What do you think?
Rate this book
The Remingtons #1
Game of Love
Ellie Parker is a master at building walls around her heart. In the twenty-five years she’s been alive, Dex Remington has been the only person who has always believed in her and been there for her. But four years earlier she came to Dex seeking comfort, and then disappeared like a thief in the night, leaving him a broken man.
Dex Remington is one of the top PC game developers in the U.S. He’s handsome, smart, and numb. So damn numb that he’s not sure he’ll ever find a reason to feel again.
A chance encounter sparks intense desires in Ellie and Dex. Desires that make her want to run—and make him want to feel. A combination of lust and fear leads these young lovers down a dangerous path. Is it possible to cross a burned bridge or are they destined to be apart forever?
Dex Remington is one of the top PC game developers in the U.S. He’s handsome, smart, and numb. So damn numb that he’s not sure he’ll ever find a reason to feel again.
A chance encounter sparks intense desires in Ellie and Dex. Desires that make her want to run—and make him want to feel. A combination of lust and fear leads these young lovers down a dangerous path. Is it possible to cross a burned bridge or are they destined to be apart forever?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2014
1460 people are currently reading
3998 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Foster
188 books11.8k followersNEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Never miss a release! Follow Melissa here on Amazon and sign up for her newsletter: https://MelissaFoster.com/Newsletter
Start FIVE of Melissa's series FREE in ebook format here: https://MelissaFoster.com/LIBFREE
FREE Love in Bloom Family Trees: https://MelissaFoster.com/RG
FREE Series Reading Order Checklist: https://MelissaFoster.com/SeriesCheck...
FREE Series Order Checklist by Publication Date (recommended): https://melissafoster.com/SeriesCheck...
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.
Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole here: https://addisoncole.com
Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.
Melissa welcomes the opportunity to chat with book clubs and other reading groups.
"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately...I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose
"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"--Author Jennie Shortridge
Never miss a release! Follow Melissa here on Amazon and sign up for her newsletter: https://MelissaFoster.com/Newsletter
Start FIVE of Melissa's series FREE in ebook format here: https://MelissaFoster.com/LIBFREE
FREE Love in Bloom Family Trees: https://MelissaFoster.com/RG
FREE Series Reading Order Checklist: https://MelissaFoster.com/SeriesCheck...
FREE Series Order Checklist by Publication Date (recommended): https://melissafoster.com/SeriesCheck...
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.
Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole here: https://addisoncole.com
Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.
Melissa welcomes the opportunity to chat with book clubs and other reading groups.
"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately...I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose
"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"--Author Jennie Shortridge
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews
Want to read
August 26, 2015
FREE on Amazon US today (8/26/2015)
Stand-alone book 1.
BLURB:
Ellie Parker is a master at building walls around her heart. In the twenty-five years she’s been alive, Dex Remington has been the only person who has always believed in her and been there for her. But four years earlier she came to Dex seeking comfort, and then disappeared like a thief in the night, leaving him a broken man.
Dex Remington is one of the top PC game developers in the U.S. He’s handsome, smart, and numb. So damn numb that he’s not sure he’ll ever find a reason to feel again.
A chance encounter sparks intense desires in Ellie and Dex. Desires that make her want to run—and make him want to feel. A combination of lust and fear leads these young lovers down a dangerous path. Is it possible to cross a burned bridge or are they destined to be apart forever?
http://www.amazon.com/Game-Love-Bloom...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 460 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
March 3, 2014
Rating Clarification: 3.5 Stars
Ellie Parker has grown up in the “system” since she was five years old. Being bounced around from foster home to foster home and guarding herself from difficult memories has conditioned her to tread carefully with relationships and know when to run. However Dex Remington has been her friend since grade school and together they’ve depended on each other when life delivered some tough blows.
Now that they’ve grown, Dex has made his millions in the gaming industry and Ellie finds herself back in New York looking for a teaching job.
The last time they saw each other was four years ago when Dex declared his love to her, and she ran away as fast as the wind could take her. Even now, Dex can’t deny how much he loves Ellie, but he struggles to trust her ability to stay when life unsettles her. Ellie is fully aware that her life is chaotic and messy, and the last thing she wants to do is drag Dex down.
However, their friendship and attraction is stronger than ever before and when they both find each other after years of separation, they struggle to find a middle ground where trust, passion and true love find a way to keep them together.
Overall, I really liked the storyline and pacing of Game of Love. The story took off with little to no lag and despite the constant reminders of how these two fell apart four years prior, Melissa Foster did a good job of building momentum and chemistry into her story.
I really liked Dex from the beginning. His openness and honesty was refreshing. I had to give it to him because he definitely showed a ton of patience when dealing with Ellie’s issues. Overall, I also came to care for Ellie quite a bit. She had her reasons for guarding herself, and her flight response to many situations was built as a survival technique, so I completely empathized with this character. I liked how these two came together and worked out their issues. Their story felt real and not overly dramatic.
Game of Love is a the perfect story for someone who likes their romance with a small serving of excitement and drama that doesn’t feel overdone or exaggerated. Melissa Foster proves she can make her readers fall for her characters with the right amount of chemistry and passion. Well done!
Ellie Parker has grown up in the “system” since she was five years old. Being bounced around from foster home to foster home and guarding herself from difficult memories has conditioned her to tread carefully with relationships and know when to run. However Dex Remington has been her friend since grade school and together they’ve depended on each other when life delivered some tough blows.
Now that they’ve grown, Dex has made his millions in the gaming industry and Ellie finds herself back in New York looking for a teaching job.
The last time they saw each other was four years ago when Dex declared his love to her, and she ran away as fast as the wind could take her. Even now, Dex can’t deny how much he loves Ellie, but he struggles to trust her ability to stay when life unsettles her. Ellie is fully aware that her life is chaotic and messy, and the last thing she wants to do is drag Dex down.
However, their friendship and attraction is stronger than ever before and when they both find each other after years of separation, they struggle to find a middle ground where trust, passion and true love find a way to keep them together.
Overall, I really liked the storyline and pacing of Game of Love. The story took off with little to no lag and despite the constant reminders of how these two fell apart four years prior, Melissa Foster did a good job of building momentum and chemistry into her story.
I really liked Dex from the beginning. His openness and honesty was refreshing. I had to give it to him because he definitely showed a ton of patience when dealing with Ellie’s issues. Overall, I also came to care for Ellie quite a bit. She had her reasons for guarding herself, and her flight response to many situations was built as a survival technique, so I completely empathized with this character. I liked how these two came together and worked out their issues. Their story felt real and not overly dramatic.
Game of Love is a the perfect story for someone who likes their romance with a small serving of excitement and drama that doesn’t feel overdone or exaggerated. Melissa Foster proves she can make her readers fall for her characters with the right amount of chemistry and passion. Well done!
August 18, 2015
***spoilers ahead***
Don't get me wrong - Game of Love was sweet and pretty well written... but a girl can only take so much sugar. Dex was like no gamer in the history of ever because he had been moulded into this idealised hero figure. Ellie too was idealised. Before anyone points out the few reviewers who are bitching about her being whiny and having trust issues, umm NO. You lot have no clue. Do you really think people have traumatic childhoods but then turn 18 and go "well that's in the past now." and suddenly drop all their maladaptations and issues and become healthy functioning adults? I digress. Ellie shows some issues but we're always detached enough that we never see too much ugliness inside her head and Dex and his mum always manage to cut her issues short and tie them off with a nice pretty bow. Ellie gets her dream job and she and Dex find a way to make her bright, sparkly ambitions to help disadvantaged children a possibility. His game release goes well and his strict father turns out to be a softy. The book ends with the two of them tucked up in the bosom of his family.* It's all so pretty and feel-good that I'd like to hurl.
Most people will probably enjoy Game of Love. As for me... well, I'd like to see some more of Regina. That's about it.
*This being the first in an undoubtedly long line of books about his family, there is loads of info dumping in the first few chapters. Heaven forbid we not get to know every single character in the first book.
March 10, 2014
Game of Love is a kinda sweet story. Dex and Ellie are friends for ages and then they become a couple.
Ellie annoyed me too much. She had heaps of trust issues. It was going back and forth. And definitely it is not my cup of tea. I really couldn't enjoy it as the story wasn't really gripping.
And her trust issues just made it worse.
On the other hand, Dex is hot! Such a darling! <3
Overall, I wish I really enjoyed the story. But hope you have a better read out for this book.
Happy reading
D xo
**ARC provided for your**
August 3, 2018
2.5 stars.
My first by this author (Kindle Unlimited has me trying out new authors). Writing is quite good and the hero is a sweetie. Heroine Ellie, on the other hand, was a bit messed up and way too needy- she got annoying with her running away schtick. Props to our wonderful hero for putting up with so much!
A problem for me was the fact that the hero Dex was a super successful, and rich, developer of online games. They are simply not my thing, so the book spent an inordinate amount of time on this subject as far as I was concerned. (The move into educational software for under-privileged kids towards the end seemed somewhat contrived, as well.) I felt that it was a bit of padding, when we could have explored what might have been a fairly complex relationship. It actually wasn't complex.
Although a bit clichéd, it was a pleasant enough read, (even if I did speed-read chunks of the gaming discussions!)
My first by this author (Kindle Unlimited has me trying out new authors). Writing is quite good and the hero is a sweetie. Heroine Ellie, on the other hand, was a bit messed up and way too needy- she got annoying with her running away schtick. Props to our wonderful hero for putting up with so much!
