This book was a review for PBC. I am not normally a fan of straight romance, as I feel they have no true story. This book was definitely not lacking in story, surrounded by romance.We meet Sydney who is a woman stuck in a life she never wanted. She is dating a successful agent, who puts her on the fast track to a successful career. He has her painting things she hates painting, and instead of telling him, she suppresses her desires. Max was involved in an accident, and his needs come before hers now, even if that means never receiving his love. When Max decides to test her loyalty, though, he throws more at Sydney than she is ready to resist. Max pays the handsome Colm to seduce her, because he wants to know if Sydney will stray. Max tells Colm, if he succeeds, he will double the money. Confused about the situation, but needing the money for his sister's care, he agrees. Little does he know, he is about to get more than he bargained for as well. Eventually, truth spills out, and Sydney and Colm must decide if they are willing to forgive each other, or move on. The story is written extremely well. Sydney becomes this woman who seems extraordinary beautiful through the eyes of Colm, and extremely plain to herself. Their relationship is more about sex, Colm shows Sydney who she truly is. Both Sydney and Colm go through this massive self-discovery is the course of the book, making them realize they have no idea who they are. The art element is also written well. I have taken some art history, so the things the author touches on, are most likely through some form of research or experience.There are a multitude of wonderful supporting characters through out this story as well. My favorite is Garrett. He is Colm's best friend, and while helpful to Colm, he is a pain in the ass. He is also, probably, the funniest character in the book. I personally, would like to see a story of him."Games People Play," is a beautifully relate-able tale, a wonderful read. Shelby Reed truly knows how to draw you in, and never let go. A challenging book. Some of the characters were nuanced but artificially so such as the Madame of the male prostitute business. The hero's martyr-based motivations to be a prostitute weren't really that well developed. He was an architect and his sister was a paraplegic. He really needed to quit his job and have sex for money to provide for her? I wasn't sold on him as a good match for the heroine. I think it had some challenging concepts and I wished I liked it more but I felt largely unsatisfied at the end - I didn't think that the hero had really worked through all his issues. He was still pretty effed up, if you ask me.
What do You think about Games People Play (2013)?
Complex characters and sexy, sexy hero. Can't get enough of Shelby Reed's beautiful writing style.
—Maddie
$8 for e-book???? 3.75 stars, I think I'll wait for a sale.
—reem
