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

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