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She tries to escape. She tries to reason with me. And then she tries to change the rules. But this is my game, and I won’t be played. I own her now…

Three years ago, I let down my guard, and I paid the ultimate price when the woman I loved was murdered right in front of my eyes.
I have a chance to make it right. To earn back the respect of my father and my place in the family as the underboss. A way to finally take my revenge on the bastard who took her away…
By stealing his fiancé.
Veda is a means to an end, a weakness I can’t afford to have, and I’m obsessed with having her.

If I was a decent man, I would let her go.
But I am not that kind of man.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2022

588 people are currently reading
2121 people want to read

About the author

Angel Rayne

15 books114 followers
Hi! My name is Angel Rayne and I write dark, delicious romance with antiheroes who would burn down the world to save the woman they love. I never understood why the villains never win the girl, and so I decided to write them their own love stories where they do.
Here are a few other odds and ends about me…
-Music inspires my stories and I make playlists for every book.
-I am not a fast writer. My stories take time to write. They need to brew in my head. To have book releases close together I have to write ahead. But I would much rather take the time the stories need to be the best they can be than try to rush them out. Trust me on this one.
-I love the rain, and I'm happiest when I'm sitting in a coffee shop with my laptop as it storms outside.
-I prefer to go watch movies alone, with one of those fancy coffees hidden in my purse. (Yes, I really do this.)
-My husband calls me his "little bird" because anything that sparkles catches my eye.
-I will never have enough soft blankets. Ever.
-I love ALL THE DRAMA…at least in books.
-I will forever re-watch The Phantom of the Opera with the hope that by some miracle, this time she will choose correctly.

Thank you for reading my stories, and I always love to hear from you! You can reach me at: angel@angelrayne.com

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5 stars
298 (39%)
4 stars
208 (27%)
3 stars
162 (21%)
2 stars
51 (6%)
1 star
29 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for Melanie A..
1,245 reviews560 followers
February 4, 2023
3.5 STARS!

There were some deliciously jaw-dropping moments between Veda and Luca. 😮🥵 This author has some real talent! But unfortunately the premise suffered from so many inconsistencies that I could never quite buy into it.

The cliffhanger at the end was a real nail-biter, but the next book is not in KU.😕
1,060 reviews34 followers
April 24, 2022
1.75 for good editing and a strong heroine, but this is a one and done story for me.

The story has some merit with a strong heroine, but Luca's character.....is a complete waste of time. I have read some really dark characters in this genre, that were smarter and better prepared to handle difficult situations as the story evolves, but this guy is just a manipulative, narcassistic, liar that does nothing but use Veda throughout the entire first book of the trilogy. He has no redeeming qualities and is purely out for himself and his revenge.

He lies to her throughout the entire book, coerces and manipulates her with "false hope"; has her sister's body reduced to an acid laced goo, threatens her parents in order to get her to do his bidding and become Nicole, rapes her and then drugs her before the showdown with his brother so she won't feel the pain of his bullet between her eyes, as much. Such a great guy!

Authors have to be careful when creating these dark characters because the line between a character that can withstand a trilogy and one that can't get through the first book is very thin. There has to be something to a dark character that humanizes the monster that they portray; unfortunately this author failed in doing that with Luca's character. The few instances the author tries to paint a bit of humanity in Luca's character are laughable and more of a hyprocasy because he just doubles down on his revenge and reverts back to the monster that he truly is.

Their is no love story between characters, just sex and lust; methods Luca uses to control and manipulate Veda so that he can get his revenge. I don't care how an author may think that she can "rebrand" a character like Luca in two more books, because I have found that their are few authors who are successful in redeeming characters like Luca.

I won't be finishing this trilogy because the author is going to attempt to spin some love story in book 2 and 3 that won't be believable, even in fiction. Ending this trilogy with Luca and Veda together is laughable at this point in the trilogy. Any woman that can love a man after what Luca has put Veda's character through would be reduced to nothing but an idiot. Authors have a tendency to reduce female characters to a shadow of what they are in order to make the H look better. No sex or lust is that good; this guy's character is a "hard no". He doesn't deserve her nor does her character need to be reduced to a ghost of what it was in book one because she "forgives him". Some people don't deserve forgiveness and Luca is one of those characters.
Profile Image for ~lil maso~.
1,931 reviews49 followers
April 12, 2022
4 1/2 stars

Holy moly, what an incredible start to a trilogy this book was and I can’t wait to read the other two books! If this story is the first foray into this genre for this author then I commend her and suggest she continue.

I found both lead characters, Veda and Luca to be likable and easy to relate to as well as some of the secondary characters, especially Enzo. As the story progressed we got to know more about each character and I found myself wanting the situation to change, even knowing that it most probably wouldn’t. I always think it’s a good sign when you get that enmeshed in a story and that’s the main reason for the extra half a star.

This storyline has something a bit different from the usual mafia stories and that was exciting to discover. I also enjoyed the banter between the characters whether it was in anger or fun. There were some excellent descriptions of the settings and the scenes, it was very easy to visually see the story as I read. Some very emotive writing made you feel the emotions each character experienced as well as feel for them.

I totally recommend this book and look forward to reading book two, His Stakes.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,817 reviews68 followers
March 22, 2022
Luca is a hard man, a mafia boss out for revenge against the man who took away the woman he loved. He finally finds his enemies weakness and he seizes his chance and takes Veda. Veda is a means to an end, but is she really? I couldn’t put this book down and it’s one that will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to the end! Veda and Luca have an undeniable attraction to each other and tension between them is so palpable. Brilliant read! I highly recommend this book to all!! I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
177 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2022
I almost did not finish this. Especially at the scene where he rapes her I repeat, He. Rapes. Her. She says no at least four times, and tells her that she wants this. On the night that she is to die he drugs her so she can enjoy herself. And then when he's about ready to do the deed and she finds out about his former girlfriend, she's like oh it's okay to kill me go ahead. I forgive you. Give me a f****** break! I definitely will not be reading the other books in this series. And to all the readers that gave it four and five stars you ought to be ashamed of yourself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Karen_Lee_Reads.
1,300 reviews47 followers
February 26, 2022
His Game
(His Obsession. #1)
Written by: Angel Rayne


From the first sentence in the Prologue to the last sentence in His Game is chock-a-block full of action!

Author Angel Rayne takes readers from a tragic loss, to a man who is shunted off to redeem himself. Add in a kidnapping and what might be the biggest mistake Luca Morelli has ever made, readers are taken on a wild ride.

Luca’s fiancé is killed and he spends years atoning not just to her family but also to his own as well. He promises to make the man who shot Maria pay by taking the one thing that means the most to him, then turn him over to his father.

A by chance peek at an interview gives Luca and his men the window he has been looking for, it appears Nicole Calbert is set to marry his traitor brother Mario. Plans are set in motion, but there is a twist; the woman in Nicole’s condo, isn’t Nicole, it is her sister Veda!

Veda and Luca fight and spit and circle each other and yet they also have an attraction to one another. But Veda is a bargaining chip and when the worst-case scenario happens, Veda may become the bait he needs to draw Mario out.

Adding to this whole mess they are attracted to each other, hot steamy encounters put them both on edge, but always wanting more from each other!

