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Playing Games Duet #1
Playing Games
Wild child. Free spirit. Troublemaker. That’s me.
I never thought I’d meet my match, but I was wrong. Levi Harlen is an unstoppable force just like me, and together we make something truly amazing. Hot, heated, passionate. He does things to me no other guy ever has. I love the way it feels, but I hate it, too.
Levi’s a liar, you see, and I stepped into his web unknowingly.
This frat boy is about to find out that I’m not going to play his games, I’m going to play my own. He thinks he can hurt me by doing the sh*t he does? He’s wrong. Nothing can hurt me, even as my life spirals out of control.
My name is Kelsey Yates, and I’m about to show this liar what it feels like to be rejected and beaten at his own game.
Game on.
Playing Games is the first in a M/F duology, and it includes steamy scenes. There are some mentions of self-harm, along with some bullying. Kelsey and Levi are both forces to be reckoned with, and neither one will back down. If you’re looking for a story with perfect characters who don’t make mistakes, look somewhere else.
I never thought I’d meet my match, but I was wrong. Levi Harlen is an unstoppable force just like me, and together we make something truly amazing. Hot, heated, passionate. He does things to me no other guy ever has. I love the way it feels, but I hate it, too.
Levi’s a liar, you see, and I stepped into his web unknowingly.
This frat boy is about to find out that I’m not going to play his games, I’m going to play my own. He thinks he can hurt me by doing the sh*t he does? He’s wrong. Nothing can hurt me, even as my life spirals out of control.
My name is Kelsey Yates, and I’m about to show this liar what it feels like to be rejected and beaten at his own game.
Game on.
Playing Games is the first in a M/F duology, and it includes steamy scenes. There are some mentions of self-harm, along with some bullying. Kelsey and Levi are both forces to be reckoned with, and neither one will back down. If you’re looking for a story with perfect characters who don’t make mistakes, look somewhere else.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2019
About the author
Candace Wondrak
115 books1,863 followersHey guys! I'm a writer, an office worker, a wife, a mother to two dogs and two cats, and half of a strange pair of young adults who flip the houses they're living in with the goal of having no mortgage (so that I can eventually focus on my writing career!). Needless to say, I'm busy.
Still, I somehow find time to write, to read, and to enjoy life. Wish there were more hours in the day, really!
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Still, I somehow find time to write, to read, and to enjoy life. Wish there were more hours in the day, really!
If you're active on Goodreads and have similar interests, friend me. I don't bite. Or if you'd rather follow my reviews, you can do that, too.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 11, 2020
Oh Kelsey, what did you do?
I love this author and was happy to read Kelsey's story. When I read Candace's books, at least the series of hers have read so far, I expect lots of crazy and even better when there are a few sociopaths in the mix, lol. Her writing style and way of revealing things in a story is perfect. I somehow expected Kelsey's drama to be darker something maybe.
I love how we get a better version of events of Halloween here. I also was wondering what was going on with Kelsey in the HU series and thought Ash was being a bad friend to Kelsey. Now, I see the other side so it doesn't seem quite so bad.
Yes I know! Kelsey screwed up, but she didn't know. Sawyer didn't even know what world he was in. And that night was bad for everyone anyway.
So yeah. I will read the next one to see what happens next.
Oh, and I definitely prefer RH over regular M/F couple romances. I keep trying to make a harem out of characters on regular books and then getting frustrated when I realize it's not that genre!
I love this author and was happy to read Kelsey's story. When I read Candace's books, at least the series of hers have read so far, I expect lots of crazy and even better when there are a few sociopaths in the mix, lol. Her writing style and way of revealing things in a story is perfect. I somehow expected Kelsey's drama to be darker something maybe.
I love how we get a better version of events of Halloween here. I also was wondering what was going on with Kelsey in the HU series and thought Ash was being a bad friend to Kelsey. Now, I see the other side so it doesn't seem quite so bad.
Yes I know! Kelsey screwed up, but she didn't know. Sawyer didn't even know what world he was in. And that night was bad for everyone anyway.
So yeah. I will read the next one to see what happens next.
Oh, and I definitely prefer RH over regular M/F couple romances. I keep trying to make a harem out of characters on regular books and then getting frustrated when I realize it's not that genre!
Want to Read
October 26, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/26/2021)! 🎁
November 19, 2019
OMG have you ever wanted to reverse time?? I’m pretty sure Kelsey does...
Playing Games features Kelsey, Ash’s best friend who is seen in the Hillcrest University saga, which occurs during the same timeline. In Skank (Hillcrest University #3), Kelsey is involved in one of the craziest cases of mistaken identity that results in intense self-loathing on her part and a deep scar on her friendship with Ash. Literally no one is a winner here, but in Playing Games, we see everything precluding this event that sheds light on Kelsey’s frame of mind during this scandal. Kelsey is definitely rough around the edges, and Candace Wondrak knows we all kinda love-to-hate Kelsey right now, but this works in her favor and gives her room for tons of character growth throughout the Playing Games Duet.
Playing Games literally takes one character who makes a really BAD decision and pairs her with another (Levi) who made an even worse decision (and basically is scum) and somehow comes out with two redeemable, if not slightly more like-able characters. However, the severity of Kelsey’s mistake is even worse when you read her mentality during the crossover event. It’s literally a “put that thing back where it came from or so help me” moment, but Kelsey doesn’t trust her instincts and it ends up in her instead. 🤦♀️ Sadly, Kelsey and Levi let their mistakes drive their lives into uncomfortably regrettable situations...
Kelsey and Levi are very anti-relationship, but decide to try because they feel so strongly for one another. Levi’s lies are too big though, and their relationship is quickly ripped apart at the seams. Unfortunately, it is not quick enough and both have already fallen down the rabbit hole of love, turbulent though it may be. It will definitely be interesting to see how Levi redeems himself in Kelsey’s eyes after we see the level of vile he produced in his actions toward Mel. Though, I guess now, Kelsey has her own damming scandal to regret as well.
Knowing how much I love Candace’s writing, I still went into this book hesitantly as to whether I really wanted to or could like Kelsey. Kelsey is no Ash, but Playing Games isn’t Hillcrest University either. While the books and the timelines cross-over, the plots and the characters are insanely different and completely worth reading. Did Kelsey break girl code? Hell yes! Was she really to blame? Not really...it was just really bad timing on everyone’s (except Sawyer’s) part. Be sure to read Playing Games...Kelsey is definitely worth it!
Playing Games features Kelsey, Ash’s best friend who is seen in the Hillcrest University saga, which occurs during the same timeline. In Skank (Hillcrest University #3), Kelsey is involved in one of the craziest cases of mistaken identity that results in intense self-loathing on her part and a deep scar on her friendship with Ash. Literally no one is a winner here, but in Playing Games, we see everything precluding this event that sheds light on Kelsey’s frame of mind during this scandal. Kelsey is definitely rough around the edges, and Candace Wondrak knows we all kinda love-to-hate Kelsey right now, but this works in her favor and gives her room for tons of character growth throughout the Playing Games Duet.
Playing Games literally takes one character who makes a really BAD decision and pairs her with another (Levi) who made an even worse decision (and basically is scum) and somehow comes out with two redeemable, if not slightly more like-able characters. However, the severity of Kelsey’s mistake is even worse when you read her mentality during the crossover event. It’s literally a “put that thing back where it came from or so help me” moment, but Kelsey doesn’t trust her instincts and it ends up in her instead. 🤦♀️ Sadly, Kelsey and Levi let their mistakes drive their lives into uncomfortably regrettable situations...
Kelsey and Levi are very anti-relationship, but decide to try because they feel so strongly for one another. Levi’s lies are too big though, and their relationship is quickly ripped apart at the seams. Unfortunately, it is not quick enough and both have already fallen down the rabbit hole of love, turbulent though it may be. It will definitely be interesting to see how Levi redeems himself in Kelsey’s eyes after we see the level of vile he produced in his actions toward Mel. Though, I guess now, Kelsey has her own damming scandal to regret as well.
Knowing how much I love Candace’s writing, I still went into this book hesitantly as to whether I really wanted to or could like Kelsey. Kelsey is no Ash, but Playing Games isn’t Hillcrest University either. While the books and the timelines cross-over, the plots and the characters are insanely different and completely worth reading. Did Kelsey break girl code? Hell yes! Was she really to blame? Not really...it was just really bad timing on everyone’s (except Sawyer’s) part. Be sure to read Playing Games...Kelsey is definitely worth it!
December 2, 2019
Fun spin off
I wasn’t entirely sure if I would enjoy this book before going in, mostly because I already kind of knew Kelsey as a character from the Hillcrest series and I knew what would eventually happen. That being said, it took me a couple chapters to get into but once I did, I loved it. This book focuses on the typical college freshman drama with a little dark and twisted secret that I wasn’t expecting.
Kelsey is a rash and a rather self destructive person at times. She makes plenty of bad decisions which she acknowledges. I cannot necessarily fault her for her poor choices because I can understand making choices when emotions are running high and you’re not thinking clearly can lead to regret later down the road. It’s just a part of life. The true test of a person’s virtue and morals is what comes after said regretful decisions, so it will be interesting to see how the next book plays out for Kelsey. Kelsey has had a few terrible things happen to her in the span of a few short months at college, so I can understand why she wants to lose herself in the moment and forget about what’s happening around her, but hindsight is always 20/20.
This book can be read without reading the Hillcrest series, but I think I would recommend to read it before reading Kelsey’s story.
I wasn’t entirely sure if I would enjoy this book before going in, mostly because I already kind of knew Kelsey as a character from the Hillcrest series and I knew what would eventually happen. That being said, it took me a couple chapters to get into but once I did, I loved it. This book focuses on the typical college freshman drama with a little dark and twisted secret that I wasn’t expecting.
Kelsey is a rash and a rather self destructive person at times. She makes plenty of bad decisions which she acknowledges. I cannot necessarily fault her for her poor choices because I can understand making choices when emotions are running high and you’re not thinking clearly can lead to regret later down the road. It’s just a part of life. The true test of a person’s virtue and morals is what comes after said regretful decisions, so it will be interesting to see how the next book plays out for Kelsey. Kelsey has had a few terrible things happen to her in the span of a few short months at college, so I can understand why she wants to lose herself in the moment and forget about what’s happening around her, but hindsight is always 20/20.
This book can be read without reading the Hillcrest series, but I think I would recommend to read it before reading Kelsey’s story.
December 16, 2019
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
I was not sure how much I was going to like this book because the glimpse we saw of Kelsey in Skank was not promising. I mean come on.... She was in the middle of being fucked by a guy and her best friend walks in. Like you couldn't tell something was off by your best friend's face. She must not be that great of a best friend then.
After that, I wasn't sure what to expect in this book. Was I going to dislike Kelsey's character even more or was I going to start to like her....
In the beginning, I was slightly bored and confused as the story gave you bits and pieces of the whole story only to know there has to be something else that hasn't come to light yet. That was totally the case and honestly, I wasn't expecting the truth between Levi and Kelsey's roommate. Honestly, it made Levi look like a dick, but you can also see what came about him ditching her.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Even though this started with a slow start, I really liked this book more than I thought I would.
I was not sure how much I was going to like this book because the glimpse we saw of Kelsey in Skank was not promising. I mean come on.... She was in the middle of being fucked by a guy and her best friend walks in. Like you couldn't tell something was off by your best friend's face. She must not be that great of a best friend then.
After that, I wasn't sure what to expect in this book. Was I going to dislike Kelsey's character even more or was I going to start to like her....
In the beginning, I was slightly bored and confused as the story gave you bits and pieces of the whole story only to know there has to be something else that hasn't come to light yet. That was totally the case and honestly, I wasn't expecting the truth between Levi and Kelsey's roommate. Honestly, it made Levi look like a dick, but you can also see what came about him ditching her.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Even though this started with a slow start, I really liked this book more than I thought I would.
