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Stacked Deck #3

Game of Hearts

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Listen harder, even when there are no words.

Lucy “Bean” Kincaid is the quiet one. The sweet one who never creates waves in her already crazy family. She’s the second born of her generation, a skilled fighter, a dancing angel, and as selfless as it’s possible to be.
When Mac Blair’s heart gave out seven years ago and he became the recipient of a very special transplant, Lucy changed her life to make sure her best friend’s would be as smooth as possible.
Perhaps, if she never knew Mac, her college degree would lean toward the very thing that speaks to her soul. But that’s not her reality. Now Lucy is just a year out from graduation, she’s set to become a nurse, and when she’s not in class, she’s intent on making Mac see her as a woman, and not some kind of ornament made only to look pretty and sit upon a shelf.
How many times must she shake her backside in his face before he takes a hint - and a bite?

Game of Hearts is a friends to lovers, steaming hot tug of war between what Mac thinks is right, and what he so desperately wants to taste. It’s time Lucy stopped being the quiet one in the family.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2020

652 people are currently reading
234 people want to read

About the author

Emilia Finn

109 books1,558 followers
Emilia Finn is an Amazon Top 20 bestselling, Australia-based author with more than 55 books written and published to date.

She's a mom, a coffee addict, a collector of quirky coffee mugs, and before she had kids, she was a real-life full-contact fighter.

Her experience on the fight circuits helped her pen her first ever book—Finding Home—featuring a world champion MMA fighter Bobby Kincaid, and his leading lady and equal in every way, Kit Reilly. What was only supposed to be a once off experience instead turned into a career for Emilia, a thriving empire, and a daily grind she never wants to be rescued from.

Join Emilia's mailing list for exclusive material and new release alerts.

Website➜ https://www.emiliafinn.com

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5 stars
1,101 (73%)
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299 (19%)
3 stars
87 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
Profile Image for Janice Dudley.
489 reviews63 followers
July 4, 2025
mac was a tad annoying, it took 60% for him to get on board with Lucy
Profile Image for M..
510 reviews735 followers
June 7, 2020
She’s my most constant in my life, and I know, just one look, one single breath of the same oxygen she breathes, would make it so my lungs stop stinging.


Mac and Lucy have been best friends for half their lives, but there's also an undeniable attraction between them that everyone is aware of, even they know it, but Mac is determined to put the brakes on while Lucy wants the opposite.

Macallistar Blair hasn't had an easy life, and every time something good happens he's waiting for the other shoe to drop. He has been in love with Lucy for a long time, but he's not going to make any move because in his mind he doesn't deserve her. Lucy is a royalty princess and he's the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Not only in a poor way, but also with a permanent baggage called "I'm afraid of dying again" and "Lucy doesn't deserve this kind of life."

Lucy was born as a Kincaid, but where all her relatives are noises and obnoxious, she's the calm and quiet one. She's also a martyr, always putting the wishes of others above her own, but she doesn't blame them because she also recognizes the fact that everyone assumes things that aren't true about her because she keeps them to herself like, for example, her true passion. I can't explain well enough how identified I felt with her and her role in her loud and big family, so I also felt like they were calling me out.

I'm a little conflicted about whether I should give it 3-3.5 or 4 stars, mostly for three reasons:
1) The romance. It was always there, even before they were really together, in those little acts of best friends that they did for each other and they were cute and soft, but once they both recognized being together as soon as it passed we didn't see much of the relationship and the epilogue wasn't what I expected, it was more like a familiar thing.

2) The main conflict. This was bound to happen and it was Evie or Lucy, and considering that Evie's book had enough drama already, it was Lucy's turn. I'm not complaining about the conflict itself, nor that the OG have been touched, but about the time it happened. It was almost at the end of the book, and that mean a lot of drama and crying because that's the Kincaid way, but also little time to solve it so it felt rushed. I still love Jimmy anyway, he will always be my favorite clown <3

3) Mac's great gesture. I loved him, but I'm not giving him points for leaving everything aside and fulfilling Lucy's dream because that's basically the only thing he could do, so no points for doing the bare minimum. Besides it was all Soph's idea, my favorite feminist hacker ballerina <3<3<3 I loved that we got to see more of the Checkmate guys in this book.
Profile Image for christyheartsbooks.
1,147 reviews32 followers
June 6, 2020
**3.5** - Possible Spoilers - I do my best to not bring spoilers to my reviews but this one is hard for me to not do so.

