ARC Review: ‘Wicked Games’ by S. Massery
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Wicked Games
by S. MasserySeries: Fallen Royals #2
Published by Self-Published on October 18, 2024
SubGenres: New Adult Romance
Format: eArc
Pages: 331
Source: the author
Audience: 18+/Adult
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Caleb and Margo's story continues here. Please note, this blurb contains spoilers for book 1, Wicked Dreams
–––Caleb Asher wormed his way back into my heart—only to crush me from the inside out.
Overhearing a devastating moment between Caleb and my foster parents sends me into a tail spin.
And on the run.I should’ve known he wouldn’t give up so easily. When he finds me, he swears he won’t let go of me again.
He’s going to keep me by any means necessary, because his obsession with me runs deeper than affection ever could.
But between him and my stalker, I don’t know who’s more determined. I can only hope we both survive the fall out.
Author's Note
This book was previously published, and has since undergone major edits and changes while remaining true to the original story.
Wicked Games is the second installment in S. Massery’s Fallen Royals Trilogy and continues from where Wicked Dreams left off, so it’s essential to read these books in order. Yes, there is a cliffhanger at the end of the first book, and the second book also ends with a cliffhanger. S. Massery has crafted a cliffhanger that left me shocked and eager to dive into the third book immediately. Seriously, I need the third book, like yesterday, and thankfully, it will be here before you know it. (If you haven’t read the first book, then please don’t read my review because it may contain spoilers.)
This book, like the first, left me with more questions than answers. The biggest one I want resolved is: who’s stalking Margo? At least S. Massery did answer an important question regarding Caleb and his living situation. I really don’t like Caleb’s uncle, and that’s all I’m going to say about him.
I empathize with both characters because it’s clear Caleb cares for Margo. In the first book, he had a peculiar way of showing it, but now he realizes he can never truly be angry with her; he wants her in his life. He’s willing to do anything to protect her, although he can be frustrating at times. He’s not a white knight, so don’t expect him to be the good guy. S. Massery writes morally gray characters, and that description fits Caleb perfectly in both the first and second books.
Margo has grown into a stronger character and is now participating in the games that Caleb started in book one. She is standing her ground against the bullies in her life, and I really appreciate her friendship with Riley. Additionally, I love how Margo’s foster family supports and adores her, especially after the chaos caused by Caleb’s actions in the first book.
This book will frustrate you in a good way with the back-and-forth dynamics between the characters. You’ll find yourself rooting for them to finally find some peace and happiness, especially considering what happens to Caleb in this story. And as for spice? Absolutely—it’s an S. Massery book, so if you’ve read her work before, you know to expect some heat.
Overall, this book gets four stars, and I need the third book, like yesterday.
Single/Dual POV: Dual POV.
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s the second book in the Fallen Royals Trilogy and needs to be read in order.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you enjoy reading Dark Bully Romances, then this trilogy should be added to your TBR. Please check the TW before reading this book, though.
What to Expect:
🏒Sports/Hockey Romance
🏒Bully Romance
🏒Childhood Friends
🏒Enemies to Lovers
🏒Traumatic Past
🏒Morally Grey MMC
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About S. Massery
S. Massery is a dark romance author who loves injecting a good dose of suspense into her stories. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her dog, Alice.
Before adventuring into the world of writing, she went to college in Boston and held a wide variety of jobs--including working on a dude ranch in Wyoming (a personal highlight). She has a love affair with coffee and chocolate. When S. Massery isn't writing, she can be found devouring books, playing outside with her dog, or trying to make people smile.
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