A problem for me was the fact that the hero Dex was a super successful, and rich, developer of online games. They are simply not my thing, so the book spent an inordinate amount of time on this subject as far as I was concerned. (The move into educational software for under-privileged kids towards the end seemed somewhat contrived, as well.) I felt that it was a bit of padding, when we could have explored what might have been a fairly complex relationship. It actually wasn't complex.
Although a bit clichéd, it was a pleasant enough read, (even if I did speed-read chunks of the gaming discussions!)
August 25, 2018
The grammar wasn't atrocious and I did manage to finish which is probably the last nice things I'll have to say about this book. By the end of the first chapter I was skeptical about my odds of finishing. Dex came off as a jerk and writing felt, stiff I guess is the best way to describe it. I like to try and give books at least 5 chapters before quitting unless they are atrocious. The writing did loosen up and for awhile it rolled along swimmingly, but no part of this worked for me. I don't understand the reviews idolizing Dex. He was a jerk to her. He might not know the specifics but he knew she had a bad childhood. He pushed every button he knew she had and then accused her of running even when she was right there. Loving someone is trusting them. These two were throwing i love yous back and forth non stop but they didn't trust each other. Loving someone doesn't entitle you to every aspect of someone which is something dex didnt't seem to understand that. He had no idea what happened. he had zero therapist training and yet he still ripped on scabs because he decided he felt entitled to do so because...love? But heres's the thing. There's zero development. She comes back and boom love...non stop love and endless sex. But their only romance happened when they were kids and just friends. Even if I buy that they loved each other as very early teenagers despite them never so much as kissing, that doesn't get you to adult forever after love. I was madlyin love as a teenager. Now every time the creep tries to contact me my skin crawls. Who is the same person they were at 13? They go on like three dates the entire book and 2 end badly.
Anywho enough about the character/romance problem, lets talk about the writing. Structurally it was fine, though there was too much repetition and too many word of the day calendar words involved. But it took me the entire book to realize why I was annoyed by the whole thing. The book had zero emotional subtlety. It slammed every emotion the characters had in your face like a 2x4. It was the drunk sorority girl screaming about how no one likes her and that girl stole her boyfriend at the party. It just splayed them all out on the page and all without finesse. By the end I was skimming because I couldn't take another 3 page long description of their emotions and it wasn't ilike it was a slowly developing thing. They went straight to love so it was basically the same emotion dump over and over. The author utilized some pretty dark subject matter but with no grace and she always, as another reviewer puts it "cut her issues short and tie them off with a nice pretty bow." It doesn't work that way, use the dark stuff or don't that's your choice as an author but if you put it in there you can't make it all sunshines and rainbow.
I could write more but if none of this makes this a no go for you then nothing else I have to say will.
TLDR: Pushy hero, 0 romance development, nothing happens plot was, abrupt ending, and the writing needed a ton of refining
Anywho enough about the character/romance problem, lets talk about the writing. Structurally it was fine, though there was too much repetition and too many word of the day calendar words involved. But it took me the entire book to realize why I was annoyed by the whole thing. The book had zero emotional subtlety. It slammed every emotion the characters had in your face like a 2x4. It was the drunk sorority girl screaming about how no one likes her and that girl stole her boyfriend at the party. It just splayed them all out on the page and all without finesse. By the end I was skimming because I couldn't take another 3 page long description of their emotions and it wasn't ilike it was a slowly developing thing. They went straight to love so it was basically the same emotion dump over and over. The author utilized some pretty dark subject matter but with no grace and she always, as another reviewer puts it "cut her issues short and tie them off with a nice pretty bow." It doesn't work that way, use the dark stuff or don't that's your choice as an author but if you put it in there you can't make it all sunshines and rainbow.
I could write more but if none of this makes this a no go for you then nothing else I have to say will.
TLDR: Pushy hero, 0 romance development, nothing happens plot was, abrupt ending, and the writing needed a ton of refining
January 23, 2014
Dex Remington has always guarded his heart as if he was wearing a protective shield. Ever since he was a teenager, he’s had feelings for Ellie Parker. But Ellie has always been one to run away when times got tough. Growing up in different foster homes, Ellie has learned to close off her feelings and not let people in. Despite Dex’s attempt at breaking through the walls Ellie has built up, she would always take off before he was successfully able to do so. Four years ago, Dex professed his love to Ellie, only for her to leave again without saying goodbye. You can imagine his surprise when he sees her at a bar. She was still the same, pretty girl who wore the all too familiar worried look on her face. But despite all of the silent warnings going off in Dex’s head, he couldn’t stop himself from making his way over to her.
Back in New York, Ellie was looking for a new start. She wanted to leave her old life, and all of the bad memories, back in Maryland. But it didn’t take long for chaos to find her and for Dex’s feelings for her to come rushing back. But would Ellie stick around this time? Or would she leave again without so much as a goodbye like she has done twice to Dex in the past?
As a foster parent, I could relate to how Ellie felt with the stigma that foster children tend to carry around with them. The feeling of being different, unwanted and not having a family or home to call their own. The author did a brilliant job expressing the feelings that foster children not only have while in the system, but that they carry throughout their lives. This book had such pure, raw emotions and characters that felt so real. I found myself rooting for Ellie’s happiness and hoping that she finds love in Dex’s arms. I love, love, love this book. It is a definite, must read!
Back in New York, Ellie was looking for a new start. She wanted to leave her old life, and all of the bad memories, back in Maryland. But it didn’t take long for chaos to find her and for Dex’s feelings for her to come rushing back. But would Ellie stick around this time? Or would she leave again without so much as a goodbye like she has done twice to Dex in the past?
As a foster parent, I could relate to how Ellie felt with the stigma that foster children tend to carry around with them. The feeling of being different, unwanted and not having a family or home to call their own. The author did a brilliant job expressing the feelings that foster children not only have while in the system, but that they carry throughout their lives. This book had such pure, raw emotions and characters that felt so real. I found myself rooting for Ellie’s happiness and hoping that she finds love in Dex’s arms. I love, love, love this book. It is a definite, must read!
Want to read
May 14, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (8/22/2020)! 🎁
May 29, 2018
This book was packed with all the feels. I found the narrators did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. My heart was pulled in so many ways for the two characters and what an emotional ride this was. This one is definitely going into my re-read/re-listen pile.
March 4, 2025
3.5 stars
“Ellie was the reason he’d guarded his heart . But she was also the only woman who had ever made him feel as if he had one.”
<><> Story Overview <><>
Dex Remington and Ellie Parker were once inseparable. As children, they forged an unbreakable bond—Ellie, a foster child seeking refuge, and Dex, the steady presence who never turned her away. Night after night, she climbed through his window, curling into the safety of his arms while he read. It was never about romance back then—just the solace of knowing someone was there.
But Ellie had a habit of leaving. While in high school she vanished from his life without a goodbye, leaving Dex heartbroken and confused. Years later, she returned out of the blue seeking the comfort he’d always given so freely. For two brief days, Dex let himself believe she had come back for good—that the connection between them still mattered. But just as quickly as she had appeared, she was gone again, leaving him more devastated than before.
Now, fate has brought Ellie back into Dex’s life, stirring up memories and emotions he has tried to bury. She claims she had to leave four years ago to find herself before she could be anything to him. But Dex isn’t sure he can believe her—not when her sudden departures have left him guarded, forcing him to build walls around his heart. Beneath his confidence and success lies the painful truth: no matter how much time passes, Ellie has always been his greatest weakness. And now, as she stands before him once again, Dex must decide whether he’s willing to risk everything for the one person who has always had the power to break him and Ellie must decide if true happiness is worth overcoming her greatest fear: staying.
<><> Characters <><>
Hero: Dexter Remington ; Age: 26; Occupation: Dex is one of the country’s leading PC game designers and founder of Thrive Entertainment , a multimillion dollar gaming corporation
* Dex Remington is a man of discipline, intellect, and quiet strength. Raised by a four-star general father who ingrained hard work and dedication into him and a free-spirited, peace-loving mother who nurtured his artistic side, Dex grew up with a unique balance of structure and creativity. He has five siblings, a strong sense of family, and an unwavering commitment to the things he values most.
A Cornell graduate with dual degrees in computer science and mathematics, he built his success from the ground up, becoming one of the most accomplished game developers in the country. Despite his achievements, Dex has recently felt conflicted about the very industry that made him a success. The games he creates bring joy to millions, but he can’t ignore the darker side of gaming culture—the way it encourages a sedentary lifestyle, pulling players into an antisocial, couch-bound existence. This internal struggle weighs on him, forcing him to reevaluate his work and its broader impact.
Dex is humble, kind, and protective, with a natural inclination toward chivalry and attentiveness. He has a way of tackling obstacles with a calculated, solution-driven mindset.
Heroine: Ellie Parker ; Age: 25; Occupation: elementary school teacher
* Ellie Parker is a survivor—strong, resilient, and fiercely independent. Taken from her addicted mother at five years old and placed into the foster system, she learned early on that the only person she could truly rely on was herself. Moving from one foster home to the next, she carried the hope that her mother would find sobriety and reclaim her, but that hope was shattered when her mother drank herself to death when Ellie was just eight. Ellie buried the worst memories under layers of silence and kept moving forward, determined never to fall victim to her past.
Ellie excelled in school despite always feeling like an outsider. She earned her master’s degree in minority and urban education from the University of Maryland, driven by a deep desire to help underprivileged children break the cycles of hardship she knew too well. Confident in her teaching abilities, she finds purpose in giving kids the stability and support she never had.