December 9, 2019
I loved it
I was wary going into this because I disliked Kelsey a lot in Skank, of which she is a side character, so I wasn't sure what I was going to think. However, reading her own story, seeing inside her head, seeing things from her point of view my opinion has changed completely. I love the kind of person Kelsey is. She stands up for herself and other people, she's upfront about what she wants. And I feel sorry for her. I won't say why because I don't want to spoil it for anyone but I do feel sorry for her.
Now, Levi. God I love Levi. He's made some rather big mistakes, for the wrong reasons and I hope in the next book he manages to stick up for himself a bit more. I love how much he loves Kelsey.
I can't wait for the next book, to see where things go with these characters and how things get resolved - if they do. Love it.
I was wary going into this because I disliked Kelsey a lot in Skank, of which she is a side character, so I wasn't sure what I was going to think. However, reading her own story, seeing inside her head, seeing things from her point of view my opinion has changed completely. I love the kind of person Kelsey is. She stands up for herself and other people, she's upfront about what she wants. And I feel sorry for her. I won't say why because I don't want to spoil it for anyone but I do feel sorry for her.
Now, Levi. God I love Levi. He's made some rather big mistakes, for the wrong reasons and I hope in the next book he manages to stick up for himself a bit more. I love how much he loves Kelsey.
I can't wait for the next book, to see where things go with these characters and how things get resolved - if they do. Love it.
November 22, 2019
Wow don’t know what to say I couldn’t put this book down I read it in one night as I was hook from the start and had to keep reading to find out what happen next.Kelsey was meant to be going to college with her best friend Ash but she got a scholarship to Hillcrest University. Kelsey has not been at college long when she meets a group of guys but there is one that she likes Levi but her room mate warns her not to get involved with the guys as they are trouble and to stay away from them but she won’t say why.Kelsey needs to get away from college and decide to go home for the weekend but her parents tell her some news she does like so she goes straight back to SCC and makes a decision to go to a party. But Kelsey doesn’t realise that Levi one off the guys she was warned about is there and she decides to have some fun with him. But some of the decision Kelsey make are not always good and she makes one bad decision after another until she makes the worst decision of her life.
I have to say I loved how the relationship between Kelsey and Levi develops until a spanner is thrown in the mix and everything goes wrong. I cant wait to see what happens next between Kelsey and Levi as I loved there characters this is a must read book candance wondrak another fantastic book.
I have to say I loved how the relationship between Kelsey and Levi develops until a spanner is thrown in the mix and everything goes wrong. I cant wait to see what happens next between Kelsey and Levi as I loved there characters this is a must read book candance wondrak another fantastic book.
December 10, 2019
Insider look
This is a spin off from Candace's Hillcrest series. This series features Kelsey who is the best friend of the main character from that series. I suggest reading book 1 and 2 of that series before you dive into Kelsey's world.
Kelsey is unapologetically herself, good and bad. She meets her March in Levi they burn bright but they just might explode. We learn about what leads up to the ending of the book 2 in the Hillcrest series.
I really enjoyed this M/F book and learning more about Kelsey.
This is a spin off from Candace's Hillcrest series. This series features Kelsey who is the best friend of the main character from that series. I suggest reading book 1 and 2 of that series before you dive into Kelsey's world.
Kelsey is unapologetically herself, good and bad. She meets her March in Levi they burn bright but they just might explode. We learn about what leads up to the ending of the book 2 in the Hillcrest series.
I really enjoyed this M/F book and learning more about Kelsey.
December 12, 2019
Thoroughly surprised at how much I loved this!
Quite frankly, I wasn’t sure whether I would like this or not. Kelsey is a secondary character in Candace’s phenomenal Hillcrest University series. I have been at a crossroads on how I felt about her until I read this!
I absolutely loved it. Kelsey is such a strong FMC, and our MC hooked me in immediately! This was an extremely well written book and currently has me on a HUGE cliff hanger that I can’t wait to conclude in the next book!
For those of you who aren’t sure about our Kelsey, give her a chance. You would regret it😉
Quite frankly, I wasn’t sure whether I would like this or not. Kelsey is a secondary character in Candace’s phenomenal Hillcrest University series. I have been at a crossroads on how I felt about her until I read this!
I absolutely loved it. Kelsey is such a strong FMC, and our MC hooked me in immediately! This was an extremely well written book and currently has me on a HUGE cliff hanger that I can’t wait to conclude in the next book!
For those of you who aren’t sure about our Kelsey, give her a chance. You would regret it😉
March 7, 2022
Wow
I enjoyed reading from Kelsey’s POV after meeting her through Ash. It was nice to see where her head was at when she slept with Sawyer.
It also goes to show the best friends should definitely talk to each other more about what’s going on rather than bottling it up.
Levi and Kelsey are definitely the same person just different genders. So you know it makes sense that they believe they are doomed and keep doing things that either hurt the other or themselves.
She’s definitely gonna hate herself after Sawyer.
I enjoyed this.
10/10
I enjoyed reading from Kelsey’s POV after meeting her through Ash. It was nice to see where her head was at when she slept with Sawyer.
It also goes to show the best friends should definitely talk to each other more about what’s going on rather than bottling it up.
Levi and Kelsey are definitely the same person just different genders. So you know it makes sense that they believe they are doomed and keep doing things that either hurt the other or themselves.
She’s definitely gonna hate herself after Sawyer.
I enjoyed this.
10/10
November 23, 2019
Brilliant Read. really enjoyed reading this.
I love hearing all about Kelseys life. Kelsey is headstrong and she knows what she wants but hidden underneath is an ultimate good time girl. We obviously get to see some of the characters we all love in this book as well, although not in such a good light.
This is a brilliant book, can be read without the other series that goes alongside but why would you?
I love hearing all about Kelseys life. Kelsey is headstrong and she knows what she wants but hidden underneath is an ultimate good time girl. We obviously get to see some of the characters we all love in this book as well, although not in such a good light.
This is a brilliant book, can be read without the other series that goes alongside but why would you?
December 2, 2019
Sinfully good
Kelsey is one of the characters that you hate to love. She is so far from a sweet innocent girl. When Kelsey finds herself at college away from her best friend she has to navigate waters she has never been in. Dealing with a-holes and her family falling apart, Kelsey will take no prisoners. But is Kelsey her own worst enemy? I loved this and can't wait to find out what happens next!
Kelsey is one of the characters that you hate to love. She is so far from a sweet innocent girl. When Kelsey finds herself at college away from her best friend she has to navigate waters she has never been in. Dealing with a-holes and her family falling apart, Kelsey will take no prisoners. But is Kelsey her own worst enemy? I loved this and can't wait to find out what happens next!
December 3, 2019
Another great book. Loved seeing Kelsey's pov after reading Ash's series so far. To be able understand why Kelsey arrived at hillcrest the way she did.
You are taken on a crazy ride when she goes to college and meets her new roommate. Who she gets close to and helps build her up after her rocky start the year before. In the meantime she meets blue who will take her through many twists and turns to end the book on a slight cliff.
You are taken on a crazy ride when she goes to college and meets her new roommate. Who she gets close to and helps build her up after her rocky start the year before. In the meantime she meets blue who will take her through many twists and turns to end the book on a slight cliff.
December 2, 2019
This can be read on its own or with the Hillcrest University saga. I read some of the Hillcrest books before reading this book. In this book, we get a deeper look at Ash's best friend Kelsey. She already wasn't one of my favorite characters because of things that happen in Hillcrest so I had a little trouble getting into this book. I did get sucked in about half way through. I will read book 2.
December 3, 2019
This book can be read as a stand-alone or with the Hillcrest series, as Kelsey is Ash’s bestie! I genuinely enjoyed this book even though I didn’t particularly like Kelsey in the Hillcrest series. We get more backstory on her and her life, it’s not all peaches and cream but she makes it work! I will read the next book, my interest is peaked!
December 4, 2019
I need some blue in my life
So let me start by saying this is hands down one of my absolute favorite authors. Her books are raw, gritty, dark, twisted! My favorites all around.
I am not a fan of Kelsey in this book. I was hoping she would be more like her bestie but she just seemed jealous and fake about being tough. Hoping she doesn’t continue to be a troll in book 2.
So let me start by saying this is hands down one of my absolute favorite authors. Her books are raw, gritty, dark, twisted! My favorites all around.
I am not a fan of Kelsey in this book. I was hoping she would be more like her bestie but she just seemed jealous and fake about being tough. Hoping she doesn’t continue to be a troll in book 2.
January 10, 2020
Playing Games.....
I couldn't get with this one. In my opinion it's really not a bully romance. Just honry adults. It didn't start getting good until 3 quarters in the book. I don't like Kelsey at all. I love that she's a strong but her being strong, really makes her stupid. I'm more interested in Dean and Mel than her. Going to give the sequel a try now.
I couldn't get with this one. In my opinion it's really not a bully romance. Just honry adults. It didn't start getting good until 3 quarters in the book. I don't like Kelsey at all. I love that she's a strong but her being strong, really makes her stupid. I'm more interested in Dean and Mel than her. Going to give the sequel a try now.
April 28, 2022
I'm reading these in the suggested contemporary order and just came from Ash book 3. I wanted to HATE Kelsey on behalf of Ash and spent a good chunk of this book doing so successfully! But then, in comes Candace with her fantastic writing and loveable characters, bulldozing my determination! I liked learning more about Kelsey and look forward to the redemtion!
December 13, 2019
What an amazing spin-off from Hillcrest University! I didn’t know if I would like Kelsey all that much from some events that happened in HU, but I was quickly proved wrong! This book is an absolute must read if you’ve been reading the Hillcrest ones. I can’t wait to read MORE.
December 16, 2019
Omg
Omg I absolutely loved kelseys story and can not wait to see what happens next. It was great to see what happened at t he party with her and sawye r. and see it from her prospective. Give me more of both Kelsey and ashs stories.
Omg I absolutely loved kelseys story and can not wait to see what happens next. It was great to see what happened at t he party with her and sawye r. and see it from her prospective. Give me more of both Kelsey and ashs stories.
January 6, 2020
Hells Kels
I absolutely loved this look into Kelsey's life. She's tough and caring and I can totally see why Ash loves her BFF so much. This definitely offers some insight in her behaviour in the Hillcrest books and I love her all the more for it! And Levi... Oh my Levi... *Swoon*
I absolutely loved this look into Kelsey's life. She's tough and caring and I can totally see why Ash loves her BFF so much. This definitely offers some insight in her behaviour in the Hillcrest books and I love her all the more for it! And Levi... Oh my Levi... *Swoon*
January 11, 2020
Must Read
Really with the cliffhanger!! Seriously 🤦🏽♀️ that was one hell of an ending though. K really needs to figure stuff out and in a hurry. People need to be more truthful about stuff especially if they’re “best friends “
Really with the cliffhanger!! Seriously 🤦🏽♀️ that was one hell of an ending though. K really needs to figure stuff out and in a hurry. People need to be more truthful about stuff especially if they’re “best friends “
May 12, 2020
Great book!
I really enjoyed reading this book! It was great to see the story from her point of view because I always wondered what what going on in Kelsey's life when I was reading Ash's books.
I really enjoyed reading this book! It was great to see the story from her point of view because I always wondered what what going on in Kelsey's life when I was reading Ash's books.
December 15, 2019
I never thought I would love a bully romance but Candace knows how to bring her A game with her books. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the next one to see what Levi and Kelsey bring.
December 18, 2019
Great read
Kelsey's story is flippin heart wrenching and perfect. So much hurt and heartache. But so flippin perfect. I loved getting to know her better and seeing into her world.
Kelsey's story is flippin heart wrenching and perfect. So much hurt and heartache. But so flippin perfect. I loved getting to know her better and seeing into her world.
March 12, 2021
Interesting
It's interesting to read Kelsey perspective after reading Ash's. There was so much happening in Kelsey's life that was not touched upon in Ash's story
It's interesting to read Kelsey perspective after reading Ash's. There was so much happening in Kelsey's life that was not touched upon in Ash's story
December 12, 2021
So good!
This book is amazing! The story is great and the characters are perfect. I can’t wait to read the next!
This book is amazing! The story is great and the characters are perfect. I can’t wait to read the next!
May 23, 2026
I'm so tired...
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews