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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The Wrong Game has got to be one of Kandi Steiner’s best books to date and that is saying a lot because every single one of her books have been INCREDIBLE! This was a sexy, sweet and hilariously intriguing story that had be captivated from beginning to end. The prologue drew me right in, but it was the storyline that kept me engaged and had me wanted more as I found myself devouring chapter after chapter. There was so much to adore about this story, but I have got to say that the characters were who really won me over. I freaking loved everything about Gemma and Zach, who were absolutely made for each other. Zach was the perfect match for Gemma because he was able to pull her out of her comfort zone and get her to try new things, even when they scared her, which happened more times than not. Their chemistry was off the charts HOT and their romance sizzled right off the pages. My heart felt the BURN for sure!
Kandi Steiner’s writing is phenomenal and it amazes me the amount of creativity she puts into every one of her beautifully captivating stories. This story made my heart soar and I was swooning from the moment Gemma and Zach first laid eyes on each other. Readers you are going to want to one-click this beyond AMAZING story right NOW! Trust me! You will not regret a single second.
Gahhhh! This author is amazing!
This story is gonna grab you from the prologue!! I was totally blindsided and it made me want more!
This is the story of Gemma and Zach. Two souls with deep scars and a bit leery about giving their hearts away.
Gemma is a planner, a list maker a bit OCD. She has some fresh scars that have really rocked her foundation. She is looking for something with no strings, no commitment, nothing that will put her heart and soul on the line again.
Zach has his own scars and has always put his wants and needs second. He is a romantic at heart and goodness how I love this hero. He is tenacious, even when he has every reason not to be. He sees something special in Gemma, even if she doesn’t see it in herself.
Gemma is fragile, yet she is strong. I felt her anger and her hurt and wished she had the closure she needed. She did find a different kind of closure and I feel it was even better.
Zach and Gemma’s chemistry was holy hell hot! The steamy scenes were amazing!
The secondary characters were fabulous and brought so much more! I am hoping that Belle gets her own story!
This story has angst, as Kandi is well known for, but it also has such fantastic humor and heart! I laughed hard, I got angry for what Gemma had gone through and I even got a bit misty eyed at the romance!
Well done Kandi! Well done!
Oh yes! The Wrong Game by Kandi Stein is fun and frilly! <- Yes that is a word that comes to mind when I think back on this book. The sexy factor was added in all the right times! Gemma and Zach have this chemistry that you will all the way to your toes. The sports side is also a bonus for this time of the year. The Wrong Game is so wrong but yet so right! I could not wait until I got through this book and the ending was....well...you will just need to read it to find out!
“He could leave. I could leave. We could both end up heartbroken, sitting on the floor of our souls and trying to piece together our lives again. But, we could also find forever. We could take the next steps together—toward a year, five, or maybe, forever. And that was a game worth playing.”
If you’re looking for a romance where you can feel the love and the emotion all the way down to your bones…look no further than Kandi Steiner’s latest standalone, The Wrong Game. With an absolute heartbreaking prologue, Steiner sets the emotional scene for this gem of a love story. With threatening tears, I continued and fell head over heels in love with Zach and Gemma. This original contemporary romance is all about facing fears and reigniting dreams. It has passion. It has heart. It has everything you could ever want in a romance. I especially loved the comedic quips from secondary characters, Belle and Micah. They rounded out this story so beautifully.
Let’s be real, this IS a Kandi Steiner romance, so you know it’s going to have this deep emotional, angsty pull laced throughout the pages. But it has its light-hearted, fun, and entertaining moments that evened everything out. It just made for a VERY well-rounded romantic treat. This author blows me away every time I pick up one of her books. She has this talent of creating these characters that speak to me on every single emotional level. I instantly bond with them, root for them, and I end up never wanting to let them go. Zach and Gemma are two of those unforgettable characters. I can’t wait for every single one of you to meet them, fall in love with them, and never forget them.
If you love sports romance, this book is perfect for fall!
This booked grabbed me from the beginning and I didn’t want it to end. Gemma has been burned and will never fall in love again. Now she has a plan for her two season tickets for the Bears football games, take a different date to each game. No feelings, just fun and football. Once she meets Zach he steps up to be her practice date for the first game. I loved Zach!!! He’s determined to win Gemma, but she has rules. I loved their banter, their chemistry, their family and friends! This story is funny, sweet and sexy. This was my first Kandi Steiner book and I just loved it!
A sexy, angsty, fun enemies-to-lovers sports romance!!! Everything I love in a book.
4.5 “Wien-Er-Lose” stars
Sensitive portrayal of a woman trying to find her footing, the story is full of sweet pain and scarring aches and you get swept away in the throbbing together of broken hearts.
“They’re both a little crazy , both a little messed up. But they’re choosing to be messed up together.”
It’s not a second chance story but a story about second chances that life gives you. Each day is an opportunity to make your life better and brighter. It’s not how many times you fall, it’s about how many times you get back up, dust your clothes and move on!!!! Taking chances and risks is the name of the game. Isn’t there a saying somewhere- Its better to have loved and lost than not loved at all!
Not sitting safe in what ifs and could haves, should haves
Sometimes a loss of a partner leaves you unmoored and adrift, and if life throws you a saver in form of a sexy bartender, you grab on to it and climb ashore.
A pretty straightforward book but intense and layered all the same. The threats aren’t external but internal guilt and doubts. Gemma Mancini loses everything in a month but she doesn’t get a closure. Unanswered questions & shattered trust leave her bitter and cynical. She is stuck between mourning for a love lost and angry at betrayed life. Lies and truths are tossed up in the air and none of them land right side up.
My sad-eyed, exhausted husband thought he’d broken my heart with his news. But the truth was my dread was born of a different source. It was simply me mourning the absolute conviction with which I’d believed in my plan and its certain success.
Now, I had no plan.
Generally a make a plan, keep it moving kinda girl, she is stuck amidst debris of her past life, when she meets the sexy bartender – Zach Bowen. A mutual love of beer, Chicago Bears and Hotdogs makes them bond, except she likes ketchup on her hot dog!( I can’t even…its sacrilege)
He’s easy going, very upfront and mostly receptive and a giver. A generous lover, patient and understanding, he breathes fun and laughter back in her life. Only she has to decide when do the walls come crumbling down, because Once Bitten; Twice Shy Gamma is wary and on guard
It was easy to fall in love. It was harder to climb out of it.
And I didn’t want to have to dig my way out of that hole again.
The story had lots of funny moments, oodles of hot passionate sex, which broke the heaviness of the subject.
Queen of Angst Kandi is very adept at writing matters of the heart which war with sensibilities of the mind and we end up with beautiful, unputdownable stories that stay with you for a long time! Some scenes shall remain with me cause they made me laugh with tears in my eyes.
Just pierced my heart and set camp.
“You’re at the Wrong Game.”
“As long as I’m the Right Winner”
And sure as Football, it’s a winner!!
NO SPOILERS!
The Wrong Game has hands down been Kandi Steiner’s BEST book to date, and I absolutely loved it! It was sweet, sexy, fun, and entertaining, and I adored it with all of my heart. The storyline and characters were phenomenal, and I loved Kandi Steiner’s writing style. Her love stories are always beautiful, powerful, and memorable, and The Wrong Game was no exception. I already can’t wait to devour her next release, whatever that may be!
The storyline was amazing. Sports romance, especially when it involves football, is one of my favorite tropes to read, and The Wrong Game didn’t disappoint in the least. Kandi Steiner created an incredibly unique and unforgettable love story for Zach and Gemma, and I loved everything from beginning to end. The sexy times, angst, drama, humor, and swoon-worthy moments made The Wrong Game my favorite novel from Kandi Steiner so far, and I would highly encourage you to try it!
The characters were exceptional. Zach and Gemma have been my favorite characters from Kandi Steiner so far, and I fell head over heels in love with them and their story. I loved their personalities and smoking hot chemistry together, and how their relationship progressed throughout. It definitely wasn’t an easy journey, but one worth taking. I loved reading The Wrong Game from both Zach and Gemma’s point of view, and all of their banter and interactions with each other. I also adored the fantastic cast of secondary characters, and loved their addition to the story. They made it a lot more fun and entertaining. Zach and Gemma’s story was raw and real, and I couldn’t have loved it more. They experienced trials and tribulations, as everyone does, but every single thing was completely worth it in the end. I implore you to take a chance on it; I sincerely doubt you’ll regret it!
The Wrong Game was a fun, sexy, romantic, and swoon-worthy standalone sports romance, and I would HIGHLY recommend it! Kandi Steiner did an extraordinary job with Zach and Gemma’s story, and it has definitely been her BEST work to date. Kandi Steiner has become one of my favorite authors, and her novels always leave a lasting impression on me. I absolutely loved The Wrong Game and can’t wait to devour whatever she releases next!
Well damn! The Wrong Game got me right in the feels from the prologue (which is one of those moments that about kills you and you remember it long after you’re done reading) right down the the very last word of the sweet, sweet epilogue. Kandi is so excellent at angsty, heart tugging reads (ie A Love Letter to Whiskey), but here in The Wrong Game, she upped the ante by adding in moments of joyful laugh out loud levity, and she combined all the emotions and the angst with one of the sweetest, sexiest heroes in all of fiction, Zach.
Gemma is a broken-hearted, angry woman. She’s stuck in this vicious cycle of no resolution, no closure anger with no outlet for her pain and anger. Not to mention that her best friend is pushing for her to put herself out there again and get down and dirty. But Gemma isn’t one to put herself out anywhere, especially not without a PLAN. You see, Gemma is an OCD planner, type A personality that does not do well when she’s not in control of things. So her plan is to enjoy herself with the season tickets to the Bears that she had bought for her and her husband. She’s husbandless now, but she wants to enjoy her Bears. When the bartender at the bar where she and Belle are hashing out her plan offers to be her practice run to the first game, how can she possibly say no? And boom, the game’s on. The game, though, ends up not being much of a game when feelings start developing and poor Zach’s heart is in danger of being crushed beneath Gemma’s pain and anger that have left her with so much damage and fear that she makes some boneheaded (read, cruel) decisions. Will Zach win this game he’s waging for Gemma’s heart? Or will she allow her past to have its way with her?
God, I FLOVED The Wrong Game!! I knew going into it that it would be a bit emotional, maybe even angsty, considering the other stories of Kandi’s that I’ve read and been demolished by, but I really wasn’t prepared for just how much I’d fall in love with Zach and Gemma together. Their chemistry is fire. Their banter is witty and snarky. And the sexual tension? Hot damn! Smokin! And I have to spend a minute on Zach. That man…God, the epitome of the perfect man – sweet, sexy, fiercely loyal and loving, and willing and raring to fight for the ones he loves. What more could you possibly ask for in a man, fictional or not?! I guess I’ll just sum this up by saying if you haven’t read The Wrong Game by now, get to it. You will not regret it!
4 Stars!
Gemma Mancini is a newly single 29 yr. old woman living in Chicago who needs a fresh start. She’s had a long year after the life she built fell apart. The last man she let close had destroyed all her faith in men, so she vowed only to depend on herself. To avoid heartbreak at all costs she had to be in control. She wasn’t ready to date or be in a relationship, but maybe she could have some feelings-free fun without getting hurt. She has season passes to the Chicago Bears home games and comes up with a plan to have a new single guy fill the extra seat each game. She’s lonely and this is her way of putting herself out there a bit. She meets a gorgeous guy before the first game who offers to be her practice round since she seems nervous. She accepts, and then he tries to change all her rules.
Zach Bowen meets the stunning Italian beauty Gemma and wants a chance to get to know her better. Problem is she’s dead set on sticking to her rules. He knows she likes him too, and he’s willing to be patient. She was a challenge, but something about her was different. He had a plan of his own, and no intention of giving up.
Gemma is scared to trust, and is letting her past dictate the present. Zach took her out of her comfort zone, and made her feel out of control. She swore she’d never fall in love again, but he somehow found a way to her heart when she thought she had nothing left to give. He makes her happy, but she’s terrified, and keeps trying to talk herself out of what she’s feeling. Will she face her fears and try again? Stop focusing on the past, and focus on the future?
This was a fabulous sports romance full of angst and red hot chemistry that reminds us that in matters of the heart, there are no guarantees. To have great love you must always risk your heart. I loved Zach Bowen! He has such a pure beautiful heart. He lives life in the moment, and and to the fullest. He takes chances, and goes after what he wants. And on top of all that he’s hot as hell! I really enjoyed this emotional story that also made me laugh. Another fantastic book by Kandi Steiner!
The Wrong Game by Kandi Steiner had a bit of everything I love to read in a contemporary romance. It was a sports romance that was full of angst and steamy. Sign me right up please! On top of all that it was just such a fun read that drew me in right from the start. It’s one of the reasons I am such huge Kandi Steiner fan.
I loved Gemma and Zach so much. Gemma is out of her marriage and ready to move forward. She is done with men. As a huge football fan, she has season tickets to the Bears and does not want to miss a game. Her plan? A different date for each game in the name of fun and no risks involved. . Which is not the norm for Gemma who plans every moment of her life.
Zach was just one of the best guys I have read about. He was charming, sexy and sweet. Could he show Gemma that not all men are the same? She has her rules, but he was intent of breaking every one of them. She found him exasperating, but was also drawn to him. She is not giving in and he is not backing down!
I was captivated by The Wrong Game from beginning to end. Though it was emotional and angsty, it was also sweet and charming. I loved the characters so much and their story drew me right in. A must-read from Kandi Steiner!
4.5 stars. Read and Reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
This is my 4th Kandi Steiner ARC, and I was so excited when I got the good news. Her duet, the one that was released earlier in the year is by far one of my most memorable reads of 2018.
Basically The Wrong Game is about Gemma Mancini, whose spirit was broken by her husband, thus leaving her with more issues than Cosmo. And you know how it is with people that have trust issues—they always have this never-ending scenario in their heads, they worry so much therefore aggravating their anxiety… and they build this fortress around their heart to keep themselves from being in the exact same situation that broke them even if it means alienating practically everybody… Zach Bowen is the opposite of Gemma. Even though he was hurt before, he’s still positive, easy going and is such a huge romantic sap. I have heart eyes whenever he’s on.
If you’ve read the synopsis, Gemma’s plan was to have a new date for every Bears home game. Easy peasy right? Well you know what they say… Life usually doesn’t go the way you plan it to.
It was all kinds of infuriating, sweet and sexy… The characters were very relatable, and I think that is what’s important. The story has to connect with its readers, and it did just that, at least for me. I was able to relate with Gemma and Zach individually. And the cover! Oh my gosh, swoon!
To those fans of Lauren Blakely, Rachel Van Dyken and A.L Jackson… this is definitely the book to pick up next!
4.5 stars
“It was as if those eyes knew me, like we were playing a game and he was three moves ahead.”
One thing you have to know before reading this book is, that Kandi Steiner is one of the girls who feel everything. If this author is not new to you, you know this by now. And because she feels everything she has this amazingly talent to write books like The Wrong Game.
“She was like a Rubik’s Cube in a blind man’s hand – impossible to figure out. And yet I was the blind man determined to try.”
Believe me if I say, this book as truly everything a romance readers heart wishes for. It has easy lovable characters with great development. Characters like you and me with feelings that get transported through an awesome writing right into your bones. It also has fun and is entertaining, it has depth and is pretty fascinating. It’s a slow burn on a very high level.
“I can’t walk away from you. Not yet. Maybe not ever.”
Zach and Gemma, both early marked by life, left with wounds they yet have to learn how to heal. They, their feelings and struggles feel real. Like right out of the real life. And even though there seems to be a kind of insta-attraction, they don’t act on it. They try to work it out. I really loved that about this book. Zach and Gemma worked so well together it was a pleasure to follow their story.
And yes, Gemma’s bestie Belle is totally worth to mention. She’s a stunning friend, a soulmate like my own best friend. I can’t tell you how important this is in life!
“We were in it together, no matter what was to come, and we would fight for the win. For each other. Until the last whistle blew.”
The Wrong Game is a fantastic emotional ride, that you definitely don’t want to miss out on!
Zach is swoon worthy from the get go. He’s sweet romantic and a big softie. I loved him as soon as I met him! He’s caring and kind, oh yeah, and SMOKIN HOT!
Gemma is a huge football fan who is just wanting to have some fun without getting too serious. So she and Belle come up with her plan. It’s genius! It is perfect for what Gemma wants. So they start going about it.
Until Zach who infuriates the hell out of her tries to change everything about her plan. She has to figure out a way to get back on track and stick to the plan.
This book is a fun, flirty and sweet sports romance. I’m a big football fan so this one was golden for me. I give it a solid 5 !! It’s a great feel good book! Well done Kandi, this one is a touchdown for sure!
Ah man this was a cute story from Kandi. Gemma has a plan. Take a different guy to each home game using season tickets she bought for her ex husband. Foolproof right? Cue Zach the bartender she takes for a practice round “date” that she just can’t shake. He works so hard to go from annoying to necessary and finally they get their HEA. This is a fun story with a touch of heat and a funny AF bestie. Belle is hilarious.
The audio on this was another great performance from one of my favourite female narrators. Virginia does a fantastic job of bringing Gemma to life and making you want to shake the shit out of her so she can just get the guy!!! Nelson is a new narrator for me and he did a great job of showing us Zach and all his feelings too.
If you are looking for sweet with a touch of heat this is the book for you.
• •
: The Wrong Game
: Kandi Steiner
: 5/5
I’ve read so many good and surprising books lately and this is absolutely one of them! I loved the banter, the pushing and pulling, the emotions, the mistakes and the heartbreak. Moreover, I felt like the story was really original. Gemma goes through some stuff which you couldn’t even predict happening to someone if you wanted to. Same goes for Zach, he’s also been through some tough times. The “heated” scene’s where a bit too much for me sometimes so, I skipped large parts of it, but that did not take away of the story. There was a lot of pulling and pushing between the main characters, so if you do not like that, this book might not be for you. I actually liked the pulling and pushing, especially once you are connected with the characters you can understand their reasoning for the certain actions they take. You might want to scream at them also for it, but hey, they just have to do stupid things and go through certain stuff for the story to make sense and to evolve as characters. Next to the main characters we also have a couple amazing side characters with whom it was also very easy to connect. Overall, it was a really good and original read.
My reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
When a trial run becomes something permanent!
If you want a romance with a lot of angst and emotion, this is the book of you! Gemma and Zach both deal with situations that make them do what is the best for their family even though it isn’t the best for them emotionally.
Gemma Mancici had a hard time trusting guys after having her heart torn to bits when she found out her husband was cheating on her. On the day she was going to tell that she knew and moving out, he told he was dying of cancer leaving her a widow. Gemma only told her best friend that he had cheated but when she decided to start meeting guys again by having a new guy go with her to the Chicago Bears games using her season tickets. Bartender Zach Bowen asked to be the fist date as a sort of trial run for meeting guys.
This was a fun one, a sports romance unlike any I’ve read. I thoroughly enjoyed Zach’s character – strong and fun and romantic. The characters were great, the struggles they went through cringe-worthy, and I can’t wait to read Belle’s book next.
Absolutely loved Gemma and Zach’s story!! Zach is such a sweetheart and all around good guy and he’s just perfect for Gemma’s broken heart. Kandi is such a great story teller. I laughed, I cried, I laughed and cried some more and I swooned. An amazing read.