Angel Rayne has begun this series with a bang; we can only hope that each book is like this one, nailing biting in some parts and hard and fast in others. Will they find Veda in time before the proverbial cat is let out of the bag!
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,118 reviews50 followers
April 21, 2022
Luca is looking for revenge from the man who killed the woman he loved, three years ago. Now he has a chance to get that revenge and earn the respect back from his father and his mafia family. He steals his fiancé, Veda and has they spend time together he wants her for his very own. Great start to a new dark mafia romance. Entertaining story and great characters. I loved it.
121 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2022
Omg This book is so good. Loved the switching points of view. Luca is a harden mafia boss out for revenge, but as we know this is sometimes a double edged sword. He has found his enemy's weakness.
Totally great read. Well written and a great story that leaves you wanting more.
Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Aileen VanDyk.
26 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2022
Ever have a case of mistaken identity that affects your whole life? Well, Luca has to deal with that first hand. Will this case of mistaken identity screw up his plans on revenge? Or will it have a more positive and unexpected affect on him? Well he still be able to get his revenge out well his life take a more dangerous turn?
Profile Image for Amber Keehn.
563 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2022
Loved this debut novel from Angel Rayne- I have a literal book hangover waiting for book two to come out! This delightful book had all of the tropes dark romance readers love- enemies to lovers, forced proximity, touch her and I'll "unalive" you....to name a few. Luca is the pinnacle tortured anti-hero having lost his love to his brother and seeking revenge at his father's behest to become underboss. When a case of mistaken identity puts sassy and fierce Veda in his path, he continuously tries (and fails) to harden his resolve toward her. Veda, for her part, knows she's not destined for a happy ending and does everything in her power to fight Luca which just adds to the story in the most amazing fashion. The book ends on a cliffhanger (hence the bookhangover) but luckily the next one is due out in May! .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,375 reviews140 followers
April 19, 2022
This is a well written dark mafia read with a cast of strong characters and an exciting story line. The author brings a fun banter and paints her scenes perfectly. She had me glued to the pages reading. It's a steamy start to a new series and has me looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
7,813 reviews65 followers
February 9, 2022
Luca take s Veda as revenge against the people who killed the woman he loves not realizing the changes that come with this decision. I loved both the storyline and the well developed and engaging characters.

I received a copy and am leaving my honest and voluntary review.
519 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2022
Wow! What a fantastic start for this trilogy. Totally shook me. Right from the beginning there is so much action. So well written. Gets you attached to Veda and Luca. Definitely gives you all the feels. Takes you on a roller coaster. Definitely a must read. Can not wait for the next book.
Profile Image for R Rais.
1,559 reviews43 followers
April 11, 2022
I always love finding "new author for me" who can keep me seated on the edge for how they write thelr story.
And this book nailed it!
The author done a great job on detail. At first, with the blurb, i was like, huh how can a mafia boss can do mistake in taking someone else? Dont he have men to do all the checking up? The author answer it really simple yet nail to the point.

Starting the book, it was with a bang. Luca's anger blinded him for revenge no matter what or who will be casualty. But in his mistake, i see a man passionate to love. He isn't that heartless evil he potrayed him self to the world.

What he do to Veda is cruel, stupid and weak for its clouded with anger. He gonna need to grovel real bad in second book.

And Veda, i like her. She's not miss sweetheart yet not a biatch either. She's quite realistic with how she sees her situation with Luca. Love how strong her will to live. Very passionate and honest with her feelings.

Their chemistry is sizzling. The smegsi scenes are FİRE!

I hate Luca for saying his feeling for her making him weak. I dont like how Veda was made to be helpless by her love for him.
And that what's make the tragedy ending in this first book is the more nail baiting. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Helene Black.
421 reviews29 followers
Read
October 13, 2024
DNF @page 40 — not sure why I didn’t like this one exactly. It was quite slow and the MC wasn’t that interesting. Guess it wasn’t for me 🤷🏼‍♀️
Profile Image for Tara Williamson.
46 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2022
Excellent book had me on edge wanting more with every page!
17 reviews
Want to read
February 3, 2022
Oh my word! Such a good read, I couldn't put it down! Luca and Veda are amazing characters.... I'm in love!
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews162 followers
April 7, 2022
I found myself totally consumed by this dark and decadent tale of revenge and obsession. Luca and Veda's story grabbed and held me in a wickedly vicious grip as the lush combination of action, drama, emotion, twists, heat, tension, danger and intensity stole my breath and had my pulse racing. This is only book one of three, so be prepared and hold on for the cliffy ahead! All I know is I need book two ASAP!! I am electing to post an objective review.
5 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2022
This book has been an absolutely phenomenal read!! Right from the start I became emotionally attached to Luca’s reasoning and the growing connection he has with Veda. At a couple of times during my reading I found myself smiling and getting a warm & fuzzy feeling then a few pages later I was wiping away some tears. If you love reading a book that will keep you totally enthralled right from Chapter One to the last page, then I absolutely recommend reading “His Game”. I received this book as an ARC read.
Profile Image for Tan.
71 reviews12 followers
April 22, 2023
Yeah I draw the line at rape.
Profile Image for Jill Haworth.
1,030 reviews24 followers
April 30, 2022
Luca had been madly I love with Maria, until the night she was murdered in his arms and his deal with her brothers cartel was captured by the feds. Men and product both. Luca was lucky he managed to escape with his life. Not only had he seen who had killed Maria and attempted to kill him too, that same person had betrayed his family. He promised Maria’s brother that one day he would avenge her death and he meant it.
Years later, an excited fiancée makes a slip up on tv and that sets about a plan to capture her and turn everything on its head. Only they didn’t capture her. They captured her identical twin sister, Veda.
They needed to rectify their error and locate Nicole. In the mean time Veda could be made to look like her sister and play a part. After all, there was no love lost between them.
Despite her best efforts, Veda tried not to feel anything for Luca. She couldn’t see a way out of this without the mafia killing her.
So when they eventually set up a meeting they used Veda as bait, but everything that could go wrong, does….
This was an excellent start to the trilogy. It’s well written, interesting with entertaining characters and a riveting story. The hate/love/hate relationship between Veda and Luca changes frequently and Luca’s men are torn about Luca’s plan. They like Veda. But what they see as good for Luka, he sees as weakness. Loved it.
Profile Image for Nancy Walker.
Author 3 books38 followers
July 15, 2022
I am calling this a story because it's not a full book. It ends halfway through the climax, forcing readers to purchase the next book if they want to see the ending. At $7.00 per digital story, the price is steep for not getting a full book.

The story flows easily between the dual point of view characters. Veda is a strong character and doesn't lose her personality through most of the story. She is smart and figures out what is required for her to stay alive. The story presents her decisions as calculated choices to stay alive, rather than Stockholm Syndrome style romance.

Luca is a stereotypical underboss who screwed up and is now trying to get revenge. It uses all the standard romance novel tropes for a "bad guy" (but not that bad really). The story attempts to portray him as a broken man, forced into the mafia life by circumstance. But he isn't above being abusive or killing innocent people to enact his revenge.

The story reads like a light romance, despite being labeled dark. It's not a romance because the plot is more focused on Luca's revenge and Veda surviving her kidnapping. But it's not a thriller either, as there is no mystery or suspense. Luca does exactly what the reader would expect, and Veda's plot line ends like a soap opera with no resolution.

If I read more from this author, it will only be standalone books.
Profile Image for Tiffany Readz.
2,020 reviews52 followers
April 13, 2022
4.5 Stars-Action Packed, Sexy Read!

Boy did Angel Rayne throw everything but the kitchen sink into the first book of this series. In His Game, we meet Luca and Veda, a criminal and an innocent. Nothing like a good ole opposites attract read.

As the blurb says, to Luca, Veda is the means to an end. He's got a score to settle and she is the pawn in his game. Luca is a mobster that has actually has a conscience when it comes right down to it. I wasn't sure about him at first, however he did end up growing on me. Veda was a different story, I liked her right away. She wasn't sure what she was doing with her life right at the moment and when Luca came in and turned it upside down, the girl was a champ.

As we unravel the revenge plot Luca has planned, it is easy to recognize this won't be something that goes off without a hitch. It's a wait and see who is left standing when it's all said and done. Luca figured this would be an easy ploy to pull off, but he turned out to be so wrong.

The book is well written and as the first in the series, it ends with a mighty cliffhanger. Angel Rayne has set the book up nicely, giving readers some background along sexy and angst. Looks like it's all going to go down in book two, so sign me up!

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
2,132 reviews77 followers
November 18, 2022
Another great book that instantly grabbed me! Luca is out for revenge against his brother after he killed the woman Luca loved. He’s waited 3 years for his chance and when he finds out his brother is engaged, he decides to kidnap his fiancée, only his men grab her twin instead.
Veda is definitely tough, she stands up to Luca and doesn’t give in easily. And when she learns of Luca’s plans, she decides to turn the table on him and plans to make him fall in love with her, thinking it’s her only way to escape her death. Only neither expect to actually develop feelings for the other. As Lucas can feel his heart softening towards her and he knows he’s developing feelings, he also knows he can’t. He needs to extract his revenge, so he hardens himself and distances himself from Veda. But when the time comes to face his brother and to kill her, he almost does but his brother manages to escape- taking Veda with him. Angry at himself for putting her in the middle, and realizing he does love her, he swears he’ll do anything to get her back.
This was so good!!! I can’t wait to start book 2 and see what happens! Luca definitely has some major groveling to do and I hope Veda doesn’t give in.
Profile Image for Little monster.
696 reviews19 followers
April 13, 2022
Wow what a fantastic start to what looks like a fabulous series!!! This is book one in a trilogy and I can't wait to read the other two.

Veda and Luca are both really likeable characters, we get to know more and more about these two as the book progresses and the story unravels. Luca has lost everything, he's a man who has suffered a tragic loss, his fiance is killed and he spends years atoning for it. He promises to make the man responsible pay for what he has done.

Nicole is set to marry his brother, Mario who is a traitor, all plans are set in motion but when it comes to it, it's not Nicole waiting it's her sister Veda! Veda and Luca they fight and argue constantly, yes they have an attraction to one another also, but Veda is the bargaining chip in all of this and she may just be the thing that Luca needs to draw Mario out!!

There are some steamy scenes in this book so much so I had to put my kindle down and fan me self down for a while lol. I do live for a good Mafia book and this one is no exception. It's fast paced, steamy and nail biting in places. I can honestly tell you, you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Book Nook Kitten.
687 reviews14 followers
July 23, 2023
Painfully boring. I'm at 50% and giving up because nothing has happened, he kidnapped her and keeps her at his lake house and all there is to read is them brushing their teeth, washing their hair, shaving, showering, what clothes they're wearing. Thats it, mundane daily tasks that are a complete waste of readers time to read.

After trying another book by the author, His Promise, in her other series, I won't be reading anything else by her, because like that story she drags what is barely a premise out over three books by jamming them with tedious filler of boring everyday tasks of them brushing their teeth, washing and eating.

Dark romance is my favourite genre, but the author doesn't have the talent to write it because she has made the heroine just another of hundreds of stupid, vacant females in the genre who wants the hero just because he's sexy, stupidly lusting after him despite knowing he is using her and intends to kill her when he is finished using her. Argh! It's bad. A completely pointless and boring waste of time to read.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
April 14, 2022
HOLY HELL! Angel Rayne knocked my socks off with His Game, and she can consider me ALL IN with future books. Luca has had brutal betrayal in his life which resulted in the woman he loved being murdered, and now he's finally ready to actually get revenge against the one who deserves it all. Of course he's going to go after the one who means the most in the villain's life which is always a slippery slope for me because I have a hard time falling for the hero at this point. Here's the deal though, he definitely made things more difficult for himself with the questionable decision as Veda is not scared of going toe to toe with him & throws his world into chaos (the sparks are flying like crazy) despite the fact that she's supposed to be a means to an end. It all leads to a HUGE cliffhanger ending that has me dying inside because I NEED TO KNOW ALL! So now I'm sitting in impatient wait hell, but in the meantime, I'll just HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
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