| Title | : | A Harmless Little Game (Harmless, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 227 |
| Publication | : | First published October 18, 2016 |
Too bad I wasn’t awake for it.
The video went viral. Of course it would. A Senator’s daughter on camera? Wouldn’t you click “share”? Besides, that’s what three of the four guys in the video did.
Share.
They shared me.
But that fourth guy? The nondescript one in the background in the upper left corner of the screen, just sitting on the couch? The only one who did nothing?
Not one single thing.
That was my boyfriend, Drew.
And that was the last time I saw him.
Until today, when my father—now on a path to the White House—hired him as head of security for my new team as I return home after four years of “recovering” in an undisclosed location that involved white lab coats, needles, pills and damage control.
You see, the other three guys never went to jail. Never had charges pressed.
Never faced consequences.
Until today.
Game on.
* * *
A Harmless Little Game is the first in this political thriller/romantic suspense trilogy by USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine.
A Harmless Little Game (Harmless, #1) Reviews
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**2.5 stars**
**UNPOPULAR OPINION**
I see you looking at me sideways. Yes, I know and I'm sorry but let me tell you why this was a near miss for me.
A Harmless Little Game falls within the romantic suspense genre which is one of my favorite genres because it's so deliciously thrilling.
......Your nerves should be shot and your nails chewed raw by the end of a suspenseful story. This story attempts but didn't quite connect with me; indulge me while I tell you the 3 reasons. (1) The plot holes (2) The plot holes (3) The plot holes
Sorry, but I'm nothing if not pragmatic, so I did a little internet reading on the rights of a US ADULT citizen. So much medical and legal jargon, but I distilled them to these two.
1. The right to refuse treatment is conferred on each and every US adult citizen. (Lindsay was 19 at the time of admission)
2. Without a court order, a psychiatry facility can only hold for a maximum 96 hours.
What's that you say? 4 yrs v. 96hrs? Yes. Plot hole 1. But let's allow for literary license and move on from this.
Plot hole 2 seems so obvious.
Here it is. Lindsay has beenincarceratedhospitalized for 4 years. Are we to believe she just accepted being held against her will and for 4 years at that? Would you have been so accepting?
My mind latched on to this long time-frame and couldn't move beyond it. So I ask, If she couldn't plot her way out of a low-security-hospital, how will she navigate the outside world and have the balls to exact revenge? I know what you're thinking. Delicious Drew will help her. Fair enough.
I will say one good thing about this period, and it's that she got psychiatric help and could heal (in a manner) away from prying and judgmental eyes. NO one should ever have to experience the horrors she passed through, but still, 4 years is a long time to remain quiet and be deprived of basic human rights.
Never mind, we can dismiss 2.
Moving on to 3. The stolen 4 yrs. Now, I don't know about you but if someone violated my body and some other person violates my rights, they all better make sure I'm dead and buried or they ALL better be dead and buried. What is Lindsay's reaction to all this once she rejoins society, you ask? Let's talk about that.
But before we get into that, let's discuss the prose and writing style of this book.“I’m completely encased by some giant, thick-vined plant that feels like a spiny cage”
**
“I’m encased in cotton candy that someone has lit on fire with a flamethrower”
**
“I halt suddenly, the epiphany so strong it’s like it sucked all the kinetic energy out of me.”
**
“I'm fleeing, no pace, no steady gait. I’m running like a spooked fawn in the woods, fleeing a potential predator”
**
“God help me, he smells so good. I look at his mouth. I kissed that mouth. Yesterday. Why am I thinking about kissing him now? No. I can’t do this. I can’t”
-This? This is the thought and speech process of a woman we're meant to take seriously? A woman we all expect will take no prisoners?
Needless to say, I was unimpressed by Lindsay. She's 23 for fucks sakes and still she has nothing of importance to say. Moreover, her thought process contradicts the character that Raine told us she created. Spooked fawns, cotton candy, and so many other lyrical similes? Who thinks like this?
Okay. Rant over. I know this is a trilogy and book 2 may well negate my rants. I want to know if there'll be a transformation for Lindsay, and I NEED to see her attackers get what's coming to them. Fin.
**Update** 29/12/2016Sadly, at the recommendation of my personal physician- who asks that I limit eye-rolls and head shakes-, I had to DNF the second book of this trilogy. Please, no sympathies. *stares impassively* I have accepted my lot and if that includes never knowing the who or the what of this story, well, so be it.
Thanks for your understanding. My review for A Harmless Little Ruse can be found
here -
I love books with dark, suspenseful storylines that keep you guessing right to the end. After reading the blurb for 'A Harmless Little Game' I knew that this was a book that I'd be reading ASAP. For the most part, it lived up to my expectations. However, there were definitely some things that I thought could have been executed better.
First of all, as my friend Bibi pointed out in her review, the likelihood that Lindsay could have been held involuntarily for four years, is not likely. Sure, her mental status might have rendered her an imminent danger to herself or others at some point after the brutal rape, when she experienced a total emotional breakdown, but it is highly unlikely that this would go on for a period of four years. I can't say that I believed it, especially since Lindsay is presented as a character that clearly has decision-making capacity, and has for quite some time.
Then again, I remind myself that the uber-wealthy don't necessarily play by the same rules as every other person. If anyone has any doubt of that, do a Google search for "Jeffrey Epstein" and you'll have a perfect example of this. If that deplorable man and his equally despicable rich friends can (still) get away with their crimes, then the scenario painted by this author is certainly possible. In fact, this is hardly a blip on the radar in comparison...but, I digress.
I was able to get past the involuntary commitment, with some reservations. Yet, there were other things that rubbed me the wrong way. Some of the information presented seemed contradictory or just implausible.
First off, I had a hard time buying Lindsay's instant attraction to Drew. Wasn't she supposed to be terrified of this guy? Didn't she believe that he had been complicit in her brutal gang rape? I don't know about you, but if I thought that my boyfriend had stood to the side and let a bunch of his friends rape and torture me, I'm not going to be lusting after him like a schoolgirl with a crush! Nope. Not buying it.
The other big plot hole that I struggled with was the description of the actual rape. It seemed to evolve and become less believable as the story progressed. First, we're told she is raped on video. It goes viral because she is a Senator's daughter. Then we're later told that the rapists wore masks and even placed a mask on her. Say what? To me, that is a clear contradiction. If nobody watching could see her face, and everybody involved seemed to want to make this disappear, then why not just deny it was her? It was too illogical for me.
Yet, despite these problems, I found myself completely sucked into this story. I am still dying to know what happens to Lindsay and Drew. I want the responsible parties - and there seem to be many - held accountable. I want Lindsay's parents to pay also. Needless to say, this book made me feel a need to exact vengeance on her behalf.
All in all, it was a promising story and I will be reading the next book. There are some things that the author needs to iron out, but I still enjoyed this one. -
3.5 Stars
This is the first book of a three book series that will all be released by December 13th. The story is suspenseful and made for a quick read while leaving me with a slew of questions and willing to read the next book. The story starts with the heroine, Lindsay Bosworth, a senator’s daughter being released from a medical center after a four year stay. She’s been recovering from an attack that had went viral on the web and her father has decided that it’s time for her to return home as his political career is in the works to move for higher office.
”Even now, four years later. It persists. Pain ever dies. Neither does online shaming.”
Lindsay suffers from crippling anxiety attacks and nightmares yet that will be only a small fraction of what she’ll face in less than one week’s time back home! Her former boyfriend Drew Foster is heading her security for her father and did I mention he seems to be watching in the video? Somethings are revealed about what happened after the video and friends came forward with their stories and it all leaves Lindsay and a reader baffled.
”Nothing makes sense. Everything is upside down.”
Drew seems to be on the level as he protects Lindsay from her rapists. However, I’m not sure who is messing with her but he’s protecting her and it seems his feelings for her run deep.
”I’m here for whatever you need, whenever you need, because you’re my best friend and my true love and I’ve missed you. Not having you in my life has been like losing a limb that one that no one can see is missing.”
Messages are sent that leave a reader to believe that this group of former frat boys are after Lindsay again. Though I’m not one hundred percent on board with that I do think something very fishy is going on and the next book moves the story forward while written in Drew’s pov. I’m hoping to get answers because at this point everyone’s suspect to me.
”Welcome back, Lindsay. Ready to play with us again?”
[image error] -
5 Intense Stars
WOW!! What an intense start to a story!
Lindsay's virginity was stolen from her by three college boys, if that's not bad enough it was broadcast live over the internet. Lindsay's dad is a very prominent politician and this 'scandal' just has to go away in his opinion, so poor Lindsay is sent away for four years to a psychiatric centre on an island.
I would have literally gone insane if I was Lindsay. Imagine being gang raped then having the public all think you wanted it and even your parents are pretending that's the truth just to save face. Well it's time for her to figure out the truth and seek revenge. But what was her high school boyfriend Drew's role in her terrible attack? Should/could she trust him?
An awesome face paced, angsty, suspense filled start to a trilogy. I'm HOOKED!! -
LIVE!: |
AMZ US |
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KOBO |
LIVE! Political thriller/romantic suspense! Vengeance on the men who raped her the boyfriend who looked on.
Book 1 of 3
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Blurb:
Four years ago I lost my virginity on live, streaming television.
Too bad I wasn’t awake for it.
The video went viral. Of course it would. A Senator’s daughter on camera? Wouldn’t you click “share”? Besides, that’s what three of the four guys in the video did.
Share.
They shared me.
But that fourth guy? The nondescript one in the background in the upper left corner of the screen, just sitting on the couch? The only one who did nothing?
Not one single thing.
That was my boyfriend, Drew.
And that was the last time I saw him.
Until today, when my father—now on a path to the White House—hired him as head of security for my new team as I return home after four years of “recovering” in an undisclosed location that involved white lab coats, needles, pills and damage control.
You see, the other three guys never went to jail. Never had charges pressed.
Never faced consequences.
Until today.
Game on.
Books in Harmless trilogy should be read in order:
Book 1:
A Harmless Little Game
Book 2:
A Harmless Little Ruse
Book 3:
A Harmless Little Plan -
🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS .
A Harmless Little Game (Harmless #1) by Meli Raine is the first thing I have read by this author and it was that oh so intriguing blurb that initially attracted me to this book, that was such a killer of a synopsis, in my opinion, it actually deserves a rating all on its own.
So A Harmless Game is the first instalment in the Harmless Trilogy it is written from Lindsays POV and follows the story of Lindsay and Andrew after Linsay's release from "The Island " Where she's been recovering, hidden from the public eye for the last four year's, Yeh I kid you not, you heard that right I said FOUR BLOODY YEARS!!!
So Lindsay a senator's daughter gets sent to The Island after she is brutally attacked by three of her boyfriend Drew's old school friends while Drew himself supposedly stood by and watched without intervening.
The gang rape sees Lindsay in the hospital and then on to a rehabilitation unit to receive therapy for the attack.
It also goes viral, though the video is doctored to place masks on all involved to conceal all their identities.
Lindsay's name is then also leaked to the press but the investigation stalls when her friends make statements to the effect that Lindsay was high and drunk at the time of the attack and everything that occurred was consensual in nature.
Gives a new definition to the term frenemies, doesn't it?
fast forward four years and after aeons of incarceration in what is nothing more than a glorified prison, Lindsay arrives home to find things are not always what they seem.
What's more, her three attackers are walking around, not just free but in highly successful careers this is despite there young ages and to top it all off her ex-boyfriend Drew is now head of her security detail and seems a completely changed man.
So yeh, I really enjoyed this unusual romantic suspense, I loved the way this was essentially more plot driven and the romance was really just a backdrop, taking more of a back seat to the whole main event.
From the get-go, I surmised there was more here than was initially being drip-fed to the reader and without giving anything away turns out I was right.
This really was a total page-turner that manages to jump right into the fray from the initial onset.
I also found the two main characters extremely likeable, if I'm being honest I have to say I was drawn more towards Drew than Lindsay.
I just felt that sometimes she was too pliable, not inserting her independence more and reading outside the box.
Believing the worst of people she had no cause to doubt while not confronting the many snakes she seemed to be surrounded by.
I decided to give her a break though mainly because
A-I thought she was probably a product of her upbringing.
B-The poor girl had been attacked horrifically and essentially been kept in a mental institution against her will for the past few years.
C- The whole world had labelled her an internet slut while she was shut away unable to defend herself, harsh much.
So where was I, Oh yeh total page turner,
So why four stars instead of Five?
Well, there were a few things here that despite my enjoyment bothered me slightly.
The first one being Lindsays stay at the island, now I'm from the UK so I'm not sure exactly how it works over in the good ole USA, but it surely can't be that different from over here.
I'm slightly sceptical that she would be able to be kept locked up so tight completely against her will for so long, It just seems so far-fetched.
But then again, who knows what can be achieved with power and money, so I could be wrong.
I also couldn't believe Lindsay would put up no fight in regards to Drew being the head of her security detail if she really believes he is complicit in her attack surely that wouldn't have left her feeling very safe with him at all.
And finally, I also found it amazing her lack of major anger towards her parents all that she really does is act like a petulant child towards them.
Despite these three grievances I still very much adored this so I have just marked it down a star overall.
We left this story with Lindsay finally getting some answers to her questions and a much anticipated (from me that is) level of re-connection between her and Drew that definitely left me wanting more.
Harmless #1 closes on a cliffhanger which then assures me I am so going to pick up book two.
No problem recommending this it's a delightful read that despite certain plot-holes still manages to deliver.
(This first installment is currently free on Amazon.)
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com -
3.5
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Four years ago the unspeakable happened to Lindsay. Violated in the worst way while her boyfriend and the man she loved sat and watched. Now Lindsay is back and looking for revenge. But things are not exactly as they seem and soon the past is coming back with a vengeance and no one is to be trusted...
WHOA, so this book sucked me in from page one. I am dying to untangle all these knots of mystery. Who are the bad guys? What is everyone hiding? Will Lindsay finally get justice? SO many questions...
Now, that said, this did have a couple issues. First, her immediate reaction to Drew felt off. I would think someone that went through what she did, and had spent the past 4 years thinking Drew was compliant in that act wouldn't be panting after him like a dog in heat. I would have cut his balls off and asked questions later, but I'm a biatch that way.
Secondly, the video incident confused me. We are told it was videotaped and posted ALL over social media so everyone knew it was Lindsay in the video, but then later we are told they all wore masks INCLUDING Lindsay?? Sooo?? That aside, I really enjoyed this one. On to book two I go...
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This is a deeply emotional story. Lindsay suffers through something terrible at the hands of people she thought were friends. Even after an isolated recovery, her return is punctuated by mysterious occurrences intended to hurt her. Drew, her ex-boyfriend and witness to the crime perpetuated on her, was hired by her father as her head of security. This emotional component is very hard to accept as there is a big mystery surrounding Drew's role in the traumatic event. Lindsey seems to transform before us as we read. She becomes stronger and more determined as the plot goes through interesting twists and turns. I was riveted to my Nook, unable to set this down. I read through a film of tears and a racing heart. This does end in a cliffhanger as it is to be delated in three parts. Even after the first book there are many questions in need of answers and people to be held accountable. I am eagerly awaiting the next book. Safety: It's hard to give you enough without giving you too much. There is more to the story about Drew being present when Lindsay is raped. No others while they are together. Drew is not celibate during their separation, however he is not a man-whore at all and spends most of their separation in the military. Rape is the entire premise of the story and it is graphic and sure to be a trigger to many. There is abuse, mostly emotional with a few physical instances.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review. -
I'm giving this book 5 stars mostly because of how fast it gripped my attention and of how well it kept it.
Four years ago, Lindsay brutally lost her virginity on camera. The video went viral and EVERYONE saw her torment. The kicker? Her boyfriend, Drew, the love of her life, sat there and watched it all. Didn't lift a damn finger to help her. During the four years, Lindsay was isolated at an institute for "recovery" (cute name for a mental institution), but now she's free and has come home. Except home isn't the same. Nothing is as it seems and her new "babysitter" is none other than deadbeat Drew. Some of the shocking truth is revealed but in no way is the story complete. In fact, it's just getting started.
The three boys were never charged for the rape and have gone on to become very successful in the time that Lindsay was away. I smell a revenge plot a mile away. Who can she trust? When will all of the secrets be revealed? Book 2 cannot come soon enough!!
Despite the sensitive nature of this story, the author did an incredible job of handling it delicately and respectfully. I love that Lindsay was no victim. She was a survivor and a fighter and the reader can't help but root for her. I'm glad she found an ally in the most unlikely person. I can't wait to see what these two come up with. There's drama, betrayals, lies and secrets, politics, friendships, and what seems to be the re-discovery of love. Leaving us with an intense cliffhanger, the author has me definitely eager for MORE!!
Recommended to those who like some romance with their suspense! xo
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review
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★ 3.5 STARS ★
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3 "I'm not sure what I feel about this" stars
I knew going in this was going to be an emotional read and I got that. The problem is that I expected my emotions to be full of revenge and anger for what was done to her. Instead I find I"m extremely conflicted...
I wanted this totally kick ass heroine who came back from the "island" focused on getting back at those who wronged her. What I got was a heroine who....well, I'm not sure exactly how to describe her. Her actions for the majority of the book were totally different than her inner monologue. She talked a really big game but she continually let people run over her. She said she hated Drew (the H) but then the next sentence would talk about "heat pooling between her legs when she looked at him"....to me she was a contradiction and even at the end of it I'm not sure I really liked her.
That dislike came from the fact that I couldn't understand her. For four year she believed that her boyfriend of 3 years watched her being violated in the worst ways and did nothing. She had NOTHING to prove differently yet she kept thinking about how hot he made her. This doesn't compute in my mind at all. If it were me, I would have violently ripped into the guy not welcomed him into my bed 3 days after I got home!! Yes, people...3 days and she's allowing sexual contact with him. In her defense she found out some shocking news right before he crawled into bed with her. Again, though...can you see my struggle to like this girl??
On the flip side is how she allowed everyone to treat her. For 4 years everyone dismissed her. Her mother came maybe once a year to see her - no mention was made of her dad coming to see her at all. Her "friends" didn't reach out to her. Drew disappeared and she was continually drugged at the "rehab" facility to be kept quiet. Again, if I were her when I got home EVERYONE would be getting a piece of my mind. However, that didn't happen. She allowed everyone to walk over her, she went along with what they said, and only stood up for herself once. Furthermore, she found out that her parents knew EXACTLY what happened but allowed the press to smear her because they couldn't spin it the right way! Seriously, that was their excuse!!
Drew...I liked him more than the heroine but I'm still not sure how I feel about him. I will say that going into it I was rooting for him because I wanted to think the best of him. For his part, the events that transpired we learn that he was completely innocent. He took the job of protecting her as a way to make up for the wrongs that happend that he couldn't stop..kudos to him on this point. However, I hate Hate HATE that he was with OW after what he experienced with the heroine. No, we don't have to hear about them and its never outright said that he moved on but it is implied. What made me more angry at him is that right before we get semi confirmation of him moving on he states
"I've been here the whole time, trapped behind too many walls. Truths I wasn't allowed to reveal. I've missed talking to you. Four years without you feels like a lifetime in hell."
Big word from a guy we are lead to believe moved on and was with OW during those 4 years ( I guess behind those walls there were a bunch of women...). He also claims that the heroine is the only one he's ever loved..GAH! If I hear that justification from a Hero when it comes to being with OW I think I may shoot myself!! But again, did he really move on? He also states that he spent 3 years training and getting smarter, stronger so he could right the wrong..well, there were 4 years between now the events that occurred so was that missing year wrapped up in OW?? WE DON'T REALLY KNOW...so do I love him or hate him??
Despite all of my conflicting emotions about the characters I will say that the suspense that Meli created kept me reading and it will keep me reading until this series is finished. I want to know how deep this betrayal runs - at the very end we find out its even deeper than that we originally though. I want to see how the h is going to make everyone pay. I want to see her vindicated and the truth to be exposed and for everything to come to light...all of it! I want everyone involved to be exposed for the bastards they are - her family members included!! But overall...this book got more on my nerves than anything. It was one big ass circle that left me...
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A great, quick read that has left me with so many questions and thoughts. I have no idea what's happening or how this story will play out, so I'm diving into the next book now! I'll be back. <3
I'm hesitant to rate this as a 5 star because I'm not totally sold on the love aspect yet but I've got two books to go, so that's excellent. But with that being said, I have enjoyed this more than other books that I've rated 4 stars recently, so let's go with 4.5. I love the storyline and fast moving plot.
*UPDATE* I finished book two and am totally sold on this being a 5. -
¿QUÉ DIABLOS VA A HACER ELLA?????????????????
No puedo creer que quedara así!!!
Para ser gratis en amazon el libro estuvo muy bueno, a mi gusto le faltó romance pero con todas las cosas que van pasando y se van descubriendo poco a poco es imposible no dejar de leer.
A esta chica le han pasado miles de cosas increibles y creo que faltan más por suceder así que a partir de mentiras, dolor, traiciones y juegos inconclusos el libro es bueno pero sin ser sorprendente.
Seguiré con la serie porque la curiosidad me puede...
y la curiosidad mató al gato así que a ver como salgo de esta!!!!
PD: OH DULCE DREW... ya sospechaba eso pero bueno, las pocas escenas romanticas fueron de 1000 corazones. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ -
I liked this one. And I'm definitely curious to see what happens next. I'm super happy it's going to be in Drew's POV! I guess if I had one issue with this book, it was that I felt as if Lindsay's (the main character) reactions to her current situation were a little off. In some parts they were not extreme enough. That said, I REALLY LIKED IT. I couldn't put it down. And I'm IN THIS till the end.
*** 3 stars *** -
I had high expectations only for it to be dashed into a million pieces with this book. The heroine is beyond aggravating and immature. She calls her private part "my V." *rolls eyes dramatically* I expected our heroine here to have some fire and wittyness to her, but I got a weak and horny heroine.
She's raped brutally by three men while her boyfriend sits and watch. So what does she do when he's hired as her security head? You would think that she would confront him for not protecting her or slap him or bite him or be totally "get the hell outta my face u asshole!" But nope, our horny heroine turns into a pile of wet napkins when she's with him and obssesses over his divine lips. *shakes head* She even kissed him within a day or 2 of returning from the mental facility. Sorry girl, you just lost all credibility and I can't stand a stupid, soppy, immature, and silly heroine.
The suspense of this story is laughable because there were none until the last 4 pages possibly. Everything in between was just boring angst from Lindsay and Drew and it wasn't even the "hot type" either. Lindsay being immature, Drew following her around like a lost puppy, and her ramblings of how she shouldn't be attracted to him..but his lips are so divine. "OMG..how can I be so stupid to like him..but he's so...gahhh...those lips of his" BORING! Will not be continuing since I've wasted enough time on this book and life is short. -
I read another series by this author and really liked it so tried to give this a decent shot. There were some real question marks regarding certain plot points, but I figured the author could tie them together later. What killed it for me is that this author wrote a totally lackluster dishrag or a male main character. I don’t understand why she wrote him the way that she did. We are assaulted over and over again with how horrific the heroines rape was. The author really wanted to drive it home. We then also find out that the “hero” was forced to watch (at gunpoint) while a drug main him unable to move but forced him to witness and recall every minute of the brutality of which three of his friends raped ”in every hole” the “love of his life”. This couple had been together since high school and we’re supposed to be deeply in live. This would be horrific a for anyone to know happened to someone they loved, but to have to witness it? Why did this author write a “hero” who “went off to Afghanistan and tried to forget it happened”, whole she was destroyed in the media and forcibly confined to a mental hospital for 4 years. I could maybe understand focusing on work while trying to find a way to move on. But this author actually has this couple have a conversation where he says “you are the only woman that I’ve ever loved” and she says “what, I can’t believe that. it’s been 4 years, you e dated, you slept with...” and he replies “I said you were the only woman that I’ve ever LOVED”. He admits that while she was basically in purgatory, not only did he not avenge what happened to her by if not killing the guys at least beating the crap out of them, he was actually able to put everything that happened out of his mind to to date and screw other women. I really don’t get why this author wrote him this way. He waited three years (while they were dating) because she wasn’t ready for sex, but he WATCHES her be brutally raped by HIS friends and couldn’t go 4 without thinking “I need another woman”?!?!? Oh and he also told her he also told her that he thought of her every single day they were part... Creepy... So he thought of her on the same day he would screw other women, so what, was it a turn on? Right. These characteristics can’t all exist in one person. Long story short, after that I gave up. I can’t buy him him as a love interested enough to buy the next two books of this story and I returned this book.
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Overview:
Drew and Lindsay. Book 1. All from Lindsay’s POV. It could be classified as a second chance romance for Drew & Lindsay. Ends with a cliffhanger. Trigger: gang rape
The Story:
Lindsay has been through hell and honestly I would like to throat punch both her parents. Talk about unsupportive, manipulative and selfish. Geez.
Drew is a bit of a mystery. Seeing as the book is from Lindsay’s POV we only get the pieces of him he is willing to share. Towards the end of the book he finally reveals his role in Lindsay’s attack and things are not always what they seem.
So far, this is suspenseful, but I wouldn’t put it in the politically suspenseful category like the blurb indicates. Lindsay’s father is a senator who has decided to run for president, but that’s really the only political thing about this book. As the story moves into book 2, I have a feeling the political aspect will come into play more.
There are lots of secrets that will need to be uncovered. What exactly is the truth behind her brutal gang rape? I’m not sure, but I know one thing....I would really love to see her attackers brutally punished for what they did to her. I’m hoping she can really find some revenge in the subsequent books.
This book kept me entertained and clipped along at a good pace. The writing style was easy to read and there’s enough intrigue to keep it interesting. Looking forward to book 2 -
Okay, this book was such a disappointment. When I read the summary, I was instantly drawn to it and immediately started reading. However, it was just not what I wanted from it.
This book had SO MUCH potential, but it just didn't live up to it. The writing just seemed very jumbled and all over the place. There were times where no matter how many times I re-read a sentence, I COULD NOT MAKE SENSE OF IT. The plot was a very interesting one to me and I was really excited to pick it up! It was just, for me, not executed very well. The foundations of it just needed a lot of work.
Annnd, time to talk about the romance....
Everyone knows that I am usually all about the romance and love stories, no matter how bizarre or unlikely it is, BUT I WAS NOT HERE FOR THIS ONE.
The whole idea that the main character could still be in love with this guy after he just sat there and watched her while she was attacked is just, in my mind, completely absurd. There was no real character development. There was no sense of them learning and growing from this awful experience together. They never really had a conversation about what happened, WHEN THERE OBVIOUSLY NEEDED TO BE ONE. To me, it felt like the author really wanted these two to end up together but didn't really want to spend the time developing the relationship.
Another HUGE problem I have with this book is the underlying message. I feel like the author could have used this story of rape and turned it into a story of strength and a woman reclaiming her power after it was taken from her. And, to be fair, there were moments where I felt that message coming out but every time it became prevalent the romance shoved it back. The romance was obviously the important message in this story when I felt it should have been the other way around.
Aside from my views, I did, and still do, see a lot of potential in this series! I think I went into the book expecting something very different from what was promised (my fault), so when it didn't turn out to be exactly what I wanted, I was disappointed! However, if you are a fan of crime books with a really focal love story, then give this book a try! Just because it wasn't my favorite doesn't mean it won't be yours!! -
I got this book as a freebie and sometimes I think books that are often free may not be has good as a book that I purchase. This was not one of those books this was a really good book. This book has a subject that people are talking about on facebook stupid people are posting crimes live. Lindsay as Senator's daughter was gang raped and they took video and it went viral. Lindsay has been in a mental hospital for four years. With her father running for President he hires a new head of security and it turn out it's her ex Drew. I did have a problem with the fact that Drew watched the video and didn't do anything and the cops or the DA also which happens a lot that's why most rape victim never come forward you would think with her being a Senator's daughter they would have. When Lindsay comes home she learns the truth about what happened after her attack. People she thought were friends, betrayed her. Lindsay wants revenge and Drew is willing to help her get it. I also didn't like that her parents weren't very supportive either. This book was a good dark read that did end on a cliffhanger. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading books 2.
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Wow! I couldn't put it down. Lindsay went through an ordeal no one should ever have to experience, followed by being a prisoner for four years. Her father brings her home with Drew as her personal security. She thought she could never trust him again. She quickly finds that everything she thought she knew is false and the truth is so much more. A story full of pain, deceit, love, passion, attempts at healing, and revenge. I can't wait for the rest of the series. Book one does end on a cliff hanger.
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Holy hell, what did I just read?
This is going to be one extremely twisted series.
You know those books that suck you in within the first few pages, keep you glued to your seat and refusing to see anything outside of those pages until your finished with the very last page?
That's what A Harmless Little Game was to me.
This is a twisted thrill ride, taking the reader high then low, giving you hope and then taking it away only to hint at getting it back.
Lindsay's life four years ago took a horrific turn.
Then her parents hid her away along with the truth of what happened to her.
Now she's being released and the first familiar face she sees is of the one man she loved but who did nothing to stop what happened to her.
He sat by and watched as she was destroyed physically, mentally and emotionally.
She wants nothing to do with Drew and cannot understand why her father would hire him of all people to protect her.
Once home the truth comes out.
The life, the friends, her family, her ex boyfriend.
Everything she thought she knew is different. Worst of all is the way her truth was twisted and made her out to be the one in the wrong.
Her best friends turned their backs on her four years ago, they lied, they are the reason she never got the justice she deserved.
But now she's home, she's faced with everything that's happened in the past four years, with her anger, her need for revenge and her father's need to control her every move, every word that comes out of her mouth.
If that weren't enough someone wants her silenced permanently. If it weren't for Drew she'd be dead, so now she needs to learn to trust the one man who let her down the most in her life.
A Harmless Little Game just opened a massive can of worms. We barely touched on Drew, I wanted to love him, I really did. He scares me though. With all the history, and his silence for so long I'm afraid Lindsay's trust may be misplaced with him. There's still so much to learn and I am absolutely impatiently awaiting the next part of this story, I need more right now! -
I'm sure the series will get better but I cannot get over the fact that this book was extremely triggering as it really focused a lot on her SA and not real plot except for the fact that someone might be planning to attack her again. I also really struggled with our characters because they were not developed well and our heroine was 100% unrealiable. The stuff about her not knowing anything for four years because she was being locked up in a psych ward was a plot device that drove me crazy.
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“I’m here for whatever you need, whenever you need, because you’re my best friend and my true love and I’ve missed you. Not having you in my life has been like losing a limb that no one can see is missing.”
I picked up this book because I found the blurb so appealing. And I'm telling you, this book is amazing! The story (btw, I still have no idea who did what), the characters, the way Meli wrote it!
I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
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Wow.. I don't have a clue who is who or what is what....
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As soon as I read the blurb for this book, I knew I would be hooked. A Harmless Little Game by Meli Raine has everything from edgy content to sexual abuse to politics, backstabbing friends and scandals as well as family drama. Four years ago, the main character Lindsay who was a Senator's daughter attended a frat party with her boyfriend at the time Drew. The night ended horribly as Lindsay ended up gang-raped and a video of the incident went viral. The joys of social media. Her family like most of the wealthy families do as read in most books, decided to ship their daughter off to an island rehab/ institution. Here they kept her drugged up and with no contact to the outside world. Now four years later, Lindsay is finally able to return home to civilization, and she has revenge in mind for all those who were involved. Lindsay is about to get a big surprise as one of the four guys - her ex-boyfriend Drew aka Andrew is now part of her father's security detail. How can Lindsay face the guy who broke her heart and betrayed her trust four years ago on the worst night of her life? As the book goes along, we discover what happened that fateful night four years ago and how her so-called friends lied to the media. What will happen though when she starts to receive threatening A- Styled text messages? Are the guys who attacked her four years ago wanting to end what they started? This would be easier to figure out if the three guys were normal stars, but now four years later they are all in quite prominent positions of power. If you love romantic suspense stories, then you will love A Harmless Little Game by Meli Raine. I could not put it down at all and am now looking very forward to reading Book #2 in the series.
This is one Romantic Suspense series you will not want to miss. A Harmless Little Game is Pretty Little Liars for Adults. -
4.5 stars
***This and other reviews can be found at
www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com ***
*ARC*
A Harmless Little Game is the first book in the Harmless series and what a shocking way to start. What Lindsay goes through is not only shocking, emotional, and dark, the aftermath I think is worse. The betrayals she has had happen to her since that fateful night make you angry for her, the people you would think would 100% have her back and don’t you want to take a baseball bat and beat them with it. The suspense, the secrets, the lies, and the truths will keep you on the edge of your seat and possible having you scream out in frustration and anger when you learn more and more. I still don’t know what to believe, who to trust, especially Drew I just don’t know what to truly believe but I am hoping with the next books I will have more answers than I do questions. I need the next book right now because I am going to go crazy trying to figure out the twists, turns and secrets that fill A Harmless Little Game because this is anything but harmless and it sure as hell isn’t little but I do think it is a sick twisted game. -
A new-to-me-author with the first installment in her new political thriller/romantic suspense trilogy. I'm a huge fan of political thrillers and the book blurb really grabbed my attention. Sounds like a dark and gritty storyline. So, I one-clicked and started in on what was a riveting read from the very start to the finish amid political intrigue and family drama.
Kinks in the storyline had me struggling to believe and process several issues throughout the storyline. Drew and Lindsay are caught in a web of deceit and revenge. And I'm not really sure if Drew is a good guy. Lindsay seems much too intelligent and strong to have accepted half of what has happened to her. Definitely a wild and convoluted mess -- still I am hooked and onward to seek answers. I need the next book NOW! Lucky for me that #2 and #3 are both ready and awaiting me. -
Very intriguing. Just what I was looking for!
A mysterious suspenseful romance with the perfect amount of thriller and darker theme.
The character development was so strong, I could actually imagine and see each character so uniquely. Hats off to the writer for that!
Lindsay is an amazingly strong and sassy woman considering what she has been through and what she is currently going through. Except Drew and her friend Jane, I hate everyone around her. (Excluding Silas, of course)
The political aspect just contributed to the greatness of the story.
Loved it!! -
http://amzn.to/2fFcg6t
5 stars for taking control of my thoughts even when I had to put my kindle down
haunting images, twists running through my head
You must purchase all three so you can read without fear of lack of wifi lol