Mac and Lucy. They have been in love with each other since they were kids but neither one is willing to make a move. Now that they are in their early 20's Lucy is done waiting for Mac to man up. She is determined to push all of his buttons to get what she wants - him - because she has given up everything else she wanted to be there for him and toe the line for her family.

This was a hard book for me to read. Like I said with the other Stacked Deck books I don't like reading about the next gen hurting and this is all this book was for the first 60%. Mac not taking what he wants because he doesn't think he deserves Lucy, that he doesn't have enough money to give her what she wants. It became tiring really listening to it over and over again. Especially when everyone showed him that material things didn't matter to her. Lucy, poor Lucy, running around doing anything and everything for everyone she loves but herself. My heart broke for her so many times. But I loved her determination and strength. And then when these two finally come together, it was nothing short of magical. From there on it was a total tear fest - all the feelings, sacrifice, love and heartbreak - ugh. It was so good that I lack words for it. I read it in one night and I am still trying to patch the pieces of my heart back together but this book was well worth the read.
Profile Image for Lost in Book World .
111 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2020
~ Must Read ~

If you’re looking for a heartwarming tale of how two childhood friends navigate the waters between friendship to lovers then this book is for you. Lucy “Bean” Kincaid is the quiet, selfless, dependable,
fiercely loyal second born of the Kincaid next generation .... Mac Blair is her best friend - all independent, loveable, determined and stubborn 6ft 3 of him.

Anyone from the outside can see that these two are meant to be.... but from Mac’s perspective, Lucy is so high on the pedestal he’s placed her on that he is not worthy of her. Lucy has other ideas though and ..... cue the entertaining and at times frustrating journey of how they can possibly meet in the middle while both still striving to achieve their own dreams.

“You don’t understand that I’m trying to set you free.” “And you don’t understand that I don’t want freedom if it doesn’t include you.”💚

With appearances by the favourite OG Kincaid’s, a mix of the Checkmate favourites, the ever-reliable presence of the unique bond between the awesome foursome, some Stacked Deck fighting competition and of course some good old fashioned input from characters you despise to spin their world of it’s axis - and you have yet another Emilia Finn masterpiece.

A world you can’t wait to jump into.... and reluctant to leave. I wish I could read it again for the first time - but I’ll settle for a reread like all the others!
Profile Image for Jolene Huber.
878 reviews11 followers
August 18, 2020
Whole Hearted

Bean aka Lucy Kinkaid has always been in love with Mac. Since the very first met up. From the first time she put him on his place. They have been best friends since. Neither talking or looking at others. Mac grew up poor with a single mother. He doesn't see himself as being worthy of her. Until she takes the decision out of his hands. But will the secret she has been keeping from her family for the year make it all fall down? Absolutely loving this series!
Profile Image for Debbie Hyde.
Author 32 books95 followers
March 2, 2023
loved it!!!

I love Mac and Lucy’s story. It’s my favorite in this series so far. I think I like the stories connected to Checkmate series the most. Jay & Sophia are my favorite
146 reviews
June 10, 2020
I’m trying so hard to like these books because I enjoyed the others so much but I struggled not to just put this one down so many times. Mac is so darn immature. The woe is me crap was over the top. I don’t understand why he kept going on and on about taking care of his mom and paying old hospital bills when his mom married a well off guy that I’m sure already paid those things off. Also you were a CHILD! Lucy was to good for him and I wanted her to move on. All the begging she did to get him to be with her was to much. Also all of the standing in the background but being mad no one knew her secret passion was insane. I feel like these books would have been better if the two couples so far were older. They thought and behaved like children for most of the book. Lucy dancing at a strip club over a bet was idiotic. Also why has Reid’s family turned into the bad guys? A because Evie dates one of them? It just all feels like high school and I wish these relationships waited until they were at least late twenties early thirties. There isn’t enough conflict in either of these stories for me. They feel very childish.

Lastly I’m tired of reading about booty shorts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for BookCoverLover.
313 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2020
Huge Emilia Finn fan. So I have come to expect more from her books. I was disappointed with how little time was given to their physical relationship. Not much flirty banter. Not much passion. Mac’s insecurities got a little boring. Sophie came across as a bit of a bully. Much was made about Bean being a strong independent women than everyone went behind her back at the end. After a few times in the studio, Mac could get out on stage with no practice and pull off a routine which would normally take a trained dancer yrs? The ending felt rushed and weak. I wish more time had been given to this couples love story instead of their troubles. Hoping book 4 is better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nadia.
426 reviews65 followers
February 9, 2021
HOLY SHIT

I don't do well with angst and slowburn but god, they are so cute and even though I wanted to smack mac in the head and physically push him into lucy's arms, I do understand where he's coming from. I love lucy's determination and her deep devotion to mac and how much they both love each other.
That shit jimmy pulled was exactly that, shit. But he's an idiot and I cannot stay mad at him for long. The things he said to his daughter... I'll gladly beat the shit out of him.
THE ENDING!!! THE LAST FEW PAGES!!! BEANIE BABY AND MAC DANCING TOGETHER!!! IT'S TOO MUCH FOR ME AND MY POOR HEART IS JUST SO FULL OF LOVE, I LOVE THIS FAMILY TO DEATH!!!
Profile Image for Sammy-Jo Williams.
39 reviews
June 18, 2020
OMG. This book continues the story of the kincids.... in particular bean and mac. At first it was nice, reading about 2 kids who grew up together, a love bound to be. Wow mac, i wanted to throat punch you so many times for rejecting Luce. I thought mmmm, this guy is never going to get his s.... together, then the tournament and Kyle shows his mean ass face again and throws bean and by default mac under the bus. My heart hurt so bad when jimmy turned on bean and mac. i barely read the words they were so hurtful, and jimmy hitting mac whilst defenseless omg, bastard. I wanted to hug them both so bad. Then i thought jesus its done, jimmy is never going to forgive her. Mac made me proud, how he stood by bean no matter what. He held her, he finally gave himself to her. That awful bitterness he carried for so long finally flew away and allowed him to love bean like she deserved. The last few chapters had me in tears. literally in tears. Mac gave so selflessly He finally did something that lucy has been doing her entire life. he gave her the dream. he gave her something no price could ever be made. and jimmy. oh jimmy. im so glad you sucked up your pride, and ego and hugged her like every little girl wants from their daddy. you finally seen bean for who she really is. yes she is a fighter, good one too just like you, but she was always meant to fly with dance. Thankyou emilia. You have captured my heart and released it again with this overwhelming feeling of true love, family and friendship. No one has to be in the shadows. we are all great at our own thing. we just have to look for them spotlights shining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer Harrison.
Author 2 books10 followers
January 4, 2024
A Different Kind of High

By now, assuming you've read Wildcard and Reshuffle, you've seen Mac and Bean, the other half of the "Fearsome Foursome."

This is their book, and it did not disappoint.
After Reshuffle, the question is... will there be a significant time gap between where it ended and the start of the next book, considering the Stacked Deck tournament is an annual event? Or will we get to see more training time and get to know the characters a little better. If you chose the latter, you are correct.

While time does jump forward throughout the book, it's not purely to focus on Stacked Deck. In fact, this book has more than just fighting... Bean is also a gifted dancer.

I really enjoyed learning more about both Bean and Mac. They've been part of the story the whole time, but this deeper look gives you a greater appreciation for who they are. Ben and Evie love fighting for what it is. Bean and Mac have their own reasons and it was great to see.

The story itself held my interest, despite coming down from the "high" of book 2. This just built it up in a different way.

In case you can't tell, I definitely recommend this book - the series as a whole, so far.
223 reviews
June 8, 2020
Ok. I have to give it five stars, although I will admit up until the 70% mark my rating was lower. Not because of the quality of writing but my own aversion to whiny broken records. Love MAC but seriously that boy with is hot/cold gripe and moan was a lot to take it.

That being said though, it was a realistic portrayal of his type if character so in the end I can't fault the story.

At the 70% mark though the tone changed - kind of seemed like flipping a switch but sometimes that can be reality. I was not emotional about the book until the scene with Lucy & Jimmy. Won't give away good or bad but it did bring tears to my eyes.

Emilia is a fabulous storyteller and even when the story or characters don't resonate with me there is still something there that keeps me from putting it down. For me, it's just the magic of her writing.
Profile Image for ANN MARIE EGGERS.
96 reviews
June 8, 2020
Emilia is a genius! What a ride!

This is just another installment and proof of how brilliant Emilia Finn really is. When you find yourself living your life book release to book release.....amazing! Emilia has done it again. Mac and Bean have a beautiful story individually and as a couple. If you read this, prepare to not put it down until you are finished with the last word! Do yourself a favor and read every book. Don’t stop, just read. This book though, Game of Hearts is just pure love and sacrifice. That is the basis from beginning to end. It is painful and frustrating and comforting and exciting. You will not regret this one. Also, I love how much the Checkmate Crew was involved. It’s just so good I am sure this is rambling and makes no sense but just know...it is WONDERFUL, AMAZING, FABULOUS!!!!
Profile Image for Elizabeth✨.
237 reviews3 followers
July 1, 2020
I loved this story because it was different than the first two books. I loved both of the characters, so maybe I was a little bias😏

Anyways, it was a great story, with a better and deeper understanding of them both which was nice! They are sweethearts but SO stubborn. It was sooo difficult to wait and wait for them to finally make a move or do something. I have to admit, I didn’t like how long it took, it was a while. I also wish the scene, when they finally got together, was more intense/ full filling. I felt there was a lot of build up, but the actual scene was meh (just my opinion).

Overall, the book was enjoyable and I didn’t want to put it down!

I am excited to read a little bit more about “Iowa” story! That will be interesting! 😍💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mindi.
778 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2023
Lovely

Ok here we go. This was a super sweet book. Mac was so frustrating though, you literally just wanted to shake him! Honestly, Lucy deserves sainthood after putting up with him. I think Soph was a b-word! Yes, they needed the hard truth but also where was she when doofus was throwing shade!?! Why did she wait till right before his fight? I'm really surprised Ben & Evie's wedding wasn't discussed.I know it wasn't the point of this story but come on!! They were here too. I would have thought it would have been mentioned. Even if it was just in it's planning stage. Hopefully it'll be mentioned the further we go? Either way I recommend this book & will be continuing on with the rest. On to the next!
Profile Image for Christina T.
522 reviews5 followers
April 1, 2023
emotional and heartwarming

Lucy and Mac are chalk and cheese but put them together and they have a love that has no limits and throughout trying times, fear and some hefty unrequited pride.. they come together sacrifice their own emotions and passions to become one.. the love and fear that has been apparent through out brings them together and they face fears, appreciate each others love and show that sometimes sacrifices are needed and you should never be afraid to be who you are, and love what you do. The love of a parent is so unconditional it’s easy to misplace love with hurt and disgust but the Kincaid’s know how to move forward and show that love in every way possible.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,393 reviews33 followers
May 31, 2025
A definite must read book and series

For the longest time it was always Evie and Mac being the outgoing, outrageous, and daring ones of the four best friends, which of course often led to trouble. Ben was always the protective one, but Lucy, aka Bean, was always there supporting her friends and family, no matter what it cost her personally. Now that they're all a bit older, she's decided that she's tired of waiting on Mac to make the first move. Unfortunately, he's still bitter about numerous things in his life, trying to be the martyr, but Lucy's not playing anymore. Lol! It's definitely going to be an adventure for them, as well as the rest of the family. A definite must read book and series!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
Profile Image for Cathy Heim.
31 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2020
Selfless love!

Lucy Kincaid has always been in the background. She supports everyone selflessly without ever letting them know where her heart really is. It's time for her to step out of the supporting role and be the star of her own story. And it's long past time for Mac to grow up and deserve her! Jimmy's little girl can't stay a little girl forever. She's a woman now and he has to see the truth even if it's not what he thinks he knows. Emilia Finn knows how to rip your heart out and put it back together in a way you didn't know it was supposed to be!
30 reviews
June 6, 2020
All up in the feels

Just when you think she can’t raise the bar any higher she adds a metric ton of weights and slays it. Emilia has a way with wringing every emotion from me and keeps dragging me into Roller Town, her world. Heroes and heroines in small town America. Tho we still don’t know exactly where Roller Town is, there are now more questions she keeps driving us crazy with. Who won Bobby/Jack fight? What was the pineapple joke and what is Ben’s entrance song. Emilia is absolutely amazing at drawing you in and keeping you on your toes from start to finish.
50 reviews
June 6, 2020


I absolutely love Rollertown! I couldn’t wait for Bean and Mac’s story! If you’re a true Roller you knew some of the plot that eventually had to come to light and was about to take place. I couldn’t wait to see how Emilia delivered it. Bean’s true feelings for Mac, her future and her Daddy...I have never read a series where all the pieces just fit. If you’ve just stumbled upon the Stacked Deck series, you are truly missing all the pieces. Go back to the OG Bobby and Kit and begin this journey- you won’t regret it. Until the next installment; all hail Emilia Finn!
Profile Image for Pamela Henderson.
263 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2020
Another great read by Emilia Finn. Been waiting on Mac’s story for a while, but a lot of this book felt more like Lucy’s story more than it did Mac’s. I loved how the book turned out but I was so hoping Mac would have finally gotten his big win but I guess he did when he finally gave in and got his Lucy. A story of how childhood best friends became one together. Mac helped Lucy fulfill her dream and I’m hoping he will in the next couple of books it will show he will finally be able to fulfill his fighting dream. Now let’s see what happens to Iowa.
Profile Image for Alicia Wilkins.
38 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2020
Well this was definitely worth the wait. I loved bean when she was born and I definitely think she is one of my favourite characters from the world of the rollers. I love how she has different dreams but feels she can’t explore them. This book was one of them you shout at because you just want to knock some sense into bean and Mac more then once. It’s laugh out loud and also sad because of the emotions they are going through. This book is one of my favourites :) I hope they are mentioned in the future so we know how life worked out for them. Now to wait for the next book...
11 reviews
June 14, 2020
There needs to be more stars to give

Absolutely phenomenal work by a phenomenal author. Holy moley did Ms Finn know it out of the ballpark yet again. My heart hurt for Bean and Mac so much. I laughed, I cried, my heart nearly stopped a few times. Emilia Finn never disappoints and never leaves us wanting (other than for MORE books to be released!). I love everything about this wonderful world she has created and cannot wait to continue to watch everyone in Rollertown grow and fall in love. Thank you for letting us into your world and your head!
Profile Image for MV.
399 reviews
January 3, 2021
Ohhh Beanie baby 🥺🥰

Bean & Mac 😍😍 heart eyes everywhere. I swear this book had me hollerin one minute and cry ugly the next. I love Bean & Mac... I love every single one of these characters, well maybe except for the Bakers 😂 I swear my heart broke when the whole family found out about Bean’s secret at weigh ins and of course she had square up to her daddy— well okurtttt Beanie baby, go ahead withcho bad self lmao only she & Smalls can 🤣 I can’t wait to read the next book just so I could still get a glimpse in everyone else’s lives.
Profile Image for Sylvie Rochon.
2,487 reviews
September 18, 2021
Mac and Bean

Mac and Bean story was one I have been waiting for. Ma and Lucy 'Bean' have been best friends and loved each other since they were young teens. Both are fighters. Mac has had bad health scares, one resulting in him needing a heart transplant. Lucy has been at his side always. She always puts him first. She even goes to nursing school to be able to help with his health. But Lucy has a few secrets. And Mac is determined to be just friends, knowing he can't give her the life she deserves. It's a great read. With the usual angst, heartbreak, banter and epic love.
Profile Image for J M L.
399 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2022
Just not for me

I struggled with how to rate this book. There's nothing wrong with this story, it just wasn't for me. The first three series that lead up to this one, Checkmates in particular, were filled with strong heroines, confident alphas and a whole lot of angst. I devoured those books. This series seems to be more about navigating adolescent love. Though it is sweet, its just a little too sweet for me and seems more suitable for my teenage daughter. I will give it one last try with the next book but then I may just skip ahead to The Gilded Knights series.
Profile Image for confessions of a book addict .
272 reviews14 followers
June 5, 2020
OMG! It was perfect!!

I couldn’t wait to read Mac & Bean! I woke up and downloaded this book first thing this morning and jumped it. I wanted to smack Mac upside the head a few times and may have cried for Bean once or twice. I have loved Emilia Finn for year, but she is knocking it out of the park with the Stacked Deck series. I a, 100% invested in the second generation of Rollers!
51 reviews15 followers
June 5, 2020
Worth It

Another win from Emilia Finn!

This story follows Mac and Bean, best friends who have been in love with one another since their early teens. It’s a story filled with sacrifices for each other, denials about their own worth, and heartache from unsuspecting sources.
No matter how many times I think I know where Emilia Finn’s stories are going, I always end up being surprised by the turn of events.
96 reviews
June 5, 2020
Just Wow

Beautifully written! I think that Bean and Mac are my new favorite Roller couple, the way they support each other unconditionally it warms my soul! I felt throughout the whole book that Jimmy and Izzy got a redo through Mac and Bean, their stories were while very different, they were very similar in a good way and it is so awesome to be able to reconnect with the original Rollers and see how much they’ve grown up to become awesome parents.
9 reviews
June 6, 2020
Every book becomes more amazing!!

When you think it's not possible to get any better, the next book comes along and makes you fall more in love with the characters. I felt like I was living in this story, watching Mac and Lucy first as a participant. Emilia has drawn me in, making me feel a part of almost every scene once again. Already counting down the release date for the next book and reading this one again!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews

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