Games of the Heart

The 'Burg #4

by Kristen Ashley

From the balcony of his house, Mike Haines can see the quiet, commonplace beauty of the Holliday farm. But what he remembers is Dusty, the little sister of his high school girlfriend, who grew up there. As a teen, Dusty had gone off the rails but when she was a kid, she was sweet, she was funny and she had a special bond with Mike. After high school, she took off and Mike never saw her again.

Tragedy strikes Dusty’s family and she comes back to town. Mike thinks she hasn’t changed back to the sweet, funny girl he knew but instead continued to be selfish and thoughtless, leaving her family alone to deal with their mourning. He seeks her out and confronts her in an effort to understand what went wrong and to force her to sort herself out.

He finds out quickly he’s wrong about Dusty Holliday. Very wrong. After Mike discovers that, the bond they had years before snaps back into place in ways he would never suspect.

But Mike Haines had a bad marriage and then played games of the heart for a good woman...and lost. In order to protect himself and his kids, he’s cautious, he’s careful to read the signs and he’s not interested in finding a woman he has to fix.

When he learns what happened to Dusty, he thinks she needs to be fixed.

He swings, he misses and in this new game of hearts, Mike just got strike three.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Adult, Friends To Lovers

600 pages, ebook

First published March 15, 2012

About the author

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Reviews

[KristenReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 + stars

I loved this book! Loved it!

I don't have time to give Games of the Heart the review it deserves, but what I can do is share a few things I loved about this story.

What I loved the most was the sweet, swoon-worthy, budding relationship that developed between secondary characters Finley (Fin) Halliday and Clarisse (Rees) Haines. Fin (Dusty's nephew) and Rees's (Mike's daughter) young romance stole the show, so to speak, and my heart. Whenever they were given story time, I became giddy and starry-eyed. Their relationship was fresh and innocent and I simply couldn't get enough of them together. Thank heavens Kristen Ashley gave them to us in abundance. 

I loved Dusty. Loved her! She's an amazing heroine, and I was beyond happy Mike ended up with a heroine that's one of Kristen Ashley's best!  

I loved that we were given more of Joe and Violet, from At Peace, in this book. It was an unexpected and a nice surprise to have a few scenes from their point of view.  

I also loved Ryker. In fact, I loved him even more in this book than I did in Golden Trail, the book where he was first introduced to the reader. He's become my favorite Kristen Ashley secondary character, and I'd give anything for a friend like him! 

And finally, I loved with all my heart the epilogue. It had me giddy, swoony, emotional, and in tears. It's become my favorite Kristen Ashley epilogue to date.

If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!

[Arini · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧 2nd Read, Oct. 2021 — 5 Stars
🎧 1st Read, Nov. 2020 — 5 Stars

Finley and Reesee sitting on a tree
K-I-S-S-I-N-G!
First comes love.
Then comes marriage.
Then comes me holding my beverage,
Sipping my wine,
Feeling divine,
Doing the hula, hula dance!

Me and my lonely hopeless romantic heart can survive on just Kristen Ashley (and Penelope Douglas) books for the rest of my life, and that would be A-OK.

This is almost like an exact replica of Complicated with only a few alterations here and there. Still, it doesn’t negate the fact that I fell hook, line, and sinker for this book. If possible I love this even more cause this story, these characters, this town, they’re precious.

There are a couple tropes in here that normally would be a deal breaker for me, but as I said, if anyone can talk me into anything, it’s gotta be KA or PD . . .



❥ Slight gripes

So, what if this romance is so insta love lust that the characters literally sleep together for the first time, on their first day of meeting each other after twenty years, in the first chapter? Nope, don’t mind (I did for like a second). Plus, they’re old. And adults like them can do whatever they want.

“You were my high school girlfriend. You put out at fifteen. I put up with a lotta shit back then I would not put up with now. You had eyes on your sister at least the last fifteen minutes. I think you can see why I’m pretty fuckin’ pleased I got the chance to make the switch twenty-five years later.” — Mike to Debbie

So, what if the H was the h’s older sister’s (Debbie) high school ex-boyfriend who popped her cherry? I mean, of course that’s EW. But like, it happened TWENTY FIVE YEARS ago. It’s not like it was a life changing experience for him. Though he did make a comment about it in his inner monologue. 👀

Besides, between those two decades, I’m sure he’s had his fair share of dipping into a variety of ponds . . . Gross! Okay, I’m not helping his case cause now I just made him sound like a ho. Well, get this through your head—HE’S NOT. Why am I even dwelling on these unappealing details?! Let’s move on.

❥ The H

Anyway, Mike Haines is pretty much the shit. That said, he’s the typical KA alpha hero. One that’s totally made for my swooning heart. You might not like him at the beginning because . . .

“Yeah, I told you she was The One. Problem is I made it so I wasn’t The One for her.”

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

“I was so fired up to protect myself from you playin’ games with my heart, I played yours.”

But it’s okay because . . .

“This is the deal, Angel. You… ran… away from me. And I tasted regret for the first time in my life. And that didn’t sting, it fuckin’ killed.”

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

“I’m here to right wrongs and I’m gonna do it, Angel. You told me I’d had my last chance but I don’t accept that and I won’t. If you tell me now that my explanation is not enough and you want me gone, I’m not goin’. I’m not giving up. I got one part of my life’s dream still open to me, very sign she gives me is screaming that she’s standing in my arms right now and I’m not gonna be ninety years old, looking back on my life and regretting that I gave up that dream.”

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

“I am sayin’ that I care about you, I do it deeply and I have for a really fuckin’ long time. We’re gonna explore this and I hope to God the feelin’ I got is not wrong because I tried time and again to make it feel wrong but all it ever felt was right.”

Meanwhile, the rest of him . . .

“Looking at the most handsome man I’d ever seen in my life. The man I fell in love with when he was still mostly a boy. The man who raised two great kids against the odds. The man who kept the streets of my hometown safe. The only man outside my brother and father who even tried to take care of me, he did it in a way that was beautiful, precious, so I let him.”

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

“Because in that moment, watching and listening, he was profoundly moved that God had seen fit to gift him, an ordinary man, an Indiana boy through and through, with these people in his life.”

can speak for itself. If you’re confused reading those passages, just trust me, Mike Haines is quite the catch. *wink, wink*

❥ The h

I was not ready for Dusty Holliday. This woman, SHE KICK-ASS.

“I was me. I thought what I thought. I liked what I liked. And I didn’t hide much of anything. Life was exhausting enough with all the ups and downs and bullshit people kept trying to feed you. Expending that kind of effort for essentially no purpose seemed a ridiculous waste of energy.”

For some reason, the way the synopsis of this book sounded to me made me expect Dusty to be this jaded, heartbroken, and guarded sort of person. She’s none of those things! Talented, independent, cool, caring, and (my favorite) she’s straightforward. An open book.

She’s fabulous. A little feisty and fun. The kind of heroine I wanna cheer for.

❥ Finley ♡ Reesee

Not only do we get one but TWO love story in this book. Finley (17) is Dusty’s nephew, and Reesee (14 on the cusp of 15) is Mike’s daughter. They first connected through Dusty’s old journals—it’s a whole can of worms that I won’t get into. Basically they’re the matchmakers for Mike and Dusty.

Unlike Mike and Dusty whose relationship practically cooks overnight, theirs develops more slowly. Lemme tell you that they have the sweetest PG13 romance ever! Like seriously, I adored their romance probably more than I did Mike and Dusty’s. This book won’t be what it is without them.

Finley and Reesee are meant for each other. While it is romantic, frankly it’s also kinda unrealistic. Not many people are that lucky, and I guess I’m jealous. I’m close to their age by the time they’re married in their early twenties, but here I am still broke, single, and depressed. 😂

❥ Maternal bond & Other side gigs

During the course of this book, Dusty and Reesee grow a strong and beautiful step mother/step daughter bond that honestly brought tears to my eyes. She’s at the crucial age where she needs guidance to find herself and the kind of woman she wants to become from someone who understands and has gone through what she’s going through. Dusty is that person.

There’s a lot of other stuff going on in this book. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be KA. The least I can say is I enjoyed all of them—the ex-wives, ex-boyfriends, dead brothers, bitch sisters, inheritance problem, real estate mogul, high school bullies. I’m practically salivating at the prospect of reading about them everytime I open a KA book. Only she can get me that excited.

“I took in a deep breath and let it out. He had my back. He had my front. He had my family. He had my heart.”

All in all, this book didn’t play games with my heart. It simply took prisoner of it, and I was a willing captive. I loved it. Bunches. And I’d die for Fin and Reesee.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Swoony stars!!!



Lets be honest here… I should know not to doubt KA, but I wasn’t thrilled to be reading about Mike when I first heard about this book. After reading about him in At Peace, I wasn’t that impressed. But damn, I was wrong about him. He was an amazing guy, wonderful dad and I loved him! Plus he had the most kick ass heroine in The ‘Burg series so that just made the book all the better!

Mike Haines and Dusty Holliday have history. It stated twenty years ago, when they were teens and Mike was dating Dusty’s older sister. They’ve always had this bond, this connection, but Dusty took off right after high school and Mike hadn’t seen her since. Now, after Dusty’s brothers passing, she’s back in Indiana for a while. Mike is raising two teens and living by the Holliday farm. When Mike and Dusty first reunite, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. Mike is misinformed about some things and takes his frustrations out on Dusty. With time, he sees the errors of his ways and starts to trust her. Dusty has loved Mike a long time. Now that he’s back in her life, she knows she is safe with him.



This couple didn’t have the easiest go of it. There were a lot of things standing in the way of their happiness. Ex wives, ex boyfriends, real estate moguls, and bitch sisters. But through it all, they had each other. Games of the Heart wasn’t just Mike and Dusty’s story. It was also the love story of Dusty’s nephew Fin, and Mike’s daughter, Rees. I loved the bond a relationship Dusty developed with Rees. Not being close to her mother, it was exactly what Rees needed.

“Any good woman knows two things. She knows how to take care of herself and she knows how to take care of the ones she loves. Today, you demonstrated you’re a good woman Rees. And it was an honor to be there because it was a sight to behold.”

Mike and Dusty’s story was great… but I have to say there were moments when Fin and Rees stole the show. I adored these two characters. They gave this book something special. And the fact that the story jumped between all four of their perspectives was amazing!



Another thing I really loved about this story was seeing Mike as a father. You just fall in love quicker with a guy who is great with their kids. He was 100% loving and devoted to his children. Their relationship was wonderful and the kids relationship with Dusty was great too.

Dusty is a fabulous heroine. She is my favorite woman from the Burg for sure. She’s sweet, kind, loving and giving, but also a little feisty and fun. She was always honest and open with her feelings. She loved Mike, had for a long time and had no problem expressing that. She’s loyal and devoted to her family and nephews. Such a kick ass heroine!

As I said before, Mike was one of those KA alpha’s I wasn’t too excited to read about, but I’m so happy I read this book because I absolutely adored him. Mike has that alpha male protective streak. He’s a good dad, a good cop, and a good man. In the beginning, he made some mistakes, but he owned up to them. He’s a man that knows what is important in life, and thats Dusty and his kids. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to make them work.



I felt like this story had less drama and mystery than the other ‘Burg books, and that was fine with me. I loved all the main characters in this book, and it was great to catch up with the other characters in the Burg. Lots of Joe Cal, Ryker, Colt, etc.

Kristen Ashely has this ability to write stories you just get lost in. Sure they’re usually on the long side, but it doesn’t feel that way. Every time I read one of her books I want to jump on a plane and go to Colorado or Indiana. I want one of these alpha’s for myself and want to be best friends with the heroines. Games of the Heart was first and foremost a beautiful romance. It focused on family. There were plenty of steamy and swoony moments too! And the epilogue… no one does an epilogue like KA. A great addition to The ‘Burg, a series I’d highly recommend! 


[mel ☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

reread #2 (september 2020) — 3.75 stars

➵ pro tip : if stressed, (re)read an old KA book because issa mooood ✨

ever since i read At Peace a long looong LONG time ago, i always had a soft spot for Mike Haines (H) aka the OM in that book aka the H in this book because ooohhh how he was treated by Vi was just- not it. i mean seriously? she literally had sex with Cal (the H in that book) right after she went on a date with Mike. Every. Single. TIME. like girl... nooo what you doinggg??

and people excused that behavior because she was "naive" but she literally admitted she knew she was stringing him along knowing he just got recently divorced and he's vulnerable like-



but let's not talk about Violet. we don't want any bishh slapping to occur so. also, even to this day, her character still makes my eye twitch... UGH.

✧ p l o t

↳ so this is about Mike Haines (H) and Dusty Holliday's (h) romance. Dusty has always been "in love" with Mike since she was 12, he was 17 AND dating her sister, Debbie. 20+ years go by and they reunited the same night Dusty's brother's funeral and insta love/lust happened and BOOM they're together.

there's some ex drama, some evil sister drama and normal people drama. y'all know how KA books goes.

➵ MAIN ROMANCE: Dusty and Mike
i swear, KA is the only person who makes me like insta love because these two literally got together in the first chapter after not seeing each other for 20+ YEARS. but ehhh if y'all know me, you know i like good developments with slowburn because i love sexual tension/mutual pining but oh well. there was a little drama in the beginning where Mike pushed her away cuz he had trust issues from his ex wife and Vi (ew) but y'alll.... the grovelling tho!!! look at this:

"You're right. I'm here to right wrongs and I'm gonna do it, Angel. You told me I'd had my last chance but I don't accept that and I won't. If you tell me now that my explanation is not enough and you want me gone, I'm not goin'. I'm not giving up. I got one part of my life's dream still open to me, every sign she gives me is screaming that she's standing in my arms right now and I'm not gonna be ninety years old, looking back on my life and regretting that I gave up that dream."

yesss. THIS is how you grovel.

but even though i did like the grovelling, that was the only "hardship" in their relationship thus i was still kinda bored with their romance... HOWEVER. i feel like that's intentional because the side plot romance was ~ immaculate ~ ugggh i love Fin and Reeseeee.

➵ SIDE PLOT ROMANCE: Fin and Reesee
okay so we all know Mike and Dusty are the main characters but are they really?? NOOO. at least not for me. the characters who really stole the show are these two. Finley Holliday is Dusty's 17 year old nephew and Clarisse Haines is Mike's 15 year old daughter. their romance was just. so... adorable and genuine and sweet i love them so much.



now THEY had development. Fin lost his father so now he's grieving but Reesee makes him laugh for the first time so now he's happy, and then Reesee has been feeling lost and has always been shy but Fin makes her come out of her shell and truly shine... UGGGHHH. the emotional connection is just so chef's kiss i love it. also their romance was just so innocent and genuine!! i was honestly more invested in them compared to Mike and Dusty's drama.

➵ Dusty and Reesee: step-mother and step-daughter bond
the bond between these two made me cry, like, a lot. i even cried while eating my french fries. y'all know how annoying it is to eat fries while crying??? no? well good for you because it's a struggle.

anywho i just love how Reesee admires and aspires to be like Dusty but is scared that Dusty won't think she's perfect so she's a little shy (here comes Fin of course) and then Dusty teaching Reesee how to do makeup and other girly things because Reesee's mother has been absent and then Dusty telling Reesee how proud she is of her and Reesee being all like omg you are?? 🥺🥺 with her cute puppy dog face and then Dusty being all like yess bb girl im proud of you and i love youuu so obviously i'm like



loooove family dynamics in books and KA is the queen when it comes to this trope.

➵ OW/ex drama (spoilers)
as y'all noted, Mike used to date Dusty's sister when they were teenagers. obviously that's a little eeewww especially since both Mike and Dusty kept reminding us that our lovely Mike "popped her sister's cherry" and he "learned" from her so... uh.. awkward.

look at this:

"He had a good memory and he'd initiated her to lovemaking. He'd had one girl before her so he was no expert. Still, as their teenage sex life carried on, he'd used her to learn how to give as well as take. She'd used him to learn how to get whatever she could. She was into experimentation, which he liked. But in the end, she was a selfish fuck. It wasn't a nice thing to think but it was true."

y'all see why im uncomfyyy??. i've read a lot of KA books before and i know this type of inner monologue about OW/ex's is nothing new sooo just warning!! KA does a lot of this but for me, i've read so much already that i am desensitized ✨

but most of this uncomfy inner monologue happens in the beginning so middle to end is blissful at best.

also, the fact that Dusty is okay with hooking up with her sister's ex?? ehh i don't know about you but i'd still be uncomfortable even if they broke up 25 years ago. that's not the only OW/ex drama tho because Mike's ex-wife, Audrey, shows up and wants him back BUT he rejects her. nothing to worry about. they do have 2 kids together ~ Clarisse/Rees/Reesee (15) and Jonas/No (17) ~ and they were actually my favorite characters in this book.

* * *

the one thing that DID ruin my mood in this book is when Vi said "stealth kisses" in front of Dusty the first time they met. for context:

↳ Mike used to kiss Vi and she called it "stealth kisses" and he stealth kissed her down there if you know what i mean.

i-



first of all, HOW RUDE. second, bishh i don't wanna be reminded he went down on you in your book so shut up please and thanks.

y'all see why i don't like her??

anwaysss if you see me reading KA books for the next week or so don't mind me because her books are my go-to comfort reads and im simply in the mooddd.

_____________________________

original rating (january 2019) — 3.75 STARS

[Flo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 **love you bunches** STARS

“I've been involved in lots of games of the heart, gorgeous. Rolled the dice time and again, took a lot of risks, took a lot of falls. Finally seems I'm winning. I'm not about to play it safe now.”

It was time again. This girl was in serious need for some Kristen Ashley escapism and it was excellent. Although it didn't start out that way. Mike and I had a rough time getting to terms with each other.

I was not a fan of him playing second banana in Joe & Vi's story back in At Peace and the way Games of the Heart started out it all didn't boot well for his book boyfriend status, but no worries he got me in the end. All is well in KA alpha heaven.

“We're gonna explore this and I hope to God that feelin' I got is not wrong because I tried time and again to make it feel wrong but all it ever felt was right.”

Dusty Holliday is back in the 'Burg for the worst reason possible. Her 45 year old brother died from heart failure and she is attending his funeral. With that visit also comes a lot of baggage. Bad memories, family problems, her bitch sister and said sister's ex-boyfriend - Mike, the man Dusty has been in love with since she was twelve years old.

Mike Haines is a cop, a divorced father of two teenage kids and the proud owner of a dog. He also has very bad luck with women. His high school sweetheart was a bitch, his ex-wife is a shopaholic and Violet was actually in love with another man. But things turn in his favour when Dusty comes back into his life. The only woman he ever had a real bond with.

Well, Dusty and Mike hook up. Right after the funeral. Things get a lot more complicated after that. A lot of foot in mouth moments for Mike and a bit of bad timing. As fast as they get together they are separated again, but thank god for scheming children. And eventually they get on track with the love story.

A love story that is not the only one in this particular book. Rees Haines, Mike's daughter and Fin Holliday, Dusty's nephew play a very big role as well. A bit of history repeating itself.

“Have at it. She seems to obey you.”
“I don’t obey! He’s an alpha! It’s just that I don’t have any choice!” Dusty shouted to her back.”

The thing that absolutely made this book for me was Aunty Dusty. She is one hell of a character, the cool aunt everyone wants and needs. She has the heart of a child and the wisdom of an old lady. Dusty simply rocks. She is the glue that keeps the family together and keeps watch over her cups. Mike is one lucky guy to finally get her. Seriously.

Talking about Mike. He turned out to be one hell of a KA alpha. That woman never disappoints, but I have to confess with this particular character I had some reservations. Thankfully Dusty brought out the best in him, and in the end I was madly in love with him as well. *sigh*

Games of the Heart is the third instalment in Kristen Ashley's 'The Burg series and can be read as a standalone - even more so than the other books in the series. A lot of the characters are reoccurring, but it really doesn't take away from enjoying this book.

All in all, a really good addition to a so far excellent series and if you are in the mood for a longass, highly descriptive, detail oriented and heartwarming read, I would most definitely recommend it.

[NMmomof4 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars (Originally Read 4/4/2018)

4 Stars (Re-Read 2/24/2019)

3.75 Stars (2nd Re-Read 12/22/2019)

3.75 Stars (3rd Re-Read 7/17/2024)

Re-Read Update: I found this enjoyable for a re-read. I'm actually raising my rating to 4 stars, because I really liked the h and it provided me with a great HEA. I still wish we got some flashbacks to their relationship before and it did still feel too insta because it was insta and based on feelings from their past. It did feel a little slow at times, but I'm pretty certain that this is attributed to the nasty book funk I'm currently in the middle of...

2nd Re-Read Update: I decided to put my rating back because this felt too slow this time. I still liked the characters -- including the many side characters, but I just felt kind of meh about it all. I think that is highly attributed to the fact I've already read this a few times. That doesn't mean it was bad! Just that I don't think this is going to be one that I re-read a bunch

Overall Opinion: The only other book I've read in this series is At Peace, and I knew after reading that one I wanted to see what would happen with Mike. He was a likable character in that book, but I was happy he got Dusty here and his HEA. Dusty was flippin' amazing! I loved her outlook on life and her strength. I also appreciated the fact that the H had to grovel after he messed up and it was the h that demanded better treatment, because I feel like the roles are usually reversed in KA's books. Maybe that is why I liked this h so much! I do wish that we had a little more backstory and/or flashbacks to their relationship when they were younger just because I like the development of feelings in my books. In this it seemed like a lot of the feelings were built upon their past -- which ended up making it feel kind of instalove-y. Overall, I enjoyed the story but it's probably not going to go down as one of my favorites.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Dusty and Mike's story. The story begins at Dusty's older brother's funeral. She had left town many years ago and returns for the funeral. Mike is a policeman and still living in their hometown and has a connection to the family, so he doesn't hesitate in giving Dusty a piece of his mind about a wrongdoing he believes she has done to her family. What he doesn't expect is for her to stick up for herself and prove him wrong and for them to have a strong connection that has them ending up in bed together. Immediately, they are both in it for the long haul because they can't deny the connection that they've always felt to each other. There is a good bit of family drama, some ex drama, a budding new romance between Dusty's nephew and Mike's daughter, some suspenseful moments, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.

POV: This alternated between mainly Dusty's 1st person POV and third person narrative focusing on Mike. There were some sections that were 3rd person narrative focusing on some of the other side characters as well.

Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.

Instalove: Yes. They've known each other for years and old feelings were present when they were reunited.

H rating: 4 stars. Mike. I liked him. He definitely had his moments that I wanted to shake him, but he also was good and understanding where he went wrong and making it better. He actually gave some good grovel when he messed up!

h rating: 5 stars. Dusty. Awesome h!! She's definitely up there for me with being one of my favorite KA heroines! She was so strong, loyal, and confident in who she was that I found it hard not to like her.

Sadness level: Low/moderate. I teared up some, but I never needed any tissues.

Push/Pull: Yes They both push away at times (H more so), but I would say that the H is also the main pursuer of the relationship.

Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.

Descriptive sex: Yes

OW/OM drama: Yes The H's ex wife causes some drama, and the h also has an ex boyfriend that causes some drama for the couple as well.

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes They are separated shortly, but there was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time.

Possible Triggers: Yes The H had been in a relationship for (I think) 2.5 years with the h's sister and even took the sister's virginity when they were younger, the H is divorced with two children from marriage, and violence/stalking/blackmail/bullying/assault (on page)

Closure: This had an awesomely thorough epilogue that answered all my questions and not only gave a HEA for the h and H but also for the H's daughter and the h's nephew whose relationship we experienced from the start.

Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.

- Does Not have cheating
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does have both the h and H pushing away
- Does have a separation between the h and H
- Does Not have abuse
- Does have a HEA ending

[Baba · Rating 4 out of 5]

UPDATE: Rating edited September 21, 2013. From 4.5 stars downgraded to 4 stars.

**************************************
"I love you," I whispered.
His face went soft and God, God, he was so fucking beautiful.
"I'm a guy," he stated bizarrely, then went on equally bizarrely, "I don't live and breathe clean. But I prefer it. Have I just bought myself a life of pickin' my way through your jeans, tees, belts,bras and panties to get to the bathroom?"

4.5 stars.

"Don't play games of the heart, honey, even if you're doing it to protect one."

God, God, God, I love Fin (Dusty's nephew) and Rees (Clarisse)! And Dusty. Oh, yeah, I love them. Bunches. I'm gonna say this straight forward. Kristen would have been an amazing Mom! I don't know how she does it but…well, she does it perfectly. All the time. Rees and Fin's characterizations, their feelings and behavior felt so real and palpable. On top of that, Dusty was an outstanding heroine. It happens not all the time but I have to say that Dusty was the backbone of Games of the Heart along with two wonderful "kids" (Fin and Rees). She clearly overshadowed the hero. Dusty is such a kind-hearted, warm, gentle yet determined, independent and feisty woman. The interaction between her and Rees was so amazing! I absolutely adored the romance between Fin and Rees. Very cute! Gosh, I have a little crush on him. Kinda sick, I know, but I can't help it. Such a fine young guy! I really liked Mike but I had a hard time to warm up to him despite his heart-melting, stomach-plummeting, mind-numbing, soul-enriching kisses. I'm not sure why I had issues with Mike because he is a good father. It was just not insta' love for me. Ultimately, he grew on me, though.

Rees is shy and insecure. Further, she has absolutely no idea of her beauty and she thinks she's got no talent at all. Her brother's talents are very obvious and visible. But Rees's have yet to be discovered. Even though she's very loved, something is holding her back. There's one negative force in her life and that's her mother. Since she leaves a lot to be desired, Dusty is there to talk to Rees. And she does it with great care and is very sensitive and perceptive when it comes to any topic but specifically intimate female topics. I can't say this enough, Kristen does a very fine job in outlining all those little and very thoughtful details!

Fin. Aw, so young and so swoon-worthy! He takes care of Rees. He protects her and he never overstepped the boundaries. Fin and Rees enriched this story in an absolutely wonderful way. I'm grateful for the privilege to having witnessed their sweet love story.

Dusty cares deeply for Rees.

"There she is."
"Who?" Clarisse whispered back.
Dusty leaned in and answered. "You. Thank you for giving her to me."
Ohmigod! That was so nice.
Clarisse bit her lip then murmured, "Uh…you're welcome."
Then Dusty Holliday did something beautiful.
The kind of thing she felt from her Dad all the time. Sometimes from No (that her brother's nickname). Sometimes from her grandparents. Rarely from her mother.
She lifted her hand, cupped Clarisse's cheek and said gently, "You should let her out more often. Your Dad misses her."

Fin is a lucky strike for Rees.

Her eyes dropped down to the table. "I don't get a lot of stuff," she muttered at the paper. "Reesee,," he called again and she looked at him. That was when he did it. Leaned in and got super close. Super close. So close all she could see were his eyes!
"You get shit that matters," he whispered.
"What?" she breathed.
"You said your Dad was happy. Aunt Dusty was tight with my Dad. They talked all the time. But she's singin' and dancin' and laughin' and bein' crazy and it's crazier than the usual way she does it. You gave her that."

Of course Dusty and Mike have to deal with the expected, stalker-ish jerk (Dusty's ex).

You got me and you gotta know you got me when I'm buried deep in Dusty, fuckin' her hard, she's facedown in bed, lovin' every stroke and I know this because she's purrin' for me like a cat. And when I make her come, she's gonna say my name. So with that, you also gotta know you are done. If you don't get this, Rivera's out and it'll be me who explains it to you in a way you'll finally fuckin' understand."

Well, Mike and Dusty got kinda sidetracked. Against all odds, the seed is planted, though.

His tight arms gave me a squeeze and he whispered, "That seed you're talkin' about is planted, Angel. We got some shit we gotta get through but it isn't about this," his arms gave me another squeeze, "it isn't about us. As far as that seed's concerned all you and me gotta do is tend it and watch it grow."

Games of the Heart is not really action packed and there's hardly any suspense. It's a rather quiet story and pretty character-driven. Then again, you'll witness a few unsettling moments as well. Games of the Heart started out a little bit slow and I didn't feel all that wowed but boy, the second half of the story was freakin' great! Finally, All's Well! Games of the Heart is so beautifully wrapped up by another A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. epilogue! Kristen can't write a bad epilogue, that's for sure. If you're a KA fan then do yourself a favor and read this book. There's so much to love about this story and I'm gonna say it in KA speech…Fin, Rees, and Dusty are the shit! Enjoy!

[Vika aka ♔ of GIF & Grumpy Smut-ateer *P/T Freebie Fairy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mike Haines



My Dusty Holliday


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My Finley Holliday


My Rees Haines


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My No Haines

[Aestas Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We're gonna explore this and I hope to God that feelin' I got is not wrong because I tried time and again to make it feel wrong but all it ever felt was right."



SO. MUCH. EPIC. SWOON!!! Yet another GORGEOUS, touching, heart warming story about love and family. Seriously, Kristen Ashley can do no wrong! Every time I start one of her books, its like I instantly relax and am at peace and every time I finish one of her books, I am left with the absolute most happy, full feeling. It literally gives me shivers of joy.

Dusty has loved Mike her whole life. But as the little sister of his high school girlfriend, they didn't exactly have a fairy tale start. Towards the end of high school though, Dusty suddenly went off the rails and left town the moment she was free of school. No one understood why, not her family, not Mike, not anyone... But this was over 20 years ago. Now, when tragedy hits her family, Dusty returns to the 'Burg and while everyone else seems to blame Dusty for her rebellion when she left town, Mike can't help but wonder if there wasn't more to her story than she's letting on. Mike himself hasn't had the easiest time of it. After going through an ugly divorce, he is now very wary of trusting anyone in a relationship. And after fighting for full custody of two wonderful kids, he has kept almost every relationship he's had at arm's length.... until Dusty :)

I have to say that I loved a lot of characters in this book, but my first love actually has to go to Dusty. She was an AWESOME heroine. I. Love. Dusty. There I said it. I still like guys, all the way, but Dusty would be my girl-crush if I were to have one. She was just so laidback and yet totally together! She was upfront about she was and wasn't afraid to hide her thoughts, feelings or opinions. Totally 100% open. She didn't hold anything back, told it as she saw it, didn't back down for anything, wasn't afraid to stand on her own and a heart of pure gold.

"I was me. I thought what I thought. I liked what I liked. Life was exhausting enough with all the ups and downs and bullshit people kept trying to feed you. Expending that kind of effort for essentially no purpose seemed a ridiculous waste of energy."

Mike Haines. Another gorgeous swoony Alpha cop. He was thoughtful, HOT, creative in bed and an amazingly swoony macho Dad. "...bossy, alpha, and badass in a good guy up way up top, bad boy underneath..." I totally loved everything about him. I loved that he called her Angel. I loved how safe he made her feel in every possible way. She was a strong, independent woman, but everyone loves the feeling of knowing that someone is 100% there to have their back. I loved that he held her when she cried, but respected her opinions, that he would stand up to her but also wasn't afraid to admit he screwed up and was wrong. He messed a few things up in the beginning, but his reasons were understandable. His ex took away any trust he had. But he was able to own up to being as ass and any guy who can deliver a heart felt apology that spans a few pages is pretty awesome in my eyes.... He was through and through an Alpha, so he definitely had his bossy, in control moments. But they were in the sweetest way that made my heart melt.

"Are you asking me to marry you, honey?"
"No, I'm tellin' you by the end of this year you'll be wearing my rings, bearing my name, and probably, pregnant with my baby."

The depth of his love, attention and devotion for his kids just made me clutch at my heart and swoon. It was just gorgeous to read. He really was the perfect Dad.

I also loved that right off the bat, Dusty and Mike were FUNCTIONAL!! Yes, with several screw ups, but I loved the way they worked it out. Gah, nothing makes me smile more than a couple who is open and honest with each other - no bullshit, no games, no beating around the bush, who are willing to compromise and do everything in their power to make things work.

"Dreams don't happen and that's it. You have to feed them and deep them alive.... I'm not going to be ninety years old, looking back on my life and regretting that I gave up that dream."
"We're gonna explore this and I hope to God that feelin' I got is not wrong because I tried time and again to make it feel wrong but all it ever felt was right."

And their sexy times were shiver-enducingly hooottttt. He may be a good guy on the outside but he had a fuckhot dirty side too. *faints*

"Thus commenced me learning something new about my childhood crush, good guy, excellent father, responsible citizen, courageous cop Mike Haines.
He could get dirty."

And SQUEEEE!!! To make the book even more awesome than it already was, we are treated to a secondary romance on the side as Dusty's nephew, Fin, and Mike's daughter, Clarisse fall in crazy beautiful love. Its TOTALLY sweet and adorable! Fin stole my heart. I loved how tender and patient, supportive and protective he was. He was gorgeous, natural up and coming Alpha who totally 'got' everything that came with being one - the respect, the loyalty, the responsibility and of course, falling hard for his girl ... and Rees was a beautiful, yet quiet girl who adored utterly him. What wonderful characters. All of them have gone through deep pain and are in need healing and seeing them all find support, love and family in each other... oh, it just made me melt!!

Honestly, I just wanted to highlight every piece of dialogue the kids were involved in. Absolutely brilliant!!

Said by Mike's son: "its true. Totally. He's a guy. He's single. He's tall. Trust me, girls all like tall guys, I know this for a fact. And Dad's tall. And girls tell me he's hot." He grinned and finished, "I wouldn't know, seein' as I'm a guy but I look like him and I'm smokin' hot so he's gotta be hot." LOL

I gotta say, there is just something about Kristen Ashley's writing style - the words she chooses, the way she uses them, that just touches my heart SO deeply. Its not just the emotional scenes, its everything. Its because she gets that its a macho guy dad thing to for Mike to stand and hold his arm high on the door to let everyone pass underneath - little, subtle things like that. Her words just make my heart feel full. I don't know how else to say it but it just feels full to bursting every single time I read one of her books.

And oh. my. gosh. the CAMEOS in this book are off the wall!!! We have scenes with Colt, Cal, Tanner, Mike, and Merry all together. Some beautiful little snippets of Vi & Cal. And a lot of changing perspectives. That isn't to say that this book isn't focused, because it totally is, but the little snippets of all the different POVs allow you to more full understand where everyone is at so much better.

And I have to give a little shout-out to Rivera. He's another utterly swoony cop friend of Dusty's who honestly made me squee or laugh in every single scene he was in. I'd love to read his back story one day.

"You got the touch, bro, layin' her shit out then talkin' Dusty around in a night, cementin' that shit by sendin' her flowers. One day, my woman is plotting your murder. Next day, I get asked why she doesn't get any flowers... Fuck, your killin' me. I haven’t bought Jerra flowers since I pissed her off when we were datin’ and fell asleep durin’ some crappy-ass movie she forced me to take her to sayin’ that movie was Hollywood’s version of us. How could I fall asleep watching the story of us, she asks. And, bro, if that was us, we are borin’ as shit."

The pace of the book is very even and calm, but in a way that totally keeps you engaged in the story. It very character driven, and much less focused on intense action or thriller-y bad guys. It still has a whopper of a scary moment at the classic 90% mark where my heart stopped completely. Actually, it felt like whole world stopped, but I figured if I said that, you guys would just think I was being over dramatic. I'm not. I swear. It totally stopped. Buuuut, then the EPILOGUE... majorly swoony!!! Tied up ALL the loose ends, had a beeeeaaauuuutiful HEA for both couples and left me with a huge smile on my face.

Honestly, I don't know why but I was kind of reluctant to start this series... for some crazy unknown reason (which I am now kicking myself for), I thought that maybe I wouldn't like this series as much as the others. But I'm tempted to say its actually my fav of all the KA series I've read so far. Well, Rock Chicks is another fav, but still, this one would definitely be tied. Its absolutely GORGEOUS and if you are for any reason holding off like I did, go go go and start them!! :D

Unfortunately, I am now at the end of the books that are available in this series, but I KNOW I'll be dropping anything and everything for book 5 when it comes out. I'm utterly addicted :D

PS. The guy in the picture isn't exactly right for Mike.. but he had the right 'feeling'... I"m working on getting a better picture but for now, he'll do :P

And I really liked this pic for Fin & Rees... maybe taken a few days after the epilogue? :P



For more of my reviews, visit Aestas Book Blog

And come join the Aestas Book Blog Facebook Page

[Rachel L · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

“I read your diaries. I caught your pass in that hotel room. I listened to your offer to stay. I saw you wave good-bye at the airport and got your call before I’d pulled out of the parking lot. You fell with a kiss. I know, honey, because I was right there with you.”

Mike Haines and Dusty Holliday knew each other growing up. Twenty years ago Dusty went through a hard time and moved away to Texas, and only a family tragedy brings her back. Mike and Dusty reconnect at her brother's funeral and it turns into something more.

The two start off good, but after being burned twice Mike is cautious. So cautious in fact, he makes assumptions and messes up. Now it's up to Mike to make amends and get back The One.



“You gonna order me to kiss you so I can get all tingly or are you just gonna stare at me?"

The Burg series doesn't seem to be my brand of KA. Book 2 with Violet and Joe was amazing but so far it's been okay. I did enjoy this book, but having read 25+ Kristen Ashley books already, she's written more special books and she's written better ones.

My main issue with this book was too much descriptions of things and scenarios, and not enough actual scenarios happening. It was like most of the action was hypothetical. The action did come in but only near the end and after everyone had spent the entire book talking about leading up to it. I love KA but I am also getting a little bit tired of the outfit descriptions.

What I did like was the romance between Dusty's nephew and Mike's daughter. I honestly wish that was its own book instead of a side plot. I liked Dusty and Mike together, they were sweet but the angst was a little low. Too much sunshine and rainbows for me.

Again, I did enjoy this book, but possibly having read so many KA books already this one didn't jump out at me. And I'm scared to read the next one based on friend reviews lol.

“I’m sayin’ that I care about you, I do it deeply and I have for a really fuckin’ long time. We’re gonna explore this and I hope to God the feelin’ I got is not wrong because I tried time and again to make it feel wrong but all it ever felt was right.”

[~ Becs ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to be in the minority here and go against the tide of 5 star reviews and just give this one 3 stars.

I swear Mike Haines has got some deep down and dirty secret on Kristen Ashley’s editor and he threatened her with exposure if she took her red pen to him because, boy, can that man talk. I’d get up in the morning, he’d be talking. I’d go make coffee, he’d still be talking. I’d go to work for 10 hours and get home and he’d still be going on. OK – so most of what he said was lovely and gave me the warm and fuzzies but I was desperate for him to talk in speeches of 2 pages or less instead of the long, blusterous soliloquies he gave us.

I had a bit of a problem with him at the beginning of the book. Judgemental, much? Twice he jumped to wrong conclusions about Dusty and the third time, after he found out about a traumatic incident in her past, he decided she just wasn’t worth it and dumped her. If it hadn’t been for the fact that the book was on my Precious (my Kindle), it would have been hurled across the room. Never have we met a KA Alpha who slithered quite so low to the ground.

He did, of course, redeem himself and then some and I grew to love him but I was shocked at how quickly Dusty forgave him because Dusty must be one of KA’s best ever heroines. She’s honest, open, engaging, totally without deceit and a strong, feisty woman and I totally, totally loved her. She was prepared to move heaven and earth for those she loved. For a long time, I felt she deserved much better than Mike but I came around, eventually.

There’s a beautiful secondary romance here between the teenagers Fin and Reesee and I did feel this totally eclipsed Dusty and Mike as their romance was a done deal before even a third of the book was completed. Fin is a boy/man very much in the Ashley Alpha Mould and I can see why he brings out the latent cougar in so many reviewers here at Goodreads.

So, we have a long rambling story which is probably the hallmark of a KA book and nice cameos from past heroes and heroines of the Burgs. I got fangirl squees every time Cal walked onto a page! Sigh! I do think it would have been better with some stringent editing – it was overly long and it didn’t need to be. I worried about all the fade to black sex scenes in the first third too but, thankfully, the steam factor definitely increased in the last half of the book.

I’d just like to shout out a thank-you to my friends here at Goodreads who kept me reading when I had several hissy fits – I would have shelved this if not for you.

So, I’m glad I read it, I won’t read it again and it’s not KA’s finest but I still worship at her altar!

3 stars contemporary romance.

[Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

"I'm so sick of men toying with me like that, playing games with my heart."

I'm proud to say once again KA has delivered! This story was so heartwrenchingly beautiful! I have been eagerly anticipating Mike's story since At Peace. I think I sort of had a soft spot for him since that book. Games of the Heart is all about the games we play in relationships and the risks you're willing to take for love. And if anyone has had to deal with games and risks it was Mike Haines and Dusty Holliday.

Mike Haines is a cop in the 'burg. A small town in Indiana. Life has dealt him a fair amount of blows but he manages as a single father, a friend and a cop. Mike is your typical KA alpha, with such a sweet side. He wasn't overwhelmingly OTT and I adored him! Dusty Holliday has become my favorite 'burg heroine, taking the spot from Violet. She was the right amount of no-nonsense, sweet, sassy and feisty. Dusty has been in love with Mike since she was a little girl, but she hadn't been home to the 'burg for years, that is until a tragedy forces her too.

I loved reading the budding relationship between Mike and Dusty. But the real winner for me was the secondary, sweet romance between Rees Haines and Finley Holliday. Goodness gracious those two just melted my heart! Their story is why I rated this book so highly and because of them I may actually read more of the young adult genre. Of course the epilogue was nothing short of spectacular. The story already takes you on an emotionally journey then you have to deal with KA's style of epilogue that just finishes you off completely and reduces you to tears!

This book is definitely focused on relationships, which I loved. Yes as always KA could've cut it down by a 100 pages, but hey I'm so not complaining....not at all:)

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!!!! Kindle Price Drop!

Gearing up for Frankie and Benny's story!!!

The first 4 books in the series are only $1.99 for a limited time!

#1 - For You - http://www.amazon.com/For-You-Burg-Se...

#2 - At Peace - http://www.amazon.com/Peace-The-Burg-...

#3 - The Golden Trail - http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Trail-Bu...

#4 - Games of the Heart - http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Trail-Bu...

---------

Maybe because I’m the mom of three kids who are not kids anymore, but who used to be kids, then became teens, one which is still a teen and two of which are now adults… maybe because I love them with all my heart… and maybe because I have a male version of “Debbie” in my family (would that make him Uncle Debbie?) Anyway…maybe that’s why this story really hit home with me... but whatever the reasons are, Games of the Heart had me in tears, more than a few times. I laughed, cried, sighed, fanned my 51 year old self, and I loved every minute of it!

Kristen Ashley knows how to write very grown up, sexy romances, but as this book proved, she also knows how to write first love, teen romances, too, making them innocent, yet passionate. Bravo, Ms. Ashley! Bravo!

4.5/5 stars

-----
If you're a Kristen Ashley addict, or just interested in checking her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!

[Raine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm surprised I didn't already have a review of this book since I've read it many times (now being the 8th) since I bought it back in early February 2014. This is one of my KA favorites (though nothing has yet topped Rock Chick Regret). I love the fact that there are two romances within this story. I love that Mike finally got his 'The One' after losing Vi to Cal (though we all knew that Vi and Cal belonged together). There was no angst with Mike and Dusty. Once they were together they were TOGETHER, but I liked how their courtship went and how they dealt with every day normal problems especially with a divorced single dad and nephews who recently lost their dad.

Now if his partner, Merry, would get his ass in gear and find The One. It looks like there is a hint of his romance in The Promise.

***My 11th reading of this book and still ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! This book never gets old and it is one of my 'go-to' books when I am in a book slump and just want to read something that I know is GOOD.***

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It was nice to see Mike get his happy ending and I loved his relationship with his kids. But most of all I loved Reesee and Fin.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars – Contemporary Romance

I’ve been looking forward to Mike’s story and anxious for his HEA ever since he stole my heart when I read At Peace. Games of the Heart lived up to my high expectations and then some. It’s one of my (many) favorite Kristen Ashley reads. I loved it! I adored everything about it...the amazing hero and heroine, touching young love secondary romance, great ensemble cast of characters, emotional story, and gratifying epilogue.

Mike is such a swoon-worthy hero...he’s a caring, dedicated, and protective father and cop, a tough alpha male, and a commanding bad boy in the bedroom. Dusty is the perfect heroine...genuine, loving, strong, earthy, spirited, funny, and loyal. Mike and Dusty make a wonderful, solid couple, and their romance is compelling and heartfelt. But they nearly have the spotlight stolen by the beautiful, sweet teen romance between Dusty’s nephew, Finley “Fin”, and Mike’s daughter, Clarisse “Rees/Reesee”. There just aren’t enough words to describe how much I adored Fin. *sigh* He’s a far better man at seventeen than most could ever hope to be. Not to mention an unforgettable romantic hero in his own right.

So on that note, I’m finishing my review with a picture tribute to Fin. I love Garrett Hedlund and he’d make a yummy (older) Fin, but age wise I think Alex Pettyfer is a fitting casting choice.

Younger Alex Pettyfer as 17-year-old teen heartthrob Fin.


Alex Pettyfer as Fin seven years later when he’s finally about to marry his longtime sweetheart and true love Reesee in the epilogue.




Garrett Hedlund is a great alternate for 24-year-old Fin.

[Choko · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** 4.25 ***

A buddy read with the KA addicts at BB&B

Finally!!! This book got us back on track with a strong, smart and funny leading lady, perfect to stand up to the typical alpha male Mike, who was not as much of a jerk as the other alpha males in this series so far. I finally got to enjoy the story and writing of KA without raging over another man who is horrible to the mother of his children, or at least, he tried to be somewhat decent towards her. I find this to be a theme in this series - the anti Snow-white fairytale, where the stepmothers are the real good, loving and pure creatures, while the biological moms are evil, cruel, crazy, and the perfect fathers have to protect their kids from them.... Mostly by foisting them off to the fairy stepmothers....

No, the books in this series are not perfect. They are way too long for the plots they carry and all the second chance Romances of somewhat mature adults, are quite instant and the guys are just as pushy, bossy, Neanderthal, never wrong, and totalitarian as KA likes them. The best parts, as always, are the kids!!! KA makes us love all of them every time!!! No fail.

By this book bringing back my faith in KA's magic, I am now looking forward to the next installment in the series! Thank you KA, and thanks to my buddies who keep on reading the books with me, week in and week out:-) You guys make good books feel even better!

I wish you all Happy Reading and Go Cleveland CAVALIERS!!!!

[Alba and Her Secrets..♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

♦ 5+ "Hey, Angel" Stars! ♦




After reading the emotional roller coaster Rule by the author C. D. Reiss, I wanted to read something lighter but still amazing. I am always sure I will like something by the fantastic Kristen Ashley and Games of the Heart was no exception.

This book belongs to KA's The Burg series, which is still an erotic romance but with suspense as well. In this case, this read is about Mike Haines (the hot cop who always had an eye on the little siter of the Holliday family) and Dusty Holliday (a different woman, a grown up woman that has just lost her brother).

“You’re right, I’m here to right wrongs and I’m gonna do it, Angel. You told me I’d had my last chance but I don’t accept that and I won’t. If you tell me now that my explanation is not enough and you want me gone, I’m not goin’. I’m not giving up. I got one part of my life’s dream still open to me, every sign she gives me is screaming that she’s standing in my arms right now and I’m not gonna be ninety years old, looking back on my life and regretting that I gave up that dream.”

I have to say, this series is not one of my favourites by K. Ashley but Games of the Heart is one of her best works for me! This is pure Kristen Ahsley style: this book is full of emotions like love, betrayal, sadness, among others; and it has quite a lot of drama (you need no more than a bitch sister, a weak sister-in-law and an annoying ex). I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I fell in love with the amazing characters that KA is able to write.

However, what I liked most about this book (apart from the sweet and smokin' love story between Mike and Dusty) it's the strenght of Mike's family and Dusty's family together. It's beautiful to read how Mike helps with the Holliday's farm and how Dusty also falls in love with Mike's kids (Rees and No). Moreover, there is sweetness overload with the story between Rees Haines and Fin Holliday (Dusty's nephew): they discover first -and only- love together and, at the end, it was so beatiful, SO BEAUTIFUL!

“I love you, Finley.”
Fin blinked at the creek but he felt his body go stone-still.
Then he whispered, “What?”
“I love you,” she repeated.
God. Jesus, fuck. God.
That felt good.
He braced his weight against one elbow, lifted his hand, cupped her jaw and whispered back, “I love you too, babe.”

So, my rating is (obviouly) 5+ STARS because Games of the Heart, for me, Kristen Ahsley has the recipe to write an outstanding book. It is PERFECT.

CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok, seriously?! seriously?! can the woman do no wrong. I loved her Rock Chicks series, loved loved the Mystery Man Series, and absolutely adored the Colorado Man series. After that I was in Kristen Ashley withdrawal, so I decided to give The Burg a chance.

MY GOD!

I loved this book. I loved everything about it. But what I absolutely loved the most, is that Kristen Ashley has managed to create one of my most favorite heroines I have ever read about EVER!

Dusty has some bad times in her past, but she is beyond normal. she does not have any hang-ups, she doesn't play games, she's not wishy washy. She knows what she wants, means what she says, and does what she wants. She is a strong, independent woman that you fall in love with on the first pages and keep rooting for her until the very end.

Mike *wipes drool*. Oh Mike. He is so damn sexy! He has his d!ck moments in the very beginning. He then handles his shit and takes care of everything. It was so fun to read the relationship develop between him and Dusty as well as his kids.

The plot was great. As in typical Kristen Ashley fashion, this is a long book, but it does not drag on at all. It keeps you engaged until the very last page.

The side plot of Fin and Reesee's budding love was a wonderful little plot.

And of course, nothing beats a Kristen Ashley epilogue. NO ONE does an epilogue like this woman. NO ONE. Her epilogues are like having a triple chocolate cake after an incredible orgasm that is her book. This book's epilogue was no exception.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Games were played and the Hearts were won.

Games of the Heart has always been a tricky one for me to love. In the back of my mind, I have the Mike and Violet shenanigans playing. I also struggle with how Mike acts for the first half of the book. Yes, I knew he'd dealt with an ex-wife that would make any man insane...but...SHE...WAS...HIS...CHOICE. Luckily, he moved on from her and managed to somewhat have his life back on track. But...the way he handled Dusty in the beginning...and stuffed up again...and again, well, I thought Dusty was a sucker for punishment and a wee bit too forgiving. Well, I'm glad it all worked out in the end.

So, while this may not be my favourite Kristen Ashley, it's still pretty damn good. Mike Haines (when he gets his finger out) is all kinds of great. Bossy, possessive, straight talking and HOT...it's very hard to stay angry at Mike, especially considering he's such a fantastic Dad.

And...this is where Kristen Ashley gets it SOOOO RIGHT. With her talent for writing long but well thought out stories, we manage to see her heroes at their bloody worst and then at their bloody best. But, we get to see the characters grow through that transformation. We see their thought processes, what makes them tick and what clicks within them to set them right.

Dusty is by far one of my favourite characters. She is strong, resilient, independent and loving. Any man should find it a privilege to be in her company. Unfortunately, Dusty has had her fair share of duds and one of them is finding it a wee bit hard to let go...after she wiped him off. Luckily, her friend and Mike help scrape him off and he stays scraped. I did think she was a bit too forgiving. I suppose, though, when the first man you ever fell in love with needs forgiveness, I'd be forgiving too.

The love story is sweet, very steamy and at times heartbreaking. I loved seeing their connection grow into love. I wanted their happy ever after and even when I was frustrated, felt that the issues were never too big for them to conquer together.

One of my favourite parts of the story was watching Finn (Dusty's nephew) and Clarisse's (Mike's daughter) teenage "first love" playing out. It was what every young girl hopes for, but not many get it. So sweet.

The audio was great. I think the narrator does a good job of portraying the characters feelings and I never had issues working out who was talking. All good.

Games of the Heart on audio was great and without hesitation, I can say that it will definitely not be my last from Kristen Ashley.

[SamJ ★Needs a HEA★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful beautiful love story!

Or two actually!

Mike and Dusty

and

Reece and Fin!

Love it!

Although, must say, I find it hard to connect to Dusty and found her a bit annoying. But, is it Dusty herself (who I found rolling my eyes at a few times, since she was so bloody perfect!!) or the fact that I have had this issue with KA heroines in the past, and Dusty came at the end of a massive months long re read of a few KA series?

Once again, a woman, with no experience in a "mother" role, comes in like the fecking Child Rearing Guru Wonder Woman, and can bake 10 layer cakes, decorate, advise, be fecking brilliant and awesome, while the birth mother/ex-wife is a cow! Although, the ex wife here is not as bad as other KA ex wives, but that is because we had Dusty's sister being the bitch of all bitches for no real reason.

I love KA books, really love them, but I am way way over that!

So, after my rant, I shall just finish by putting down some of my favourite parts of this book. (although my absolute favourite parts were any part with Fin and Reece! They stole my heart!)

Mike did not, until that moment know The 'Burg's high school hierarchy. But at that moment he knew Finley Holliday, even as a junior, reigned as king.
And his eyes going directly to Reesee then his feet taking him there meant he'd just declared in front of thirty plus kids who he intended to make his queen.
"Fuck," he muttered under his breath and heard Dusty chuckle but he didn't take his eyes off his daughter who tipped her head back and he saw her lips form the word "Hey," to which Fin's lips formed the word "Hey" back. Then Fin reached out and grabbed his girl's hand for a quick squeeze before he let it go.
Christ, no crowns were in evidence but still Mike knew Fin just performed a coronation.

***********

"I'm falling in love with you, Mike Haines.".....
"Angel, you're already gone."
I blinked and asked, "Sorry?"
"....You fell with a kiss. I know, honey, because I was right there with you."

************

Oh and I loved the scenes with Mike, Cal, Colt, Merry and Sully when they were gossiping about Mike and Dusty, then with all of them and the addition of Layne, Ryker, Devin and Rivera in Tanner's office and arguing about cake!

Still 5 stars even after a re read, even with my faint dislike of Dusty and her "greatness" but that might not just be her (although it so is - ugh) but she comes at the end of a long run of bloody "perfect" KA step mothers!

[Sláinte Wanderlust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover & Title - 4 out of 5
Favorite Lines - “Are you asking me to marry you, honey?”
“No, I’m tellin’ you by the end of this year you’ll be wearing my rings, bearing my name and, probably, pregnant with my baby.” & “Holy fuck,” Sully muttered, his eyes on Mike. “Funeral hook up. Didn’t know you had that in you. Impressed.”
Favorite Character - Dusty


this story is about love.

Mike, baby this following statement made me want to have your babies & be your sex slave.
“The One.” Mike declared and Merry’s brows shot up.
“The One?” Merry asked.
“The One.” Mike confirmed.
“In a weekend?” Merry asked.
“In a weekend,” Mike confirmed.
“No shit?” Merry whispered.
“Absolutely no fuckin’ shit,” Mike answered.
Sadly & clearly Dusty beat me too it.

So i was not actually that excited about reading this book, it had so many great reviews & apparently had so much going on in it but i was still put off. I was not sure how i would feel about Mike hooking up & i was seriously worried i would hate Dusty. I also was worried about it having a secondary love story running at the same time.
I should not of worried, i should of "manned up" and read it the day i bought it. I loved Dusty, I loved Mike & Dusty and I loved Fin & Ree. I loved this book.
It was classic Kristen Ashley; amazing dialog, heartfelt & heart wrenching moments, super sexy hot alpha men, drama but with a happy ending, secondary characters who you wish were real and your BFF & of course the epilogue.

I would recommend this book & I will read every freaking book that KA's releases :)

My book review blog

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread review June 2017
Yay! I still love it! This was an audio read and read, read reread. Lol! KA is rubbing off on me. The narrator is good. All other comments still apply. Love Dusty and Mike, but Reese and Fin are fantastic. Love me some Finley Holiday. I'm happy I visited this one. Happy reading!

Origional review November 2014

I love this book. I was so very sweet. That's the best way I can describe it. I found myself shedding little tears of joy but also sadness. I loved all the points of view the story was told from. I loved reading Reese and Fin's story just as much as I loved reading Mike and Dusty's story. It was all beautiful. All the main characters were great. Mike is a great dad. Dusty is just fantastic in every way. I don't have a favorite females list, but if I did, she would be on it. I think Fin could go on the favorite males list and Reese is as sweet as pie. I would love to read a story about No. He's a great brother. This book was all about love and forgiveness and coming of age and finally living life, through all that life can be. It was low on the drama, but the drama that was there was drastic enough. This was a very pleasurable read for me. It made me happy. I'm on to "The Promise". Happy reading!!

[Bryanna Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Seriously WOW! I literally just finished reading this book like two minutes ago and i absolutely loved it Games of The Heart might even be better than At Peace for me. Dusty, Mike and his stealth kisses. LOVE IT! Dusty is now my favorite character from KA. She's just so damn cool. When I was little girl I probably would have inspired to be her. And Mike....He's dirty. I'll just say that. The crime and suspense part is actually very surprising and not what I was expecting.

I don't want to spoil too much so down to the gist:

- Dusty. Too damn cool.

- Mike..... Well's he's an alpha created by KA so you already know he's sexy and gonna make you swoon.

- The side story with Fin and Reese was perfectly adorable. Finn was such a Alpha Male Mini. Where were guys like him when I was 17? (or 15 in clarisse's case.) I guess hot people just have a way of making great kids. (or in Kristen's world they do i.e Tripp, Jasper, Jonas, No, Sally, Jason, Keira, Kate.. etc.)

- Debbie. ThatBitch.

- Ryker, Layne, Colt, Cal, Cheryl, Sully, Merry, Vi, No, Kirby, Della. The 'Burg family is just plain awesome.

- Benny & Frankie are next! *yay* (we met them in At Peace)

- Epilogue. Made me smile so hard my cheeks hurt. Yep, I had to read it five times!

Well, some people might disagree with me but you can't please everyone. I just know that this is why I love Kristen Ashley.

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brownsburg, Indiana...I Abso-freaking-lutely Love This Town!!!

"You get home, don't tell anyone or we'll have to send the crew out to cut out your tongue. Most folk think Indiana's a state to drive right through. They took a minute to eat our food, experience our hospitality, understand the depth of our loyalty and they did it in fall when the trees are in color, no one would ever leave."

This is the 4th Book in the 'Burg Series so if you find yourself up to this book then you are as smittened with all things 'Burg as I am.

You probably would die to have a Holligoss Donut, coffee at Mimis, a beer at J & J, a fancy dinner at Costa's. Aside from all the local places in the 'Burg are the incredible people who live there.

Finishing this fourth book I found that I have accumulated a ton of favorite characters through this series and with each book our bond has grown stronger. Joe Callahan, Colt, Tanner, Mike, Ryker, Devon, Rivera, Morry, Fin, Feb, Vi, Dusty, Cheryl, Rocky, Reese basically the whole gang... I love each and everyone of them from the alpha men to the quirky gals!!!!

Games of the Heart...well I could quote the whole book it was that good. I laughed, I cried and as always want more!!

[Emma ~ The Indecisive Reader ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!! Mike surprised me, don't know why, I mean it is KA!! Bit wasnt expecting him to have the badass alpha side going on. But he did, and a dirty side! Mmmmm. Fierce and protective of his family. His love for Dusty. Loved Mike!
Now Dusty. Well I get why so many love her and have a crush on her. She rocked!! So strong and confident. Loved her.
Fin and Reesee!! Beautiful.
Don't know why I kept putting this one off.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved you since you were twelve and I’ve read your diaries, you can’t deny you felt the same fuckin’ thing. You weren’t old enough then for my thoughts to go there but we both know that bond started then and we both know just how it changed when it snapped tight in that hotel room.”

This book was amazing!!!! This is exactly why I love KA books. All the feels, the fantasic romance, the hot and sexy times, the wonderful secondary characters, all of this makes the perfect KA magic recipe.

I have liked Mike Haines since the second book when he lost against Cal for Violet’s hand. Which was actually such a great thing, as Dusty was the perfect woman for Mike not Violet. And seeing him in this book just made me love him.

Twenty five years ago Dusty and Mike formed a very special bond when he dated her sister. Both were so young, Dusty especially, and to Dusty Mike was her hero, the guy she had a crush on, and to Mike Dusty was the little girl who made his world brighter. She was way too young to think of her in any other light, but the bond they had was special. Until Dusty changed suddenly from the bright and sunny girl into a dark and moody teenager. And nothing Mike did got through to her.

Now many years later Dusty has come to town to attend the funeral of the brother she loved. And the bond that they had so many years later, is still there, just as strong. But because Mike has lost at his chance for love so many times, he screws up with Dusty. But when he’s presented with the opportunity to fight for her, he gives it his all. Because Dusty is his woman, and has always meant to be his.

“I’ve been involved in lots of games of the heart, gorgeous. Rolled the dice time and again, took a lot of risks, took a lot of falls. Finally seems I’m winning. I’m not about to play it safe now.”

Dusty is my kind of KA heroine. She’s sassy, independent, funny and has such a big heart. And Mike was just the perfect KA hero, despite being a jerk in the beginning. He’s possessive and so protective, and the kind of hero that I adore. He only had that one brief moment of being a jerk in the beginning, which he more than made up for, and after that he was just amazing.

The romance between Dusty and Mike was just perfect, and I loved their sizzling chemistry. I loved that after that little hurdle in the beginning there was not more relationship drama between these two, they just loved one another and did everything they could to make it work.

Ryker looked at me then announced, “I’m taken. Got a good woman who gives amazing head. But I find myself free and you find yourself the same, just sayin’, I’m open for a hook up.”

It can’t be a fantastic KA book without great secondary characters, and I must say Ryker has become a favorite of mine.

Then he walked home thinking he’d given Clarisse Haines her first kiss and thinking it would far from suck if he was also the guy who gave her her last with no one in between.

Then there was the secondary romance between Dusty’s nephew Fin and Mike’s daughter Reesee, and their young love actually stole the show in this book. Which says quite a lot seeing as that I loved the romance between Mike and Dusty. But these two were just so sweet and Fin was just so freaking amazing that I just couldn’t help but love him.

And the epilogue was so beautiful and so damn heartbreaking. It ended with me being in tears, sad and happy. No one writes epilogues like KA and with this one she really shined.

I loved everything about this book, especially all the feelings I felt while reading it. This book is the perfect example of why I’m such a KA fan. Your heart is bombarded by feelings, pummeled until by the end you feel changed in a way that can just be magic. No one makes me feel like KA’s books does. This is the best book by far in this series, and is highly recommended to all KA and romance fans. A definite must read.

[Splage · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+++ Stars Unbelievable, I was hooked from beginning to end and KA had my chest in knots and tearing up for the last 70 pages. I completely connected with these characters and there were some scenes that were very tense and moving...and I am not just talking between the main characters, but between sisters, mothers and sons, the whole community seemed to have intense connections.

This was a beautiful romance with two incredible love stories completely intertwined. The dialog at times was rough with its slang, but boy can KA turn that slang to touch the heart with some beautiful writings of deeply felt love. At times these cavemen alphas can be completely poetic. Once again the ending was beyond fabulous, absolutely touching and perfect with a glimpse 7 years to the future..

Mike, Dusty, Fin, and Reesee are on the top of my KA list of favorite characters. I love how she mixes in the young lovers like Fin and Reesee who are only 17 & 15 yrs old. They were totally hot together even though Reesee was very innocent. Their innocent touches got me just as tingling as some of Mike and Dusty's wild romps.

Once again Kristen Ashley writes her alphas with many imperfections that in my mind makes them perfect and flawless. I can’t get enough of Kristen Ashley books.

[reeder (reviews) · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 25%.

Normally, I don't rate and review DNFs. However, when I came here to check the reviews of people I follow (figuring I could vent in a comment agreeing with their negative reviews), I discovered that none of them hated this book.

(No judgment intended. If this book didn't feel like a spork in your eye, it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your sporks or your eyes.)

I want to introduce you to the male protagonist, Mike Haines. (That's right, Mike. I'm naming and shaming you. Your name should go down in Romancelandia history. Mike, YOU SUCK.)

Mike is a divorced cop in a small Indiana town. He's the custodial parent of two teenagers, and his ex-wife is a shopaholic. Not the cute kind, but the drowning-her-family-in-an-ocean-of-debt shopping addict kind. (I'm assuming there's emotional damage behind her addiction, but DNF'd at 25%, so I don't know what it is.)

Mike's latest romance was with the heroine from book 2, who obviously rejected him in favor of a hero who sucked less, so Mike is yet another KA heroine's leftover lover.

Mike also used to date the heroine's older sister in high school, and he'll remind us and the heroine several times that he was said sister's first lover. Took her virginity. Popped her cherry. Thanks for the unsolicited info, Mike. You suck.

When the heroine returns to this small town in Indiana for her brother's funeral, Mike listens to the older sister's poison and is outraged that little sis isn't supporting her family properly during their grief, so he shows up at her hotel to lecture her. The heroine has a meltdown where she basically says everything the exact opposite of her older sister, and now Mike believes the h and apologizes for being judgmental. Then they have sex.

You gasp, thinking I'm spoiling you, but this all happens in the first 33 pages of what Goodreads claims is a 600-page book, so this is all prologue as far as I'm concerned. Here's the spoiler:

When Mike learns that the heroine was sexually assaulted as a teenager by the serial killer villain from book one in the series, he dumps her. He thinks she must still be processing the trauma, and -- as the responsible father of two teenagers -- he doesn't have time for that kind of damage in his life. Never mind that he was willing to support At Peace's heroine through her emotional damage. He has learned his lesson and now he's going to make incredibly selfish better choices.

Plus he can't handle a long distance relationship and has no intention of moving to Texas to be with the heroine. And the heroine wants children, while he's done birthin' babies. And he doesn't need the awkwardness of eating Thanksgiving dinner sandwiched between his current lover and a woman who gave him her virginity 25 years ago.

When the heroine hears all this, she gives him a magnificent set-down. She makes it clear that she is NOT carrying demons from the teen assault. That was done and dusted twice over when she was a teenager (her brother beat the guy up, then her pastor set her up with a counselor who had also been through sexual assault). Then she thanks the hero for letting her know before she gave him her heart that he's an unworthy asshole not nearly as committed to their relationship as she was prepared to be. So long, sucker.

And I wish I had ended the book there. But I kept reading and had to watch the heroine take the hero back after he whined that his reaction was because he had been married to a shopping addict. And that's it. The heroine took him back. How is that even comparable or relevant? At least the guy in Mystery Man dumped his heroine because she was putting him through the exact same terror he had experienced when his wife was killed.

You know what I expect in my romance heroes? Men who can deal with sh*t. Men who can solve problems. Men who, if they think a woman they're attracted to is suffering emotionally, can support her. Men who need to support the women they love when they're vulnerable.

Mike, you suck.

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reread
We met Mike in the previous book as he was involved with Vi who eventually decided on Joe as her man. Here Mike is the once high school boyfriend of Dusty's older sister, they haven't seen each other in many years. Mike is a now divorced dad of two teens but still close to Dusty's family. Her brother unexpectedly died and a whole host of family drama ensues. Mike went to sort Dusty out they hook up that night and after some bumps along the way stayed together.
Dusty is a pottery maker, she's made a good life for herself and is recently out of a relationship. She returns to the Burg on her brother's death and hooks up with Mike who she once loved dearly. Family drama, teen romance and deadly games shadow their relationship.

******
Mike was 100% idiot from beginning to end, I hated how he tried to be so commanding with the Debbie situation always saying "you get me" like an Alpha male badass but nobody got him 🙄. He misjudged Dusty three times acting the fool before he eventually got it together.
The best part of this book was the secondary romance between Dusty's 17 year old nephew Fin and Mike's 15 year old daughter Clarice. They should've been the mcs
All in all if I had to rate this one based on Mike and Dusty it'd be 2 stars

No cheating
He was with her sister over 20 years ago
He's been married but after his divorce he got around quite a bit the most recent being with Vi who he was falling in love with
When he and Dusty got together no one else
Dusty had relationships with her most recent ex causing drama
Mike's ex was also involved here as she tried to be a better mom to her kids









Quick thoughts




I confess that boredom has me making my way through a reread of this series but this was one of the better ones for me because of the secondary romance between fin and Rees

Mike was an idiot, stupid and almost useless throughout the entire book
Even though Dusty was allllll about Mike I liked her, she was cool, funny and interesting
The secondary characters weren't absolute favourites though
Family drama with the typical bs 🙄😒