Rule No. 1: Do not enter the game unless you intend to finish. Once accepted, there is no escape.This is a love story, one that comes with rules, expectations, and dark shadows. One where the man who challenges me the most is cloaked in deception. I had no choice but to accept the terms, nowhere to run once the clock started ticking.Donovan Stone was a man few people dared to cross.He was dark.He … cross.
He was dark.
He was dominating.
He was so silent that you had to watch him closely to begin to know what he was thinking.
He was my boss, and the man I should have run from the minute I walked into his corporate office.
Like any bad decision, it took time for me to see the truth about the game I’d entered, for me to understand that it wasn’t the stalker in the shadows I should fear, but the man who pulled the strings.
I had no choice.
At least, that’s the lie I told myself to forgive my foolish actions.
And while running as fast as I could through twisted mazes and deceitful games, I understood that the Rules of Engagement were now my life.
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Wow! I really enjoyed this book! It had some incredible undertones of darkness to it and the promise of evil lurking around the corner at every turn.
Mia is insecure and uncertain in everything she does in life. Her past history made her that way. When she loses her job and finds herself days away from eviction, she plunges into a game that she knows very little about except that it will benefit her financially. Donovan is the cold hard mute man who is her boss and pushes her constantly in his overbearing and rude manner. What begins as a relationship of fear and domination soon gentles into something with the promise of more.
This book moves in layers as Mia begins to grow out of the protective shell she’s hidden herself in all these years. As Donovan reaches out to her she allows herself the freedom to express her thoughts and disgruntlement. I loved watching her blossom into a woman unafraid to speak her mind even as a dangerous threat hangs over her.
I was disappointed that the ending was so rushed and felt that it would have added to the book to have it fleshed out more. The romance is progressive but the steam level is low. I would’ve preferred a bit more in that department as well. This is my first book from this author and I’m curious if this is her norm. Either way, I will definitely be checking out more from her.
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and the author.
Wow, this was one thrill ride of a book! When Lily White said she was writing a romantic suspense, she wasn’t kidding. This book was pure suspense from start to finish, and I have to admit, she had my heart racing a time or two there!
There are so many questions you’ll have about this book, and just when you think you’ve got it figured out…you’re probably wrong! I actually enjoyed Donovan, I have known many people with that dry humor, and you can’t really tell if they’re serious or if they’re messing with you. Yes, he was kind of a jerk, but he also had a protective, caring side that he didn’t show very often. And Mia, that girl just couldn’t catch a break. I really enjoyed seeing Donovan push her into standing up for herself, and helping her grow into a stronger, more confident person. They were both broken people, but they were perfect for each other…together, they each helped the other heal.
I loved this book, it was a perfect whodunit. It had a slow burning romance, lots of questions, twists and turns…you won’t want to put this down until you’ve finished it, I promise you!