Wicked Games
Queen City Rogues Series, Book 2
Aimee Nicole Walker
M/M Romance/Suspense
Release Date: 03.11.19
BLURB
Ryder Jameson and Lucien Clarke have a complicated past: Ryder conserves art; Lucien steals it. Their love-hate relationship spans six years and two continents and has endured multiple heists. Hoping to restore his tarnished reputation, Ryder returns home to Cincinnati to accept a position at an acclaimed museum. When Lucien suddenly reappears in Ryder’s life, the treasure seeker hopes to nab a priceless Shang Dynasty artifact and recapture Ryder’s jilted heart.
Something more sinister than stolen art is stirring in the Queen City. Ryder and Lucien must join forces to untangle a web of secrets, lies, and treachery bigger than either of them expected. Trust won’t come easy, but they’ll need to rely on each other because pulling the wrong thread could have deadly consequences.
Is it fate that keeps bringing Ryder and Lucien together, or are they merely pawns in someone’s wicked games? Will they play for keeps this time or become collateral damage?
Wicked Games is a second-chance romance filled with passion, humor, and intrigue. It’s the second book in the Queen City Rogues series but can be read on its own. Wicked Games contains mature sexual content intended for readers 18 and older.
EXCERPT
Ryder knew fully well the ways my inner beast and baser needs could make a person forget all about the polish that had initially caught their attention. I’d never felt bad about using my looks, charisma, or my body to get what I wanted until I met Ryder. Then each day became one regret after the other until my life was nothing more than a cold existence. I recognized the same loneliness when I looked into Ryder’s stunning blue eyes. I couldn’t remember a time when I hated myself more.
“Come on,” Ryder said irritably. “I have things I need to do this evening.”
Rage and lust were such a heady combination, and it was all I could do to keep from pushing Ryder up against the lift wall and giving him the reunion we both so badly wanted. I didn’t speak to him, and I kept my hands in my pockets to prevent myself from reaching for him until we arrived at my hotel room. Don’t cross the line again. You’ve caused him enough pain.
“Are we doing this or not?” Ryder challenged when my hesitance became obvious.
4.5 Stars!
Twice now Ryder Jameson has been betrayed by the man he loves and his career as an Art Conservator can’t take any more hits because of it. First the Louvre then Cairo, Ryder seems to have the worst luck. Cincinnati is his last last chance and he really only got this position thanks to his mother’s position on the board of trustees. Little did he imagine that another piece of art would go missing again and this time he didn’t even have the pleasure of being seduced by Lucien first. Of course, Lucien shows up and reveals things aren’t exactly what they seem. Well, except for the fact that the two of them can’t seem to get the other one out of their mind or heart.
I love movies and books centered around heists and cons. It’s fun to watch it all unfold and the mystery of it all come to light. Wicked Games did a great job of that and had some very good suspense, a bit of action and of course, humor and romance topped with just the right amount of steam.
I really loved both Ryder and Lucien who were absolutely hysterical at times (fake mustaches and wigs). They had chart-topping chemistry and a wonderful connection. They definitely balanced one another out and the push and pull was excellent. I also liked that both were Alpha types who seemed to be able to fill any role in the relationship when it was really needed.
I adored the secondary characters we met along the way too. What a cast of characters they were and they were able to provide some much need levity at times and support when the men needed it. I can’t wait to see what stories await them in the future.
Overall, I would totally recommend this one to readers especially if you’re a fan of Aimee Nicole Walker. This one is probably one of my favorites of hers now.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day. I’d love to hear from you.
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