A Review of His Wicked Games by Ember Casey

Ember Casey’s sexy book cover and the title pulled me right in and I wanted to know what the wicked games were. When the story opens, we meet Lily, who runs the Frazer Center for the Arts with her father, David. They desperately need the funds that the late Wentworth Cunningham, one of their biggest donors pledged to them before he passed. Unfortunately, Calder, Wentworth’s son refuses to honor the pledge. So, Lily drives over to the Cunningham’s estate in an effort to change Calder’s mind. She trespasses onto the property and then gets tackled by Calder.

She is stuck with him for a few days due to a rainstorm which makes it impossible for her to drive home. He then offers her his sister’s clothes to wear, invites her to join him for succulent meals prepared by his chef, and to engage in playing some sexual cat and mouse games in an effort to change his mind. Lily falls right into his trap, with nothing to show except her lust for him. Things get further complicated when her emotionally manipulative ex-boyfriend, Garret shows up at the estate and some truths get revealed.

Overall, I liked the author’s writing style and the dialogue. I thought she did a good job painting the opulent lifestyle – lush gardens, hidden spaces, mazes, and snazzy gadgets amidst the struggles of the center trying to stay afloat. I enjoyed the games (although they sometimes dragged on), the sexual tension and the steamy sex scenes but I felt Calder went a bit too far knowing the truth behind his actions. I also felt that Lily at times was too naïve, but desperation can make you do foolish things. Fun read!

Some of my favorite lines:

I can definitely see this game spiraling out of control very quickly. Better place a limit on things.

“Let’s make it a one shot deal.” I tell him. “It’ll be more interesting that way.” Even though I know my odds aren’t good, it’s still better than trusting myself to kiss him a dozen times. “What happens if I’m right?”

“Then you don’t have to kiss me,” he says, grinning. “Unless you want to, of course.”

Rating: 3.5 stars

Comments

Interview with Jacqueline Seewald, Author of THE INHERITANCE

Author’s Bio: Multiple award-winning author, Jacqueline Seewald, has taught creative, expository and technical writing at Rutgers University as well as high school English. She also worked as both an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Sixteen of her books of fiction have previously been published to critical praise including books for adults, teens and children. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications and numerous anthologies. What inspired you to write your book? I enjoy writing romantic mystery fiction. The idea for this particular novel just seemed to evolve organically from my imagination. Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult? I would have to say reading the Bible was influential. As far as regular books go, I’m a big fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and...

It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Debbie Stokes, author of The Stranger He Knew

Author’s Bio: Debbie Stokes was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She has always had a desire to be a published author of a fiction novel, but fear stopped her. She often shares how her story ideas come to her in her dreams, and how she jumps up to write them down. Finally, one day, she pushed past her fear and allowed her vision to come to past. She is now a published author, and The Stranger He Knew is her first book. Debbie is a former CEO, blogger, and interviewer for her previous women's empowerment blog called, 3 Women Voices, where she shared empowering stories of how people overcame odds to live their best lives. She is also a former contributing writer for FEMI Magazine, a cultural lifestyle magazine, where she interviewed and shared people’s stories. When not writing, she enjoys singing, dancing, inspiring others, and spending time with family. Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book? Debbie Stokes: That is a funny story. One d...

National Poetry Month’s Feature: Poet Jahi Trotter

Poet’s Bio: Jahi Minkah Trotter was born in Atlanta, GA, and moved to Alabama when he was six years old. He has been writing poetry since he was 11 years old. He has written two poetry books: It Was Already Written (2016) and Adapting To Life: Poems and Quotes by Jahi Minkah Trotter (2020). He developed a love for filmmaking while receiving his bachelor's degree in social science. Jahi decided to continue his quest for filmmaking at Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA. During his final two years at SCAD, Jahi was encouraged by his professors to go into acting while continuing to work behind the camera as well. This was a crucial time for Jahi. He lost his father in 2019 a month before taking an elective acting class that lead him into acting. He lost his mother in 2021 and continues to act and create films, including his thesis film "The Last Job," in which he acted and starred in. Jahi graduated with a master's degree in film and television from S...

Vocal Expressions

Search This Blog