When you play dirty games, the stakes are dangerously high … wealthy lover, Hank. He’s told himself he’s done with all that, but the terms of this latest bet are more than Reese can refuse.
As head computer programmer at a software company, Luca Hartman’s professional life is soaring. But his personal life is a lonely mess. When the hot new sales guy takes an interest in him, a world of possibility opens. But Luca’s been burned before, and he’s wary of the sudden attention. Why would Reese, who could have any man he wants, choose geeky, stuttering Luca? Is he truly sincere or should Luca be on the lookout for a string of malicious code?
Disarmed and enchanted by the shy, brilliant Luca, Reese has to make a choice: reject Hank’s dirty tactics or follow through and destroy the potential he sees with Luca. But even if Reese wants to be done with their dangerous games, Hank’s not through with him…
This is Book 1 of the Games of the Heart M/M series. Be sure to check out Book 2 Turning the Tables.
– coming soon!more
The story of a symbiotic relationship of the unhealthy kind.
Two boys, each outsiders in their own right, twice so because of their sexual orientation, enter into a relationship that depends on cruel games to fulfill their needs.
Growing up they evolve to a degree of interdependency that is not only harmful to others, but erodes their “friendship” too.
When one of them takes the first steps out of this vicious circle, things come to a head.
While he experiences the true meaning of a loving relationship, the other, the dominant half of their former alliance, devolves into anger, rage, and cruelty.
Devoid of coping skills he ends up lashing out at everyone, becoming his own worst enemy.
I do hope Ms Thompson has a fitting comeuppance for him in mind!!!
I loved the storyline and the characters, it had everything a great page turner, witty, entertaining, steamy and so romantic.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I honestly recommend this book.
4.25 stars
“Dangerous Games” by Claire Thompson features a computer geek named Luca Hartman who gets caught up in an unholy bet made by Reese Armstrong, a colleague at his company. Reese is trying to reinvent his life, but has been in a rut with the man who shaped his life since they were both in high school, even though their malicious games are no longer fun. Once Reese gets to know the shy Luca, he realizes there could be a better way to fulfill his needs, but only if he can find a way to break the chains to his past without destroying his future.
This adult gay BDSM romance provides a delicious mixture of kink and emotionalism as Reese works through the conditioning he’s had since his teen years and discovers there’s a different way to approach a relationship. I enjoyed the way things morphed as Reese’s conscience finally kicks in and he realizes that not only does he need to treat others better but he also deserves to be treated better. There are certain developments that are inevitable, and for me, the resolution of the major conflict is a little contrived, but I still breathed a sigh of relief. Both of the main characters are personable, and I was quickly invested in seeing them work out as a couple and entertained by the apparent role reversal. I am intrigued by the idea of the slimy ex getting his comeuppance, but it’s going to take a lot to redeem him, so I can’t wait to see what the author has in store.
A copy of this title was provided for review
It’s always a treat to encounter a new work by Claire Thompson—especially one with some kink to spice up the story!
The “Dangerous Games” Thompson refers to are cruel manipulations in the guise of bets between long-time friends Reese and Hank—who met as adolescents with a shared fondness for sex with a bent toward BDSM/kinks. While Reese is the oft-moved foster child, currently struggling to make ends meet; Hank is the son of a mega-wealthy construction company-owning father– spoiled, willful and used to getting what he wants, when he wants it, and on his terms. Together, they form a team engaging in mind/sex games with a decidedly dehumanizing bent, using Reese as “bait”. But as we learn, when we grow up, the time for games must end.
So, it is for Reese when one of Hank’s bets throws him squarely in the path of Luca– a co-worker with a nerdy, quiet demeanor and smoldering repressed sexuality that for me was surprising and refreshing.
What makes this book work so well is how the character’s pasts are drawn out and inform their motivations as the story unfolds—moving deftly between the “now” and “then” in a very effective way. It would be too easy to love one over the other, and yes there is the “big bad” moment when you want to throw the book (Kindle?) across the room…but don’t. Can’t give away more than that…but just hang in there.
Along the journey for these three men there were laughs, tears, anger and some unexpected moments of tenderness and of course, heat. You can’t write BDSM scenes like this and not spark some heat!
At the finish, when I learned who gets the next book in the series…. well, suffice it to say…I’ll be more than interested to see how the next one unfolds. A terrific read using the unintended- outcome-of-cruel-bet trope to its fullest!
I really enjoyed Luca and Reese. Even Hank, as messed up as he is, added to the enjoyable read the book was. Reese had a weariness to him, and once he lost that, he was a whole new person. Luca had such a soulfulness to him, seeing him upset was concerning. Seeing him shine in his confidence was amazing
Separate, neither character was really doing well or happy. Together they were an unstoppable and amazing force!
Does a person learn to be cruel and mean or are they born that way? Hank takes advantage of everyone that he has a chance too and he lets daddies money take care of everything. Reese happens to end up in the same orbit and gets sucked in. When Reese finally begins to grow a pair and move away from Hank the poop hits the fan and Luca gets hurt by the crossfire. Can Love heal? Can a person change? You’ll have to read the story to find out because sometimes we all need a second chance.
As soon as I read the synopsis, I loved the idea of this book. From the first chapter, it was straight into the story, no boring build up. Wonderful descriptions, very well written, once I started the book, I didn’t want to put it down. The characters seemed very real, and I could understand the different personalities of each one. The back stories weren’t too long and explain how the various characters got to where they are without pulling the reader away from the main story. As I read, I was easily drawn into the book, sympathising with the various characters. The BDSM scenes were described beautifully. Not hardcore, but just the right amount of Sir being in control, but at the same time caring for his sub. I really enjoyed reading this book, and am looking forward to book 2
This is a journey of finding love. However, not for Hank and Reese. Their journey started out in high school. Two very troubled teens from opposite backgrounds. Hank introduces Reese to BDSM. He always dominates and Reese submits. Their story was never based on love. They stay together out of what is comfortable or even necessity?…Maybe. This journey starts by Hank making Reese an outrageous bet where Reese has to seduce a man of Hank’s chosing and record it. Reese will receive ten thousand dollars if he delivers, if not he becomes Hank’s slave boy for one week.
Reese realizes all too soon that he has to call the bet off. Luca is fast becoming the love of his life. His BDSM Master and Soulmate. Their journey to finding love is a sweet one, but not without its turmoil. Hank doesn’t give up easily. Can their love overcome Hank’s evil deeds? Will Luca ever be able to trust Reese again? You will have to buy this book to find out. Claire Thompson has woven a masterful story with the first book of this series. I look forward to the next books.
The first book in a new MM series by Claire Thompson. Once I started this story I couldn;t stop reading. It is full of interesting, complex and layered characters.
Hank was a piece of work and I can’t wait to read his story in the next book coming out.
I like Reese a lot. He knew what he was doing was wrong and he was very conflicted about it. He is not perfect, but that makes him and his struggles real and he was trying to be a better person. I loved who he was with Luca.
Luca was a wonderful person and I loved how he showed his dominant side. He was in his element
Love in the best way – that is what this story gave me.
Reese and Luca is the couple that shouldn’t be. Only because of a bet by Reese and his friend with benefits, Hank makes, he got to know Luca. Luca is the geek and programming wiz at work. He is shy and stutter in the beginning, but then he find himself…
It was such a warm and hot story with a lot of heartache, for more than two people.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
What a crazy relationship between Hank and Reese. Privileged, domineering, lonely, narcissistic Hank. Your heart actually hurts for his neglectful childhood and can see why he turned out how he does. He needed someone like Reese who was excitable, trainable and worshipful. In his youth, but while Hank is stuck in his past Reese grows up and matures. His demeanor with Luca is so refreshing and sweet, you can see his real personality come through. I didn’t want to but my heart broke for Hank because you can see his lonely future because unless he can change he will never find happiness.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
Reese Armstrong did not get a great start to life. He struggled in high school but found a friend in Hank Seeley. Hank, wealthy and self-centered, had helped him find a job and kept him out of trouble. Their relationship though became one of deviant, kinky behaviors. Hank would contrive sexual bets and Reese would meet them. But Reese is done with that. He has a new job and a new apartment and wants nothing to do with bets. Too bad he is out of money and vulnerable.
Luca Hartman is an excellent programmer. His personal life, however, is lonely and basically non existent. The lonely Luca is surprised when the hot new salesman takes an interest in him. He is not sure what to think but he has been burnt before and is understandably leery. As Reese turns on the charm, Luca turns the table and charms him. Reese wants out of his last bet but Hank does not accept that Reese is done. Hank take steps to get Reese back.
Love and bets do not mix well. Reese finds something in Luca that means more to him than any bet. Unfortunately he will have to fight Luca, Hank and himself to make things work. Claire Thompson does an amazing job bringing to life Luca, Reese and Hank. She adds into the mix a fantastic variety of secondary characters that help Reese and Luca. The BDSM is amazingly represented and you can quickly see how Luca and Reese are safe in their play. Their love is beautiful as it develops and grows, until it does not. What happens? How do they resolve their issues? Is their love strong enough? You will need to pick this up and find out for yourself. If you love conflict and BDSM in your MM stories than Dangerous Games is perfect for you.
First just let me say I am a huge Claire Thompson fan, so I was a little shocked that after reading the first few chapters I was not invested in the book. I actually closed the book and went onto a different one. After a few days I went back and ended up finishing the book in one sitting. I am extremely glad as the book is a really good read. For me I really disliked Hank and the whole bet just kind of put me off. In my opinion once Reese started to get a conscience the book really took off. I like the fact that Reese is not perfect and you can see his struggles. Being with Luca you can see Reese’s metamorphosis into a better person. This book is definitely worth the read.