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Games & Diversions #1-3
Hating the Best Man
It was hate at the first Hello.
An oversexed business whiz.
A mouthy blonde dancer.
One secret vendetta.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN.
***************
Round 1 of the series, Step by Step:
I’ve simplified my life into a three-part process:
I binge—I fuck—I come…until I come to my senses.
That’s what my world has been ever since she came into my life.
And I was perfectly content with it staying that way…
Until I actually met her.
Mouthy dancer.
Blonde bombshell.
Elena.
My best friend’s soon to be sister-in-law.
Enemies before we’d ever laid eyes on each other, we were a match made in Hell—a cautionary tale of how not to get along.
But when the spark between us sets our passions ablaze, how do we prevent the unexpected matches from turning our flame into an inferno?
An oversexed business whiz.
A mouthy blonde dancer.
One secret vendetta.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN.
***************
Round 1 of the series, Step by Step:
I’ve simplified my life into a three-part process:
I binge—I fuck—I come…until I come to my senses.
That’s what my world has been ever since she came into my life.
And I was perfectly content with it staying that way…
Until I actually met her.
Mouthy dancer.
Blonde bombshell.
Elena.
My best friend’s soon to be sister-in-law.
Enemies before we’d ever laid eyes on each other, we were a match made in Hell—a cautionary tale of how not to get along.
But when the spark between us sets our passions ablaze, how do we prevent the unexpected matches from turning our flame into an inferno?
ebook
First published May 20, 2016
276 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Natalie E. Wrye
8 books520 followersNatalie Wrye is a tequila connoisseur, Game of Thrones addict and author best known for writing page-turning Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense.
A fan of the beautifully polarizing anti-hero, she crafts sexy stories about hard-bodied, complex men and the strong-willed women who crave them.
She provides an inappropriate laugh (or ten) and a FREE book here: http://eepurl.com/b4A6_r
She loves it when people get weird with her on Facebook, NatalieWrye.com or NatalieWrites@NatalieWrye.com.
Reader Roundtable:
http://eepurl.com/bkUdof
Facebook author page:
http://www.facebook.com/nataliewrye
A fan of the beautifully polarizing anti-hero, she crafts sexy stories about hard-bodied, complex men and the strong-willed women who crave them.
She provides an inappropriate laugh (or ten) and a FREE book here: http://eepurl.com/b4A6_r
She loves it when people get weird with her on Facebook, NatalieWrye.com or NatalieWrites@NatalieWrye.com.
Reader Roundtable:
http://eepurl.com/bkUdof
Facebook author page:
http://www.facebook.com/nataliewrye
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 2, 2022
1.5 stars
I was tempted for a moment there to give it 2 stars, just because it was slightly better than the first book, but nah.
All in all, it was more of the same - chaotic, sudden reveals that are supposed to shock but just don't make sense, no real character development, flat characters and basically just the type of writing that gives me a headache.
Not continuing with this series, and probably not continuing with this author, just not my cup of tea.
I was tempted for a moment there to give it 2 stars, just because it was slightly better than the first book, but nah.
All in all, it was more of the same - chaotic, sudden reveals that are supposed to shock but just don't make sense, no real character development, flat characters and basically just the type of writing that gives me a headache.
Not continuing with this series, and probably not continuing with this author, just not my cup of tea.
April 1, 2020
Nope.
When you cannot warm to either of the main characters, and then the ending with the villain is ridiculously OTT (this, after you have ploughed through some improbable plot twists), you know you wasted your time.
When you cannot warm to either of the main characters, and then the ending with the villain is ridiculously OTT (this, after you have ploughed through some improbable plot twists), you know you wasted your time.
February 19, 2018
Perfect Revenge is the second book in Natalie E. Wrye’s Revenge series, and it was a much more enjoyable read than the first book in the series. Made up of the three parts of Games & Diversions – Step by Step, Hour by Hour, and Minute by Minute – a lot more happened in this one to keep me interested.
While Riske and Revenge was a rounded up two-point-five-star rating, Perfect Revenge is a rounded up three-point-five-star rating. The amount of improvement, however, was enough to leave me considering going back and rounding down my rating of the first book. I didn’t, though, despite the thoughts that passed through my head.
Although Perfect Revenge could work as a standalone novel, I think it works best if you read the prior book first. You get to know the characters in advance, you get to understand certain elements, and it allows for a better understanding of the finer details. In other words, reading the prior book makes this a more powerful read.
Like with the first book, however, I wasn’t crazy about the characters in this story. I enjoyed them marginally more than I enjoyed the characters of book one, but I wasn’t crazy about them. What I did enjoy a lot more, though, was the revenge story.
There were some messy elements with the revenge story, but it was a lot more fleshed out than the story in book one. I was able to overlook some of the messy elements, as I was kept gripped throughout this one. There was more of a game to this one, it kept you guessing a lot more. It sucked me in more than I was expecting, and due to that I was able to round this one up.
Overall, Perfect Revenge was a much more enjoyable read than Riske and Revenge.
While Riske and Revenge was a rounded up two-point-five-star rating, Perfect Revenge is a rounded up three-point-five-star rating. The amount of improvement, however, was enough to leave me considering going back and rounding down my rating of the first book. I didn’t, though, despite the thoughts that passed through my head.
Although Perfect Revenge could work as a standalone novel, I think it works best if you read the prior book first. You get to know the characters in advance, you get to understand certain elements, and it allows for a better understanding of the finer details. In other words, reading the prior book makes this a more powerful read.
Like with the first book, however, I wasn’t crazy about the characters in this story. I enjoyed them marginally more than I enjoyed the characters of book one, but I wasn’t crazy about them. What I did enjoy a lot more, though, was the revenge story.
There were some messy elements with the revenge story, but it was a lot more fleshed out than the story in book one. I was able to overlook some of the messy elements, as I was kept gripped throughout this one. There was more of a game to this one, it kept you guessing a lot more. It sucked me in more than I was expecting, and due to that I was able to round this one up.
Overall, Perfect Revenge was a much more enjoyable read than Riske and Revenge.
May 30, 2016
Amazing Series!! It will keep you guessing til the end!!
November 17, 2021
While this was an interesting read, I found it to be one long drawn out sex scene after another until the halfway point. The "secret" Griff had was anticlimactic and the characters were a little too quirky. While the climax was a major twist, the end left me wanting to look for the rest of the story. Disappointing!
March 26, 2025
2.5
Definitely better than the first book, but at the same time, it doesn't make much progress because it still has the same problems as the previous volume.
The characters have a bit more depth, mainly because they finally meet in person and aren’t limited to just exchanging messages. This gives a clearer view of their dynamic. However, their relationship essentially develops in three ways: they argue, they have sex, and they try to have a conversation—which always ends up turning them on. The only real positive point of this volume is that the sex scenes are well written, but honestly, it’s hard to believe they’re horny 24/7 and can’t keep their hands off each other for at least one chapter.
Aside from that, the rest is just pure chaos: the development of Elena and Griff's relationship, Griff's past, the "mystery" about why someone wants to kill them… everything feels confusing.
Honestly, Griff was the character I didn’t like in the first book because he’s the classic arrogant rich guy. I was curious to see how he would "transform" in this book, but I can only say that by the end, I still didn't understand why he became the person he is, despite his difficult childhood. On the other hand, I liked Elena's appearance in the first book, but I couldn’t stand her after three chapters in this one.
The evolution of their relationship was disappointing, just like the rest of the story. The plot is full of sudden and often improbable twists that confuse rather than surprise. Despite being a big reveal, the ending didn’t impress me because of how the mystery aspect was handled. This is a shame because the story has potential—the writing flows well, and bonus points for the spicy scenes—but the way the scenes were structured ultimately lowers the series' overall potential. I won’t be finishing the last book in the series, and I’m sorry to say that, but at this point, I’d rather read something else.
audiobook review
I also listened to the audiobook while reading the book, and I have to say that the narrators made the reading more bearable. I appreciated that the female narrator was more convincing than in the previous volume. The male narrator did a good job (as he did in the first volume), making Griff even more unlikeable—and that’s almost a compliment! In short, great narration for a story that ultimately falls flat.
Definitely better than the first book, but at the same time, it doesn't make much progress because it still has the same problems as the previous volume.
The characters have a bit more depth, mainly because they finally meet in person and aren’t limited to just exchanging messages. This gives a clearer view of their dynamic. However, their relationship essentially develops in three ways: they argue, they have sex, and they try to have a conversation—which always ends up turning them on. The only real positive point of this volume is that the sex scenes are well written, but honestly, it’s hard to believe they’re horny 24/7 and can’t keep their hands off each other for at least one chapter.
Aside from that, the rest is just pure chaos: the development of Elena and Griff's relationship, Griff's past, the "mystery" about why someone wants to kill them… everything feels confusing.
Honestly, Griff was the character I didn’t like in the first book because he’s the classic arrogant rich guy. I was curious to see how he would "transform" in this book, but I can only say that by the end, I still didn't understand why he became the person he is, despite his difficult childhood. On the other hand, I liked Elena's appearance in the first book, but I couldn’t stand her after three chapters in this one.
The evolution of their relationship was disappointing, just like the rest of the story. The plot is full of sudden and often improbable twists that confuse rather than surprise. Despite being a big reveal, the ending didn’t impress me because of how the mystery aspect was handled. This is a shame because the story has potential—the writing flows well, and bonus points for the spicy scenes—but the way the scenes were structured ultimately lowers the series' overall potential. I won’t be finishing the last book in the series, and I’m sorry to say that, but at this point, I’d rather read something else.
audiobook review
I also listened to the audiobook while reading the book, and I have to say that the narrators made the reading more bearable. I appreciated that the female narrator was more convincing than in the previous volume. The male narrator did a good job (as he did in the first volume), making Griff even more unlikeable—and that’s almost a compliment! In short, great narration for a story that ultimately falls flat.
November 26, 2021
3.5 stars
This was a good read, but it was not at all what I was expecting. I felt at times that there was too much happening.
I liked Lukas and Elena, and I liked the tension between them. Their relationship was interesting, but I didn’t feel a deeper connection between them. I thought they were okay characters on their own, but it seemed like a major plot point was the secrets of Lukas’ past and so we didn’t really get to see much of him.
The pacing was good, and the story had lots of exciting moments.
This was a good read, but it was not at all what I was expecting. I felt at times that there was too much happening.
I liked Lukas and Elena, and I liked the tension between them. Their relationship was interesting, but I didn’t feel a deeper connection between them. I thought they were okay characters on their own, but it seemed like a major plot point was the secrets of Lukas’ past and so we didn’t really get to see much of him.
The pacing was good, and the story had lots of exciting moments.
March 16, 2017
see series
April 18, 2019
Oh my gosh. I don't even know where to begin. I LOVED every second of this book. Lukas and Elena couldn't be more opposite if they tried and when they first meet to say they didn't like each other would be an understatement. However, despite their dislike for one another, they cannot deny the attraction between them no matter how much they try. Before they know it, they are arguing like crazy and trying to hide a casual romance between them. Neither of them expected to develop feelings for one another but it happened and it was epic to watch the former playboy fall for the feisty Elena who kept him on his toes. However, this book is not just an enemies to lovers romance. It has a suspenseful element to it that will leave you breathless. I really loved the suspense in this novel. I had my suspicions about what was really going on but I couldn't have been further from the truth. When everything came together at the end of this book, I was shocked! I didn't see it coming and loved every minute of it. This book will have you gasping out loud, swooning and rooting for Lukas and Elena to get their happy ending. Don't miss out on this epic read!
November 9, 2023
How on earth is this book rated so high??? I am honestly shocked. This was actually the worst book I’ve ever read. I started reading this because #1: it was free, and #2: I just wanted a quick, light, steamy romance to fill my time for a few days. I feel duped by these reviews into reading this and I’m kind of annoyed right now.
I usually try to be objective in reviews and provide both the things that I liked and didn’t like about a book but I’m really grasping at straws to say anything(!) positive. The writing was atrocious and juvenile. Some of the words and phrases used had me rolling my eyes. Lukas literally had no thoughts going on in his head that weren’t about sex. Elle was supposed to be this tough-as-nails, uptight & prudish person but she was none of those things. There is zero tension or witty banter between them. You can hardly call this an enemies-to-lovers trope as they are literally stripping their clothes off only a few chapters in. Elle is basically a spineless jellyfish with questionable judgement that falls at Lukas’ feet every time he glances her way. There is no real character development either and when Lukas’ “secret” is revealed toward the end it is anticlimactic and brushed over without a lot of sentiment. Every interaction or conversation the two main characters have is about sex and it makes it very hard to get attached or care about them at all. Elle is completely generic and boring and you are left wondering how a sex-craved womanizer who has commitment issues decides to give that all up and change his ways for someone like her. The other characters in the book are under-developed and hardly serve a purpose.
The plot was very weak, oddly confusing and culminates in a silly reveal that quite frankly is not worth the wait. It was predictable and cheesy and full of holes and head-scratching moments.
But then, I didn’t really pick this up for the plot, right??? This book is mostly about the steam-factor and it fell very short of my expectations. The spice was not spicy. It tried to be but was mostly kind of cringey and rushed in parts. It seems like this girl can have multiple orgasms in a nano second with minimal effort!
I almost abandoned this book multiple times but I hate not finishing something so I ended up skimming through the last 20% of the book. Retrospectively, I wish I would’ve just tossed it! It’s not worth it folks!
I usually try to be objective in reviews and provide both the things that I liked and didn’t like about a book but I’m really grasping at straws to say anything(!) positive. The writing was atrocious and juvenile. Some of the words and phrases used had me rolling my eyes. Lukas literally had no thoughts going on in his head that weren’t about sex. Elle was supposed to be this tough-as-nails, uptight & prudish person but she was none of those things. There is zero tension or witty banter between them. You can hardly call this an enemies-to-lovers trope as they are literally stripping their clothes off only a few chapters in. Elle is basically a spineless jellyfish with questionable judgement that falls at Lukas’ feet every time he glances her way. There is no real character development either and when Lukas’ “secret” is revealed toward the end it is anticlimactic and brushed over without a lot of sentiment. Every interaction or conversation the two main characters have is about sex and it makes it very hard to get attached or care about them at all. Elle is completely generic and boring and you are left wondering how a sex-craved womanizer who has commitment issues decides to give that all up and change his ways for someone like her. The other characters in the book are under-developed and hardly serve a purpose.
The plot was very weak, oddly confusing and culminates in a silly reveal that quite frankly is not worth the wait. It was predictable and cheesy and full of holes and head-scratching moments.
But then, I didn’t really pick this up for the plot, right??? This book is mostly about the steam-factor and it fell very short of my expectations. The spice was not spicy. It tried to be but was mostly kind of cringey and rushed in parts. It seems like this girl can have multiple orgasms in a nano second with minimal effort!
I almost abandoned this book multiple times but I hate not finishing something so I ended up skimming through the last 20% of the book. Retrospectively, I wish I would’ve just tossed it! It’s not worth it folks!
January 24, 2022
I enjoyed this enemies-to-lovers, romantic suspense between two bossy, argumentative, control freaks. The snark-filled text communications between Elena and Lukas as they planned a surprise engagement party for her sister, and his best friend were very entertaining. Their fiery attraction when they eventually met, built to an inferno that neither one could control or deny despite how often each professed their dislike of the other outside the bedroom, or the bathroom, or the…!
I found the story a bit overlong however in how the mystery played out, and at times it became a bit muddled by the many possible motives and suspects. Despite that, it’s an entertaining tale with plenty of sarcasm, drama, angst, suspense, a few twists and several, very steamy, explicit encounters. While this story has a conclusion, it’s more of a HFN ending, as we’re told that Elena and Lukas’ story continues into the next book.
I found the story a bit overlong however in how the mystery played out, and at times it became a bit muddled by the many possible motives and suspects. Despite that, it’s an entertaining tale with plenty of sarcasm, drama, angst, suspense, a few twists and several, very steamy, explicit encounters. While this story has a conclusion, it’s more of a HFN ending, as we’re told that Elena and Lukas’ story continues into the next book.
June 14, 2022
Great story!😍
This story was captivating, intriguing and interesting. I feel like I read this story somewhere else so I continue to enjoy the book. Griff is a player, rich,and smart. He has a presence about him. He is really good looking man. Griff own a company with his bestfriends. Elena is looking to start fresh. She is sweet, pretty, and unexpected. She is a dancer. Elena is trying to start her new life in a new place. These two are planning a special occasion for the people they love. I love their banter and their chemistry. The writing was done really good. I did not like how the story ended in some what of a cliffhanger. Ugh! Good work Natalie Wrye!
This story was captivating, intriguing and interesting. I feel like I read this story somewhere else so I continue to enjoy the book. Griff is a player, rich,and smart. He has a presence about him. He is really good looking man. Griff own a company with his bestfriends. Elena is looking to start fresh. She is sweet, pretty, and unexpected. She is a dancer. Elena is trying to start her new life in a new place. These two are planning a special occasion for the people they love. I love their banter and their chemistry. The writing was done really good. I did not like how the story ended in some what of a cliffhanger. Ugh! Good work Natalie Wrye!
February 18, 2018
This one is a little better than the first in the series, but the story is still choppy and it's a bit drawn out. Arrogance in a hero can be sexy, but much like the hero in book one, it's so over the top that it's a bit of a turn off. There are unanswered questions in this one and I'm planning to read the next in the series in hopes that things improve and the characters get a bit more interesting.
January 29, 2022
The book was great!. I actually just listened to it for the 2nd time. I bought the book without realizing I had already read the series elsewhere. It had a great mysterious story line. Plenty steamy. GREAT banter for this enemies to lovers troupe. I loved the Narrator for Lucas. He was very passionate and made this story. He gets super animated. I love the way he says Elaina during the first half of the book almost like it’s a curse word. Plenty of funny moments in the story too.
April 23, 2022
A Full Length Novel with Intrigue & Lots of Excitement
The complexity of this story was a pleasant surprise, with several separate themes going on. Elena was a bit annoying at times, as she couldn’t seem to make up her mind about Grif, but still succumbed to his charms, or lack thereof. A slight carry over from book one lets us know what happens with Kat and Brendon. Very entertaining!
The complexity of this story was a pleasant surprise, with several separate themes going on. Elena was a bit annoying at times, as she couldn’t seem to make up her mind about Grif, but still succumbed to his charms, or lack thereof. A slight carry over from book one lets us know what happens with Kat and Brendon. Very entertaining!
May 2, 2022
I feel like I read a draft. The both random and excessive use of underlining, bolding, and italicizing was distracting and odd. Much felt half developed and so much happened off page and in the past that the resolution felt confusing and not in any way cohesive or satisfying. This feel like I walked into a series halfway through. Lukas and Elena were fine as characters but this author is not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2023
It was a very good book with a lot of twist & turns! A steamy romance, a bad boy & an independent, snarky woman ! The other billionaires of the company and sisters of the woman! You learn about both of their childhoods and their families!
It seemed that it took me longer to read then normal! But, I was busy with other books!I would definitely recommend this book. Add it to your TBR stack and I’m sure you’d like it!
It seemed that it took me longer to read then normal! But, I was busy with other books!I would definitely recommend this book. Add it to your TBR stack and I’m sure you’d like it!
May 16, 2020
Love, Hate, and Passion
There is so much Fire And Ice in This Book it's Crazy! The Plot Is Amazing and kept me riding on the edge of my seat the whole time! The Love Hate Relationship Was Perfect! You could feel the heat Emanating from the Lucas and Elena! I Was Extremely Happy WITH THIS book! Better then the first.
There is so much Fire And Ice in This Book it's Crazy! The Plot Is Amazing and kept me riding on the edge of my seat the whole time! The Love Hate Relationship Was Perfect! You could feel the heat Emanating from the Lucas and Elena! I Was Extremely Happy WITH THIS book! Better then the first.
December 25, 2021
This was a free book and i'm not sure where this book is in the sequence of this series. There seem to be multiple series relating to this book. There must be another book before this one as i found that i was missing part of the story. Not sure i believe Lukas and Elena as a couple either. Maybe if reading the previous books it might help the story.
January 13, 2022
I like the first book (Hating The Boss) much better. This story just goes on and on with nothing being solve. I would tell who the hater was from early on. The plot is quite draw out and I struggled finished it, but I did. The ending was ok but the plot is unnecessarily lengthy.
I received a free copy via bookfunnel and this is my honest review.
I received a free copy via bookfunnel and this is my honest review.
June 20, 2022
intrigued
I got this book for free. I enjoyed how the story was written a bit different than most books. It was longer but a quick read. I loved the complex characters of Lukas and Elena and especially the troubled soul of Lukas. I really liked the suspense and excitement throughout.
I got this book for free. I enjoyed how the story was written a bit different than most books. It was longer but a quick read. I loved the complex characters of Lukas and Elena and especially the troubled soul of Lukas. I really liked the suspense and excitement throughout.
October 11, 2022
Hating The Best Man
What a very fun, flirty, intense, exciting, emotional story. This story is full of drama, suspense, and excitement, but there are people who are trying to hurt others. Since only getting cryptic messages, no one knows who is plotting against them. Awesome story, loved it.❤️
What a very fun, flirty, intense, exciting, emotional story. This story is full of drama, suspense, and excitement, but there are people who are trying to hurt others. Since only getting cryptic messages, no one knows who is plotting against them. Awesome story, loved it.❤️
December 9, 2017
Wonderful love story
This book is wonderful story of love and reconnecting and family is What you make of not what we're born with for some people it is a good story lots of r rated stuff but still a good story read on to find what happens
This book is wonderful story of love and reconnecting and family is What you make of not what we're born with for some people it is a good story lots of r rated stuff but still a good story read on to find what happens
November 20, 2020
Really good read.
This book was great! I really enjoyed the intrigue. It kept me guessing the whole time. Lots of sexy times twists and turns conflict and a sorta happy ending. You read it and see what you think.
This book was great! I really enjoyed the intrigue. It kept me guessing the whole time. Lots of sexy times twists and turns conflict and a sorta happy ending. You read it and see what you think.
March 30, 2022
Not a bad read, but I can't say I liked it. There was a lot of superficiality in this and a weird "dark" sub plot that added more drama on top of drama.... BUT overall it wasn't a bad read and it made me chuckle a few times.
December 26, 2022
Great story -no endu!
This story started right out getting your attention. So many characters, all with their own story. Their are twist and total unexpected turns that makes it hard to but this book down, but the end is not an ending....
This story started right out getting your attention. So many characters, all with their own story. Their are twist and total unexpected turns that makes it hard to but this book down, but the end is not an ending....
January 20, 2023
i somewhat enjoyed reading this but at the same time not. a lot of things just did not make sense, the ending was… something.
the book was all over he place and really confusing, even towards the end when everything is supposed to be “cleared up”.
the book was all over he place and really confusing, even towards the end when everything is supposed to be “cleared up”.
January 26, 2023
Interesting read
Lots of unexpected twists and turns in this one. First, I didn't know this was part of a series. That may have been a little helpful with the overall characters and plot. Overall all though it was an interesting story that kept me guessing right up to the end.
Lots of unexpected twists and turns in this one. First, I didn't know this was part of a series. That may have been a little helpful with the overall characters and plot. Overall all though it was an interesting story that kept me guessing right up to the end.
February 19, 2018
I think this one was better than the first one!! LOVED!!!
July 13, 2018
3.75 - 4 Stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews