The Player

The Player by Kresley Cole is the final book in The Game Makers series. In this installment of the series we are fully introduced to Dmitri, the younger brother of the three and while we knew he too suffered terrible abuse we didn’t know the extend of it. If you read book #1 & 2 of the Game Maker Series you have a complete understanding why these Russians have us ladies fanning ourselves. They are just too hot and too alpha. The Player is the final book in the Game Maker Series and it is not less amazing than book #1 & 2. I probably sound like I am rambling and perhaps I am but this book was so hot I had to walk away a few times. Dmitri is rich, powerful and intelligent, the only thing missing in his life is the love of a woman. As his brothers he has suffered immensely in the hands of someone who has supposed to protect him, he also suffered abandonment by his brothers and though their story is entwined every one of them is completely different. Dmitri has secrets and with every secret there are consequences and the risk of pain and heart break. Dmitri story comes with a very deep and sad foundation. While we have learned of what happened to the brothers when they were kids, we don’t necessarily know the details of Dmitri’s past, we are however given a clear glimpse into his life as a recluse, a loner who does not need or want company. Cole did a superb job in this story, not because she was able to tease us with a predetermined idea of what Dmitri was like, but she was also able to give us a story that explored these characters life in a way in which was not only surprising but also twisted & entertaining. The Player explores the what if’s in life. It explores the reality of many people, the contradictions of life, the obstacles and the ultimate reality that we have the reigns of our own destiny only if we are ready for it. It also takes us into the world of a woman whose job isn’t necessarily typical. Victoria as well as her family deal in a world of crime and where the next job could easily cost their life. I enjoyed Victoria/Vice, her character is matured, her skills and her street smarts made her unique in a way that I haven’t seen before. Cole managed to explore her mind and her feelings so beautifully without taking away the essence of her good nature and her devotion and loyalty to her family. Dmitri on the other hand gave us mystery, uncertainty and a glimpse into his world that while it wasn’t always clear as to what his end game was we did get to enjoy his machinations, manipulations, his dirty talk, his extravagance, and his streets smarts which allowed him to sneak his way into Vice’s world. While it is difficult for a reader to get over the lies and nature of Vice & Dmitri’s love story one should also consider that these characters aren’t perfect, their decisions and choices in life determined their present but it didn’t necessarily pre-set their future. I enjoyed how Cole managed to create so many differences between these two characters, from their backgrounds to the way in which they saw life and how they lived it, but while at the same time bringing these characters together in an amazing way that left no doubt as to how and why they both deserve redemption. Dmitri is a fantastic character, conflicted, tortured, manipulative, smart, extravagant and with a deep need for intimacy and closeness that only Victoria can give him. The Player demonstrate how the interaction between characters is what determines the quality of a story. The interaction between these characters was explosive, beautifully developed and well played out. I enjoyed their sexual escapades and scenes, the details, their dialog and their dirty talk was explosive. Each character gave the story a certain balance, each with their own story to tell and each found on one another the needed support that made it all happen. Of course not without going through the aggravations and conflicts that would make it all worthwhile at the end. This story is fun, perhaps not as dramatic as The Professional & The Master but not less intense and sexual. Kresley Cole has proven to be at the top of her game, I can’t recommend this series enough. Read The Game Maker series if you want to experience quality story telling and characters that will swoon you with their charisma, sensuality and dirty talk.

I have read every single one of Kresley Cole's books. I own all of them in my beloved Kindle. Yes, I have done the math and realize Mrs. Cole could probably buy herself a very nice dinner with her hubby based on my investments alone. I'm okay with that. You want to know why? Because she produces stories like this one. I finished this book with my heart ACHING in my chest. Everything I have ever loved about Mrs. Cole's writing style was woven into this story. The humor, the vulnerability, the passion, and the soul-wrenching romance all meshed together into a unique storyline THAT I DID NOT SEE COMING. So I have to gush about Demitri first. His personality is so...raw. Everything about him is intense. Especially in the beginning, I was almost uncomfortable how quickly and strongly he reacts to Victoria's (Vice's) presence. It was so overwhelming that I actually felt disappointed at first. I was afraid that he was going to be too eccentric and too difficult to relate to. But then the character development kicks in, and gosh, the vulnerability and charm he shows Vice made me feel like my heart was simply going to combust. And his intelligence... I really applaud Cole for being able to SHOW how smart the man is rather than just TELL her readers. I really don't think that's an easy feat. Now Vice. I don't think any heroine can beat the absolute awesomeness of Lucia from The Master (I REALLY thought she was so cool), but Victoria certainly leaves an impression. She has an interesting background and stressful current predicament, but I loved how she responds to Demitri most of all. She is so protective over him, even when she doubts herself and his motives. Through her protectiveness, I got to see her own vulnerability. The two of them make quite a beautiful--and sizzling--pair. Ironically, while Cole advertised that this was supposed to be her hottest book of the series, it was the romance that really got to me. Don't get me wrong, the sex is MOLTEN LAVA HOT, but the emotions in this book just hurt so good, yah know? All the desperation and confusion and hope and anticipation left me NEEDING to see that happy ending. And--sorry if this is a little spoiler--when everything does turn out beautiful and happy for everyone, the relief was so profound, I wanted to cry. Do I think there is room for even more improvement? Of course, no book is perfect. For instance, I definitely felt the ending was a tad rushed, especially considering this one was the end of the trilogy. But that's what makes me excited for the next Kresley Cole story. I can hardly imagine what she will bring to the table next.

4.25-4.50 RATING- This was a good one! I especially loved the hero, he constantly tugged on my heart strings with how bad he seemed to need the heroine. Swoon! I also really liked the writing. The ending was really clever and had me turning page after page glued to my Kindle. The reason this wasn't a perfect read for me, besides being uber picky, is I had a hard time warming up to the grifter story line. In the end, it worked out perfectly and provided a clever backdrop for the story line to unfold. Still, it was a bit of a hard sell for me in the beginning. I also kind of held my breath the whole book waiting for the other shoe to drop. I guess me and the heroine were in the same boat. I know some readers won't mind that. For me, I don't like to feel nervous for an entire read. I also thought based on the hero's actions, the heroine could have been more upfront about the actual circumstances that brought them together. I'm not sure what I thought about the BDSM plot line either. Maybe thsi would have been more expected if I had read the other books in the series first but since I hadn't, I was surprised. I mean, it wasn't over the top or anything but I thought the story was solid without adding in anything else. Like I said, that's just me being picky. This was overall a great read. I'm actually going back and reading the other two books in the series very soon!

"When you've been in the dark as long as I have, moy angel, there is no mistaking the light." FINAL DECISION: Oh, how I ended up loving this book. The book was good until the last portion of the book which made me rethink the entire book. I then found the book to be amazing because I was surprised and completely satisfied. Plus, the book is really hot and sweet! THE STORY: Victoria "Vice" Valentine comes from a long line of con-artists. Desperate to help her family satisfy a deadly debt, Vice approaches the reclusive billionaire Dimitri Sevastyan. She intends on bilking him out of the money her family needs. But there is something about the sexy Russian that tempts the "cold as ice" Vice to burn in ways she never suspected. Soon she is pulled between her loyalty to her family and the sweet man who seems to want only her and claims love at first sight. OPINION: This book didn't end up where i expected. I really appreciate a book that can surprise me in a good way. This book was a 4.25 or 4.5 until the ending. That pushed the book to a definite 5 for me! Dimitri was a hero that I really liked. Damaged and secretive, sexy and domineering but completely dedicated to doing anything for Vice, I loved him more than the either of the other men of the series (and they weren't slouches). I loved how his painful past slowly was revealed. Who wouldn't fall in love with a man who will do anything for you? Vice, despite her best intentions, just can't help herself. Vice is a heroine who is herself imperfect and in fact might be more shady than the hero. She is a con artist from a family legacy of the same. Even more, she is not repentant about her actions or those of her family. Surprisingly, as a reader, I was rooting for these "bad guys". Her conscience begins to bother he as she realizes that Dimitri is a damaged but kind and caring man. Her feelings for him begin to threaten her loyalty to her family. The tension and conflict there works very well in this story. Indeed, this book has beautiful pacing. The relationship between Vice and Dimitri plays out in a winding and revealing manner. Vice believes that she has the secrets, but Dimitri has a past filled with secrets. As the story goes on, Dimitri's secrets are slowly revealed to Vice and to the readers (although readers of the series will know some of the story). I especially liked how the structure of the book reveals Dimitri's secrets while forcing Vice to feel that she cannot reveal her own without risking the joy she is finding with Dimitri. When the end of the book arrives, I was shocked and thrilled with the entire book. And, oh this book is hot, hot, hot! Vice and Dimitri just sizzle off the pages. There is plenty of sex, but even better, it is all intertwined with deep emotional intensity which makes the book even sexier in my estimation. This book ended up being my favorite of the series and definitely made me want to read the entire series over again. WORTH MENTIONING: Don't read the spoilers for this book! The payoff is amazing when read in context. CONNECTED BOOKS: THE PLAYER is the third book in the Game Maker series. It can be read as a standalone. STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

I told myself, when I opened The Player on my Kindle at around 6pm on Friday evening, that I would just get started. Get a feel for the book, and hopefully, be finished by the end of the weekend—children willing. It's now 1:45am Saturday morning, and I just closed it. With only brief breaks as I made dinner, or acknowledged that I actually HAD kids, I read every page, poured over every word, gasped and grinned at the twists and turns, and fell completely in love with Dmitri Sevastyan. To be clear, when I say completely, I mean totally and utterly. Gruff, broken, off-center—and very possibly off-balance—at first glance, this Russian billionaire is not your typical book boyfriend. Except...his protective extravagance, his dirty words and dominant tendencies, and his passionate obsession for Victoria were beyond sexy. Beyond swoonworthy. Dmitri Sevastyan was decadence, indulgence; a dark and scorching hot fairytale Beast come to life in the pages of one hell of a good book. No, wait, not good. FABULOUS. It had me, to borrow a turn of phrase from the con artists that feature in this slightly over-the-top book, in its thrall. I'm the gull. The Player is the grifter. And I have been (happily and willingly) ensnared. And I would be again. There's no doubt in my mind, I will be re-reading this book. Actually, all three of the Game Maker books. Why? Maybe the stellar writing. Perhaps the temperature-rising sex. Possibly the secondary characters that blend humor with emotion, making it easy to fall in love with them. DEFINITELY because the heroes and heroines in these books are sublime. Strong but broken. Smart but plagued by bad decisions and choices. Beautiful but far from perfect. This book now marks three times in a three book series that I've found myself fully immersed in the insane and incredible world of the Sevastyan brothers. And as the clock ticks ever closer to 2am, and my eyelids start to droop (I'm hoping sleep will bring with it dreams of Dmitri), I can say with certainty that the next time I'm faced with a book by Ms. Cole, I'll be sure to start it in the early in the morning, so I'm not finishing it...early in the morning. ~ 5 stars *ARC provided for honest review *Reviewed on behalf of Give Me Books

This book was good!! Was not expecting the end it made me want this man lol. GREAT READ! Just buy all three in the series it is worth it!

I loved this book and love this whole series. This one was even more intense than the previous 2. Some reviews have said it was awful and they couldn’t get into it. I am so shocked by that. Everyone has their own opinion and knows what works for them. For me this book with the story of Dimitri and Vice drew me in completely from the first few pages. If you enjoy intense passion and a story about a man finding and fighting for, Vice, “his light in the darkness”, then this is the book for you. It isn’t just steamy, the emotions are so deep and intense they hit me right in the heart. ♥️

Title: The Player, Series: The Game Maker (Book 3), Author: Kresley Cole, Pages: 334, tortured hero, stand-alone but more in-depth character development if read in order, lots of graphic BDSM, hero was sexually abused as a child, heroine helps hero find peace/healing. If you liked book 1 and/or book 2 of this series, you will likely enjoy this dark but hopeful sequel. Also, if you are into a large amount of very graphic BDSM in your romantic reads, it will appeal to you, as well. Vice versa, if you have a low tolerance or avoid such subject matter, you’ll want to pass on this one. Why am I mentioning this first? Well, because it is often a make or break defining factor when selecting a romance book. My review isn’t geared just to Kresley Cole fans, who know what they are getting into, but new-to-this author readers, as well. I’m more of a plot driven, emotional romantic at heart myself, and unashamedly admit, I often skip OTT sexcapades to get back to the storyline. I always appreciate forewarning in this area. What was my favorite part? The surprising big reveal at the end. I absolutely love it when an author adds an unexpected twist that catches me completely off guard. How would I describe the hero? Well, he was intense, dark, brooding, and emotionally broken, even unstable at times. But, my romance book-loving friends, he sure was head over heels in love with his woman. The lengths he went through to be with her will amaze you. Btw, he was not a womanizing manho, as the title might accidently lead you to believe. He only had eyes for the leading lady, even had been celibate for some time. What about the actual storyline? There was interesting character development and a tantalizing promise of an eventual intricate plot that would feature a big reveal prompting life changing consequences and shocking revelations. Unfortunately, you’ll need a lot of patience. It took quite a while to get there, folks. At 70% I started to wonder when it would finally happen. The frequent, very graphic BDSM, in my opinion, was likely the reason as they stole quite a bit of plot time. What did I have issues with? Though they touted they never stole from innocent victims and had a strict moral code when it came to stealing/blackmailing/conning, I felt this grifter family often did but were just living in denial. After all, when you pick pocket a large crowd do you really have any idea who you are stealing from? Ah, no. Their Robin Hood approach, as their means of making money, started to carry less weight with me when I realized it was for their own selfish gain, not for the greater good of anyone else. Frankly, I’d rather them call a spade a spade, meaning opening admit they were gypsy like thieves. The other was I became rather annoyed the heroine got so upset when she felt manipulated/duped, because she was doing something much worse to the hero, who was all about handing her the world. Overall, I’m conflicted on whether to rate it a 3 or 4. Probably a 3.5 would be accurate. If it would have had action drama (i.e., mob showdown), I definitely would give it a solid 4. However, since I feel the steamy scenes bogged down the story, I’ll lower my review flag to a 3. But that’s just me. Feel free to decide for yourself. Here’s to hoping my review was helpful in some way. Book 1 – The Professional Book 2 – The Master Book 3 – The Player

Now THAT is how a great book is done. Brilliant plot. Left a smile on my face and wanted it to continue. Gush. Dimitri I want a man like you!

Kresley Cole's Game Maker Series is a favourite and this addition does not disappoint. The last Sevastayan brother, Dmitri, is perhaps the series' most appealing hero to date and Cole gets it right in the first few pages with Vice's - the heroine's - observation that he is like a beast in a fairytale... Beauty and the Beast would spring to mind because there are palaces and vast treasures for Vice as their story unfolds and at times she feels trapped in a gilded cage. While it felt a bit like a stretch at times to believe some of the plot tensions I really enjoyed the book and how it played out. Great plot twist/climax. Fun to read from start to finish, and while I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as The Master - if only because Lucia was such a strong heroine - anyone who enjoyed other books in the series will want to read this.

I loved this third installment in the Game Maker series. First I have to tell you that at the beginning I was not too fond on Victoria. I didn’t like the fact that she and her family played Dmitri this way. Even knowing she was acting in the interest of the con and what was at stake, I just didn’t care. But then she redeemed herself and I realized this was just part of the plot and not the core of the story. Slowly but surely I grew attached to her. Victoria (aka Vice) is a con artist. She’s caring, loyal to a fault and when she open her heart to another she does so for life. She was raised to believe that fairy tale doesn’t exist and that if something seems to good to be true, it is. She is afraid and always waiting for the other shoe to drop. She’s think that she’s only meant for a grifter. Dmitri is so PERFECT! He’s a complicated and intriguing billionaire tech genius. He’s real, genuinely nice and honest (almost ), so thoughtful and generous. Sometimes all dominant and confident, at other times so vulnerable. He’s totally obsessed with Victoria and determined to give her the world. And he’s so HOT… Their pull towards one another is primal, carnal, sexy as hell, and when they give in to the chemistry between them, the ground shakes, continents move. HOLY HOTNESS! Nothing but the best with this author. This book will get under your skin and there will not be a damn thing you can do about it. This book will crush you emotionally just reading it. There is nothing sugar-coated in this book. This story is raw, wild and sensationally pure and I loved every second of it. Victoria and Dmitri’s story will take you on a crazy ride. Brace yourselves because this book will rock your world! I’m totally addicted to this SIZZLING series and to the incredible Sevastyan brothers (Maksim will always be my favorite). Kresley Cole is a gifted and brillant author with a flawless writing style. The Game Maker Series is one of my all time favorite. I was eager to read each and every one of them. An absolute MUST READ!

... I didn't see that one coming. Knowing a little about Dmitri's background really made me wonder how Vice would fit in there with her line of work, and really, her scheme just about broke my heart. I really felt for Dmitri. This being said, the twist was smart - and fun - and unexpected for me at least. Really made the book. I'm a huge fan of the Immortals after Dark Series, and wasn't so sure about this one, because both Aleks' story and Maksim's were too similar for my taste. That's why my expectations for Dmitri weren't that high. Glad to have been disappointed. Absolutely loved the story!!!!

Dmitri is one of my most admired hero characters. He’s obsessive and genius. This book broke my heart and mended it again.