But while Ellie is strong-willed, courageous, and compassionate, she also struggles with emotional vulnerability. She has spent her life shutting people out. Her default response to fear or overwhelming emotions is to run—an instinct that has cost her relationships. Stubborn and private, she hates accepting help, convinced that standing alone is the only way to stay in control.
<><> A Few Thoughts <><>
^^ ~ Ellie’s constant penchant for running got irritating. I understand trauma, but at some point, I wanted to shake her and say, Just talk to him! Or—go get some therapy and deal with your issues rather than running from the best person you have ever met! Ugh.
^^ ~ Dex was patient—almost too patient— and it frustrated me how he kept pouring his heart out, only to be left wondering if Ellie would still be there when he returned. Early on, it became clear that his biggest fear was losing her—again. More than once, he asked, “Are you going to be here when I get back?” and every time he had to question it, it was heartbreaking. His pain felt so raw that it made my heart ache for him.
^^ ~ Ellie’s past was heartbreaking and I sympathized with her struggles. But at some point, I wanted to see her take meaningful steps forward rather than struggling with the same emotional cycle. Her character had some growth, but I thought it came late. In the end she decided to stay, but there was a little piece of me that thought “is she really going to stay this time”. I didn’t want to finish the book with a little doubt left. She needs therapy!
^^ ~ I became invested in Dex’s family - enough to make me want to continue the series and see how their stories unfold.
<><> The Basics <><>
- Content Warning: Mentions of non-physical sexual misconduct by a foster parent as well as a brief instance of past intimate partner violence (grabbing and pushing).
- Setting: New York
- Do you need to read previous books in series? : This is the first in the Remington series. While it appears to be connected to the In Bloom series and I’m guessing there were a few appearances by other characters in previous books, they were minor encounters and didn’t impact the story. I feel this could be read as a standalone.
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: second chance, Millionaire Hero / Struggling Heroine
- Hero likable? Yes I liked Dex
- heroine likable? Ellie irritated me at some points, but overall I liked her character
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: around 40%
- First time they sleep together: around 50%
- Safe sex? Yes. Condoms were used initially. Later on, no condoms
- First time they say I Love You: Dex says it around 40% Ellie says it around 50%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? I thought they had good chemistry
- OW/OM drama? Ellie’s ex was a minor part of the story
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? Four years in between the last time they saw each other
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Not really, even though Ellie felt she needed to keep a secret from Dex
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? Not really. I liked Dex but no overly swoony moments.
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? happy for now
- Epilogue? No
- Recommend? it was an ok start to the series. I’m interested enough in the Remington family to continue.
<><> Quotes <><>
“Everyone has walls to hide behind and secret insecurities . Some just hide them better than others.”
“No matter how much it hurts for either of us , we have to deal with whatever keeps dragging us backward so we can move past it .”
“Ellie was the reason he’d guarded his heart . But she was also the only woman who had ever made him feel as if he had one.”
<><> Story Overview <><>
Dex Remington and Ellie Parker were once inseparable. As children, they forged an unbreakable bond—Ellie, a foster child seeking refuge, and Dex, the steady presence who never turned her away. Night after night, she climbed through his window, curling into the safety of his arms while he read. It was never about romance back then—just the solace of knowing someone was there.
But Ellie had a habit of leaving. While in high school she vanished from his life without a goodbye, leaving Dex heartbroken and confused. Years later, she returned out of the blue seeking the comfort he’d always given so freely. For two brief days, Dex let himself believe she had come back for good—that the connection between them still mattered. But just as quickly as she had appeared, she was gone again, leaving him more devastated than before.
Now, fate has brought Ellie back into Dex’s life, stirring up memories and emotions he has tried to bury. She claims she had to leave four years ago to find herself before she could be anything to him. But Dex isn’t sure he can believe her—not when her sudden departures have left him guarded, forcing him to build walls around his heart. Beneath his confidence and success lies the painful truth: no matter how much time passes, Ellie has always been his greatest weakness. And now, as she stands before him once again, Dex must decide whether he’s willing to risk everything for the one person who has always had the power to break him and Ellie must decide if true happiness is worth overcoming her greatest fear: staying.
<><> Characters <><>
Hero: Dexter Remington ; Age: 26; Occupation: Dex is one of the country’s leading PC game designers and founder of Thrive Entertainment , a multimillion dollar gaming corporation
* Dex Remington is a man of discipline, intellect, and quiet strength. Raised by a four-star general father who ingrained hard work and dedication into him and a free-spirited, peace-loving mother who nurtured his artistic side, Dex grew up with a unique balance of structure and creativity. He has five siblings, a strong sense of family, and an unwavering commitment to the things he values most.
A Cornell graduate with dual degrees in computer science and mathematics, he built his success from the ground up, becoming one of the most accomplished game developers in the country. Despite his achievements, Dex has recently felt conflicted about the very industry that made him a success. The games he creates bring joy to millions, but he can’t ignore the darker side of gaming culture—the way it encourages a sedentary lifestyle, pulling players into an antisocial, couch-bound existence. This internal struggle weighs on him, forcing him to reevaluate his work and its broader impact.
Dex is humble, kind, and protective, with a natural inclination toward chivalry and attentiveness. He has a way of tackling obstacles with a calculated, solution-driven mindset.
Heroine: Ellie Parker ; Age: 25; Occupation: elementary school teacher
* Ellie Parker is a survivor—strong, resilient, and fiercely independent. Taken from her addicted mother at five years old and placed into the foster system, she learned early on that the only person she could truly rely on was herself. Moving from one foster home to the next, she carried the hope that her mother would find sobriety and reclaim her, but that hope was shattered when her mother drank herself to death when Ellie was just eight. Ellie buried the worst memories under layers of silence and kept moving forward, determined never to fall victim to her past.
Ellie excelled in school despite always feeling like an outsider. She earned her master’s degree in minority and urban education from the University of Maryland, driven by a deep desire to help underprivileged children break the cycles of hardship she knew too well. Confident in her teaching abilities, she finds purpose in giving kids the stability and support she never had.
But while Ellie is strong-willed, courageous, and compassionate, she also struggles with emotional vulnerability. She has spent her life shutting people out. Her default response to fear or overwhelming emotions is to run—an instinct that has cost her relationships. Stubborn and private, she hates accepting help, convinced that standing alone is the only way to stay in control.
<><> A Few Thoughts <><>
^^ ~ Ellie’s constant penchant for running got irritating. I understand trauma, but at some point, I wanted to shake her and say, Just talk to him! Or—go get some therapy and deal with your issues rather than running from the best person you have ever met! Ugh.
^^ ~ Dex was patient—almost too patient— and it frustrated me how he kept pouring his heart out, only to be left wondering if Ellie would still be there when he returned. Early on, it became clear that his biggest fear was losing her—again. More than once, he asked, “Are you going to be here when I get back?” and every time he had to question it, it was heartbreaking. His pain felt so raw that it made my heart ache for him.
^^ ~ Ellie’s past was heartbreaking and I sympathized with her struggles. But at some point, I wanted to see her take meaningful steps forward rather than struggling with the same emotional cycle. Her character had some growth, but I thought it came late. In the end she decided to stay, but there was a little piece of me that thought “is she really going to stay this time”. I didn’t want to finish the book with a little doubt left. She needs therapy!
^^ ~ I became invested in Dex’s family - enough to make me want to continue the series and see how their stories unfold.
<><> The Basics <><>
- Content Warning: Mentions of non-physical sexual misconduct by a foster parent as well as a brief instance of past intimate partner violence (grabbing and pushing).
- Setting: New York
- Do you need to read previous books in series? : This is the first in the Remington series. While it appears to be connected to the In Bloom series and I’m guessing there were a few appearances by other characters in previous books, they were minor encounters and didn’t impact the story. I feel this could be read as a standalone.
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: second chance, Millionaire Hero / Struggling Heroine
- Hero likable? Yes I liked Dex
- heroine likable? Ellie irritated me at some points, but overall I liked her character
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: around 40%
- First time they sleep together: around 50%
- Safe sex? Yes. Condoms were used initially. Later on, no condoms
- First time they say I Love You: Dex says it around 40% Ellie says it around 50%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? I thought they had good chemistry
- OW/OM drama? Ellie’s ex was a minor part of the story
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? Four years in between the last time they saw each other
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Not really, even though Ellie felt she needed to keep a secret from Dex
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? Not really. I liked Dex but no overly swoony moments.
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? happy for now
- Epilogue? No
- Recommend? it was an ok start to the series. I’m interested enough in the Remington family to continue.
<><> Quotes <><>
“Everyone has walls to hide behind and secret insecurities . Some just hide them better than others.”
“No matter how much it hurts for either of us , we have to deal with whatever keeps dragging us backward so we can move past it .”
December 29, 2014
4 hours of my life that I can't get back!
Sorry to say this, but I just don't where all these stellar reviews come from. I'm just glad it was only a waste of time and not a waste of money as well since it was for free on Amazon.
The Story:
Dex is a computer game developer who has only ever loved one girl, Ellie ( ugh I even had trouble remembering her name).
She grew up in foster care in his neighborhood and they became best friends with her climbing into his bedroom for comfort every night.
When Ellie had to change foster families she left without saying goodbye to the one person who has always been there for her. History repeated a couple of years after that and left poor Dex even more heartbroken.
The main story begins when Ellie and Dex coincidentally meet again.
So here is what I absolutely didn't like about the book:
Ellie. Simple as that. I could not stand that girl. All she ever did was whine. She cried about her upbringing and her current situation. While being put into foster care, because her parents were no good, most definitely wasn't her fault, the situations she put herself in and her attitude towards them were. I'm sure growing up in foster care is not what I would consider a happy childhood (although I deem it possible) and I'm sorry to say this but sometimes you just have to suck it up and deal with it. As so well and truefully said in The Lion King: The past can hurt. You can either run from it or learn from it. Well, Ellie chose to run from it Ever.Single.Time! Breaking this amazing guy's heart twice in the process. And instead of dealing with it, working on her problems and apologising for leaving Dex twice without as much as a goodbye, she expects him to give her everything she needs (without having to say it of course), stay by her side and trust her and if that's not enough she expects everyone not to judge her for her actions. Yeah right...
It also aggrevated me that every person in this book seemed to think that she was such a String person! If she was such a strong person, why was her first urge to run away when the going got rough instead of facing her Problems?!
Maybe I didn't get the point of the story or whatever. This book just didn't do it for me and I found myself skipping through it.
Sorry to say this, but I just don't where all these stellar reviews come from. I'm just glad it was only a waste of time and not a waste of money as well since it was for free on Amazon.
The Story:
Dex is a computer game developer who has only ever loved one girl, Ellie ( ugh I even had trouble remembering her name).
She grew up in foster care in his neighborhood and they became best friends with her climbing into his bedroom for comfort every night.
When Ellie had to change foster families she left without saying goodbye to the one person who has always been there for her. History repeated a couple of years after that and left poor Dex even more heartbroken.
The main story begins when Ellie and Dex coincidentally meet again.
So here is what I absolutely didn't like about the book:
Ellie. Simple as that. I could not stand that girl. All she ever did was whine. She cried about her upbringing and her current situation. While being put into foster care, because her parents were no good, most definitely wasn't her fault, the situations she put herself in and her attitude towards them were. I'm sure growing up in foster care is not what I would consider a happy childhood (although I deem it possible) and I'm sorry to say this but sometimes you just have to suck it up and deal with it. As so well and truefully said in The Lion King: The past can hurt. You can either run from it or learn from it. Well, Ellie chose to run from it Ever.Single.Time! Breaking this amazing guy's heart twice in the process. And instead of dealing with it, working on her problems and apologising for leaving Dex twice without as much as a goodbye, she expects him to give her everything she needs (without having to say it of course), stay by her side and trust her and if that's not enough she expects everyone not to judge her for her actions. Yeah right...
It also aggrevated me that every person in this book seemed to think that she was such a String person! If she was such a strong person, why was her first urge to run away when the going got rough instead of facing her Problems?!
Maybe I didn't get the point of the story or whatever. This book just didn't do it for me and I found myself skipping through it.
March 13, 2014
Game of Love is book 1 of The Remingtons, we got to know a little about the Remington when Savannah Braden started dating Jack Remington but now we find out a lot more. Game of Love is dedicated to Dex Remington, a man who makes computer games and has grown his business from his love of gaming when he was a child. We also get to know Ellie who was a foster child living by him when they were both young. Ellie used Dex as her safe place when she was a teen and Dex fell for her in a big way only for her to go away. This seemed to happen a lot, Ellie ran from her problems but always seemed to go back to Dex for safety.
I loved both Dex and Ellie, yes Ellie has a lot of insecurities and trust issues but she is a nice person. Dex loves her for who she is but after falling deeply in love with her will he cope with her running out on him again?
This book is about self discovery for Ellie, as well as putting her trust into Dex and him trusting her not to run when things get tough. Their relationship was so romantic, the way Dex wanted to protect Ellie is the way any woman would want their man to protect them. Is it all enough though?
Read it to find out.
I loved this book as I have all of Melissa’s previous books, her style of writing keeps me hooked from page 1 to the end and I feel like I get to know each character so well. I cannot compliment Melissa’s writing skills enough. I always look forward to reading her books.
I loved both Dex and Ellie, yes Ellie has a lot of insecurities and trust issues but she is a nice person. Dex loves her for who she is but after falling deeply in love with her will he cope with her running out on him again?
This book is about self discovery for Ellie, as well as putting her trust into Dex and him trusting her not to run when things get tough. Their relationship was so romantic, the way Dex wanted to protect Ellie is the way any woman would want their man to protect them. Is it all enough though?
Read it to find out.
I loved this book as I have all of Melissa’s previous books, her style of writing keeps me hooked from page 1 to the end and I feel like I get to know each character so well. I cannot compliment Melissa’s writing skills enough. I always look forward to reading her books.
October 28, 2017
Dex is emotionally abusive, Ellie is annoying and inconsistent. Do not recommend.
March 14, 2014
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
Allow me to start my review by asking: where can I find these men Melissa Foster has been writing about? First the Bradens, now the Remingtons! If you think you have seen the best men Ms. Foster has to offer when you read the Bradens series, it was only the tip of the iceberg.
I think my heart just dilated a bit, because I couldn’t allow Dex not to be in it!
Dex Remington is a gamer. He makes video games for a living, but he doesn’t really encourage people to make it their priorities. Instead, he still thinks education is important, and despite the huge promises of sales from his video games, he still wants children to have a life off the computer. He’s sensitive, loyal to a fault, and when he loves, awww, he loves with every thread of his being. That’s why when Ellie Parker, his best friend, left without a word four years ago leaving his heart broken and tattered into pieces. Now she was back in his life – will his love be enough to make her stay? Or will he constantly watch the door, paranoid that she might bail on him again?
I can’t be another pit stop. I won’t be another pit stop.
Ellie Parker is a runner. She is a product of the system, and knew how tough life can be. She had sampled it, it was bitter, good thing she had someone to run to when things get a little out of hand. Dex Remington’s window is always open for her. His arms would be ready to welcome her. He was her safety, her comfort. He was too good for her. She had nothing to offer, so instead of staying, she had to go. But a sudden twist of fate had brought them back together, and this time she would do everything to glue her feet on the ground. She was done running. Now, how to make him believe her?
I adore these two characters. Usually, I’m not into sensitive guys, I think their lame. But not Dex, despite his sensitive, he still oozes with confidence that I didn’t dare question his manliness. I understand that he was hurt, and he just wanted to protect his heart. It was just heartbreaking to see him paranoid and waiting for Ellie to break her word and run. As for Ellie, GIRL: HOW CAN YOU LEAVE HIM? He is perfect for you! They were perfect for each other. They didn’t need words to converse, they understood each other in silence. They were each other’s comfort and strength. Crossing my fingers, I was hoping Ellie wouldn’t run away again. Dex has been through enough. Ellie is a very strong girl, strong enough to rise from everything she had underwent through the system. She strived, and wished to make a difference to kids who are in the same situation as she was before.
Melissa Foster always gives me the unexpected. I know I would love the characters, I just know I would feel pain, and maybe cry a little, and I always know I will fall in love, but there would always be something new, there would always be something unexpected that will throw me off guard and my jaws would widen in surprise.
This time, the big surprise was the father. I was ready to hate him. After all the things he did to Dex, I was prepared for lashing it out on him. Imagine my surprise when he turned out to be different. He was a general, it was expected that he comes a bit strong, but what he did secretly for Dex – I didn’t really see it coming.
His family, just like the Bradens, were completely diversified. If the Bradens lost their mother in an early age, the Remingtons had a wonderful, outgoing mother who babied her children despite their age, and a stern father who taught them how to be tough. Their mother had taught them love, and showed them how much to cover for their father’s inability to show his emotions. But despite this fact, their father had loved them and shows it in a different manner that will touch your hearts as well. I look forward for more Remingtons, and excited to read Sage’s story as well!
★ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.★
April 12, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Game of Love is the first book that I have ever read by Melissa Foster, but it definitely won't be my last. Ellie and Dex's story is the tenth book in her Love In Bloom Series, but can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to go back and read all the other ones in this series. I liked getting to meet the other Remington's in this story and I thought that Game of Love did a good job of introducing Sage for the next installment. I love reading books in series, especially when they are about interconnected characters. I think you get so much more depth and insight into each of the characters and Melissa Foster's series seems to be one that I am going to love!
Dex has developed a successful gaming company and is getting ready for his next game release. He meets his brother and two of his friends/employees at a local bar and ends up running into a girl that he never thought he would see again. Dex and Ellie were best friends when they were young and then she disappeared only to briefly return four years later. Dex thought that everything would be different four years ago when he confessed his love for her, but she ran out on him leaving him with a broken heart. Now four years later, he is hesitant to let her get close again. But when Ellie shows up at his door in need of help, the last thing Dex can do is turn her away. Dex knows that Ellie is the only one for him, and is determined to convince her to give them a shot and stop running. Ellie believes that she brings chaos wherever she goes though and thinks that she needs to stay away from Dex. Ellie and Dex find it impossible to fight the feelings though and Ellie agrees to give things a chance. But will she be able to face her past and stop running once and for all? Will Dex be able to trust her after everything that has happened?
I really liked Dex. He was so sweet and kind. He was a great friend, and he always seemed to know what Ellie needed. He was really patient with her and was great at encouraging her to open up. I think that at times he pushed a little too much and didn't seem to understand just how hard it was for her to admit things though. But he seemed to get it more once given a bit of advice and after that he was willing to let her take her time. I liked that he never gave up on her even after having his heart broken by her. Ellie was hard for me to relate to. She was so closed off and she seemed to have the flight response where my go to is to fight. But, with Dex's help and love that seemed to change her. I loved how sweet and generous she was. She was more than just a caring teacher. She was determined to give kids the experience and life that they deserved and was willing to go all out for them. I liked her dedication to them and also to Dex. Dex and Ellie had a great connection and they were absolutely perfect for each other. They also had a ton of chemistry and you could feel the attraction between them.
Overall, this book was good and I really enjoyed the story. I thought that the beginning was a little slow and it took me a bit to get into it. But I was really glad that I stuck with it. I also thought that at times things got a little repetitive. It was a lot of trust issues, and will she run again. I do understand where they were coming from, but I would have liked a little bit more of their relationship after they figured things out. I liked all the characters though, and I can't wait to get more of the Remingtons. I especially can't wait for Sage and Rush. I really liked the writing though and thought that Melissa Foster did a great job of giving these characters depth and making them interesting. I was invested in them and didn't want to put the book down until I had finished the story. I think that contemporary romance fans will enjoy this book and series, and if you haven't read anything by Melissa Foster yet you should definitely give her books a chance. I look forward to reading more from her and can't wait to read more of this series.
**ARC provided by Tasty Book Tours**
Game of Love is the first book that I have ever read by Melissa Foster, but it definitely won't be my last. Ellie and Dex's story is the tenth book in her Love In Bloom Series, but can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to go back and read all the other ones in this series. I liked getting to meet the other Remington's in this story and I thought that Game of Love did a good job of introducing Sage for the next installment. I love reading books in series, especially when they are about interconnected characters. I think you get so much more depth and insight into each of the characters and Melissa Foster's series seems to be one that I am going to love!
Dex has developed a successful gaming company and is getting ready for his next game release. He meets his brother and two of his friends/employees at a local bar and ends up running into a girl that he never thought he would see again. Dex and Ellie were best friends when they were young and then she disappeared only to briefly return four years later. Dex thought that everything would be different four years ago when he confessed his love for her, but she ran out on him leaving him with a broken heart. Now four years later, he is hesitant to let her get close again. But when Ellie shows up at his door in need of help, the last thing Dex can do is turn her away. Dex knows that Ellie is the only one for him, and is determined to convince her to give them a shot and stop running. Ellie believes that she brings chaos wherever she goes though and thinks that she needs to stay away from Dex. Ellie and Dex find it impossible to fight the feelings though and Ellie agrees to give things a chance. But will she be able to face her past and stop running once and for all? Will Dex be able to trust her after everything that has happened?
I really liked Dex. He was so sweet and kind. He was a great friend, and he always seemed to know what Ellie needed. He was really patient with her and was great at encouraging her to open up. I think that at times he pushed a little too much and didn't seem to understand just how hard it was for her to admit things though. But he seemed to get it more once given a bit of advice and after that he was willing to let her take her time. I liked that he never gave up on her even after having his heart broken by her. Ellie was hard for me to relate to. She was so closed off and she seemed to have the flight response where my go to is to fight. But, with Dex's help and love that seemed to change her. I loved how sweet and generous she was. She was more than just a caring teacher. She was determined to give kids the experience and life that they deserved and was willing to go all out for them. I liked her dedication to them and also to Dex. Dex and Ellie had a great connection and they were absolutely perfect for each other. They also had a ton of chemistry and you could feel the attraction between them.
Overall, this book was good and I really enjoyed the story. I thought that the beginning was a little slow and it took me a bit to get into it. But I was really glad that I stuck with it. I also thought that at times things got a little repetitive. It was a lot of trust issues, and will she run again. I do understand where they were coming from, but I would have liked a little bit more of their relationship after they figured things out. I liked all the characters though, and I can't wait to get more of the Remingtons. I especially can't wait for Sage and Rush. I really liked the writing though and thought that Melissa Foster did a great job of giving these characters depth and making them interesting. I was invested in them and didn't want to put the book down until I had finished the story. I think that contemporary romance fans will enjoy this book and series, and if you haven't read anything by Melissa Foster yet you should definitely give her books a chance. I look forward to reading more from her and can't wait to read more of this series.
**ARC provided by Tasty Book Tours**
March 6, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for my stop on the blog tour at Donnie Darko Girl.
Ellie and Dex's story in GAME OF LOVE is beautiful, sweet and tender with characters I adore! This pair was amazing and likable right away, and there was something magical in the air when they're together. They were friends in high school, and with all of the turmoil Ellie was going through with being bounced from foster home to foster home, Dex was the one constant in her life.
In the present Dex is successfully running a PC game developing company. Four years ago he was hurt almost irreparably by Ellie when she left without a word after he confessed his love for her. Since then he has built up walls that would take a wrecking ball to tear down, but if anyone could do it, then it would be the very woman who had caused those walls to go up in the first place.
Ellie is starting over - she needs a new job, a place to live, and a purpose in her life. Despite having hurt Dex in the past and possibly hurting him again, she's been through her share of pain and heartache as well. She has a hard time allowing herself to open up to the possibility of love - she sees herself as someone who would wreck Dex's life when I think it's clear she couldn't be further from the truth.
Rooting for this couple to find their way to each other as more than best friends was all I wanted to do while reading. I can't express enough how much I loved GAME OF LOVE. I'm blown away by Melissa Foster's writing; this is the first book I've read by her and certainly won't be the last. Dex gave me chills - I could just imagine how it must feel to be loved by him. He's completely swoon worthy, I mean wow!
I raced through GAME OF LOVE. I was glued to my Kindle needing to know what was going to happen next, and my only regret is when I came to the end of the book. But I have the rest of this series to look forward to reading, and I'm going to do just that!
Ellie and Dex's story in GAME OF LOVE is beautiful, sweet and tender with characters I adore! This pair was amazing and likable right away, and there was something magical in the air when they're together. They were friends in high school, and with all of the turmoil Ellie was going through with being bounced from foster home to foster home, Dex was the one constant in her life.
In the present Dex is successfully running a PC game developing company. Four years ago he was hurt almost irreparably by Ellie when she left without a word after he confessed his love for her. Since then he has built up walls that would take a wrecking ball to tear down, but if anyone could do it, then it would be the very woman who had caused those walls to go up in the first place.
Ellie is starting over - she needs a new job, a place to live, and a purpose in her life. Despite having hurt Dex in the past and possibly hurting him again, she's been through her share of pain and heartache as well. She has a hard time allowing herself to open up to the possibility of love - she sees herself as someone who would wreck Dex's life when I think it's clear she couldn't be further from the truth.
Rooting for this couple to find their way to each other as more than best friends was all I wanted to do while reading. I can't express enough how much I loved GAME OF LOVE. I'm blown away by Melissa Foster's writing; this is the first book I've read by her and certainly won't be the last. Dex gave me chills - I could just imagine how it must feel to be loved by him. He's completely swoon worthy, I mean wow!
I raced through GAME OF LOVE. I was glued to my Kindle needing to know what was going to happen next, and my only regret is when I came to the end of the book. But I have the rest of this series to look forward to reading, and I'm going to do just that!
February 26, 2021
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.After the epicness that was the Braden's I didn't think I was going to be able to love a family as much. I'm starting to think I was wrong. The Remington's are beginning to steal a piece of my heart.
Dex is a really sweet guy. He's loyal, moral, clever and very hot. He had a strong up bringing. His dad was a soldier and so was his father before him. He doesn't know any other way to bring up his children. Dex found this hard a times. I loved how he worried about how his games were affecting children.
Ellie bit messed up but she's got a really good heart. Ellie had a tough upbringing which has lead her to build so many walls around her heart it looks impossible to break them. Ellie has trained to be a teacher. But she doesn't want to be like other teachers just focused on stats she wants to help children like her who don't have the perfect childhood. I think this is really sweet and shows that she isn't as closed off as she seems.
Regina was a really good friend to both Dex and Ellie. She really helped Ellie when she needed it most.
Dex and Ellie helped each other to get through the tough times when they were children and showed them that there can be good times ahead.
I really enjoyed learning more about the Remingtons and I can't wait for Stroke of Love
Dex is a really sweet guy. He's loyal, moral, clever and very hot. He had a strong up bringing. His dad was a soldier and so was his father before him. He doesn't know any other way to bring up his children. Dex found this hard a times. I loved how he worried about how his games were affecting children.
Ellie bit messed up but she's got a really good heart. Ellie had a tough upbringing which has lead her to build so many walls around her heart it looks impossible to break them. Ellie has trained to be a teacher. But she doesn't want to be like other teachers just focused on stats she wants to help children like her who don't have the perfect childhood. I think this is really sweet and shows that she isn't as closed off as she seems.
Regina was a really good friend to both Dex and Ellie. She really helped Ellie when she needed it most.
Dex and Ellie helped each other to get through the tough times when they were children and showed them that there can be good times ahead.
I really enjoyed learning more about the Remingtons and I can't wait for Stroke of Love
August 9, 2016
This is the first book I've read by Melissa Foster and I can say that I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
What initially drew me into this story was the fact that Dex was a sexy geek. For some reason I'm always intrigued by this type of 'hero'. Thankfully, Melissa Foster did not disappoint in her portrayal of Dex. He was sweet, nerdy and sexy as hell. His only flaw was his insecurity in regards to Ellie, but that was something I came to overlook easily once I got a clearer picture of his relationship with her. He really gave his all when it came to her and who can resist that?
I admit that I was a bit reluctant when it came to Ellie. She was flighty and indecisive and her whiplash-inducing thoughts didn't make it any easier for me to connect to her fully. I understood where she was coming from, but I think she made herself too much of a victim. However, Melissa Foster did such a great job in bringing Ellie's past story and her emotions to the page that in the end she won me over and had me cheering her on.
My only complaint and for me it is a big factor in a romance was that I didn't really get a sense of a connection between Dex and Ellie. I would have loved to has seen more of the development of that connection instead of having it be told that it was there. Yes, there were glimpses here and there of how that connection developed in the past and it did strengthened as the story progressed, but I prefer to experience it first hand.
Other than that little tid bit I found that the story was intriguing, romantic and sexy.
What initially drew me into this story was the fact that Dex was a sexy geek. For some reason I'm always intrigued by this type of 'hero'. Thankfully, Melissa Foster did not disappoint in her portrayal of Dex. He was sweet, nerdy and sexy as hell. His only flaw was his insecurity in regards to Ellie, but that was something I came to overlook easily once I got a clearer picture of his relationship with her. He really gave his all when it came to her and who can resist that?
I admit that I was a bit reluctant when it came to Ellie. She was flighty and indecisive and her whiplash-inducing thoughts didn't make it any easier for me to connect to her fully. I understood where she was coming from, but I think she made herself too much of a victim. However, Melissa Foster did such a great job in bringing Ellie's past story and her emotions to the page that in the end she won me over and had me cheering her on.
My only complaint and for me it is a big factor in a romance was that I didn't really get a sense of a connection between Dex and Ellie. I would have loved to has seen more of the development of that connection instead of having it be told that it was there. Yes, there were glimpses here and there of how that connection developed in the past and it did strengthened as the story progressed, but I prefer to experience it first hand.
Other than that little tid bit I found that the story was intriguing, romantic and sexy.
March 13, 2020
Bewegender Liebesroman mit sehr authentischer Hauptfigur…
Der Liebesroman „Spiel der Herzen: Dex Remington“ von Melissa Foster ist am 11. März 2020 im World Literary Press erschienen und spielt in New York.
Ellie Parker kommt zurück nach New York und trifft als Erstes auf Dex Remington, einen Jugendfreund, der immer für sie da war und den sie vor 4 Jahren ohne eine Nachricht einfach so zurückgelassen hat. Dex kann sein Glück kaum glauben und tut alles, damit Ellie nicht wieder verschwindet, doch Ellie kämpft mit den Dämonen ihrer Vergangenheit. Vor ihnen liegt eine sehr emotionale Zeit, die geprägt ist von tiefen Gefühlen, Schmerz und Wut und Ellie’s innerem Konflikt, ob sie gut genug für Dex ist.
Gut 2 Abende habe ich für dieses Buch gebraucht, das mich sehr bewegt, aber auch zufrieden und glücklich zurücklässt.
Das Cover ist im üblichen Melissa Foster Stil und passt zu dieser Geschichte. Für Dex hatte ich mir irgendwie was anderes vorgestellt, aber das ist nun mal Geschmacksache.
Den Klappentext finde ich sehr gelungen. Er führt die Hauptfiguren und den Hauptkonflikt ein, ohne dabei zu viel zu verraten. Er hat mich gepackt und meine Neugier war geweckt, vor allem weil man jetzt die Remingtons kennenlernen darf.
Ellie Parker ist eine starke, junge Frau, die Pädagogik studiert hat und nun in New York eine neue Anstellung sucht. Gleich nach ihrer Ankunft trifft sie auf Dex Remington, bei dem sie sich gleich wieder wohl fühlt. Erst möchte sie sich nicht von ihm unterstützen lassen, doch nach einer sehr speziellen Situation sucht sie Zuflucht bei ihm. Ellie möchte aber zu keiner Zeit von ihm abhängig sein und tut alles, um schnell eine neue Arbeitsstelle zu finden. Das hat mir sehr gut gefallen, weil Ellie sich nicht in den tradierten Rollenmustern bewegen will. Sie hat zu jeder Zeit ein Ziel vor Augen und nimmt alle Hürden, die sich auf ihrem Weg ergeben. Sie ist sehr aktiv und mit dem was sie in ihrer Vergangenheit erlebt hat, äußerst authentisch. Ich hab sie gleich in mein Herz geschlossen. Man erfährt anfänglich wenig über ihre Vergangenheit, aber der Grund, warum sie so plötzlich nach New York zurückkam, hat mir schon gereicht. Was sich dann später noch alles ergibt, d.h. was sie alles schon durchmachen musste, ist furchtbar und rührt einen zum Teil zu Tränen. Wirklich erschütternd!
Dex ist ein erfolgreicher Spiele-Entwickler und hat immer noch daran zu knabbern, dass Ellie ihn vor 4 Jahren verlassen hat. Nun sieht er aber seine Chance und er tut auch alles dafür, um sie zu beschützen und bei sich zu behalten. Auch er hat ein Ziel vor Augen, ist sehr aktiv, authentisch und sympathisch. Hier habe ich aber einen kleinen Kritikpunkt. Mir persönlich verhält er sich nicht seinem Alter entsprechend. Auf mich wirkt er zum Teil wie ein Mann, Mitte vierzig. Ihm fehlt irgendwie Agilität. Wenn man hört er ist ein Gamer, stelle ich mir jemanden Junggebliebenes vor, der immer auf der Suche nach neuen Trends ist, etwas erleben will. Dex wirkt aber sehr lebenserfahren, hat immer einen Rat für jeden parat und ist in allem sehr abgeklärt. Trotzdem mochte ich ihn, vor allem weil er so lieb zu Ellie war.
Auch alle anderen Figuren haben mir sehr gut gefallen. Es sind zwar nicht die Bradens, aber es din trotzdem tolle Charaktere dabei. Joanie mochte ich auf Anhieb, auch Dex Zwillingsschwester. Dex Vater konnte ich erst nicht greifen und dachte schon, oh oh, hat Dex in seiner Kindheit etwa auch etwas Schlimmes erlebt? Aber nein, als er dann seinen Auftritt hatte, liefen mir eine paar stumme Tränen über die Wange. Der typische „harte Schale…“ Kerl. Und auch im Kreise der Remingtons habe ich mich total wohlgefühlt, muss sie alle aber eben noch etwas besser kennenlernen. Ich freue mich jetzt aber schon auf ein Wiedersehen. Auch Mitch und Regina mochte ich. Sie sind anders, aber beide auch äußerst sympathisch.
Ganz besonders gefallen hat mir Joanies Umgang mit Ellie. Das ist so gefühlvoll. Wow…
Die Handlung war auch ganz nach meinem Geschmack. Melissa Foster baut eine insgesamt gelungene Spannungskurve mit kleinen Konflikten, sehr berührenden und emotionalen Momenten auf. Das erste Drittel war mir persönlich zum Teil etwas zu langatmig, doch dafür war es am Ende richtig spannend. Das Thema ist sehr aufwühlend und hat ich wirklich sehr bewegt. Und auch wenn man schon viel darüber gelesen und gehört hat, schockiert es mich immer wieder. Was gibt es nur für Ungeheuer! Das Ende hat mir dann sehr gut gefallen und ich habe mich total für Ellie gefreut.
Aber wie liest sich das Buch nun?
Es sind 32 längere Kapitel, die in der 3. Person Singular im Präteritum in der personalen Erzählform abwechselnd aus Ellie’s und aus Dex Sicht geschrieben sind. Das hat mir sehr gut gefallen, denn so konnte ich immer nachvollziehen, warum die Figuren wie handeln. Und es hat eine starke Bindung zwischen Ellie und mir entstehen lassen.
Der Schreibstil ist wieder richtig toll. Alles liest sich wie immer locker und flüssig. Die Dialoge sind abwechslungsreich, individuell und frisch. Sie passen zur Geschichte und zum Genre. Die atmosphärischen Beschreibungen und die Beschreibungen der Settings haben zu jeder Zeit ein Bild vor meinem inneren Auge entstehen lassen und ich war voll dabei. Prickelnde /erotische Momente sind natürlich auch wieder dabei und sehr ästhetisch beschrieben, jedoch treten sie nicht so häufig wie sonst auf. Das Thema wurde sehr behutsam bearbeitet. Und die emotionale Ebene ist für meinen Geschmack perfekt dargestellt. Insgesamt sehr gelungen und wieder typisch Melissa Foster - man fühlt sich einfach wohl beim Lesen.
Mein Fazit nach 232 Seiten:
„Spiel der Herzen“ ist ein ein Liebesroman mit sehr aufwühlenden Momenten, der zeigt, wie sich negative Erlebnisse auf das zukünftige Leben und die eigene Persönlichkeit auswirken können.
Wer einen emotionalen Liebesromane sucht, der in New York spielt und die Themen „traumatische Kindheitserlebnisse“ und „Gewalt“ verarbeitet, der dürfte mit diesem Roman gut beraten sein.
Von mir erhält dieses Buch eine klare Kaufempfehlung (4,5/5 Sternen), weil Ellie eine sehr starke Hauptfigur ist, die sich trotz ihrer Probleme für die Schwachen einsetzt. Überhaupt ist es ein sehr emotionaler und aufwühlender Roman, der mich sehr bewegt hat. Und der Schreibstil ist wirklich einmalig. Ein halbes Sternchen ziehe ich ab für Dex, d.h. für sein nicht altersgemäßes Verhalten. Das ist aber nur meine persönliche Meinung.
Insgesamt ist es ein sehr gelungener Liebesroman, den ich nur weiterempfehlen kann.
Vielen Dank an Melissa Foster für diese Geschichte.
Der Liebesroman „Spiel der Herzen: Dex Remington“ von Melissa Foster ist am 11. März 2020 im World Literary Press erschienen und spielt in New York.
Ellie Parker kommt zurück nach New York und trifft als Erstes auf Dex Remington, einen Jugendfreund, der immer für sie da war und den sie vor 4 Jahren ohne eine Nachricht einfach so zurückgelassen hat. Dex kann sein Glück kaum glauben und tut alles, damit Ellie nicht wieder verschwindet, doch Ellie kämpft mit den Dämonen ihrer Vergangenheit. Vor ihnen liegt eine sehr emotionale Zeit, die geprägt ist von tiefen Gefühlen, Schmerz und Wut und Ellie’s innerem Konflikt, ob sie gut genug für Dex ist.
Gut 2 Abende habe ich für dieses Buch gebraucht, das mich sehr bewegt, aber auch zufrieden und glücklich zurücklässt.
Das Cover ist im üblichen Melissa Foster Stil und passt zu dieser Geschichte. Für Dex hatte ich mir irgendwie was anderes vorgestellt, aber das ist nun mal Geschmacksache.
Den Klappentext finde ich sehr gelungen. Er führt die Hauptfiguren und den Hauptkonflikt ein, ohne dabei zu viel zu verraten. Er hat mich gepackt und meine Neugier war geweckt, vor allem weil man jetzt die Remingtons kennenlernen darf.
Ellie Parker ist eine starke, junge Frau, die Pädagogik studiert hat und nun in New York eine neue Anstellung sucht. Gleich nach ihrer Ankunft trifft sie auf Dex Remington, bei dem sie sich gleich wieder wohl fühlt. Erst möchte sie sich nicht von ihm unterstützen lassen, doch nach einer sehr speziellen Situation sucht sie Zuflucht bei ihm. Ellie möchte aber zu keiner Zeit von ihm abhängig sein und tut alles, um schnell eine neue Arbeitsstelle zu finden. Das hat mir sehr gut gefallen, weil Ellie sich nicht in den tradierten Rollenmustern bewegen will. Sie hat zu jeder Zeit ein Ziel vor Augen und nimmt alle Hürden, die sich auf ihrem Weg ergeben. Sie ist sehr aktiv und mit dem was sie in ihrer Vergangenheit erlebt hat, äußerst authentisch. Ich hab sie gleich in mein Herz geschlossen. Man erfährt anfänglich wenig über ihre Vergangenheit, aber der Grund, warum sie so plötzlich nach New York zurückkam, hat mir schon gereicht. Was sich dann später noch alles ergibt, d.h. was sie alles schon durchmachen musste, ist furchtbar und rührt einen zum Teil zu Tränen. Wirklich erschütternd!
Dex ist ein erfolgreicher Spiele-Entwickler und hat immer noch daran zu knabbern, dass Ellie ihn vor 4 Jahren verlassen hat. Nun sieht er aber seine Chance und er tut auch alles dafür, um sie zu beschützen und bei sich zu behalten. Auch er hat ein Ziel vor Augen, ist sehr aktiv, authentisch und sympathisch. Hier habe ich aber einen kleinen Kritikpunkt. Mir persönlich verhält er sich nicht seinem Alter entsprechend. Auf mich wirkt er zum Teil wie ein Mann, Mitte vierzig. Ihm fehlt irgendwie Agilität. Wenn man hört er ist ein Gamer, stelle ich mir jemanden Junggebliebenes vor, der immer auf der Suche nach neuen Trends ist, etwas erleben will. Dex wirkt aber sehr lebenserfahren, hat immer einen Rat für jeden parat und ist in allem sehr abgeklärt. Trotzdem mochte ich ihn, vor allem weil er so lieb zu Ellie war.
Auch alle anderen Figuren haben mir sehr gut gefallen. Es sind zwar nicht die Bradens, aber es din trotzdem tolle Charaktere dabei. Joanie mochte ich auf Anhieb, auch Dex Zwillingsschwester. Dex Vater konnte ich erst nicht greifen und dachte schon, oh oh, hat Dex in seiner Kindheit etwa auch etwas Schlimmes erlebt? Aber nein, als er dann seinen Auftritt hatte, liefen mir eine paar stumme Tränen über die Wange. Der typische „harte Schale…“ Kerl. Und auch im Kreise der Remingtons habe ich mich total wohlgefühlt, muss sie alle aber eben noch etwas besser kennenlernen. Ich freue mich jetzt aber schon auf ein Wiedersehen. Auch Mitch und Regina mochte ich. Sie sind anders, aber beide auch äußerst sympathisch.
Ganz besonders gefallen hat mir Joanies Umgang mit Ellie. Das ist so gefühlvoll. Wow…
Die Handlung war auch ganz nach meinem Geschmack. Melissa Foster baut eine insgesamt gelungene Spannungskurve mit kleinen Konflikten, sehr berührenden und emotionalen Momenten auf. Das erste Drittel war mir persönlich zum Teil etwas zu langatmig, doch dafür war es am Ende richtig spannend. Das Thema ist sehr aufwühlend und hat ich wirklich sehr bewegt. Und auch wenn man schon viel darüber gelesen und gehört hat, schockiert es mich immer wieder. Was gibt es nur für Ungeheuer! Das Ende hat mir dann sehr gut gefallen und ich habe mich total für Ellie gefreut.
Aber wie liest sich das Buch nun?
Es sind 32 längere Kapitel, die in der 3. Person Singular im Präteritum in der personalen Erzählform abwechselnd aus Ellie’s und aus Dex Sicht geschrieben sind. Das hat mir sehr gut gefallen, denn so konnte ich immer nachvollziehen, warum die Figuren wie handeln. Und es hat eine starke Bindung zwischen Ellie und mir entstehen lassen.
Der Schreibstil ist wieder richtig toll. Alles liest sich wie immer locker und flüssig. Die Dialoge sind abwechslungsreich, individuell und frisch. Sie passen zur Geschichte und zum Genre. Die atmosphärischen Beschreibungen und die Beschreibungen der Settings haben zu jeder Zeit ein Bild vor meinem inneren Auge entstehen lassen und ich war voll dabei. Prickelnde /erotische Momente sind natürlich auch wieder dabei und sehr ästhetisch beschrieben, jedoch treten sie nicht so häufig wie sonst auf. Das Thema wurde sehr behutsam bearbeitet. Und die emotionale Ebene ist für meinen Geschmack perfekt dargestellt. Insgesamt sehr gelungen und wieder typisch Melissa Foster - man fühlt sich einfach wohl beim Lesen.
Mein Fazit nach 232 Seiten:
„Spiel der Herzen“ ist ein ein Liebesroman mit sehr aufwühlenden Momenten, der zeigt, wie sich negative Erlebnisse auf das zukünftige Leben und die eigene Persönlichkeit auswirken können.
Wer einen emotionalen Liebesromane sucht, der in New York spielt und die Themen „traumatische Kindheitserlebnisse“ und „Gewalt“ verarbeitet, der dürfte mit diesem Roman gut beraten sein.
Von mir erhält dieses Buch eine klare Kaufempfehlung (4,5/5 Sternen), weil Ellie eine sehr starke Hauptfigur ist, die sich trotz ihrer Probleme für die Schwachen einsetzt. Überhaupt ist es ein sehr emotionaler und aufwühlender Roman, der mich sehr bewegt hat. Und der Schreibstil ist wirklich einmalig. Ein halbes Sternchen ziehe ich ab für Dex, d.h. für sein nicht altersgemäßes Verhalten. Das ist aber nur meine persönliche Meinung.
Insgesamt ist es ein sehr gelungener Liebesroman, den ich nur weiterempfehlen kann.
Vielen Dank an Melissa Foster für diese Geschichte.
June 20, 2016
Personally not a gamer but diversity makes the world go around and in Dex Remington's case it seems to revolve backwards in time when he finds himself once again falling for Ellie Parker when she comes back into his life after 4 years of being apart.
For me the two as a couple were well matched. They each had a hard time as young people and although Dex had siblings that helped him stay grounded Ellie was the touchstone person who provided him with much needed confidence when his strict father undermined his dreams.
The other side of the same coin was that Dex gave Ellie a feeling of safety and security that her foster home was sorely lacking, he also gave her unconditional friendship at a time in her life she needed it most.
Having one person in your life that truly understands you is a gift beyond measure but when that same person rips your heart out trust comes doubly hard when dealing with others from then on.
I understand why some say they did not like this particular story or it's main characters. Do not feel that way myself as thought the story was well thought out, the characters at 25 and 26 years of age handled their differences in a manner combining maturity with a bit of insecurity making their problems resolving trust issues difficult but not insurmountable.
A solid read to start the series and after introducing the rest of the family members at the end opened a path to more books to come.
For me the two as a couple were well matched. They each had a hard time as young people and although Dex had siblings that helped him stay grounded Ellie was the touchstone person who provided him with much needed confidence when his strict father undermined his dreams.
The other side of the same coin was that Dex gave Ellie a feeling of safety and security that her foster home was sorely lacking, he also gave her unconditional friendship at a time in her life she needed it most.
Having one person in your life that truly understands you is a gift beyond measure but when that same person rips your heart out trust comes doubly hard when dealing with others from then on.
I understand why some say they did not like this particular story or it's main characters. Do not feel that way myself as thought the story was well thought out, the characters at 25 and 26 years of age handled their differences in a manner combining maturity with a bit of insecurity making their problems resolving trust issues difficult but not insurmountable.
A solid read to start the series and after introducing the rest of the family members at the end opened a path to more books to come.
March 13, 2014
The first in the Remington series is definitely heart warming. Dex Remington and Ellie Parker have been friends since they met, but just friends. Enough so that Ellie used to sneak into Dex's window at night and just sleep beside him. Ellie was a foster child and never really felt sure about herself or anyone else-she had a habit of running away when things got too rough. She had already broken Dex's heart twice--once when she was sent to a different foster home and then again 4 years after that when she ran because she didn't think she was good enough for him.
When Ellie is again in running mode she heads back to New York and by chance bumps into Dex in a bar the first night she arrives. Dex is both happy and scared to death-she has broken his heart twice already. When she shows up at his door hours later of course he lets her in. It is so sad how both of them are so scared of being hurt again.
Do you believe in fate? Will these two ever truly get it together and live happily ever after? Will Dex's newest "game" be a success? Will Ellie find her dream teaching job? Am I being a tease? Read this 5 star book for yourself and maybe like me you will say awww at the end.
Game of Love
When Ellie is again in running mode she heads back to New York and by chance bumps into Dex in a bar the first night she arrives. Dex is both happy and scared to death-she has broken his heart twice already. When she shows up at his door hours later of course he lets her in. It is so sad how both of them are so scared of being hurt again.
Do you believe in fate? Will these two ever truly get it together and live happily ever after? Will Dex's newest "game" be a success? Will Ellie find her dream teaching job? Am I being a tease? Read this 5 star book for yourself and maybe like me you will say awww at the end.
Game of Love
February 18, 2014
Young, sexy, handsome and wealthy, twenty-six year old Dex Remington seems to have it all. Already achieving success in life as
the leading PC game developer and founder of Thrive Entertainment, Dex has not yet attained the same satisfaction in the game of
love. All he can think about right now, though, is the upcoming release of his latest creation, World of Thieves II.
Ellie Parker has seemingly overcome the odds. Moving from foster home to foster home was not easy. The one constant calm in her
mind was childhood friend, Dex, but their relationship has always been complicated and yet, at the same time, pure and simple.
Turmoil, loss and betrayal seem to have followed Ellie even as she found a way to have completed her education and gained
employment teaching. Finding herself back in New York under less than ideal circumstances, fate may have brought the two together
once again.
Melissa Foster creates worlds that I want to be part of! Sexy men, steamy love scenes, wonderful friends, loving families, exciting
locations and situations draw the reader into each story. Romance writing is at its best in this series of captivating love tales full of
likable characters, raw emotion, family bonds and true love.
the leading PC game developer and founder of Thrive Entertainment, Dex has not yet attained the same satisfaction in the game of
love. All he can think about right now, though, is the upcoming release of his latest creation, World of Thieves II.
Ellie Parker has seemingly overcome the odds. Moving from foster home to foster home was not easy. The one constant calm in her
mind was childhood friend, Dex, but their relationship has always been complicated and yet, at the same time, pure and simple.
Turmoil, loss and betrayal seem to have followed Ellie even as she found a way to have completed her education and gained
employment teaching. Finding herself back in New York under less than ideal circumstances, fate may have brought the two together
once again.
Melissa Foster creates worlds that I want to be part of! Sexy men, steamy love scenes, wonderful friends, loving families, exciting
locations and situations draw the reader into each story. Romance writing is at its best in this series of captivating love tales full of
likable characters, raw emotion, family bonds and true love.
December 25, 2014
For starters, this novel was so awful that I didn't finish reading it. Game of Love reads like an angsty teenager with all hormones and emotions with no sophistication, no eloquence and certainly no skill. The writing was cheesy and exaggerated and the plot line seemed to revolve around the same issue. It got so boring that I actually went and read another book (which is equally as boring but that's a story for another day). Furthermore, the main characters were needy, clingy and desperate. We're talking about adults here with jobs, not teenagers. Another point of contention I have with Game of Love is Dex's obsessive behaviour with Ellie. He constantly guilt trips her into staying by his side and if it's not guilt tripping, it is emotional blackmail. It got to the point where Ellie decided to stay! It didn't feel like she stayed out of love but rather out of necessity because he's been the one staying all this while. It was just awful, awful, awful.
For full review: http://bookworminpearls.blogspot.com/...
For full review: http://bookworminpearls.blogspot.com/...
May 15, 2015
Oh, gosh. I just love Dexy. He's a computer programmer and a game developer. He and his buddies know all about release cycles and quality assurance.
Anyway, Dex has always protected his heart because he's vulnerable and doesn't want to be hurt. Four years back, his very best friend in the world, Ellie Parker, disappeared right after he confessed his heartfelt love to her.
She is a former foster child and has problems with trust. But when she turns up in Dex's life right before a big software release, he removes all stops as far as trying to convince her to stay.
Dex and Ellie face their demons and touch each other's hearts. They are so sweet and you just want them to not hurt each other anymore. :) Fortunately, everything turns out great and we are introduced to the Remington family, twin sister Siena, brothers Sage, Kurt, Jack, and Rush.
A wonderful start to a great series.
Anyway, Dex has always protected his heart because he's vulnerable and doesn't want to be hurt. Four years back, his very best friend in the world, Ellie Parker, disappeared right after he confessed his heartfelt love to her.
She is a former foster child and has problems with trust. But when she turns up in Dex's life right before a big software release, he removes all stops as far as trying to convince her to stay.
Dex and Ellie face their demons and touch each other's hearts. They are so sweet and you just want them to not hurt each other anymore. :) Fortunately, everything turns out great and we are introduced to the Remington family, twin sister Siena, brothers Sage, Kurt, Jack, and Rush.
A wonderful start to a great series.
January 20, 2022
The most intriguing character is Regina. Dex & Ellie are just in so much angst & trust issues with each other that their story made me crave the stories of the support characters instead of theirs. And why do the main characters (in just about any romance book these days) talk about being clean while in the middle of getting it on? Are they not responsible enough to talk about it before or even after (because, hey! passionate moments are to be treasured, for sure). Run/hide/findawayback/run/hide/forgive/don'tforget/maybestay/maybenot/washrinserepeat - all very tiring.
Not much in the playful department in the many conversations between all the characters - just one serious moment after another and people always on the defense or in a protection mode.
Books 1-3 of the Bradens at Weston, CO were a real delight and I enjoyed reading those but Game of Love? Not really a fan.
Not much in the playful department in the many conversations between all the characters - just one serious moment after another and people always on the defense or in a protection mode.
Books 1-3 of the Bradens at Weston, CO were a real delight and I enjoyed reading those but Game of Love? Not really a fan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2014
Game of love was a very realistic story. It was about a girl with a ton of baggage and a wonderful guy who no matter what supports her, forgives her and ultimately saves her from a lifetime of never forming relationships. Dex was amazing from the start! Ellie on the other hand was hard to relate to through out the beginning of the book. However as the story progressed and we were privy to the struggles she had to endure I understood where she was coming from. I could empathize with her. The chemistry was evident and the romance plentiful. The book was a fast read that kept me wanting more. I really enjoyed it!
4 sweet and romantic stars
4 sweet and romantic stars
December 4, 2016
I truly enjoyed this story. I am new to Foster's Love in Bloom series but I adored Game of Love with Dex and Ellie. After reading this story, I now have a new author to add to my favorite authors list. This was heartwrenchingly beautiful. This story deals with those hard to reveal fears, that comes with being raised in the foster care system, and some of the traumas that many have to deal with. In this case, Ellie had Dex to turn to during the rough times. I'm just glad that in the end Ellie recovered enough to know she was worthy of being loved and to stop running from Dex. She finally trusted herself and the love she has always had for Dex to guide her through. Loved it!
February 13, 2018
Oh man oh man oh man. I can’t remember if I gave a book 1 star before.
First of all I know everyone sees me reading YA and fantasy novels but I also love romance.
This book was so cheesy! The writing was very juvenile, there wasn’t much happening in the characters lives and no development. When I got to the end and it said “end” i was shocked I was like “no this is a joke there has to be more.” It didn’t feel like an ending at all. I was constantly waiting for the book to “start”.
Will definitely not be reading anymore in the series. I was completely uninterested in any of the characters.
First of all I know everyone sees me reading YA and fantasy novels but I also love romance.
This book was so cheesy! The writing was very juvenile, there wasn’t much happening in the characters lives and no development. When I got to the end and it said “end” i was shocked I was like “no this is a joke there has to be more.” It didn’t feel like an ending at all. I was constantly waiting for the book to “start”.
Will definitely not be reading anymore in the series. I was completely uninterested in any of the characters.
November 22, 2015
Dex has always been there for Ellie. When she finds herself without a comfortable place to stay, it is only natural to end up at Dex's. He had protected her when she was younger and he would help her again. The friendship they've always had is obviously still there. Dex has always loved her. Can he let her walk away again, like she did four years ago, and survive? Is Ellie ready to stay?
January 6, 2016
While this is a good story of a foster child who makes it through college and now teaches elementary school and a genius games developer who befriended her as a child, the story dragged in parts. That. Is why 3 stars instead of 4.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews