Hostile Takeover

The Game #8

by Cara Dee

The Game Series | Book 8 | Standalone | Group Play | Submissive Daddy | Humiliation
Buckle in for a liquid hot romance where a young man with a plan takes on his aunt’s ex-husband through a wild week of kinky fun and dreams of a happily ever after.


I was on the right path, at long last. The divorce proceedings were going well, we managed to keep things somewhat civil for the sake of our daughter, and I could finally be the man I’d suppressed for decades.

I was gay. And evidently very much into BDSM.

So this was the perfect time to explore, have fun, meet new people, make friends who were actually friends and not the husbands of my wife’s uppity circle of gossip peddlers. I was happy. I was off to a great start, distancing myself from the family I’d once married into.

Then my ex-wife’s favorite nephew came to town on a business trip and wanted to have dinner with me. Obviously, I should have declined. The young man had always put me on edge with his charisma and assertiveness. But surely, I could survive one dinner with Jackson Dune.

The day after was another matter. When we ended up going to the gym together and he showed his true colors. His true, filthy, dominant, addictive, inappropriate colors.

“Do you like to watch, Uncle Franklin?”

-

The Game Series is a BDSM series where romance meets the reality of kink. Sometimes we fall for someone we don’t match with, sometimes vanilla business gets in the way of kinky pleasure, and sometimes we have to compromise and push ourselves to overcome trauma and insecurities. No matter what, one thing is certain. This is not a perfect world—and maybe that’s why the happily ever after feels so good.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Polyamory, Erotica

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2022

About the author

​
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.

Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.

I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.

Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of my favourites in this series, it's an absolutely perfect mix of salacious filth and feelings.

Franklin was last seen finding his feet in the kink world back in Kingsley and Tate's book Out of the Ashes and he definitely didn't get a good reception from some readers. Personally I really felt for him as he was completely lost after he'd come out and started to explore his kinks.

Here though, it's absolutely his time to shine and oh my gawd is it hot. There's a sense of taboo, although it's not actually, in his relationship with Jack, his ex-wife's nephew and I was absolutely here for it.

Jack, well let's just say he ticks loads of boxes and pushes loads of Franklin's buttons (and mine it seems too 😋 ) and he's had a crush on his Unc since he was a teenager and realised he was gay.
The age gap is 15 years, so not overly big, and Jack's definitely got his Dom head on in a multitude of kinky ways. Expect to find voyeurism, exhibitionism, some mild-ish humiliation kink, sharing, (consensual) cuckolding and cheating (and OMG that scene is fire!) edging, sexual denial and switching.

Cara has created a narrative here that manages to entice the senses while never pushing it over into porn without plot.

There's lots of feelings being dealt with as Franklin realises he can have the life he's been repressing and hiding for decades, there's the ongoing refurbishment of House Mclean after the fire, there's appearances from new characters that I'm intrigued by, and there's Franklin's lovely daughter Lily, who is a delight.

This was another great addition to a series which has, in the main, constantly delivered in every outing. It also has one of my favourite cover models on it too so that's another bonus!

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review

[Rin (indefinite hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

NO ONE DOES KINK LIKE CARA DEE. No one. Why? Because she actually lives the lifestyle. As someone who has lived a kinky life for 20 years, I can tell when the author writes it but has no idea what it's like to actually live the lifestyle. And it's just so good. It's so hot. She does sharing so well that it doesn't bother me even the slightest, but I also understand living a non-monogamous life with a committed partner. It's all about communication and set boundaries. I love reading the beginning of Franklin and Jack's story. I love reading Franklin's nearly obsessive discovery of the lifestyle and his love of men and their bodies. I can FEEL how it's practically manic after a life of repression. And I was HERE for it. I DO wish, however, that she didn't have so many fade to black and off page sex scenes, especially their first sex scene alone together. There are only three on page, and two were shared. I wish there was more between just Jack and Franklin to establish them as a couple, but I know there is more to come so I can't really complain.

These last few releases of this Game series have been one of the few new releases that's kept me from throwing in the towel on this genre completely. In fact, I have more Cara paperbacks than any other MM author. That tells you something. I am so excited this series will be so long. I can't get enough.

[Kati *☆･ﾟ]

**no rating**


I enjoyed parts of it very much but this is just too heavy on the bdsm/kink for me to stay comfortable with reading actual scenes as part of my romance.

Pity for me, that this is not my romance-cuppa, the storylines for all the books sound so very intriguing.



BUT, as always… I find it fascinating beyond measure and I love watching their dynamics, esp in tight communities like in this series where likeminded people come together in their kinky lifestyle and just live it. Open, free and safe from judgement.

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Franklin apenas esta descubriendo de nuevo su sexualidad, quiere jugar, experimentar, aprender, y gracias a sus amigos Kingsley y Tate, ha aprendido mucho de si mismo. Pero tambien debe pensar en su hija, asi que sus nuevas actividades no pueden afectarla a ella de ninguna manera. El problema empieza cuando su "sobrino" (el hijo de su cunada) llega a DC por trabajo, pero no solo eso, quiere ver si la quimica que tiene con su "tio" es la misma que tenia cuando era adolescente y si es posible que pueda haber algo entre ellos. Franklin no esta preparado para la lluvia de emociones que despierta su "sobrino" ni para lo que pudiera haber entre ellos, y aunque su relacion no es de sangre siempre va a haber el temor del que diran, sobre todo de la familia de su ex-esposa. Acaso Franklin y Jack seran capaces de tener una relacion duradera entre ellos? Sera posible que ambos puedan explorar sus lados Kinky?

Este libro me dejo mucho que desear, esperaba que Franklin, quien en libros anteriores habia sido basatante dificil de disuadir, pusiera un poco mas de tension en su relacion con Jack. Esperaba que Jack tuviera que ser un poco mas "persuasivo". En fin, esperaba que las personalidades de ambos chocaran un poco y que su relacion se fuera desarrollando poco a poco. Sin embargo, fue todo demasiado rapido, fue sexo casi desde el primer instante sin dudas ni preguntas, ni siquiera por el bien de "Lily". Ademas, el libro quedo en algo asi como "continuara", la mitad de los problema a los debian enfrentarse no llegaron, y aunque el autor dijo que esta pareja volvera a aparecer mas adelante, el final del libro te deja asi como "meh".
En fin, me gusta la serie, me gustan muchas de las parejas, y ahora casi todas son poly, asi que espero que los proximos libros me permita volver a visitar algunas de las parejas mas queridas (cuando busquen sus "extras"), y nos de un mejor final para esta pareja.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I loved what this read did to me. More than once it made me uncomfortable, questioning, and messed with my head, Franklin’s character was well described. The further the story came the more I loved him.
I’m glad Jack will have his voice in one of the next stories, I really need to know him more. This story was all about Franklin.

Newly divorced forty-seven years old Franklin knows what he wants, to explore BDSM. He found a safe place to play, Tate and Kingsley are his regular play partners. Deep down he wants what they have, but that would mean another commitment.
His whole world gets upside down when Jackson/Jack, his ex-wife’s nephew, asks him for dinner.

Jackson is for business in DC (ha! not) he’s now thirty-two and had a crush on Franklin since he was much younger. When he understands Franklin is divorced and gay, he got plans, because some app with a fresh new account from a certain person, tells that person is kinky, just like him.

Franklin feels awkward in Jack’s company. Let me tell you, not for long ha!
In no time they developed something special that involves their kinky sides. Watch them!

I took me a while to warm up to this story, especially to Franklin, and I missed Jack’s pov. Thankfully the author will give him a voice, and hopefully a continuation of their journey, because it’s not finished, yet.
It was a wonderful story, with all the feels, even though the end left me a bit unsatisfied.
There’s a lot to enjoy, humiliation!! was one of them, voyeurism, multiple partners, and more!
Definitely an intriguing story, for me it was a challenging one! I love that, well done!

[~Nicole~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a BDSM kink book this is pretty soft (way too little kink scenes) and short but I did love Jack and Franklin . However, I don’t understand why the author decided to add a child to this book, really, I could have easily done without her . The child kept dragging me out of the story; one second everything was intense and hot and filthy and the next he was talking on the phone (and not even paying attention properly) with his daughter..It was like a cold splash of water on a hot pan lol
Also it was very confusing,one second he was fondling Jack calling him baby boy and next second calling his daughter baby girl .. It was REALLY off putting.
The book was a bit bland but it was ok.. I expected more , though…Been a long time since my last Cara Dee book , I used to love them but since the one with the enemy which was a miss (can’t remember the title now) I haven’t found anything of hers appealing..

[Ele]

DNF @65%

I knew early on this wasn't going to work but I tried my best. This is the kind of BDSM I don't like reading. Humiliation kink, random encounters with strangers as a third ( a Gramps FFS), orgies and stuff like that are not my jam, especially when the MCs aren't solid. And I definitely didn't feel the romance between Franklin and Jack.

[Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some random-ish thoughts...

Deliciously dirty, as I've come to expect and love from Cara Dee. Mmm mmm good. Also Franklin, whom we met in Kingsley and Tate's book, seems to have settled into his skin some, which was good to see. I found him more likable in this book. He's still quite the ho and still exploring his kinks and they do evolve some in this book. The angst level is also pretty low, considering Jack is Franklin's ex-wife's favorite nephew, but they are just beginning and haven't yet gone public, outside of their kink circle. I expect there will probably be some drama there, but hopefully not too much. The ex-wife will probably have kittens, though.

I like Jack a lot. He's younger than Franklin by about 15 years. Very confident, but not particularly arrogant. He's had the hots for Franklin for a very long time, and it just so happens that he's rather Dom-y, too, in ways that compliment Franklin's submissive and fetishist sides.

I am looking forward to seeing Franklin and Jack's relationship develop more. We do get some here, but Hostile Takeover spans all of a week, so even though they've known each other for all of Jack's 32 years, their relationship is still very very new. They do actually have conversations about what they both want out of a relationship and their kinks, which is hella refreshing.

The ending is an HFN, but with the promise of more, and not just more filth. And the next book is a kinky Christmas story - I'm here for it.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is much more than the romance between the two characters. It delves into the mental and emotional turmoil a new and unexpected relationship can sometimes cause to a person. She focuses on the real and honest confusion of someone who travels the unknown waters of the kink world...which is probably unfamiliar to 98% of the readers of this series... and at the same as he reshapes a relationship, not knowing what he likes, what he hates, what he is willing to do, what he expects, and ultimately, who he is. a huge part of this story revolved around simple trust and ultimately, learning who he is.

[rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

reread (2.25/5).

Hmm, I’m very much not convinced. I skipped a lot this time and the kinks just weren’t my thing at all. This book was also very heavy on these kinks, so it was really a bit difficult to enjoy it.

Jack was maybe a bit too straightforward for my liking. He most definitely didn’t beat around the bush when it came to Uncle Franklin and what he wanted this relationship to become. Which was kinda appreciated but also resulted in insta-lust/insta-love, and that didn’t quite work for me.

The sauna scene with a stranger (and Jack’s and Franklin’s first scene together) really didn’t work for me. I get the kinks (kind of at least) but that was the point I realised how open their relationship was going to be. And I can’t say I enjoyed the general openness and willingness to share much.

Franklin was a hard nut to crack. He’s definitely a character I don’t fully understand. He’s got many different sides to his personality. Same goes with his kinks. He wants to try almost everything but his core kink is still humiliation — and that’s really not my kind of kink.

I must admit though that he went through one hell of a lifestyle change and he most definitely fits into the community. His openness in that regard was pretty nice.

“I hungered for the unconventional. Those were the people I wanted to be completely inappropriate with.”

Anyway. The chemistry between Jack and Franklin couldn’t be denied, but for me personally it stopped there. I missed the big feelings. This book was truly focused on the kink and very little else.

“Is that how you want to be used? Like a come dumpster? Like a filthy piece of shit that just wants their holes filled over and over?”
“Yes,” I whispered. “By the right person.”

This book was my least favourite of this series for sure. It was also relatively short so I’m not too mad about it.


———


previous rating: 3.5/5.

I didn’t like Franklin in „Out of the Ashes“. I don’t know why, maybe it was the whole vibe of the book that threw me off, or his kinks, but I couldn’t point out the thing that I disliked about him.

But now I got a better, more accurate picture of him and let me tell you, I loved him. And I also loved Jack.

So yeah, I did enjoy the book even though I thought I wouldn’t. I just didn’t necessarily liked the kinks in this one, but that’s a me thing.

[Ky · Rating 5 out of 5]

* 5 stars *

If you're familiar with this series, you'll know Franklin–he played a big role in Tate and Kingsley's story. I'll be honest and say that he didn't give me the best impression in Out of the Ashes. I wasn't a big fan of him or his behavior, and he seemed to have serious trouble with self-restraint.

This time though, he was more mature as a character, more in tune with his desires, and more conscious of other people's limits. He seemed more aware of his position in other people's relationships (if that makes sense). I liked him a lot this time, and I'm glad he got his own story.

Jack is his much younger nephew from his ex-wife's side of the family. He has been fascinated with Franklin for many years, harboring a crush but unable to do anything about it since he believed that Franklin was both married and straight. Now, he decides to make his move.

I liked that there was a past connection between the characters and the resulting familiarity. They were navigating new territories in their relationship and crossing lines they never had before. Still, they knew each other and had an established connection, so the pace of the relationship didn't seem as fast as it would have if they were complete strangers at the beginning of the story.

Apparently, this is not the last time we'll see those two. They're part of the community now, so they'll have cameos in other books, but they'll also get a sequel, as the author announced. I'm glad for that as, while this in no way ends in a cliffhanger, there are still some loose threads I'd like to see getting tidied up. Plus, this change in their dynamic is so new that it'd be interesting to see them exploring it more.

~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~

[Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I confess that I went into this book hoping it would be more like her previous book, The Guy in the Window. Both books feature an uncle/nephew relationship with kink/taboo elements. I loved the previous book, so I assumed I would love this one as well.

Welp, not so much. This book has similar elements, true, but what's missing is the relationship-building and the emotional connection between the two MCs. This book has more of an insta-love feel to it. Also, both MC's go from "hey we're relatives!" to "let's get kinky with each other and strangers!" rapidly quickly in a way that defies logic.

It just sort of felt that Cara Dee was eager to get to the good stuff, so she rushed the relationship building that needs to happen for readers, like me, who need to feel invested and care about the characters.

The smut was hot--no surprise there. So if that's all you care about, you'll likely love this book. But if you're looking for a story that will draw you in and make you care about the characters and their story...this one won't be the one for you. For that, check out the book linked above. It's excellent and well worth a read.

[Gohnar23 (hiatus but still reading) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why did i read this 5 months age version 8

A continuation of the brat boot camp (book 5) and what happened to the three characters that we saw and expands it. ....it was really forgettable since i never really connected to the characters in book 5 anyways.

[Steph (semi-hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need mooorrrreeee!!

This series never disappoints and this book is no exception. In a year of mediocre books I’m so happy Cara continuously releases banger after banger.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I liked Franklin more in his own book than I did when he was first introduced in the series and Jack, his 15-year-younger “ex-nephew” (his nephew by his ex-wife side), is a good fit for him, but I didn’t fall for this couple and my favorite part was seeing Tate and Kingsley again. It was also interesting to see another version of a common theme in this series, that kinks and preferences can evolve and change with time, circumstances, chemistry and the relationships involved, so what you’d never consider with one person can work with somebody else.
Things are solid between the two MCs by the time the book ends, but their story isn’t done yet, there’s another book planned for this couple.

[ML · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cara is the master of kink

This game series is brilliant and I hope it never ends. There are no depths to it. The kink goes on until infinity. It’s so intriguing to read and find out just how far the characters can push themselves.

Franklin is new to kink but he’s willing to explore it all. In this installment, it’s from his POV only. He interacts with previous game series characters. I was most intrigued by how Macklin fits into the story of Jack and Franklin. SO hot!
Jack is family and that adds a layer of kink that was kinda epic. I definitely want to be a fly in the wall when Franklin’s ex wife Samantha finds out! Explosive 🧨.

As always, I’m eager for the next book AND it looks like I won’t have long to wait! Yes!

[Paulina | bitofabookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

my only complaint is that this one is way too short.

[Megan (feral hearts club) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I give this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because I really wanted Jacks POV. I love Franklin, and we got some of his POV from Tate and Kingsleys book.. and with Jack being a brand new character, I would have loved to get to know him a bit from his pov. Especially with how he’d been in love with Franklin for years. But I still loved this book, the kink might not be for everyone but ffuucckk something about consensual cheating just does it for me hahaha.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series ever, and I can't resist doing rereads when I'm in a slump or just need to immerse myself in stories full of well-rounded characters. However, this book is HARD for me.

Note to self that I didn't dislike this book as much the second time around since I knew what to expect. Franklin's fetishes really are not my favorite thing so he does make it hard for me. But I really like Jack. He helps balance it out a little.

There isn't a lot of overlap with McClean House characters except for the group scene so this book really can be skipped if doing a full series re-read, but it's short enough that I can also push myself through it if I really don't want to miss anything.

********************
I love this series, but I knew going in that Franklin was not my favorite character. His kinks are not my kinks and that's okay (as Corey once said haha), but basically everything that Franklin and Jack are into are things that make me uncomfortable. The locker room scene made me legit want to curl up in cringe.

I feel bad that the characteristics that I love reading about in younger characters (especially the brats and Littles that Dee writes) just hit me wrong with the older Franklin. Jack even points out how these stereotypes can make it difficult for those of them that don't fit the molds. Legitimate point there Jack. Doesn't change how I feel though. Some stereotypes just work for me in fiction and breaking those molds do nothing for me.

Beyond the main characters, I really do adore Dee's writing. I love the McLean community. I could read TenShay all day every day though my poor baby Shay in that group scene. I hope the twins gave him a million snuggles after all that, haha. I had to get through this book so I could read the others, but I'm not sure it will be a part of my re-read rotation.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Game Series keeps getting better and better.

Hostile Takeover is everything you expect from a Cara Dee’s book and what you expect from a book of the Game Series. The book is a front row view of a man’s journey into kink, everything from his doubts, insecurities, and ignorance to his eagerness and curiosity. Unlike other books in the series, and kink books from other authors, this one explores all the thoughts and confusion a person can feel when they dive headfirst into the lifestyle.

As with all of Cara Dee’s books, the story is much more than the romance between the two characters, it delves into the mental and emotional turmoil a new and unexpected relationship can cause to a person. But Cara doesn’t fall into the usual inner conversations about the future, if the other person feels the same or not, how the character has been hurt and is not ready for more, or if by going deeper the relationship will be damaged. She focuses on the real and honest confusion of someone who travels the unknown waters of the kink world at the same as he reshapes a relationship, not knowing what he likes, what he hates, what he is willing to do, what he expects, and ultimately, who he is.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another good addition to The Game Series. As usual, Cara Dee understands the BDSM lifestyle, stays out of the typical tropes, and puts her own spin on kink. In this book, Franklin is a man in his mid-forties who realized later in life that he is gay and into kink. He's recently divorced and he shares custody of his young, autistic daughter with his ex-wife. When his nephew by marriage, Jackson, finds out that Uncle Franklin is gay and newly single, Jackson decides that now is a good time to reconnect. There is an ~15 yr age gap and Franklin has seen Jackson grow up. Jackson realized he was gay in his teens and had always considered Uncle Franklin as sexy, but unavailable.

Jackson comes from NYC to DC to visit for a week to just check what is possible, as Jackson is also considering moving back to the area for work. They quickly learn that there is a strong mutual attraction and kink alignment. Jackson is an experienced dom and Franklin is new to BDSM, but already discovers he has a strong humiliation kink, which is done very well in the book. This book ends in a great HFN, but as with all of the characters in the series, the couple will be revisited as their relationship continues to develop and mature. As always with this author's MCs who are parents, the way Franklin's daughter is woven into the story is respectful, totally separate, and highly appropriate. Jackson and Franklin have a strong love that is fed on years of past family experiences and brand new passion and kink. Their relationship is non-monogamous, but primary to only each other and committed.

[Amos24601 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew. What a little journey we took with Franklin and Jack. This book had a little bit of everything.

I’ll be the first to admit that I was highly dubious of Franklin when we met him in Out of the Ashes. He was just too….everything it seemed. But you know what? I get him now. I get feeling confined for so many years and finally, FINALLY, getting freedom. I’d be glutinous too. I’d be downright ravenous. And that’s where Franklin was. Now he’s really feeling himself and still learning new things about himself. He really thought he knew where he was headed.

Then in walks Jackson. The source of uncomfortable feelings for Franklin. A source of uncertainty. A source of want. Turns out, Jackson is there to claim Franklin in a way he will accept. I loved every single second of their time together. Their dynamic was on point and perfect for them. Jackson wasn’t demanding more than Franklin could give. I love how they both jumped right into the faux-taboo nature of their relationship with the Uncle and Son monikers. Their relationship was everything.

Cara Dee has a way of leaning into BDSM that makes it feel so safe to explore. That’s what happens here. She writes scenes so filthy they make you blush, but follows it up with aftercare that makes you melt. This book was so wonderful and sexy and filthy and sweet all rolled into one. My only complaint is that it was too short. I am so glad we will be getting another story for these two. A well deserved 5 stars.

[Krys (spicy.spine.breaker) · Rating 4 out of 5]

CARA DEE HAS DONE AGAIN. And that is surprising to exactly no one. This series snuck up on me, I had no clue what I was in for & I’ve been so pleasantly surprised with each book as they’re released.

I was so excited to get more insight from Franklin since he first showed up on the scene in a v explosive way. (IYKYK) His understanding & patience with his daughter made me actually fall head over heels in love with him TBH. I feel like I will be channeling my inner Franklin from now on when it comes to all things parenting.

What I loved - it may have only been a few sentences here & there, but I am so here for the Franklin/Noa friendship. I didn’t see that coming & I am *obsessed*. Forever in love with the wee wolf Noa anyways but ya. Loved it.

Franklins dynamic with Kingsley & Tate, their relationship, is so supportive I love it. And I don’t mean their playtime dynamic. They have clear boundaries & balance things so that their friendship is strong, without having to worry about anyone overstepping (like certain other times in the love birds past)

This ended not on a cliff hanger per se…. But absolutely leaves you frothing at the mouth for the next book… and I CANT WAIT.


I know this is a jumbled rant for the most part but hey. Gotta get it out while it’s fresh, ya know? LOVED it. Recommend it. Can’t wait for the next book in November.


FRTC

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was different than I expected. One of my favorite aspects about Cara Dee books is that it’s not just the kink but the relationships. In this book I felt the kink overwhelmed the relationship and story.

The world building remains excellent. I enjoyed seeing the previous characters. I have fallen for this series and all the characters in it.

One aspect I love is how the author makes the characters realistic. They aren’t perfect. Reading about Franklin especially hit home on that. The transition from his old life to new. Jackson immediately filled a necessary role and I can see their relationship evolving over time.

The kink was very much highlighted. Cara Dee definitely went all out with this one. It did feel that was the main aspect of this book.

This appears to be the beginning of Franklin and Jackson’s story. As such it felt slightly undone in the end. I certainly look forward to more of them.

4 stars for a kinky delight. I hope we see more of these characters in the future!

[Pastel]

This is the Franklin POV book that feels more like a middle chapter in the Game saga. There's no game in this one; the whole story is just the start of Franklin and Jack's relationship (and what it might mean in terms of Franklin's discovering himself through kink), so it ends on a pretty weak HFN. There's some cute Noa cameos. There's a lot about Franklin's daughter and how he parents, which is never going to be for me, though other people might think it rounds out the character. I mean like, a lot. Anyway! There's also mention of two new characters floating in the background: Dean (older than Franklin and a gentle Dom), and Beau (nothing is said of him but his name). There's also more Macklin then there usually is; ie finally we hear him talk and be a part of a scene... but where/who is his ex-husband? Really not going to mention this at all, except to brush it off?! Aren't we missing some regular players? I thought Gael would have had a tiny cameo again? Whatever, the next book, which probably continues on directly from this epilogue of this book, comes out in November! Yay!

[TC · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ✨

This was…not my vibe? It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t really click for me. The relationship felt kind of shallow and underdeveloped, and I never really connected with Franklin as a main character. I also didn’t really enjoy the ways their D/s relationship played out. I understand Franklin was exploring different things, but it felt more confusing and awkward than fun to see him experimenting in different ways. I don’t think it’s impossible for a younger dom and older sub to work for me, but the dynamic here just didn’t land. Also, I missed having more crossover with the other characters. This book felt pretty disconnected from McLean House, and I really felt that lack. Also also, if you’re going to have a single dad, I want to see sweet scenes with the kid! We got like two scenes with Franklin and his daughter, which were adorable, but I want more fluffy kid cuteness.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

My least favourite book in The Game Series, this read more like erotica than her others. It lacked the emotional connection between the MC’s and the character building that I think Cara Dee has done so well in the other books of this series. I wasn’t a fan of the Insta-love, Jacks character had very little substance and Franklin, well Franklin just wasn’t that appealing to me at all! Everything happened so quick and there was great potential for lots of good storyline here but it ended up being a lot of sex scenes and not much else. This book will surely appeal to a lot of readers but for me I prefer more character building and story like we’ve seen in previous book in this series.

[LifeReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book where we see a Franklin and Jack come together and really explore their kinks but find that balance of a relationship within those kinks that suits them both. It’s quite complicated, I’d say more for Franklin but he really comes into his own in this book and certainly goes on a journey to discover what he truly wants out of life.

I like the slight taboo of him with his nephew (through marriage not blood). I must admit I didn’t warm much to Jack and didn’t get the chemistry between them straight away, but it did develop with time. But that’s personal taste.

Lots of sex, lots of kink and more sex including previous characters, so you certainly get a treat of happy smutty times.

[Victoria Klahr · Rating 3 out of 5]

it’s a me thing

This is no reflection on the writing. Will forever love cara dee. I just have never enjoyed franklins character. And I think it’s a me thing honestly. I think I’m just not digging the idea of an older daddy sub. Does nothing for me I guess. That’s the only thing I can’t think of why I didn’t love this as much as the rest.

[RedsBookReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I adored this book so much! I loved how take charge Jackson was and how open Franklin was once the ice was broken between them. And the stream was off the charts with this one! Such an amazing blend of kink’s and deliciousness - just perfect!