What do you think?
Rate this book
The Games Duet #1-2
His Dark Game
Both New York Times Bestsellers in one Bundle!
THIRTY DAYS
That’s all Adam Steinbeck demands of his wife.
Thirty days in a remote cottage, doing everything he commands. After that, he’ll sign her divorce papers and give her complete ownership of their company.
That’s how long he has to rediscover the man he once was. The Dominant Master he hid when he fell in love with her five years before.
She wants the business they built badly enough to go to the cottage for a month. Cut off ties to the world and do his bidding. She can submit to him with her body, but her heart will never yield.
She thinks this is his pathetic attempt to repair their marriage.
She’s wrong.
———
This box set contains the complete Games duet -
THIRTY DAYS
That’s all Adam Steinbeck demands of his wife.
Thirty days in a remote cottage, doing everything he commands. After that, he’ll sign her divorce papers and give her complete ownership of their company.
That’s how long he has to rediscover the man he once was. The Dominant Master he hid when he fell in love with her five years before.
She wants the business they built badly enough to go to the cottage for a month. Cut off ties to the world and do his bidding. She can submit to him with her body, but her heart will never yield.
She thinks this is his pathetic attempt to repair their marriage.
She’s wrong.
———
This box set contains the complete Games duet -
Audible Audio
First published April 13, 2018
1547 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
C.D. Reiss
112 books9,640 followersCD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Read
December 16, 2019I'm taking a break from this book. After seeing so many of my fellow readers rate this duet so highly, I thought for sure it would be something I'd love. And it's CD Reiss! Her writing is always incredible. But... I was bored. I don't even know why but I found I didn't care about the characters, their falling apart marriage, their history or their future, their nothing. How could this be???
Ah well, I look forward to reading more from the author. One story that wasn't for me won't stop me from being a huge fan of hers.
Ah well, I look forward to reading more from the author. One story that wasn't for me won't stop me from being a huge fan of hers.
May 30, 2019
Imagine u are in commited relationship. Then one day u realize ur partner is not entirely honest with you. And now ur entire life hanging in balance.
His Dark Games is about that. Finding tj truth about you and your partner. Theu journey you take together to find out, to strip bare of who you are. Only then, you embark on another journey to find your HEA. Can you embrace yourself,love yourself and love your partner?
CD Reiss writes a powerful story. This book is duet series. Hence the length. Her signature of fast paced and many analogy will put you on edge. Blink, you miss.
I do enjoy the book. Although some part is confusing for me. Especially Adam.
4 stars
His Dark Games is about that. Finding tj truth about you and your partner. Theu journey you take together to find out, to strip bare of who you are. Only then, you embark on another journey to find your HEA. Can you embrace yourself,love yourself and love your partner?
CD Reiss writes a powerful story. This book is duet series. Hence the length. Her signature of fast paced and many analogy will put you on edge. Blink, you miss.
I do enjoy the book. Although some part is confusing for me. Especially Adam.
4 stars
November 20, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/14/2019)! 🎁
June 10, 2023
the first 20 chapters of book 1 were so boring I just couldn't bring myself to finish it. It has nothing to do with the dom/sub thing but just the writing was putting me to sleep
March 18, 2020
DNF
I blame my GOODREAD FRIENDS for this DNF! I got distracted by all the great books they were leaving reviews for, and I kept going back to this one time and time again and I would find myself thinking about the next book i wanted to read. I just could’nt get into this one and I am not a huge fan of BDSM, so at around 20% I decided to move on. Life’s too short not to enjoy it.
I blame my GOODREAD FRIENDS for this DNF! I got distracted by all the great books they were leaving reviews for, and I kept going back to this one time and time again and I would find myself thinking about the next book i wanted to read. I just could’nt get into this one and I am not a huge fan of BDSM, so at around 20% I decided to move on. Life’s too short not to enjoy it.
September 4, 2018
This author is hit & miss for me, I either absolutely love it or I cannot finish it. 10% in and there is no way I can push past it. I may try to pick it up a other time, but probably won't. The issue I am struggling with is the male mc is so wimpy and we are supposed to believe he is a Dom...nope, not buying it. Worse than that is the female mc. Evidently, everyone but her husband can tell she is submissive. So her husband a Dom of many years and experience gives his wife to be, one order, which she declines & that is it. He then decides to go vanilla for her. The whole thing is just lame lame lame. Im pissed because I bought the series :(
September 9, 2020
See individual books for reviews :)
July 17, 2019
I can't believe I waited so long to read this. Adam and Diana start at the lowest point of a marriage. First he's fighting to salvage it, then her. It gets better them actually even worse. This is a story of pain, sensuality, acceptance, and deep love. At times I was so angry at both of them, wanting to yell at them. I cried. I got hot and bothered. I rooted for their love.
I haven't read a bdsm book in quite awhile, and I don't read a lot of stories with preformed couples. They pull at you in a different way. They go deeper, stronger, the bonds are different. The fall is further and the results can be more extreme. I love this and slap me if I ever wait so long to read a CD Reiss book again.
I haven't read a bdsm book in quite awhile, and I don't read a lot of stories with preformed couples. They pull at you in a different way. They go deeper, stronger, the bonds are different. The fall is further and the results can be more extreme. I love this and slap me if I ever wait so long to read a CD Reiss book again.
April 3, 2019
Incredible
Adam and Diana's story in the beginning was absolutely heart breaking.
Somewhere along the way in their marriage, they lost one another.
Only time will tell if these two will be able to repair eachother.
Adam and Diana's story in the beginning was absolutely heart breaking.
Somewhere along the way in their marriage, they lost one another.
Only time will tell if these two will be able to repair eachother.
August 19, 2019
Can they find love again?
Awesome read! I couldn't out it down. This series had me from beginning to end. He loved his wife, she didn't love him. After finding out what he had been hiding for the last give years, she thought he was disgusting. Until she got a taste of his world. Can they find love again when she becomes a part of his world? Grab your copy and see what happens.
Awesome read! I couldn't out it down. This series had me from beginning to end. He loved his wife, she didn't love him. After finding out what he had been hiding for the last give years, she thought he was disgusting. Until she got a taste of his world. Can they find love again when she becomes a part of his world? Grab your copy and see what happens.
July 21, 2021
Another great story by CD Reiss. This compelling story left me on the edge of my seat. Adam brought Diana to a dark & different place than she was used to. Excellent Narration by Sebastian York & Elena Wolfe.
January 7, 2022
1st read April 27, 21 - 4 stars
2nd read Jan 6, 2022 - 5 stars
Review Jan 6, 2022
For whatever reason, the individual book, Separation Games (book 2), won't allow me to leave a review so I'm leaving it here with the book I read previously, which contained both book 1 and 2.
I loved this book the second time. Seriously could not get enough of Diana and Adam's story. His dominant side and her submission to his demands in the bedroom were just perfect. I liked how well they knew each other so that in the midst of working through their bedroom issues/scenes. they could break their roles and become equal partners again to take care of their business. I loved how he loved her and never had any interest in anyone else. His declarations of love for her were swoon-worthy.
I have recently read a bunch of "cheater" books and didn't realize how much anxiety that gave me. This couple worked through it all within their relationship (mostly), and it was a relaxing/comforting ride with just a few anxious moments when outside forces/people tried to break into their coupledom. I admit I liked the jealousy, esp from Adam (esp the broken window scene and his fabrications that were obviously just a ploy to make her do what he wanted and to make another male seem unappealing) but also the reassurance that their love for each other was always there, regardless of their statements that they couldn't love each other. Their characters were complex and multilayered and their growth throughout the story was wonderful to see.
Despite the overriding BDSM theme, this story was a bit of a fairytale to me. Their issues seemed insurmountable in the beginning but somehow they were able to work it out in the end. It was quite lovely and gives me a bit of hope that no matter how dire things seem, finding a way through the mess to a solution and happiness is not an impossibility, if we want it badly enough.
Review April 27, 21
Really good.
Got sucked in right away by reading Adam’s POV. I loved the way he thought and his inner dialogue was sexy as anything. His love for her was unwavering regardless of what he told her. I liked his jealousy. His descriptors for what he had planned and their bedroom games were just dirty enough to be appealing but not too much. I loved his dominant side.
I liked Diana too. She’s feisty and not afraid to use any tool to get him back. Their battle to get back together was pretty awesome. I liked her manipulation.
I feel like reading it again and all my favourite parts. A sure sign it was a great read.
Why wasn’t it a 5? Didn’t care for his nickname “Huntress”, how she started calling him “sir” all of a sudden and didn’t understand the Serena seeking approval part at the end. Stephan and Serena confused things for me- I didn’t like their roles in the story but maybe that was the point because really, I liked seeing Adam reject her.
Plan to read more by this author.
2nd read Jan 6, 2022 - 5 stars
Review Jan 6, 2022
For whatever reason, the individual book, Separation Games (book 2), won't allow me to leave a review so I'm leaving it here with the book I read previously, which contained both book 1 and 2.
I loved this book the second time. Seriously could not get enough of Diana and Adam's story. His dominant side and her submission to his demands in the bedroom were just perfect. I liked how well they knew each other so that in the midst of working through their bedroom issues/scenes. they could break their roles and become equal partners again to take care of their business. I loved how he loved her and never had any interest in anyone else. His declarations of love for her were swoon-worthy.
I have recently read a bunch of "cheater" books and didn't realize how much anxiety that gave me. This couple worked through it all within their relationship (mostly), and it was a relaxing/comforting ride with just a few anxious moments when outside forces/people tried to break into their coupledom. I admit I liked the jealousy, esp from Adam (esp the broken window scene and his fabrications that were obviously just a ploy to make her do what he wanted and to make another male seem unappealing) but also the reassurance that their love for each other was always there, regardless of their statements that they couldn't love each other. Their characters were complex and multilayered and their growth throughout the story was wonderful to see.
Despite the overriding BDSM theme, this story was a bit of a fairytale to me. Their issues seemed insurmountable in the beginning but somehow they were able to work it out in the end. It was quite lovely and gives me a bit of hope that no matter how dire things seem, finding a way through the mess to a solution and happiness is not an impossibility, if we want it badly enough.
Review April 27, 21
Really good.
Got sucked in right away by reading Adam’s POV. I loved the way he thought and his inner dialogue was sexy as anything. His love for her was unwavering regardless of what he told her. I liked his jealousy. His descriptors for what he had planned and their bedroom games were just dirty enough to be appealing but not too much. I loved his dominant side.
I liked Diana too. She’s feisty and not afraid to use any tool to get him back. Their battle to get back together was pretty awesome. I liked her manipulation.
I feel like reading it again and all my favourite parts. A sure sign it was a great read.
Why wasn’t it a 5? Didn’t care for his nickname “Huntress”, how she started calling him “sir” all of a sudden and didn’t understand the Serena seeking approval part at the end. Stephan and Serena confused things for me- I didn’t like their roles in the story but maybe that was the point because really, I liked seeing Adam reject her.
Plan to read more by this author.
June 13, 2019
This author is one who gets the BDSM lifestyle quite accurately, which is why I was surprised by some of the attitudes contained herein.
Normally you have one person - the one being introduced to the lifestyle - who has a negative attitude. They'll mention those truly awful books as their entire knowledge base, and that already annoys me. But in this duet, everybody talks about it negatively. The number of times Doms would refer to each other as "sick" and "freak" made my blood boil. Once or twice in a sarcastic way might have been understandable, but I did not get that feeling here at all. It seemed to me that every single person truly believed that living this lifestyle was an aberration, something unnatural. Made me angry.
I'm not in the lifestyle, but I have a friend who is and I've read a lot about it. So for someone who is on the peripheral to take umbrage you have to be pretty freaking offensive. (To be fair, my friend was more easily able to sweep aside this negativity in favour of the accuracy of Adam's dominance and treatment of his subs.)
Another problem I had with the stories was - for me - that a big scary element was introduced and then ... it simply disappeared. Her life is supposedly in danger, or Adam seems truly concerned, and he takes Charlie with him to confront this other person. (Charlie must have agreed there was an issue.) And after he lies about what happened when he spoke with the other person, Adam is still having her followed and the bodyguard is still there. And the guy following her when she was jogging? Was he some rando or was he the danger? I don't know, my friend didn't know, does anyone know? (I'm sorry if I got confused and missed something. I do that frequently. But I was also pissed at the book so ...)
With all that being said, this book did have me pulled in from the get-go. I put aside errands and chores to read it over two days. It obviously hooked me, and for that I applaud the author. I just had a lot of issues with the subject. The writing, the emotions, the dialogue ... all were great. (Though really with the Serena? How cliche.)
Looking forward to more of the author's work, though I won't dive right in straight away.
Normally you have one person - the one being introduced to the lifestyle - who has a negative attitude. They'll mention those truly awful books as their entire knowledge base, and that already annoys me. But in this duet, everybody talks about it negatively. The number of times Doms would refer to each other as "sick" and "freak" made my blood boil. Once or twice in a sarcastic way might have been understandable, but I did not get that feeling here at all. It seemed to me that every single person truly believed that living this lifestyle was an aberration, something unnatural. Made me angry.
I'm not in the lifestyle, but I have a friend who is and I've read a lot about it. So for someone who is on the peripheral to take umbrage you have to be pretty freaking offensive. (To be fair, my friend was more easily able to sweep aside this negativity in favour of the accuracy of Adam's dominance and treatment of his subs.)
Another problem I had with the stories was - for me - that a big scary element was introduced and then ... it simply disappeared. Her life is supposedly in danger, or Adam seems truly concerned, and he takes Charlie with him to confront this other person. (Charlie must have agreed there was an issue.) And after he lies about what happened when he spoke with the other person, Adam is still having her followed and the bodyguard is still there. And the guy following her when she was jogging? Was he some rando or was he the danger? I don't know, my friend didn't know, does anyone know? (I'm sorry if I got confused and missed something. I do that frequently. But I was also pissed at the book so ...)
With all that being said, this book did have me pulled in from the get-go. I put aside errands and chores to read it over two days. It obviously hooked me, and for that I applaud the author. I just had a lot of issues with the subject. The writing, the emotions, the dialogue ... all were great. (Though really with the Serena? How cliche.)
Looking forward to more of the author's work, though I won't dive right in straight away.
October 6, 2019
I finished this at 5 am and I stayed up all night reading this duet. I am in tears. What a sexy, tense, heart wrenching fascinating love story. Getting to experience these two being torn down and built back stronger..I thought I had already read my favorite book by this author and idk why I sat on this one for so long, but I can honestly say I have never read a set of books I loved more. Speechless and head over heels in love with myself, I think I’m going to go find coffee instead of sleep to treat the book hangover I will surely have. I doubt these books will ever leave my mind or heart. Brilliant work.
June 23, 2019
Fantastic Story That Will Twist You Up Inside As You Watch The Dissolution Of A Marriafe And Root For It To Rebuild Itself On The Carnage!
Adam and Diana's story will grab you right away and keep you turning pages!
Adam, thirty-one, is a self-made man. He buys businesses and real estate, and has every intention of buying a failing publishing house at a great price and breaking it apart to sell off the pieces at a profit. Until he sees Diana.
Diana is twenty-three and heiress to the family publishing business. She dropped out of college when her mom got sick, and remained by her ailing father's side when her mother died. She was groomed to take over the business and has every intention of keeping it in the family.
When Adam wants to buy the company, Diana convinces him to build the company back up with her instead. Their attraction was instant, and one year later they married. But after five years together, without a hint of warning, Adam finds a note from Diana telling him their marriage is over.
Adam wants to either win Diana back or have the chance to get over his undying love for her, and she wants the Jag, the condo, and her family business. Those things mean little to Adam in comparison to his love for Diana, so he proposes games for her to earn them, which give him the time he needs with her.
This story unfolds by beginning with Adam's POV, then switching one third through to Diana's before ending in Adam's. A 50/50 split. It was nice to get deeply into one character's head, but by switching off and then back at the end, it allowed the reader to get immersed with each character while still seeing the marriage from both sides. Both were less than honest. Both failed to communicate effectively.
Trying to dissect what went wrong takes a good portion of the book, and the games take up the bulk of the rest. But in the games, there is a big tug of war. While Diana reconsiders her decision, Adam pulls away, and vice versa. This began to get old after a while, which is why I gave the book just four stars. I would have given it 4.5 if possible. I really wanted to give it five stars - it was that good!
I loved the character development. The story was complex, but somewhat realistic and not over the top, aside from the wealth (which wasn't flaunted) and the dom/sub scene.
Adam and Diana's story will grab you right away and keep you turning pages!
Adam, thirty-one, is a self-made man. He buys businesses and real estate, and has every intention of buying a failing publishing house at a great price and breaking it apart to sell off the pieces at a profit. Until he sees Diana.
Diana is twenty-three and heiress to the family publishing business. She dropped out of college when her mom got sick, and remained by her ailing father's side when her mother died. She was groomed to take over the business and has every intention of keeping it in the family.
When Adam wants to buy the company, Diana convinces him to build the company back up with her instead. Their attraction was instant, and one year later they married. But after five years together, without a hint of warning, Adam finds a note from Diana telling him their marriage is over.
Adam wants to either win Diana back or have the chance to get over his undying love for her, and she wants the Jag, the condo, and her family business. Those things mean little to Adam in comparison to his love for Diana, so he proposes games for her to earn them, which give him the time he needs with her.
This story unfolds by beginning with Adam's POV, then switching one third through to Diana's before ending in Adam's. A 50/50 split. It was nice to get deeply into one character's head, but by switching off and then back at the end, it allowed the reader to get immersed with each character while still seeing the marriage from both sides. Both were less than honest. Both failed to communicate effectively.
Trying to dissect what went wrong takes a good portion of the book, and the games take up the bulk of the rest. But in the games, there is a big tug of war. While Diana reconsiders her decision, Adam pulls away, and vice versa. This began to get old after a while, which is why I gave the book just four stars. I would have given it 4.5 if possible. I really wanted to give it five stars - it was that good!
I loved the character development. The story was complex, but somewhat realistic and not over the top, aside from the wealth (which wasn't flaunted) and the dom/sub scene.
May 25, 2023
Made me feel everything
This author paints emotional stories and vivid word pictures.
Spoiler.......
I read most of the first book, but ended up skipping to the last couple of chapters if the last book because the emotion I ended up feeling the most was pain and sadness. I couldn’t get over Adams constant interaction with the perfect submissive Serena. It hurt me that Diana was constantly having to see him interact with Serena when his entire attention should have been on her and their journey of discovery and healing together.
For me, this book, as good as it could have been was a miss because it ended up being as much about his relationship with Serena as it was his relationship with Diana. It was unfair to both of the MC to have such a distracting and destructive force in the ‘home’ Adam demanded they share for 30 days.
I won’t be reading more of this authors but she writes well. I just don’t want to be reading more about a past relationship, how perfect the submissive is and how he leaves a bound Diana, after telling her he’d be next door to go spend 45 minutes ( what Diana thought was all night) with the submissive she’s pretty much being taunted with.
Also, the author didn’t let Diana express her pain and rage the way a normal woman would have in that situation..
How about, you brought my here, you said you loved me, I’m trying...seriously trying to give you what you want and what scares me and you leave me for her... she’s more important to you, when I’m bound in this bed?
And that’s why I left you Adam.
That’s what a normal woman would have done. Or even Adam telling her he wanted to hurt her..he was internally emotionally hurting her to punish her for leaving him.
Anything but the constant presence of Serena.
After they had their break though moment ..it was Serena’s crying, after being punished by Adam, standing in the corner of what is now supposed to be Diana’s room, that was the first thing Diana heard. And the first thing Adam and Diana did after the most emotionally intimate moment in the book was to go interact with Serena, the perfect submissive.
That’s when I gave up on these books. I just couldn’t with this story any more.
This author paints emotional stories and vivid word pictures.
Spoiler.......
I read most of the first book, but ended up skipping to the last couple of chapters if the last book because the emotion I ended up feeling the most was pain and sadness. I couldn’t get over Adams constant interaction with the perfect submissive Serena. It hurt me that Diana was constantly having to see him interact with Serena when his entire attention should have been on her and their journey of discovery and healing together.
For me, this book, as good as it could have been was a miss because it ended up being as much about his relationship with Serena as it was his relationship with Diana. It was unfair to both of the MC to have such a distracting and destructive force in the ‘home’ Adam demanded they share for 30 days.
I won’t be reading more of this authors but she writes well. I just don’t want to be reading more about a past relationship, how perfect the submissive is and how he leaves a bound Diana, after telling her he’d be next door to go spend 45 minutes ( what Diana thought was all night) with the submissive she’s pretty much being taunted with.
Also, the author didn’t let Diana express her pain and rage the way a normal woman would have in that situation..
How about, you brought my here, you said you loved me, I’m trying...seriously trying to give you what you want and what scares me and you leave me for her... she’s more important to you, when I’m bound in this bed?
And that’s why I left you Adam.
That’s what a normal woman would have done. Or even Adam telling her he wanted to hurt her..he was internally emotionally hurting her to punish her for leaving him.
Anything but the constant presence of Serena.
After they had their break though moment ..it was Serena’s crying, after being punished by Adam, standing in the corner of what is now supposed to be Diana’s room, that was the first thing Diana heard. And the first thing Adam and Diana did after the most emotionally intimate moment in the book was to go interact with Serena, the perfect submissive.
That’s when I gave up on these books. I just couldn’t with this story any more.
April 24, 2019
DARK, COMPELLING, EMOTIONAL READ!
Adam Steinbeck gets a rude awakening one day when he finds a note on his kitchen counter from his wife telling him she no longer loves him and she is divorcing him. He has no idea she feels this way.
He loves his wife deeply with all his heart. He has never loved another.
This is how this book starts and we are treated to chapters in the present alternating with the past to give us the backstory of how Diana and Adam met and married give years ago. This first part of the book is told in Adam's POV only. We get an understanding of Adam's past and what he has been repressing all these years. He proposes 30 days away together for his own personal reason. Diana thinks it is to change her mind. She couldn't be more wrong.
Part 2 picks up in Diana's POV which helps us understand a lot more of what she has experienced during their marriage. The 30 days away takes on another purpose to Diana after she becomes immersed in Adam's lifestyle and she is determined to win him back.
There are some rough scenes in this book dealing with BDSM which may be triggers for some people, dealing with rape role playing and choking. The sex scenes were very hot and I will say I didn't skip over any, which I do have to in some other books. These were great and just right.
This was to me an exceptional book, I became very invested in Diana and Adam's future. I was very satisfied with the ending. I always know I can one click a CD Reiss book and have no qualms I'm gonna love reading her book!
Adam Steinbeck gets a rude awakening one day when he finds a note on his kitchen counter from his wife telling him she no longer loves him and she is divorcing him. He has no idea she feels this way.
He loves his wife deeply with all his heart. He has never loved another.
This is how this book starts and we are treated to chapters in the present alternating with the past to give us the backstory of how Diana and Adam met and married give years ago. This first part of the book is told in Adam's POV only. We get an understanding of Adam's past and what he has been repressing all these years. He proposes 30 days away together for his own personal reason. Diana thinks it is to change her mind. She couldn't be more wrong.
Part 2 picks up in Diana's POV which helps us understand a lot more of what she has experienced during their marriage. The 30 days away takes on another purpose to Diana after she becomes immersed in Adam's lifestyle and she is determined to win him back.
There are some rough scenes in this book dealing with BDSM which may be triggers for some people, dealing with rape role playing and choking. The sex scenes were very hot and I will say I didn't skip over any, which I do have to in some other books. These were great and just right.
This was to me an exceptional book, I became very invested in Diana and Adam's future. I was very satisfied with the ending. I always know I can one click a CD Reiss book and have no qualms I'm gonna love reading her book!
February 17, 2023
Award winning writing and performance ! Aaaaaaaaaaaahhh I cant remember the last time i felt so emotionally consumed by a book. His Dark Games by Christine D Reiss narrated by Elena Wolfe and Sebastian York has left me feeling RAW. No wonder I put this one off for so long. First i was SO frustrated with Diana and Adam i wanted to slap some sense into both of them, then as they both began their separate paths of self discovery i wanted to invite CD Reiss over for a chat over tea and cake because of the gazillion sexuality and love questions she dangled and left unanswered and by the end i just wanted to hug Elena and Sebastian for bringing this story alive. I like Sebyo but i dont necessarily seek out his work. This performance was a surprise. The prep, the control and precision he poured into his acting of every word was plain as day. Absolutely award worthy. And Elena Wolfe, im biased because i love her voice above all others but truly she gave one of the most magnificent performances ive ever listened to. Diana’s transformation came alive right in front of my eyes as if i was watching it on film. Christine leaves me after 17hrs with so many beautiful words and thoughts i had to write them down in my own journal. This is one for the books. Bravo!
May 16, 2019
Marriage Games
What an ending! I did not see that coming.... at all!
Adam, a dominant, and his wife Diana, not a submissive, have a great life together. They meet as he jumps in to try and take over her family's struggling business. They fall in love, something Adam has never done, but is he really present in this relationship, if he is ignoring his dominant side?
This story proceeds with falling out of love, and trying to rebuild what they had. But I did not expect that ending.
Now I have to read Separation Games to find out what happens!
Separation Games
The ending to this Games Duet was heart wrenching and at times totally cry worthy.
My heart was breaking for Adam and Diana as they struggled to come to terms with the perimeters of their relationship.
Diana needed completion of what Adam started with these games, and Adam did not want to be that person because he was afraid he could not love her that way.
C.D. Reiss gives the reader the emotions of her characters and makes them feel the joy, the despair, the love, and the hope in these novels. I read stories to be moved in some way and this series definitely gave me that.
What an ending! I did not see that coming.... at all!
Adam, a dominant, and his wife Diana, not a submissive, have a great life together. They meet as he jumps in to try and take over her family's struggling business. They fall in love, something Adam has never done, but is he really present in this relationship, if he is ignoring his dominant side?
This story proceeds with falling out of love, and trying to rebuild what they had. But I did not expect that ending.
Now I have to read Separation Games to find out what happens!
Separation Games
The ending to this Games Duet was heart wrenching and at times totally cry worthy.
My heart was breaking for Adam and Diana as they struggled to come to terms with the perimeters of their relationship.
Diana needed completion of what Adam started with these games, and Adam did not want to be that person because he was afraid he could not love her that way.
C.D. Reiss gives the reader the emotions of her characters and makes them feel the joy, the despair, the love, and the hope in these novels. I read stories to be moved in some way and this series definitely gave me that.
September 28, 2021
I LOVEEEE a good sub/dom book, and I LOVEEE CD Reiss. So, this duet was a 1 click on buy for me. But, I'm SUPER disappointed in it, for a couple reasons. Book 1 is duet style with Sebastian York narrating a large portion of the beginning and Elena rounding out the end, loved that narration!!! Book 2, is DUAL narration with Elena Wolfe reading the majority of the book until the last 1.5 hours then its SebYo's turn for the final chapters. HATED THAT. Now, onto the story itself.... Adam and Diana. Adam is a reforned Dom that married Vanilla sex NON-SUB Diana and wants a NORMAL life. 5 years of marriage goes by and poof!! Diana wants a divorce. So, Adam lays it all on the line shows her his DOM side for 30 days to win her back? Diana is the most VANILLA person when it comes to sex, to the point that she hates it when he spanks her. Yet gets turned on and grows to love it in the 30 days. Now its Adam that no longer wants to be a Dom and doesnt want her as a Sub. She is soo frustrating because SHE brought all this on herself. DON'T FIX WHAT ISNT BROKEN. The book was good, but infuriated me because of DIANA! I wouldn't waste a credit or purchase.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2019
Shocked, stunned, and beyond words... that is how I feel now that I have finished this book.
For me, it is the anatomy of a marriage. There is love, there is loyalty, and there is a partnership of equals. What appears to be a perfect marriage is only the surface gloss of two souls who are in denial of who they truly are. This story delves into the psyche of these two lovers while sharing from both their POV's their most intimate secrets.
Would you change yourself to the point of not being able to recognize your needs and desires for the sake of someone you love? I would have to say yes. I have lived it. You want to preserve the love. Denying and adjusting who you are and seeking a status quo is easier than delving deep inside or forcing your partner to look deep inside and analyze. Sometimes there is a definite terror to further analyzes. What if it changes what you now are comfortable with?
This is our author's unequivocal masterpiece. I have read everything this author has written. In my opinion, this is her writing at the peak of her gift.
For me, it is the anatomy of a marriage. There is love, there is loyalty, and there is a partnership of equals. What appears to be a perfect marriage is only the surface gloss of two souls who are in denial of who they truly are. This story delves into the psyche of these two lovers while sharing from both their POV's their most intimate secrets.
Would you change yourself to the point of not being able to recognize your needs and desires for the sake of someone you love? I would have to say yes. I have lived it. You want to preserve the love. Denying and adjusting who you are and seeking a status quo is easier than delving deep inside or forcing your partner to look deep inside and analyze. Sometimes there is a definite terror to further analyzes. What if it changes what you now are comfortable with?
This is our author's unequivocal masterpiece. I have read everything this author has written. In my opinion, this is her writing at the peak of her gift.
November 2, 2019
Let's the Games begin 🤫
I have been wanting to read this 2 book set for so long, but knew they contained the premise of a marriage in turmoil and I was alittle afraid to see all the angst that was probably there. It was, but I liked it! I had to be in the right mood to read it and today was that day!
The question is- what happens when a person does a 180 degree turn and gives up everything they know themselves to be to love someone else? Adam was that man. He lived his adult life as a dominant who needed a submissive woman he could break, but not love. His wife, his only love, Diana, was not that woman, so rather than try to change her and most likely lose her in the process, he gave up his true self for her and loses himself instead. Only thing- she had no idea and would be horrified if she did.
The result of his sacrifice came back to bite him while their marriage and life together fell apart. What would he do to get his wife and happiness back? You'll have to read this duet to find out.
This is a long, introspective, character driven story that puts you right inside the minds of this couple. There are stretches of chapters dedicated to just Adam, then Diana, then back. Hearing their POV often made me want to scream but a good story will wring things from you, won't they? I could feel for both of them and it was hard to watch their mistakes sometimes. I wondered many times- how will this situation ever resolve itself? Can it???
This book has very descriptive, kinky sex scenes that some could find offensive so don't read it if this bothers you. C.D. Reiss has a unique style I love and doesn't do boring, that's for sure! She goes where that dark mind leads and I'm always glad to tag along for the wild and steamy ride.
I have been wanting to read this 2 book set for so long, but knew they contained the premise of a marriage in turmoil and I was alittle afraid to see all the angst that was probably there. It was, but I liked it! I had to be in the right mood to read it and today was that day!
The question is- what happens when a person does a 180 degree turn and gives up everything they know themselves to be to love someone else? Adam was that man. He lived his adult life as a dominant who needed a submissive woman he could break, but not love. His wife, his only love, Diana, was not that woman, so rather than try to change her and most likely lose her in the process, he gave up his true self for her and loses himself instead. Only thing- she had no idea and would be horrified if she did.
The result of his sacrifice came back to bite him while their marriage and life together fell apart. What would he do to get his wife and happiness back? You'll have to read this duet to find out.
This is a long, introspective, character driven story that puts you right inside the minds of this couple. There are stretches of chapters dedicated to just Adam, then Diana, then back. Hearing their POV often made me want to scream but a good story will wring things from you, won't they? I could feel for both of them and it was hard to watch their mistakes sometimes. I wondered many times- how will this situation ever resolve itself? Can it???
This book has very descriptive, kinky sex scenes that some could find offensive so don't read it if this bothers you. C.D. Reiss has a unique style I love and doesn't do boring, that's for sure! She goes where that dark mind leads and I'm always glad to tag along for the wild and steamy ride.
July 7, 2019
Diana and Adam fought hard
I absolutely love this book. In parts it shows the ways that a marriage can change. It demonstrates the sexual and emotional struggle within a couple. The journey begins with Diana leaving her husband Adam a letter. She decides that she is leaving and wants a divorce. Adam is devastated by her revelation and wants a chance to reconcile. He asks for a month alone to be together. This is a simple yet tricky game because they will both discover some things about each other. They will become closer and at the same time rip one another apart. The journey to truth and passion is worth the sacrifice. Love is worth saving. This is well written and plotted. The emotional tension is thick and present throughout the book. Even the supporting characters are like real people. Definitely worth the read and the effort. 💕💕💕💕💕
I absolutely love this book. In parts it shows the ways that a marriage can change. It demonstrates the sexual and emotional struggle within a couple. The journey begins with Diana leaving her husband Adam a letter. She decides that she is leaving and wants a divorce. Adam is devastated by her revelation and wants a chance to reconcile. He asks for a month alone to be together. This is a simple yet tricky game because they will both discover some things about each other. They will become closer and at the same time rip one another apart. The journey to truth and passion is worth the sacrifice. Love is worth saving. This is well written and plotted. The emotional tension is thick and present throughout the book. Even the supporting characters are like real people. Definitely worth the read and the effort. 💕💕💕💕💕
March 12, 2020
I’m confused as to why they included the chapter about going to the Met - it get it shows the reader that she was interested and aroused by dominance at a young age but it seems that at the end when she says “he was my kettle of fish now”, I feel as though she isn’t talking about her father but yet about her husband.
It seems to be a bit overdone when in the beginning of Separation Games she follows Adam to the Cellar once and then twice during the tryout night pretty much begging to be his.... the creativity of the situation really lacks there.
Diana makes it a constant point to say how much she loves him and wants him back but when they mess around at his old childhood home, she doesn’t love him? The loving but vanilla Adam?
The ending of Chapter 36 of Separation Games, where Adam falls to his knees in from of Diana with the change of POV was calculated but powerful.
It seems to be a bit overdone when in the beginning of Separation Games she follows Adam to the Cellar once and then twice during the tryout night pretty much begging to be his.... the creativity of the situation really lacks there.
Diana makes it a constant point to say how much she loves him and wants him back but when they mess around at his old childhood home, she doesn’t love him? The loving but vanilla Adam?
The ending of Chapter 36 of Separation Games, where Adam falls to his knees in from of Diana with the change of POV was calculated but powerful.
July 24, 2019
I'm an avid reader and author of dark erotica. It's rare that a book will prevent me from sleeping and eating, so rare that this is the first time it has happened ever! I could not put this down for a second and my heart was in my mouth for most of the time. It's no secret that I love a feisty heroine, but Diana was perfect. Lots of fire, lots of heat, determined, outspoken... need I go on? Adam was the ultimate Dom, the perfect mix of implacable tyrant and sadist, but with just the right mix of humanity thrown in. This husband and wife pair are both a little damaged and tortured, and they light up the pages like you wouldn't believe.
Fabulous.
Now off to read everything else Reiss has ever written!
Fabulous.
Now off to read everything else Reiss has ever written!
December 1, 2019
I had to reread the first story to remember everything all over again to get me ready for the second story. Am very glad I did. It is just as good as before and the second story completes and brings it altogether. Adam and Diana. They get married and all is well until Adam reads a note. They have both been harboring hidden secrets that were not apparent in the beginning. Adam decides to propose a 30 day INVITATION if you will to Diana. There are quite a few stipulations though. Will this give them insight to what they need to do to fight or sink? Will Adam and/or Diana stick to it. Who will win and who will lose? Or could this be a WIN WIN! “MARRIAGE GAMES” and “ SEPARATION GAMES “! The ultimate games of life and marriage with DOMS and SUBS.
May 25, 2020
Psychology for lovers
CD freaks me out as the smartest person in the room. Her grasp on these characters inside and out is astounding. They don't make a move or statement that is not warranted or aesthetically true. Both, Adam and Diana are strong and vulnerable. I never sat back wanting to smack a character for making some silly mistake that happens so often in other storylines. There is push and pull, fight and flight self discovery and responsibility. I truly enjoyed both books. I even went back to read certain chapters a few times before pressing on because they were so insightful. I know for a fact that whatever book I read from CD Reiss, I will enjoy and probably need a drink before during and after. Thank you again for another great piece of work.
CD freaks me out as the smartest person in the room. Her grasp on these characters inside and out is astounding. They don't make a move or statement that is not warranted or aesthetically true. Both, Adam and Diana are strong and vulnerable. I never sat back wanting to smack a character for making some silly mistake that happens so often in other storylines. There is push and pull, fight and flight self discovery and responsibility. I truly enjoyed both books. I even went back to read certain chapters a few times before pressing on because they were so insightful. I know for a fact that whatever book I read from CD Reiss, I will enjoy and probably need a drink before during and after. Thank you again for another great piece of work.
September 30, 2022
Engaging Intricacies
I had to give this author her props. I am not into this hard core kinks but it was interesting and engaging to read. Took a few days but I wanted to see how their relationship turned out.
I also liked how I identified and could easily comprehend the inner workings of what felt like like real people. This wasn't surface level generic characters. This author took us on a journey of the intricate musings of individuals in a unique life and lifestyle, that I for one would not otherwise experience.
I didn't enjoy the sex scenes as much as I probed the minds of what some are into and why. Most of this was not my cup of tea. However, it was still an engaging read and I definitely recommend this author.
I had to give this author her props. I am not into this hard core kinks but it was interesting and engaging to read. Took a few days but I wanted to see how their relationship turned out.
I also liked how I identified and could easily comprehend the inner workings of what felt like like real people. This wasn't surface level generic characters. This author took us on a journey of the intricate musings of individuals in a unique life and lifestyle, that I for one would not otherwise experience.
I didn't enjoy the sex scenes as much as I probed the minds of what some are into and why. Most of this was not my cup of tea. However, it was still an engaging read and I definitely recommend this author.
June 23, 2019
Wow. I don't know that I have the words to really encompass how much I loved this book. CD Reiss has such a phenomenal grasp of both the Dominant and submissive mind... my only complaint is that they didn't always feel like something was *wrong* with them for feeling the way they do.
Adam is...everything. Not too damaged, but there's some things in his past that certainly haunt him and keep him from being all that he could be within his marriage to Diana.
Diana, far from the wilting flower, is going to test him at every turn. Her path to submission is stunning and real. The supporting characters are vibrant and compelling. I loved this story. LOVED it. I can't wait to read it again.
Adam is...everything. Not too damaged, but there's some things in his past that certainly haunt him and keep him from being all that he could be within his marriage to Diana.
Diana, far from the wilting flower, is going to test him at every turn. Her path to submission is stunning and real. The supporting characters are vibrant and compelling. I loved this story. LOVED it. I can't wait to read it again.
February 17, 2020
This duet is one of my absolute favorites not by just Christine herself but dark romance in general. It is a roller coaster of emotion that has you on multiple ups and downs in the best way. When Adam wakes up and finds his wife Diana has decided to leave his whole world was rocked. He knew he wasn’t going to be able to keep her but had to show her why, Diana thought there was no way her heart could be won back. Both of them learn they were wrong, The chemistry intensifies with each chapter and just never stops leaving you craving even more. I could not put this down the first time and every reread I do my heart beats just as fast.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews