikki leaves South Africa to escape her abusive boyfriend Mike. She moves to Glasgow where she meets Dan, her boss. There is attraction between them but Nikki suffers from her last relationship and must get through that in order to good with Dan. She lacks trust and suffers from PTSD and flashbacks. There are some aspects of this story that could be triggers for some.
July 24, 2020
First and definitely NOT last book by C L Stewart
Dan and Nikki has all the heat, angst, drama and romance to give you so many feels xx
Both have a past that makes it hard for them to share and open up but with each other they have found comfort, acceptance and healing.
Beautiful journey and definitely recommend xxx
Dan and Nikki has all the heat, angst, drama and romance to give you so many feels xx
Both have a past that makes it hard for them to share and open up but with each other they have found comfort, acceptance and healing.
Beautiful journey and definitely recommend xxx
December 6, 2019
This is wonderfully written book with the characters being well developed and engaging Nd the storyline flows easily from start to insist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2020
The journey of Nikki and Dan was raw and realistic. The chemistry off the charts and the emotional connection even better. Loved the realistic approach of Nikki and her past relationship struggles.
December 3, 2019
the book is absolutely amazing.
March 2, 2022
“You see, Nikki, guys like him are the cowards. They see women as objects, something to own. … Women are not our possessions, Nikki. … A man should never take what a woman isn’t willing to give. … A man should worship a woman’s body like she is Aphrodite herself.”
After a year of enduring her abusive relationship with her boss in silence, Nikki flees from South Africa to Glasgow, near where her family lives. She soon gets a job at another IT firm, and though struggling with major PTSD, she vows she will do it better this time, work harder; she already has a better job position. She just wants to get back to a life were she can be happy, successful, and not terrified of every man she sees, which means not even thinking about dating for a while.
But her new boss is incredibly sexy, and he needs her help on a secret project. Will she be able to resist this handsome man, or will he help her overcome her fears?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were decisions Nikki made that I couldn’t understand as someone who (thankfully) hasn’t been a victim of domestic abuse, but it was educational to get in her mind and understand how hard it is for someone to not only endure the abuse, but to try to overcome it if they’re lucky enough to get out.
After a year of enduring her abusive relationship with her boss in silence, Nikki flees from South Africa to Glasgow, near where her family lives. She soon gets a job at another IT firm, and though struggling with major PTSD, she vows she will do it better this time, work harder; she already has a better job position. She just wants to get back to a life were she can be happy, successful, and not terrified of every man she sees, which means not even thinking about dating for a while.
But her new boss is incredibly sexy, and he needs her help on a secret project. Will she be able to resist this handsome man, or will he help her overcome her fears?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were decisions Nikki made that I couldn’t understand as someone who (thankfully) hasn’t been a victim of domestic abuse, but it was educational to get in her mind and understand how hard it is for someone to not only endure the abuse, but to try to overcome it if they’re lucky enough to get out.
August 1, 2022
I could not put this book down! This is a fantastic story about the strength it takes to get out of a toxic, abusive relationship and the juxtaposition of what a healthy, respectful relationship looks like. I want to thank C.L. Stewart for the uplifting message she sends to all of us, that we are worthy of being treated with dignity and respect and that we always have a choice - even if that's difficult.
I was also impressed with the attention to detail on how emotional trauma affects us and how easy it is to go back to the devil you know because in the twisted logic of our subconscious, it is easier to work with known unknowns that unknown unknowns.
Finally, an added touch that meant a lot to me was that the main character, Nikki, is a South African expat, just like me. It gave me a personal connection to her that I enjoyed.
This book is well written and incredibly well polished. It is enjoyable on many levels as well as being informative and meaningful.
I was also impressed with the attention to detail on how emotional trauma affects us and how easy it is to go back to the devil you know because in the twisted logic of our subconscious, it is easier to work with known unknowns that unknown unknowns.
Finally, an added touch that meant a lot to me was that the main character, Nikki, is a South African expat, just like me. It gave me a personal connection to her that I enjoyed.
This book is well written and incredibly well polished. It is enjoyable on many levels as well as being informative and meaningful.
December 20, 2024
coding romance 🥰
So another new author to me
Nikki, flees her life from SouthAfrica to go to Glasgow, where her sister has just had her baby niece and end up working in a coding security company
Dan, the boss of Nikki’s new job, has taken a shine to her, but at what cost to both of them????
Although the spice isn’t hot hot, you still will love their relationship and will wish the ‘baddies’ their just deserves!!
I loved Damo in this story too
So another new author to me
Nikki, flees her life from SouthAfrica to go to Glasgow, where her sister has just had her baby niece and end up working in a coding security company
Dan, the boss of Nikki’s new job, has taken a shine to her, but at what cost to both of them????
Although the spice isn’t hot hot, you still will love their relationship and will wish the ‘baddies’ their just deserves!!
I loved Damo in this story too
May 22, 2022
Cute read
A nice office romance, but unfortunately while the plot idea was good the writing seemed rushed on some parts (the ending especially) and too focused on irrelevant parts in other instances. The characters also lack that tension that gets described but it’s not palpable on page.
A nice office romance, but unfortunately while the plot idea was good the writing seemed rushed on some parts (the ending especially) and too focused on irrelevant parts in other instances. The characters also lack that tension that gets described but it’s not palpable on page.
January 2, 2020
Little more attention to detail,less meaningless over the top emotionalism and a bit common sense needed to be involved in writing this.Abuse is always a popular clickbait for readers,but it takes a good writer to write of feelings of a person going through abuse.Quick read you easily forget.
June 8, 2022
I loved this book. Nikki is brave, strong and needs to begin her life again. Dan may be a thorn in her side but he will be the one to break the mould she’s used to
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews