The edgy, angsty, addictive YA/NA crossover series from L. A. Cotton continues… They thought the fight was over… All Maverick Prince ever wanted was to play basketball in college. So starting for the Steinbeck Scorpions should be a dream come true. But not everyone wants to see him succeed. Just because you’re on the same team, doesn’t mean you play by the same rules. Lo Stone thought her … same rules.
Lo Stone thought her life was finally on an even keel. As if being a senior and having to think about her future isn’t bad enough, she’s a stranger in her own house. And the longer she goes without seeing Maverick, the harder it is to ignore the little voice of doubt whispering in her ear.
They thought the games were over, but the war is only just beginning…
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I have to admit, after reading the first couple of books in this series and seeing how Maverick initially was, I saw this book going in a completely different way. I really liked the way this author took it though. She made Maverick into the bigger and better person that he is. You can’t help but be proud of him. You also can’t help but love the way that he loves Lo. He’s all in and completely devoted to her. Then there was Lo. My heart broke for her. She’s been struggling throughout this whole series and to see her issues surface again; to see her fears and struggles is heartbreaking. She’s such an amazing person that it’s hard watching her fall. And that twist, I honestly didn’t see that one coming. But I loved the outcome. I despise bullies and I love seeing them get what is coming to them. These two are perfect for each other. They love so deeply for each other and for their families. I’ll be sad to see them go but I look forward to catching up with them in future stories about this family.
Watching Lo and Maverick work through their issues and go up against the people against them in this book shows the strength that they have in their relationship and love for each other. This one set the stage up pretty well for Macey’s story, so we’ll get to see what’s going on with her in the next one. Kyle provides some needed comical relief, but overall this story shows that going the distance and overcoming obstacles is possible with the right people in your corner.
This book is so amazing. This book will have you drawn in from the very beginning to the very end. I love this series and the writing style of this author. This book will take you on a emotional ride that will have your heart all over the place and loving this epic story. This series will have you needing that quit time of reading and up all night to finish this book.
4.5 stars
“I wanted to hold her up when she was weak and love her when she was lost. To be Lo’s all because fuck only knew she’d become mine.”
Oh, I had so much fun with this one! Hooked from the beginning until the very end. For me this was a close to perfect page-turner and if I would have had the time, I would have finished it in one sitting. Maverick and Lo are such vivid and livid characters, it’s so easy to imagine them on a TV show you can’t help but binge watch.
“Maverick had a fighter’s heart. He would always fight for the things he wanted most.”
I can’t believe it how attached I became to the characters during this series. I remember starting the first book as a blind date and groaning inwardly when I found out this was a YA book, starting a series. I never expected falling so deep for Lo and Mav. Now I’m addicted yearning for more of them.
“Her lips were at the corner of my mouth now, hovering, barely touching. But I felt them all the way down to my soul.”
Lo and Mav have an incredible development through the series. Seeing where they came from and how they manage and handle things in this fourth book is simply fantastic. Not only did they and their relationship grow, but they as individuals took a great step into adulthood.
“He’d stolen my heart. Taken it for his own. I’d let it go willingly because Maverick made me feel alive. He made me feel save and cherished and loved. Maverick was my saviour. But I realized now, if I wanted to move forward, this girl had to save herself.”
Mav definitely made an impression. He leaves his footprints wherever he goes. Mostly in my heart, though (*wink*) In this fourth book, Mav finally let his anger issues back in his past and took on responsibility. He was strong when he needed to be. For himself, Lo and his friends. He didn’t make rash decisions and he made them always with his heart and mind in sync.
“I don’t want to fix you, or save you, or change you, London. I just want to love you.”
I loved how this fourth book was more about Lo and what she still needed to overcome. Over the last books she was put back together by Maverick. Piece by piece. Yes, she grew and became stronger, but overall it was more like pushing the real problems behind because it was too hard to deal with them. In Wicked Games Lo needed to learn to face her problems. To see the strong girl she became and finally act like her. Her step into adulthood was the bigger one of both, but she made it with bravour. It was also great to see how her relationship with her father took a turn.
“But at the end of the day, what Lo and me had was real. Messy. Raw. Breathtakingly real.”
Wicked Games is addicting from the first page to the last. Although, I had some mixed feelings while reading: On the one hand I couldn’t read fast enough just to see what happens next and how everything turns out. However, on the other hand, I really dreaded to finish this book, as I know it will take a while now until I meet Lo and Mav again. So yeah, I’m pretty sad their story takes a break here but I’m happy it turned out so perfectly.
If you are into YA novels, I can only highly recommend reading this series! It got all what a romance readers heart longs for. It’s funny, witty, thrilling, hot. It has a great storyline that keeps your eyes glued to the pages and attached to the characters. For a lack of better words I’d say, reading this series is like watching your favorite TV show.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Lo and Maverick spent a summer in their own little word, now with Maverick having to go to college, both, of them, are worried how they will handle it.
Lo sees Maverick with the team Captain doing things she doesn’t like, but when Maverick asks for her trust, Lo gives it to him.
With everything going on and Maverick not there to anchor her, Lo starts to think more about her brother and mother, and everything that has gone on in the last year, Maverick knows that he can’t do this for Lo, she has to work through everything by herself to come out on the other side stronger.
Lo and Maverick both grow over their time apart with Maverick dealing with the team captain and what he does in a way no one ever thought possible. When their past confronts them, Maverick, knows that Lo needs to handle it herself and not have him fight all her battles for her, as much as he wants to. I loved the ending when Lo shocked him unintentionally, but needed the answer he gave her.
This is the fourth book in the series, but it really is the third book
of Lo and Rick’s. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book. Yes,
after the second book I knew there needed to be another book in their
story and was disappointed that the third book wasn’t theirs but
totally see why it was done the way it was. This book drew me in
quicker than the other books and I found myself wanting to know how
this story was going to end. This book will take you on a ride of
emotions from the agnst to the laughs with the love the characters
have. We have gotten to see the characters grow over the series and
this growth has helped them to be able to deal with some of the issues
thrown at them. Questions from the previous book are answered and
wanting to know more about secondary characters are there and I look
forward to reading their story.
Oh how I have missed Maverick and Lo. I absolutely love these two together, they are perfectly matched.
Each book in this series gets better and better. I love Lianne’s brilliant style of writing that tackles challenging and dark but does it in such a clever, sensitive and extraordinary way.
Maverick and Lo’s lives have changed now that he is away at college. Not only is distance separating them but outside influences are trying to too.
The emotions that have been written with Lo and her feelings of grief and guilt are so well written. you can honestly feel her pain seep out through the words even though she is putting on a façade.
I hope to see more of Lo and Maverick in future books (I never want to sya goodbye to them) but I am intrigued and excited for Macey’s story. I have a feeling that tissues and alcohol may be needed for that one.
Book four is Maverick and Lo’s story of what happened when he goes of to college. Maverick is struggling being without Lo but making it even worse is his obnoxious team mate who is making all there life’s a nightmare. Lo is struggling as well without Maverick and everything that’s happened before and living without her mum and brother and her dad moving in a new girlfriend and seeing him move on with his life so easily and quickly. This is a fantastic series with amazing characters that you will love. I’d highly recommend as a must read.
The title is so appropriate for this book. So many people want to play games with Maverick and Lo. I just wanted to throat punch them.
4.5 stars
Wicked Games is the fourth novel in the Wicked Bay series. I thought the story was well-written, showed the difficulty of a long distance relationship, and entertaining. The characters Lo and Maverick are realistic, and I like how were witnessing them growing into their own, while still having a loving relationship. The secondary characters are just as great and they add to the story with humor and complex situations. I’m really enjoying this series and I can’t wait for the next book.
They’re back!!!
Let me tell you, I just can’t get enough of these characters! Maverick and Lo are definitely one of my favorite book couples. Wicked Games is another great book in the Wicked Bay series!
After going through everything they’ve gone through so far in the series, you’d think there isn’t anything left. In Wicked Games, Maverick is off to college and Lo is starting her Senior year of high school. He’s struggling with being away from Lo, dealing with classes and his dyslexia, and the captain of the basketball team. She is struggling with not being with him, her dad and his relationship with Stella, and her doubts about going to college. There are some surprises and some twists in this story so get ready for the ride!
This book is full of angst, love, drama…. basically all the things I love in a book and exactly what I know the author delivers with each book she writes. Can’t wait to see what she has in store for all of us in the next book Wicked Needs!!
I have loved all of the books in the Wicked Bay series; Wicked Games is no exception! Another well-written, amazing story that I just couldn’t put down! Wicked Games brings us back to Lo and Maverick and their lives as college life and reality attempts to drive a wedge between them. I loved seeing Laurie, Kyle and the rest of Stone- Prince gang! It made Wicked Games feel like coming home and seeing old friends!
I am impatiently waiting for book 5! I can’t wait to see where L.A. Cotton takes us next.
Maverick “Rick” Prince is getting settled into school life. Eloise “Lo” Stone is having doubts that are very evident but is she just imagining things or just a feeling of things to come. Lo’s life seems so complicated. But at the core of this story, she’s still a young woman having to deal with a lot of what may seem to be adult problems. She’s had so much disappointment in her life that it’s like she comes to expect it.
Maverick shows what a lot of young men go through when they leave home and go off to college. It makes me think of some of the pieces about fraternities that have been in the news lately. You also have to think about what that does for a high school sweetheart’s relationship when there’s a split. This is why I feel that this latest story in the Wicked Bay series is more new adult than young adult. I wouldn’t want a young person getting the impression that this is the type of behavior that goes on at all colleges. It would be a good teaching moment but if you let your young adult child read the book. Maybe you should read the book first because you will also have to decide how you feel about them reading the more romantic moments.
Even though there’s a lot going on with Maverick, I felt this was more about Lo. Maybe it’s because I could connect with her character a lot more. I was lucky enough not to het hazed while at school so I can’t say I know what Rick’s going through. It’s a story that seems very realistic even though it is a work of fiction. After all the ups and downs that the author gives her main characters she was very nice by making them happy at the end. She then makes her readers happy by letting them know there’s a book five.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Wicked Games (Wicked Bay #4) A YA /NA crossover series that is trendy & leaves you with a sweet tooth craving more.
We revisit the main two characters from book one and two. Maverick and Eloise (Lo) love saga continues in this addition that is brimming with so much ansgt and depth that it makes the connection these two already have even more stronger. Dealing with being broken, inner demons, and their struggles as well as there inner strength & fight to reach their goals. With the addition of new supporting character’s as well as old supporting character’s new drama & angst unfold. A bit of mystery & suspense intertwined into the plot leaving you with a fixation. With witty banter & humour thrown in the mix. I’m so looking forward to reading the next novel in this highly addictive series which is about Macey Prince. A fabulous YA /NA crossover series that is one of my favourites.
I have said it with everyone one of these books….I typically don’t read a lot of romance that is high school/early college, but LA Cotton’s Chastity Falls pulled me in and Wicked Bay has continued the tradition! Lo and Maverick are back in Wicked Games and it’s ohhhh so good!
I love this world and these complex characters. You can see how Maverick and Lo have grown through the books, but they still have so much growth and healing to do both by themselves and as a couple. I loved this latest installment. I hope there is so much more to come in this world. The characters are complex and juicy and the writing sucks you in. I didn’t want to put it down! I’m a Wicked addict! Bring on the next book!
Maverick Prince and Eloise Stone thought the fight was over and the worst thing they had to worry about was being apart for the next few months when Maverick started college and Lo finished out her senior year of high school. The couldn’t have been more wrong.
All Maverick wants in to play basketball. He’s ready to tackle his classes and get back on the court. He wasn’t prepared for Zac Lowell, the narcissistic and sadistic team captain that won’t stop until Maverick’s just as broken as the rest of his new teammates. With out of control hazing and humiliation, Maverick knows it’s up to him to take the team back and get rid of Zac . . . if he can make it through what’s being thrown his way.
Lo just wants to make it through her senior without any drama. Caitlin Holloway has other plans . . . which include ruining Lo’s life in any way she can. Struggling to deal with being separated from Maverick, Lo’s also still trying to adjust to losing her mother and brother, moving halfway around the world with her father, who jumped into a new relationship and navigating her way through Wicked Bay High. Her relationship with Maverick is the one thing that is holding her together and she’s terrified of what he’s facing at Steinbeck as well as where she’ll fit in with his new lifestyle.
Both Maverick and Lo are in for the fight of their lives as they struggle to do what’s right for themselves and those depending on them. Will their love be able to survive?
L.A. Cotton continues to pull readers into her world of Wicked Bay. It’s a world of angst and unexpected enemies and alliances. Of friendship and teammates that have your back and love that mends broken hearts and make you whole again.
Maverick Prince may be young, but he knows what he wants in life and who he wants it with. From the very beginning, he’s known that Eloise “London” Stone is it for him and he’s willing to do whatever he takes to make sure they stay together. When Lo struggles to deal with everything that’s happened to her, Maverick figures out how to give her exactly what she needs, and boy is it awesome to watch Lo shine again!
Wicked Games was a thrilling installment of the Wicked Bay series. L.A. Cotton continues to bring unexpected depth to what could be a cheesy young adult romance. 5 stars!
4.5 stars of Wicked Goodness
I’m not sure I can say that without sounding like I’m trying to be a surfer dude-ette. Yeah, I would take it back but…Kyle won’t let me. He said something about screenshots being forever (or he would if he were reading this!)
The Stone-Princes aren’t an average family. They are not the Brady Bunch. No, they are a billion times better! There is snark, sarcasm, wit, and love. love – hate, love, and tolerant love. The Stone-Princes may be more than you can handle but I know I would consider helping bury a body to be a part of this family because once you are family…YOU ARE FAMILY!
I have been a nervous wreck since LA Cotton released a teaser chunk of a random not so happy scene. I was angry. I went a little Hulk smash on my pillows. I even resorted to rocking in the corner because these guys are my family. I feel everything for Lo and Rick. I need their happily ever after. But LA Cotton likes to tease, taunt, and show you she’s in control, so watch out for audible gasping, rage shaking, and the need to smack someone. All of those are signs that Wicked Games is under your skin. If these symptoms continue, you have two options:
– keep reading and hope for the best
– keep reading while kicking ass and taking names
Nothing else will help. Symptoms may subside but arise at a later time when you are dwelling or taken back to the story. It is nothing to be worried about. However, if you are experiencing withdrawal or symptoms of separation anxiety, please consider hitting Barnes & Noble for paperbacks- no one will be able to take them away from you.
This has been a public service announcement brought to you by…
Okay, so it’s a review. Sue me!
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
This book far surpassed all my expectations.
I’ll be honest – I was a bit unsure about the idea of the fourth book in a series being the book that revisited the main two characters form books one and two!
Holy hell were my concerns laid to complete rest!
this could maybe be one of my faves form this series!@
We were so invested in Rick and lo from the get go that this book was full of so much angst and depth that it only added to the connection we already knew these two had!
rick is off to college and lo is still at high school for another year with Kyle and Laurie…they are faced with the same issues most couples feel when one is leaving and the other is staying put…
but….
and there is always a big but….
this book was so MUCH more than just distance separating two couple in love!
The introduction to the college villain added such an element of mystery to this book that you will garb your attention from the get go.
I’ll be honest – I am completed and utterly addicted to everything about this series!
Luckily everything la cotton puts to paper is just a thing of beauty!
She writes with such an ease that you are transported into the story before you can finish the first page!
The back story and the level of grit and emotions in this book is so exciting – I’d safely say I’d be happy if this series continued on for ever!
Lianne Cotton you are a go to author that ticks every box with every book you write!
I adore your writing, your characters and the amount of heart that goes into each of your tales!
By far – Rick and Lo are one of my favourite couples and I’d happily read another 10 books about them!
5 plus stars!
Hands down!!
There is one thing i can say about an LA Cotton book when i finished it, I’m not disappointed and when it’s in one of your favorite series with the original couple getting another story i was excited.
This book was awesome loved everything about it with all the high school and college drama it made the book exciting and had me wanting to know what lies and Timor’s could happen to try break up Lo and Maverick and make thier life really hard being seperate
I loved be seeing this next chapter in their lives and see how hard they would fight for thier love and future, it was such a great story.
I loved Mavericks love that he had for Lo and he was so possessive it just read so sexy and i really felt for Lo and the struggles she was facing.
I love that we still got Laurie and Kyle and now his sister but it was so good to read them and the protection Kyle felt for the girls.
If your a fan of the wicked series and of L.A. Cotton then you will love this books aswell.
A Raw, Captivating & Pulse Pounding 4.5 Star Read!!
Wow, this book really takes the reader on a journey. It left my head spinning & my heart twisting!! This could well be the last time Rick & Lo get their own full book so it made it even more pulse pounding
Rick goes off to start at SU, finally out from under his father’s blackmail His High School Coach had warned him that the Captain at his new team had a bad reputation but he’s not too concerned. He’s eventually bested all his enemies so he knows he can deal with him if he needs to. BUT he’s different now, he doesn’t want trouble, he just wants to play basketball & gain his degree
Lo hates not having Rick with her. Stella & Beth are now living in her house & she can’t bare to even think about liking them, it would feel like she was being disloyal & a betrayal, of sorts, to her late Mum & Brother!! Her relationship with her Dad is almost non existent now. And Caitlin Holloway is back ready to cause trouble as soon as School starts – sigh
Lo loses herself somewhat in this book. It’s raw, unsettling but oh so honest & beautifully written by the Author!! Anyone that has lost a loved one will understand this to some extent I think
Rick actually makes some friends & being ‘a new man’ () he even opens up a bit They have a really solid basis for long lasting friendships, I believe He faces some extremely tough & ugly choices. They may even impact his relationship
Kyle & Laurie make some hilarious & always supportive appearances. The 3 sisters, halves & step, make cameos.
(Macey is clearly going through A LOT She seems to be in SO much pain & full of anger!) All of the parents, except Rick & Macey’s Dad, thankfully, make appearances too.
Wicked Games is a real page turner. It captivated me from start to finish. This series has been an absolute pleasure to read, I can’t wait for more
Debbie, 1970, UK