Book Review: The Queen's Game by Tori Chase

The Queen's Game by Tori Chase
My rating: 🍁🍁🍁🍁.5 / 🌶🌶.5

I received the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review (I got the book because I signed up to receive the ARC of the second book, and wanted to know the beginning of the story).

First of all, this is a standalone book, it doesn't have a cliffhanger ending, so ideally you'll be content after you finish it. Truthfully I wasn't hence I'm so excited for book two!

So let's dive in!

~ Characters ~

Rebecca - probably my favourite female character of 2022 (so far at least). She is SMART! Like honestly, she's an amazing character. She's not one of those wishy-washy characters that need a man to tell them that they are the queen. She knows that she's the queen, and she effing owns that crown! She makes a plan, executes it (it goes up in flames courtesy of the guys), then goes and makes another plan and another, and let's be honest, her plans do work (in the end-game).

One thing that I didn't quite like about her was that she was way too fast in giving herself to the guys. But then again, the woman knew what she wanted and went for it. There was the whole parallel with Lacey (her brother’s girlfriend/fiancé), so now I’m curious whether that was just to help Rebecca come to a decision, or there’s actually a book about her and her 3 men. (Yes, I’m off to go read the blurb of every Deborah Garland book, and if I find it, it goes to my kindle library.

Sebastien - okay, we won’t be talking more about him, as he was not my favourite (p.s. you can always check my TikTok where I did my impression of him). Though author did promise that I’m going to like him in book 2 (fingers crossed).

Anthony - our resident psycho! And if he’s not the best (okay maybe not the the best, I’m still not over Lorenzo from Promised in Blood series or Scout from Deception Duet), but he’s definitely in my top 3 right now. I won’t be talking a lot about him, otherwise I’ll spoil some epic scenes with him, Becca and … (tch, nearly did ^_^). But I do need to say something about this man! He’s obnoxiousness and greed (for Becca) can rival anything possible!

Let me explain. He knew she was promised to him, but did he do anything about it? Nope, (if you actually think about it, he gave 5 years to Sebastian to actually try and steal her, but did that drama queen do anything, nah, (again, as I said not my favourite). So, you know, once it was time to claim Rebecca for his own, I completely don’t blame Anthony, he was taking what was promised to him (and actually seducing Becca), not just being, you are mine woman…

Before I bore anyone (which I’m most probably already am, (sorry)), let’s move to the last character, and let’s just say I wasn’t sure whether he or Anthony were my favourite. Giancarlo - the man, who if you think about it, swooped in and took Becca, because he could and he could offer her what she needed (sex (really good one at that) and someone to dominate her in her bedroom).

~ General plot/writing development ~

So, the book was good, really good. Characters were not two dimensional, the pacing was good too, but I do have some issues with it, hence It got 4.5 leaves and not whole 5. So, let’ dig in!

Let’s start with spice! Spice was good, very very good, but every now and then I just thought that it was cut short or veiled just to be talked what actually happened in the passing. Rebecca’s and Gian’s play in the club is kind of overlooked. (We do get her thinking about what he did to her, but more description of how he did it, and what she felt would have been great too). I’m not complaining, because the book had a good dose of spice and plot interconnected, so I was content, but my smut brain always wants more.

I think it’s chapter 6 when we get to meet Mr X, and I was like, oh hell yeah, a mystery villain. Let’s just say It had a huge potential, so I wasn’t that much impressed on who was Mr. X. We could have had more mystery going on with his persona!

I was honestly waiting for a major twist from the oldies, I felt that ending was rushed too much. I was on like 85% into the book, and everything was getting heated with Sunrise and how everyone was trying to get control, and then it smoothed out way too fast. I was even thinking that it would end in a cliffhanger on a huge twist, but then remembered that it’s a standalone (or kind of).

So yeah, those were my main points which I didn’t like, which didn’t overshadow all the awesome points, such as engaging writing (honestly this book had a huge potential for a mystery detective), great characters that resonate with you, and I won’t stop mentioning this but a female character that you love!!!!

So if this is the first time you’ve heard about this book, I do hope you’ll add it to your TBR, because who doesn’t like some hot Italian mafia men with a equally hot Italian trying to outsmart each other and win the ultimate prize!

XOXO

Katie

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