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Thistle Cove #2
Games We Play
Nothing is the same in Thistle Cove after Rose Waller’s disappearance.
The police ruled it a suicide and even though there’s disturbing evidence to suggest otherwise. Rose’s influential family has accepted this as the truth and are ready to move on.
Me? I'm not convinced.
Not that that I have much time for solving mysteries.
Ever since Rose vanished, my life has turned upside down. Not only is handsome quarterback, Finn Holloway, back in my life, but Ozzy Drake and Ezra Baxter are eager to test the waters of a unconventional relationship.
But, as much as I would love to focus on high school romance and homecoming traditions, the dark secrets that tormented Rose aren't happy to be exposed. There’s a killer on the loose—one that may have struck before—and if I don't watch out, I could be the next victim.
Games We Play is part two of the Thistle Cove series, a thrilling, murder-mystery, perfect for lovers of Riverdale, Pretty Little Liars and Nancy Drew. It’s a reverse harem dark romance that contains foul language and any sexual relationships are consensual.
209 pages, ebook
Published January 8, 2020
210 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 1, 2020
Rating: 4 stars
Rose's death was ruled as a suicide and life moved on at Thistle Cove. But blame the journalist in her, Kenley doesn't believe it and will not let a murderer walk free.
I keep saying that, but I really do enjoy Angel Lawson's writing. It's soft, delicate yet gripping and as the story progresses, the innocence of her character is slowly being taken away, as she grows up and dive into her little town's mysteries.
Although book two does give us a conclusion about Rose's disappearance, it also leaves multiple doors open to something much darker. And I look forward to the rest of the series.
Rose's death was ruled as a suicide and life moved on at Thistle Cove. But blame the journalist in her, Kenley doesn't believe it and will not let a murderer walk free.
I keep saying that, but I really do enjoy Angel Lawson's writing. It's soft, delicate yet gripping and as the story progresses, the innocence of her character is slowly being taken away, as she grows up and dive into her little town's mysteries.
Although book two does give us a conclusion about Rose's disappearance, it also leaves multiple doors open to something much darker. And I look forward to the rest of the series.
July 13, 2024
High School creeps
The ending…..WOW. Just WOW. I love the twist in this murder mystery. Crazy old “Bros”. I’m on to book 📖 3!
The ending…..WOW. Just WOW. I love the twist in this murder mystery. Crazy old “Bros”. I’m on to book 📖 3!
October 26, 2024
WHAT!? Just WHAT!?
This book had me on the edge of my seat. The books start off at a slow pace but the build up is definitely worth it. The ending is a total spiral and I’m always unable to put down the book.
I thought I knew who did it, and BAM lil bit of a twist.
The cliff hanger at the end!? Best believe I’m starting book 3 IMMEDIATELY!!!
Also the spice is definitely spicing more than the last book. We went from a lil kiss to OHHH HELLO.
Definitely recommend reading this murder mystery romance!!
So glad we have some answers about the girls but we have so much more to learn now.
This book had me on the edge of my seat. The books start off at a slow pace but the build up is definitely worth it. The ending is a total spiral and I’m always unable to put down the book.
I thought I knew who did it, and BAM lil bit of a twist.
The cliff hanger at the end!? Best believe I’m starting book 3 IMMEDIATELY!!!
Also the spice is definitely spicing more than the last book. We went from a lil kiss to OHHH HELLO.
Definitely recommend reading this murder mystery romance!!
So glad we have some answers about the girls but we have so much more to learn now.
January 9, 2020
Oh wow, this was an amazing book that I could not put down. The story will grab you and not let you go until the last page is read and then you ware wanting more. It moves along at the perfect speed neither too fast nor too slow, has amazing characters that you will fall in love with and a story that will not let you down. This is a must read no doubt about it and once you are down you are ready for more.
January 11, 2020
Rose Waller's death was declared a suicide. Kenley doesn't believe that and she just can't let it go. With Rose's death hanging over the school the Homecoming festivities become more of a celebration of the past than a focus on the present. As Yearbook Editor, Kenley is in charge of covering all of the festivities as well as carrying the theme over into the yearbook. While gathering pictures and interviewing people for articles, Kenley stumbles across another girl who lost her life her senior year. What if Rose's death wasn't isolated? Could history have repeated itself in Thistle Cove? And what about Kenley's own safety? Has she attracted too much attention to herself asking questions??
The suspense in this book keeps you turning the pages as fast as you can read. So many twists, so many surprises. Plus, there's Kenley to keep you on your toes. One moment she's the smartest girl in the room, the next she's asking questions that endanger herself. No self-preservation! Ozzie is adorable with his open adoration and Ezra is so full of pain and has such depth. I'm still trying with Finn but he hasn't won me over just yet. The girls, Juliette and Alice are complicated messes. Teen-age girls. And the adults. All still living in their glory days. It's an interesting cast, for sure. The shock value was high again at the end of this book but I have a feeling the biggest secrets of Thistle Cover are still to come. I can't wait for the next book. Kenley has put things in motion and I have no idea how it will all turn out. I love a good mystery.
The suspense in this book keeps you turning the pages as fast as you can read. So many twists, so many surprises. Plus, there's Kenley to keep you on your toes. One moment she's the smartest girl in the room, the next she's asking questions that endanger herself. No self-preservation! Ozzie is adorable with his open adoration and Ezra is so full of pain and has such depth. I'm still trying with Finn but he hasn't won me over just yet. The girls, Juliette and Alice are complicated messes. Teen-age girls. And the adults. All still living in their glory days. It's an interesting cast, for sure. The shock value was high again at the end of this book but I have a feeling the biggest secrets of Thistle Cover are still to come. I can't wait for the next book. Kenley has put things in motion and I have no idea how it will all turn out. I love a good mystery.
February 5, 2021
Bloody hell.
This novel's beginning is extremely infuriating, because naturally, prior to Kenley activating her account, what does she do? She throws Rose's stolen iPhone under her bed as if it's some guilty pleasure she no longer wishes to indulge in, rather than a pragmatic means of identifying her former best friend's killer. Fortunately for my easily bored, if a bit capricious nature, the plot soon thickens and Kenley's development as both a character and loyal detective make for fascinating character arcs. Honestly, I don't believe I've ever connected with a character, (one that I once pitied), so deeply. But there it is, KK's light hearted mischievous impulsiveness contrasting with her sweet, good girl side completely endeared her to me.
Now, because spoilers are for the lazy and taunting is for the energetic, all I'll reveal is this: the quaint town of Thistle Cove thrives on secrets, but when the sinister truth is revealed, consequences are deadly.
And I do mean that literally.
This novel's beginning is extremely infuriating, because naturally, prior to Kenley activating her account, what does she do? She throws Rose's stolen iPhone under her bed as if it's some guilty pleasure she no longer wishes to indulge in, rather than a pragmatic means of identifying her former best friend's killer. Fortunately for my easily bored, if a bit capricious nature, the plot soon thickens and Kenley's development as both a character and loyal detective make for fascinating character arcs. Honestly, I don't believe I've ever connected with a character, (one that I once pitied), so deeply. But there it is, KK's light hearted mischievous impulsiveness contrasting with her sweet, good girl side completely endeared her to me.
Now, because spoilers are for the lazy and taunting is for the energetic, all I'll reveal is this: the quaint town of Thistle Cove thrives on secrets, but when the sinister truth is revealed, consequences are deadly.
And I do mean that literally.
March 30, 2020
Captivating
The author definitely knows how to write a good murder mystery. Since I started reading the first book, I've been completely entranced by it, looking for clues with KK and falling in love with her boys. Who is a friend? Who is a foe? What is really going on in Thistle Cove? The plot develops at the perfect pace, never making me once feel like it's dragging. The secrets pile up and we got some answers along the way. Still, we are nowhere near figuring it out. This genre is a very close to my heart, being a fan of cosy mysteries and Agatha Christie stories since I was old enough to devour them. Well, Angel Lawson proves she can definitely hold her own in this genre. But that's not the only thing. Relationshipwise this book develops at a very natural pace. They are friends first, with crushes, and slowly go from there. It is sweet and relatable. Still a 5 star read for me!
The author definitely knows how to write a good murder mystery. Since I started reading the first book, I've been completely entranced by it, looking for clues with KK and falling in love with her boys. Who is a friend? Who is a foe? What is really going on in Thistle Cove? The plot develops at the perfect pace, never making me once feel like it's dragging. The secrets pile up and we got some answers along the way. Still, we are nowhere near figuring it out. This genre is a very close to my heart, being a fan of cosy mysteries and Agatha Christie stories since I was old enough to devour them. Well, Angel Lawson proves she can definitely hold her own in this genre. But that's not the only thing. Relationshipwise this book develops at a very natural pace. They are friends first, with crushes, and slowly go from there. It is sweet and relatable. Still a 5 star read for me!
May 3, 2020
Here’s what this book is about:”Nothing is the same in Thistle Cove after Rose Waller’s disappearance. The police ruled it a suicide and even though there’s disturbing evidence to suggest otherwise. Rose’s influential family has accepted this as the truth and are ready to move on. Me? I'm not convinced. Not that that I have much time for solving mysteries. Ever since Rose vanished, my life has turned upside down. Not only is handsome quarterback, Finn Holloway, back in my life, but Ozzy Drake and Ezra Baxter are eager to test the waters of a unconventional relationship. But, as much as I would love to focus on high school romance and homecoming traditions, the dark secrets that tormented Rose aren't happy to be exposed. There’s a killer on the loose—one that may have struck before—and if I don't watch out, I could be the next victim.”
I borrowed this book for free from Kindle Unlimited. I enjoyed this book. I’m looking forward to reading the next two books in the series.
I borrowed this book for free from Kindle Unlimited. I enjoyed this book. I’m looking forward to reading the next two books in the series.
January 8, 2020
Secrets We Keep introduced readers to the world of Thistle Cove where everything is definitely not what it seems. Games We Play continues this series and the twists and turns keep coming. I love Ozzy! He is probably my favorite out of Kenley's men because he supports her no matter what she decides to do. Finn, has a lot to atone for, and Ezra I am still getting to know and I like that aspect of him. His dad, on the other hand, can go jump off a cliff. I went back and forth between who I disliked more. Ezra Sr. or Jason Chandler. It changed with each chapter I read with them in it. This book was a fantastic read and I cannot wait to see what happens next for these characters.
January 8, 2020
Oh My Goodness!! This book had me devouring it in one sitting. Kenley Keane knows something doesn't feel right with Rose's suicide and Jacqueline's death. Not one to be deterred from the truth she puts her reporting skills to the test that makes her end up in some sticky situations. KK and her boys get closer in this book and I am loving it. With so many twists and turns in this book I couldn't take all of the suspense, but after that killer cliffhanger ending..... I am needing the next book! I have so many questions that I need answered. This is one of my favorite Angel Lawson's series to date!!
December 5, 2023
Kenley’s out here playing a dangerous game, and I’m here for it. I love how tenacious she is once she puts her head to something. I love the growth in the relationships with her three guys. I love to see the character growth in some of the side characters as well. I didn’t see the twist coming, but once it did, I couldn’t help wondering why I didn’t see it. As I was nearing the end, I was trying to figure out what was going to happen because something. After all, there’s two more books in the series. And I was not disappointed. That cliffy had me screaming, y’all. Pick this series up and read it.
July 5, 2025
3⭐️
While there are still more books to go in this series, I feel like this is wrapped enough for my tastes and I want to move onto something that I’m a bit more invested in. I love angel’s writing, but I feel like there’s a significant lack of depth in the character development that I’m used to with her books and it all feels very surface level and hard to connect to. I’m happy I got to itchy my mystery scratch and got somewhat closure, but even the cliffhanger doesn’t have me feeling like I immediately want to jump into the next book. Disappointed but maybe I’ll come back in the future when it finally itches too much again.
While there are still more books to go in this series, I feel like this is wrapped enough for my tastes and I want to move onto something that I’m a bit more invested in. I love angel’s writing, but I feel like there’s a significant lack of depth in the character development that I’m used to with her books and it all feels very surface level and hard to connect to. I’m happy I got to itchy my mystery scratch and got somewhat closure, but even the cliffhanger doesn’t have me feeling like I immediately want to jump into the next book. Disappointed but maybe I’ll come back in the future when it finally itches too much again.
January 8, 2020
I love Angel Lawson for a number of reasons, but particularly because she knows how to lull you into a false sense of security, and then rip the safety net away from you when you least expect it. Kenley and the boys grow quite a bit through this installment, and you really get to learn about Ezra, which is something I wanted a bit more of from the first book, which had been focused quite heavily on Finn and Ozzy. This book has twists and turns, as well as heart and humor, and I can't wait to see how the series concludes with the next book.
January 9, 2020
Holy moly!!!! As if our little crew hasn't been through enough, things amp up in this book. More and more puzzle pieces start getting revealed, and a huge surprise emerges! Turns out this wasn't the first tragic mystery in Thistle Cove! Could they be connected somehow? More people help piece things together, and the past and present collide. One thing is for sure, danger is lurking and Kenley seems to be the focus. There's a MASSIVE cliffhanger, so prepare yourself! I can't wait for the next installment!
July 4, 2021
That cliffy!
The author describes this as perfect for fans of Nancy Drew, Pretty Little Liars and Riverdale, and it’s a spot on comparison. Thistle Cove is one messy town and I could endlessly read the drama! In fact that's really why I'm obsessed. The series has a milder heat level than I prefer, but considering the characters ages, I'm glad for it. The 🔥 is quickly forgotten when you get into the story anyway. Everywhere you turn there's more secrets to be uncovered in this small town, and I can't wait to read about every one of them!
The author describes this as perfect for fans of Nancy Drew, Pretty Little Liars and Riverdale, and it’s a spot on comparison. Thistle Cove is one messy town and I could endlessly read the drama! In fact that's really why I'm obsessed. The series has a milder heat level than I prefer, but considering the characters ages, I'm glad for it. The 🔥 is quickly forgotten when you get into the story anyway. Everywhere you turn there's more secrets to be uncovered in this small town, and I can't wait to read about every one of them!
November 20, 2022
Interesting...
Lots of action with a nosy ballsy high school editor. Kenley doesn't really know when to say enough is enough. I admire her spirit but she put herself into more danger than necessary. I did guess correctly who I thought might be the murderer but if course things go much deeper than they even thought. This book has a lot of intrigue and mystery, a dash of spice thrown in. Definitely a high school Nancy drew reverse harem. If your looking for more of a ya mystery then this is for u.
Lots of action with a nosy ballsy high school editor. Kenley doesn't really know when to say enough is enough. I admire her spirit but she put herself into more danger than necessary. I did guess correctly who I thought might be the murderer but if course things go much deeper than they even thought. This book has a lot of intrigue and mystery, a dash of spice thrown in. Definitely a high school Nancy drew reverse harem. If your looking for more of a ya mystery then this is for u.
October 28, 2023
Book 2 set in Thistle Cove, a small town where everyone knows everyone's business, yet there are deep, dark secrets.
Kenley is still finding her way, a month after Rose Waller's disappearance (book 1). Her new relationship with Finn, Ozzy and Ezra is being kept secret, for obvious reasons. Then she finds out that Rose isn't the only girl to have gone missing...
I loved this as much as the first (not always a guarantee); the character development is first class, the mystery - mysteries - are gripping, and the story progresses compellingly.
Onto the next one!
Kenley is still finding her way, a month after Rose Waller's disappearance (book 1). Her new relationship with Finn, Ozzy and Ezra is being kept secret, for obvious reasons. Then she finds out that Rose isn't the only girl to have gone missing...
I loved this as much as the first (not always a guarantee); the character development is first class, the mystery - mysteries - are gripping, and the story progresses compellingly.
Onto the next one!
January 11, 2020
Leaves you wanting
This book series is one of my favorites in a while. If you haven't read the first one start there. This book has a good story line that keeps you turning the pages. I get frustrated some time how a book ends on a cliffhanger but I have to say even though this one did I wasn't. It is set up to make you want more but gave me the answers to the questions from the last book. The end left me surprised and can't wait for the next one.
This book series is one of my favorites in a while. If you haven't read the first one start there. This book has a good story line that keeps you turning the pages. I get frustrated some time how a book ends on a cliffhanger but I have to say even though this one did I wasn't. It is set up to make you want more but gave me the answers to the questions from the last book. The end left me surprised and can't wait for the next one.
February 12, 2020
Epic!
Wowi! So nicely resolved one aspect only to totally throw a spanner in the works and Chuck in a creepy stalker guy. Oh the lies of the rich and elite just keep tumbling out of this book. I feel like the relationship is more about kk and ozzy but I'm desperate for more on Ezra junior. This book has kept me reading and it's definitely been one I've struggled to put down. I'd highly recommend and I can't wait for book 3.
Wowi! So nicely resolved one aspect only to totally throw a spanner in the works and Chuck in a creepy stalker guy. Oh the lies of the rich and elite just keep tumbling out of this book. I feel like the relationship is more about kk and ozzy but I'm desperate for more on Ezra junior. This book has kept me reading and it's definitely been one I've struggled to put down. I'd highly recommend and I can't wait for book 3.
March 18, 2020
Haven't read book 1. Than you need to read it because this is a series so read in order in this case. This book leaves you wanting more. The story continues for our friends here as they try to solve the mystery that arises when Kenley finds another girl who disappeared in her senior year. Kenley doesn't think Rose's death is suicide so she worries history keeps repeating itself. Will she find answers? I love how the relationship between her and the guys progresses.
April 10, 2023
Holy guacamole I devoured this story. I am falling in love with each of these characters and I really didnt expect it. The first one was good for what it was, but this one really kept me guessing right until the end. Overall a really quick and easy read to cleanse the palette. I am glad that these books are relatively short, around 200 pages, its right to the point and sticks to the story from start to finish. None of that filler business.
Immediately jumping into the next one!
Immediately jumping into the next one!
April 27, 2023
Great second read
Finding what happened to Rose and Jaqueline seems to take so much of Kenleys time, as well as building her relationships with the boys, dealing with parents hiding decades old secrets and senior year. Just when it looks like life is going to be a little more normal, there’s that bunch of flowers and the note...wow, book three looks like a great read. 4.5 stars. Highly recommend.
Finding what happened to Rose and Jaqueline seems to take so much of Kenleys time, as well as building her relationships with the boys, dealing with parents hiding decades old secrets and senior year. Just when it looks like life is going to be a little more normal, there’s that bunch of flowers and the note...wow, book three looks like a great read. 4.5 stars. Highly recommend.
March 24, 2020
Games We Play🤷🏻♀️
In book two it picks up where it left off in book one. Secrets run rampant in Thistle Cove and Kenley learns of another missing girl. And things pick up with her boys but she finds herself in a dark and dangerous game. I definitely enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend this series.
In book two it picks up where it left off in book one. Secrets run rampant in Thistle Cove and Kenley learns of another missing girl. And things pick up with her boys but she finds herself in a dark and dangerous game. I definitely enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend this series.
April 27, 2020
Great mystery romance
Love the smart mind of the female main character. My prediction was close but not quite right on who the killer was. Now we need to figure out who is BD and what is up with Ezra Sr. I think the business cards may come in to play later. More secrets to unravel in Book 3.
Love the smart mind of the female main character. My prediction was close but not quite right on who the killer was. Now we need to figure out who is BD and what is up with Ezra Sr. I think the business cards may come in to play later. More secrets to unravel in Book 3.
March 4, 2021
Sooo I had every intention of writing my review for Games We Play before starting Lies We Tell. I really did. Unfortunately this series has me so hooked I couldn’t even wait five minutes to write my review before jumping into Lies We Tell and becoming engrossed... Which honestly should tell you everything you need to know. Go pick up this book!
April 6, 2022
Can games become deadly?
It’s got a lot of Nancy drew vibes this series and makes sense with it being aimed for the younger generation and murder mystery
It’s very cluedo who did it? but without a body lol
There’s a lot of secrets to this small town Thistle Cove
I could actually see this is a good TV series
It’s got a lot of Nancy drew vibes this series and makes sense with it being aimed for the younger generation and murder mystery
It’s very cluedo who did it? but without a body lol
There’s a lot of secrets to this small town Thistle Cove
I could actually see this is a good TV series
September 8, 2024
So good
I basically inhaled this book in a few hours. I so desperately wanted answers to the mysteries of Thistle Cove - and I got them!
Well…kind of. There is more than one layer of mystery and intrigue in this town, going back decades. One aspect may be solved, but truth and justice are yet to prevail. Two more books for that to happen!!
I basically inhaled this book in a few hours. I so desperately wanted answers to the mysteries of Thistle Cove - and I got them!
Well…kind of. There is more than one layer of mystery and intrigue in this town, going back decades. One aspect may be solved, but truth and justice are yet to prevail. Two more books for that to happen!!
January 8, 2020
That ending!
This book answered a lot of questions from book 1, but gave me more questions too. I loved the progress of the relationships between Kenley and the guys. I can't wait to get more answers in the next book.
This book answered a lot of questions from book 1, but gave me more questions too. I loved the progress of the relationships between Kenley and the guys. I can't wait to get more answers in the next book.
January 19, 2020
Awesome Series!!!
I have really enjoyed this series! The mystery is fantastic and the characters are so relatable . Kinley and the guys have a beautiful relationship and I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!
I have really enjoyed this series! The mystery is fantastic and the characters are so relatable . Kinley and the guys have a beautiful relationship and I can’t wait to read the next book!!!!
April 4, 2020
Love this book
I'm glad I decided to start reading this series.. it's well written and the characters are great.. the storyline hooks you in from the start and makes you want to keep reading.
I'm glad I decided to start reading this series.. it's well written and the characters are great.. the storyline hooks you in from the start and makes you want to keep reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews