AN AMAZON TOP 80 BESTSELLERTwo season tickets.One genius idea.Zero interest in a relationship.The plan is simple: a brand new, hot, preferably funny, definitely single male will fill one of those seats for every Bears game at Soldier Field. And I’ll fill the other.I can’t think of a better way to use the season passes I’d bought for my ex-husband. I am a woman of plans, and this one’s foolproof.… for my ex-husband. I am a woman of plans, and this one’s foolproof.
Until Zach Bowen offers to be my practice round.
He’s infuriating. Presumptuous and overbearing. And absolutely, undeniably gorgeous. Any woman with a heartbeat would be attracted to him, and mine picks up speed every time he speaks.
But as I said, I’m a woman of plans — and I’m not backing down on this one.
One night. One game. And then, his time’s up.
He can try to change the rules, but here’s the truth: he can’t win if he’s playing the wrong game.
The Wrong Game is a stand-alone, angsty, enemies-to-lovers sports romance.
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What a beautiful story it was!
Kandi Steiner gave us an emotional bomb at the very beginning of the book. The prologue just blew me to pieces. Together with the heroine, we survived the heartbreak and later we piece it together page after page.
The history of Gemma and Zach is phenomenal! We are looking at overcoming barriers, building trust and getting away from our own arrangements. We learn together with characters that we don’t have to forget about the past to be able to move forward – it’s enough that we accept the fact that not everything goes our way.
The book is filled to the brim with emotions – sadness, regret, disappointment, as well as hope, joy and love. Between the pages, the author also found a place for the right amount of desire and passion 😉
I love stories that are placed in the world of sport, especially football. I’m Polish, so I have no clue about this sport, and Kandi Steiner has PERFECTLY illustrated football and the excitement that accompanies his fans. While reading I felt like I was sitting in the stands! BEAR DOWN!!
The Wrong Game is an extraordinary, exciting and emotional story. It’s also very well written. Despite the difficult topics, reading it was pure pleasure. There are also fun parts in it, which is a big plus!
I’m very happy that I had the opportunity to read it and I will definitely reach for other titles from Kandi Steiner!
The Wrong Game is a super fun enemies-to-lovers sports romance. A little angsty and a lot sweet, it’s an absolute must read this fall.
I instantly fell in love with this book. Such a relatable character, amazing character development. Definitely a one-click author for me now.
Ahhh my first read of the year and what a fantastic read to start off with!!!
I tell you I love me some Kandi Steiner and I was sooo excited to get a day to read The Wrong Game… finally!!! It was definitely an angsty, emotional, and fun sports romance read!!!
Gemma didn’t want to fall in love, she didn’t need a man to survive. She was actually done with them…she was happy enough with her BOB..haha
Buttt…Gemma’s friend wanted her to get back out there in the dating scene, well actually she felt she needed to get laid… and she wasn’t about to take no for an answer. haha Sooo off to the bar they went..lol Then her crazy ass friend signed her up on one of those dating sites while they are at the bar. While she was sitting at the bar waiting on her BFF to come back from the restroom, Gemma is trying to figure out this dating app thing when the hot bartender watches her scrolling over the guys she is interested in. He ends up helping Gemma out in some lingo in the app and one thing lead to another, they decide to go out on a date. Heck they hit it off, had fun banter going on, why not?? lol Well you just wait and see what the heck can happen..lol
Y’all, I gave The Wrong Game 5 “SCORE!!!” Stars!! Soo much fun and hawt banter going on in this read, I didn’t want it to end!!
Thank you for another Great read Kandi Steiner!!! xoxo
Everyone deserves a second chance in life? To create new dreams, new relationships and in the end, a new life. For me, this was the central point in The Wrong Game. More than the romance, it was the chance of a new beginning. For Gemma and for Zach. This was my first book by Kandi, but will not be the last. I’m in love with her prose, her words and her book. 5 stars for sure!
Kandi just knows how to tug on your heart strings! She is the queen of angst!! Loved this book so much.
If I’m honest I’ve never been a fan of football or understood the allure of the game but seeing it through both Gemma and Zach’s eyes gave me a new appreciation for the game. Between the angst, humor and chemistry that leapt off the pages of my Kindle I was swept away by this emotional riveting and unputdownable book.
From the very beginning Gemma drew me into this story and I felt that first devastating blow right along with her. My heart broke for everything she went through. In spite of everything Gemma was funny, strong and had a huge heart even though it was a bit broken. I loved that she had such a supportive best friend there for her and how Belle helped Gemma begin a journey she was unsure of.
I’m not sure I have enough words to convey how much I loved Zach. From the first smirk he gave Gemma as he explained what Belle had really set her up for I was hooked. I loved how determined he was to get his girl and how nothing was going to get in his way. The more I learned about him and the sacrifices he made the harder he had me swooning. He was such a romantic at heart and I adored how he wasn’t ashamed to show what a softie he was. He’s seriously one of my favorite male characters ever.
The Wrong Game was such a captivating, emotional and heartwarming read. The journey Gemma and Zach took me on was one I didn’t want to end. Between the angst, sizzling chemistry and amazing romantic grand gestures this book was the perfect fall read! I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that Belle might get her own story soon.
“Failed love built walls, but it was our choice whether we decided to hide behind them, or sit on top of them, waiting for someone to come along who could knock them down.”
Kandi Steiner is exceeding my expectations with each new book she releases. Before she released her What He Doesn’t Know duet, I had heard of her but hadn’t had the pleasure of reading her work. Now I grab it ALL up as quickly as I can get my hands on it. The Wrong Game was sooo incredible—honestly, I loved everything about the book. Kandi Steiner is a talented storyteller and I think she appeals to the masses since she writes a variety of tropes/subgenres. I am beyond impressed with her creativity and it seems like she’s the type of author who puts her heart and soul into all of her stories. I love that her books are so well edited, both the storylines and the characters are well developed and that they evoke a range of emotions. It makes it so easy to just get lost within the pages of an amazing book. All of this is true of The Wrong Game. Also, I loved this cover as it was perfect for the story and really spoke to the characters themselves. The Wrong Game is written in duel POV so prepare to really get into the minds of Zack and Gemma—the good, bad and everything in between is all fair game! Gemma has been badly hurt in her past but so has Zack. The difference is that Zack is prepared to open up to Gemma and wants far more than the practice date she agreed to when they first met. The chemistry between the pair is off. the. charts! The Wrong Game is super sexy but it’s also sweet and witty. This story is absorbing, and I honestly was unable to put my book down from the very start. The more I read, the more I wanted to devour every page until the end came and then I could have picked it up and started rereading it again as it was just that spectacular. I can tell you without a doubt that you shouldn’t miss this book. The Wrong Game is worth locking yourself away from your kids or spouses and just consuming the book in one sitting. And if it’s the first book you read of Kandi Steiner, then I daresay that this second chance romance will definitely have you one-clicking everything in her catalog cause one book is never enough when it comes to Kandi Steiner’s considerable talents!
“She was like a Rubik’s Cure in a blind man’s hand—impossible to figure out. And yet, I was the blind man determined to try.”
Well this definitely takes the top spot as far as favorite story from the author. It was equal parts angst, humor and heat. The plot grabs you, the characters are charming and interesting. It truly is the kind of book that you read and get swept away in the story.
I really loved Zach and Gemma. The dynamic between them was great. He’s a diehard romantic and she’s completely sworn off love. It was nice to read that role reversal of sorts.
My heart hurt for Gemma. She needed someone to show her how to live and love and move on. Zach was absolutely perfect when it came to that. She resisted at every turn but he was patient and persistent and so romantic. There was a lot of sweetness happening in this book, but there was a lot of sexiness too. The chemistry during the sex scenes were absolute fire.
I can’t not mention Gemma’s best friend Belle. She was down right hilarious and their friendship was totally heartwarming. Sometimes you need a best friend to hold your hand while opening your eyes to hard truths. She was a perfect addition to this story.
The story is everything love about romance. A must read for sure.
Football and Kandi Steiner= the perfect fall book! It’s a sexy, angsty, and fun enemies-to-lovers sports romance.
Kandi Steiner has done it again! While I will say she toned it down (just a teensy bit!) on the angst with this one, she brought everything else I’ve come to love & expect from her – incredible characters, an amazing story, and the perfect words.
The Wrong Game is the sports romance I didn’t know I needed, one not based off of players, but the actual game itself. I’m not going to lie (please don’t hate me for this one) I’m not a fan of football. But even I was so into the game, the plays and the excitement of it all. Everything was written so realistically, and I felt like I was there, cheering on the Bears with Gemma & Zach.
Gemma has crazy OCD, and needs to be able to handle every aspect of each situation she’s in. Still trying to regain control after her life took an unplanned downward spiral, she agrees to a plan that will give her the reins & guarantee some fun. But once Zach gets involved her plan is in danger, and she needs to whatever she can to stay in control of the game.
Zach is sweet, romantic, and swoony as hell. I never thought it was possible, but he has knocked Jamie down as my favorite of Kandi’s heroes. Seriously ladies, back off – Zach is mine! He will do anything for those he loves, and has scars from the sacrifices he’s made over the years. When Gemma walks into his bar, and he hears her discussing her plan he does what any guy would do – volunteers as tribute. But once the game starts he realizes he’s in it to win, rules be damned.
This book was so much fun to read, the chemistry between Gemma & Zach undeniable. Emotions were definitely high throughout, but it was also sweet and funny, the perfect balance of laughter & tears. Belle was the perfect best friend, and I would love a book about her (hint hint Kandi!!) Doc, Micah and the rest of Zach’s family were also great additions, and instead of taking away from the main characters they helped them shine.
The Wrong Game is everything a romance reader could want. A sexy couple with off the charts chemistry, witty banter, sports, steamy scenes, laughter, tears, family, this book literally has it all. And nothing is just added in as an after thought, each & every aspect of this book is well developed, fits seamlessly with the rest, and is absolutely perfect.
OMG! This book did things to me. From the first page of The Wrong Game, I knew my emotions were going to be taken on a ride. My heart was pulled out, flipped around and then shoved back into my chest. But fear not, for as emotional as this was, there was also humor and friendship and heat and family.
I’m going to start with Gemma. I just want to hug Kandi Steiner for writing this woman. I connected with her on a level that I haven’t with another heroine in a looooooonnnnnggggg time. Her need for control, her battered heart, her love for football, her plan. Which brings me to Zach. The bartender with a soft heart, romantic soul, love of the Bears and an attraction he can’t seem to deny. For as much as he knows he should walk away, he knows he can’t. There is just something about Gemma that calls to him. So he decides to play her game against her, he makes his own plan…
I loved his patience. How his kindness and goodness showed not just through his words but his actions as well. He was a man of honor and integrity. He said what he meant and did what he said he would. His thoughtfulness where his family was concerned was downright swoon worthy. The gentle yet firm hands he used to hold Gemma’s heart as he slowly let her lower her walls turned me into a puddle of mush. Zach is the dream that book boyfriends are made of. He saw her for all that she was and all that she wasn’t. Faults and fears and everything in between.
I should’ve know….this is Kandi Steiner, queen of angst, that the happy bubble they found themselves in wouldn’t last. Oh no, just when I thought things were going to be ok, that Gemma would be able to see Zach wasn’t her ex, the wheels fell off. I just didn’t think I would’ve been slayed that much. I was a misty eyed mess and my heart just ached for both of them.
It took some tough love and a lot of soul searching and of course, a plan, but Zach and Gemma were so meant to be. All the hurt and tears and hope and trials made The Wrong Game a book I couldn’t put down. And that ending, be still my heart, it put the happy flutters in my belly. It was absolute Gemma and Zach perfection.
One of the best books I’ve read in 2018!
The Wrong Game is funny and beautifully written. It tells the story of two broken hearts learning to love and to trust again.
Gemma is a sassy and strong heroine with a crazy best friend and Zach is a charismatic and swoony hero. Not only it’s easy to fall in love with the hero, but it’s also easy to fall for the secondary characters, something that it’s not news when it comes to a Kandi Steiner book. She makes sure that she is giving us not only a romance, not only a couple but also a whole community.
The book starts with a mic drop. A twist I was not expecting at all. Then it’s a rollercoaster of emotions and if I can give you one advice while reading it is: hold on tight, because Zach Bowen is powerful and he will woo you with his amazingness.
TWG is sexy, fun and cute from start to finish and the epilogue basically just killed me, ending the book with a cherry on top.
I love fall! I love football!! I love Gemma and Zach’s story!!
Gemma is broken and trying to get back on track with the help of her friend Belle. Zach happens to be the bartender hearing the girls talk and he’s mesmerized by Gemma!
This is a great book about the importance of friends, family, relationships and loving those around you. Putting others above yourself even when you are lost yourself. And sometimes- it’s really ok to put yourself out there to be loved!
I laughed, cried a little and felt who by this book!!
4.5 Stars
This was such a fun, cute read. I adored Gemma, Zach and this story. Gemma is a planner. She is all about lists and rules, especially since her divorce. Her most important new rule is never to fall in love again, since that did not go well for her last time. As a planner, she comes up with a perfect plan for the season tickets she has to the Bears games. Thanks to some suggestions from her friends, she’ll fill that second seat with a guy each game. A different guy, no strings, just some fun each time. When she lets Zach convince her to allow him to be her practice guy for game one, all of her careful planning and rules may be at risk. He’s infuriatingly handsome and thinks he can get her to go back on her rules, but she’s not one to be easily swayed. She plans to hold firm, but Zach plans to beat her at her own game.
These two were everything. I loved Gemma’s vulnerability, yet undeniable strength. Zach was the sweetest man. He was the perfect guy to remind Gemma not all men are as undeserving as her ex-husband. This story had the perfect amount of emotion and the chemistry between Zach and Gemma was undeniable and highly entertaining.
4.5 stars
I love a good sports romance and this one definitely sucked me in from the start.
Sports fan Gemma’s best friend hatches a plan for her to get out and start dating again. What better way than to take a different date to a different game? Now they’ve got a plan, they just need to implicate it and that’s where bar man Zach comes in. Having already flirted a little bit with Gemma, when he overheard their plan he decides to volunteer as a practice date. This could be the beginning of a new friendship or an absolute disaster but Zach is determined to go to at least one game with Gemma. I adored Zach. He’s not one to give up easily and there’s something about him that I absolutely loved. The chemistry between him and Gemma is hot but Zach is in it for more than one night and to say he’s got a fight in his hands convincing Gemma of this is an understatement.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are all fantastic, there’s plenty of humour and it’s one of those romances I could happily read over and over again.
The prologue set the stage for the story perfectly!!
Gemme was not raised with much love from her parents but she had the best relationship with her grandfather she had lots of love from him before he passed away. In the prologue we learn that Gemme is married to her college sweetheart Carlo we also learn that Gemme has discovered that he has been cheating on her and she makes a plan to leave and to confront him. But before that can happen Carlo tells her that he has terminal cancer. Gemme can’t very well tell him now! Four short weeks later he is gone! By the way the prologue blew me away!!
The last pre-season game of the season Gemme forces Belle to go with her to the game. After the game they stop at a sports bars close to the stadium and this is where she meets Zach and he overhears their crazy plan to take a different guy to the home games to fill her extra seat all season. So, Zach offers himself up for a practice run it takes some convincing to talk Gemme into it, but he does eventually.
Loved his family there is so much love and respect in the family. Zach was raised to not only to respect and cherish women but to respect all people. He would and has done anything for his family. He gave up going to college and pursuing a football career to help his parents and be there for Micah when his brother was diagnosed with cancer when he was four. I love the Saturday family dinners that include Zach, Mom, Dad, Micah, and also Doc great conversation at that table!! Doc owns the bar where Zach works and is a second Dad to Zach and a close family friend.
The journey that Gemme and Zach go on has a lot of bumps and bruises to get to a happily ever after. Gemme has been hurt and doesn’t trust easily and when she makes a plan she sticks to it to keep herself in control. I have to say that I really felt sorry for Zach in the beginning because the way Gemma was treating him no matter the reason. He tries some pretty bold moves to get thru to her some work and some back fire on him spectacularly.
There were a lot of laugh out loud moments…..along with some very sweet and sexy ones just the right amount of drama to keep this story going strong!! Their connection was off the charts and the banter was so entertaining.
Belle is the absolute best friend and boss she knows when to push Gemme to get out of her head and move forward. Zach’s brother Micah was also the best character actually there were so many great secondary characters!!
The writing was incredible as always, the storyline was original there was never a lull in the story!! Love that it is football themed. The epilogue was the absolute best ever!! Would love to read Belle’s story hint hint 🙂
5 STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review
This book was everything I wanted and more. I was sucked in from the very beginning. I loved the witty, sexy, dramatic story that is The Wrong Game.
Zach is everything you could want in a man, but wants nothing from Gemma. Gemma has been hurt and wants nothing to do with men. What a better situation to find yourself in. The chemistry is off the charts with these two. It was fun to watch the fall, but heartbreaking to see the reality.
I loved this story from start to finish. Kandi Steiner did an amazing job. I felt like I was right there watching everything happen with Gemma and Zach. I love that feeling.
“Don’t mourn the man you thought you knew. Remember the man he really was”.
The Wrong Game is one of the best books of Kandi.
Can you imagine your best friend, love of your life do the worst betrayal?
Now your living a nightmare and can’t even get out of it because of one worst situation.
New life but hanging on the past.
Zach Bowen…
“Hot Italian chick who loves checking off to-do lists almost as much as watching football. Go Bears!!!”
Gemma Mancini…
Ït’s just a practice round.”
Gemma tries to do the game, but he body craves Zach.
Ï don’t want him touching me. I don’t want him to come home with me. I want Zach.”
Her heart still healing, and she isn’t ready, but her body & soul…
I love every bit of this book, and it is so hard not to write too much.
I can see a lot o Kandi on Gemma, sweet, fierce, gorgeous and football fan.
5 Amazing Stars!!!
Five plus stars!!
Give me all the stars for this book!! I freaking loved it, couldn’t put it down and gobbled it up like a hot dog. 😉 Talk about hot dogs, I’m craving them now.
I don’t know even know where to begin. It starts off with high emotions, you’re not quite sure what’s going to happen after that prologue. I think Kandi is the master of angst, holy crap; this book had me on edge.
I love love love the hero (Zach) in this book. He was the perfect mix of everything you’d want in a man. And what I liked about him so much was that he wasn’t afraid to show his soft side. He was a romantic at heart, and it made him even sexier. He’s had heartbreak in the past, but isn’t afraid of love.
“I wanted to hold her hand and love her through it all. I wanted to be a part of her healing, let her know she didn’t have to go at it alone.”
Our heroine (Gemma) the poor thing has been through so much. As a young widower, she needs to find peace with her past and move on. Although she’s a control freak, a planner, OCD and she just can’t seem to let her self-go unless it’s according to her lists and plans. When her friend convinces her to get out there and date she forms a plan she is unwilling to break. This is the only way she’s able to protect her heart. She is so scared. The only problem is, is that Zach is determined to make her see otherwise. Bring on the angst.
“You’re shaking because you want to touch me, because you want me to touch you. It’s that rush of having someone’s hands on your body, someone new, someone who makes your heart race and your breath shallow.”
There were times I wanted to tell Zach to forget it, but in the next chapter, I wanted to tell Gemma to fight. These two had some of the best chemistry right off the bat, you felt the heat coming off the pages. Let’s talk about hot too, I think think this might have been the dirtiest scene I’ve read by Kandi. WOW!! I messaged my friend and was like “prepare for the dirty we love so much.”
I couldn’t find a negative in this book. It was so well written and full of emotion. Now we need a book about Belle because she’s the cats meow!!
“You’re a good guy. You’re a fighter. No one has ever fought for Gemma in her life. And she’s the kind of girl who deserves to be fought for.”