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Mind Games #1
His Mind Games
A Dark and Erotic Paranormal Romance
An inner world of magic and power.
A lover. A night together—their first night.
And then—disaster. He lost his mind, but she knew the truth. She knew.
And so she ran, all the way down to Marfa Texas where she met...the man they call Jack.
A demon.
And now he has her.
And he’s playing Mind Games with her.
CONTENT WARNING:
Contains explicit sexual content, violence and strong language. Only appropriate for readers aged 17 and older.
Genres:
Paranormal Romance
New-Adult Romance
Book 1 of 2
An inner world of magic and power.
A lover. A night together—their first night.
And then—disaster. He lost his mind, but she knew the truth. She knew.
And so she ran, all the way down to Marfa Texas where she met...the man they call Jack.
A demon.
And now he has her.
And he’s playing Mind Games with her.
CONTENT WARNING:
Contains explicit sexual content, violence and strong language. Only appropriate for readers aged 17 and older.
Genres:
Paranormal Romance
New-Adult Romance
Book 1 of 2
ebook
First published March 11, 2015
138 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Dunning
32 books244 followersThey told me men can't write romance. So I wrote over 30 of them.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 19 reviews
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April 11, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (1/24/2020)! 🎁
May 21, 2015
This book was ok this cover is hot. Crystal is a witch, only she doesn’t know it and she doesn’t understand what, why, or how. Only from a very tender age of thirteen she discovers she can feel physically the thoughts of others. Crystal falls in love with a young man. This experience forces her to move away to a town in Texas in where no one knows her she takes a job at a bar and lives with a married couple in return for some work around the house and a small monthly rent. It works for her. Nobody knows her or her issues. Until she meets Jack who knows about her and is hiding the truth as well. This book was very well written with no errors in grammar or spelling this is my first time reading this author and although I did get a little confused while reading this book I am looking forward to reading part two.
March 14, 2024
It's not what I expected, but it's still good!!
This book surprised me, as I was going into this book with the thoughts of a sexy, witchy smut book. Now, it is all over those, but it has a deep plot, which was very surprising. It wasn't just smut (which is what I thought it was) it has a very different take on witchy elements that have a bit darkness but not so overwhelming that you don't understand what is happening.
It's a very interesting read
This book surprised me, as I was going into this book with the thoughts of a sexy, witchy smut book. Now, it is all over those, but it has a deep plot, which was very surprising. It wasn't just smut (which is what I thought it was) it has a very different take on witchy elements that have a bit darkness but not so overwhelming that you don't understand what is happening.
It's a very interesting read
April 2, 2015
This book was interesting enough, but it was certainly NOT erotic. It barely touched on romance, in fact. There were a few bits and pieces in an attempt to make it sexy and while I did like the characters, there was little development.
The foreshadowing was a little much, too. I don't want to know everything ahead of time! I like a story to unfold throughout the series, but now I feel like I already know what will happen in the future books and I'm not sure I'll bother reading them.
The foreshadowing was a little much, too. I don't want to know everything ahead of time! I like a story to unfold throughout the series, but now I feel like I already know what will happen in the future books and I'm not sure I'll bother reading them.
May 8, 2018
This is such a new kind of story for me. Crystal is a Witch who builds magical worlds in her head, but doesn't understand her reality. It is unclear what Luke actually is, but it is foreshadowed that he is not all human because the human brain can not handle the stress of being with a witch. He hunts demons in dream worlds, and he was pulled to Crystal when she was captured by a demon, Jack.
There is a very dark feel to how this series will progress. Many witches are captured, tortured and raped, and then turned into Demons by Demons.
There is definitely potential here, but I'm just not sure this is the kind of story that I would personally enjoy reading.
There is a very dark feel to how this series will progress. Many witches are captured, tortured and raped, and then turned into Demons by Demons.
There is definitely potential here, but I'm just not sure this is the kind of story that I would personally enjoy reading.
December 26, 2018
Loved this book
This book does indeed have some intense sexual situations, but it’s not overly sexual. I was intrigued with Crystal’s mental gift and am excited to read the second book so I can find out how she deals with her enemy Jack and her mentor Shira. Why does their mentor/student relationship turn into something else? Will Luke ever remember her? Is there a future for them?
This book does indeed have some intense sexual situations, but it’s not overly sexual. I was intrigued with Crystal’s mental gift and am excited to read the second book so I can find out how she deals with her enemy Jack and her mentor Shira. Why does their mentor/student relationship turn into something else? Will Luke ever remember her? Is there a future for them?
November 16, 2023
Slow build up with no finish
This was an interesting concept. I would have liked to have seen it go a lot further. I have a lot of unanswered questions about a lot of aspects of the story line. The build up was a bit of a let down. The steam wasn't all that steamy, more luke warm for the most part.
This was an interesting concept. I would have liked to have seen it go a lot further. I have a lot of unanswered questions about a lot of aspects of the story line. The build up was a bit of a let down. The steam wasn't all that steamy, more luke warm for the most part.
December 30, 2018
Wow!
I have never read a PR that took where this book takes you! Reality in a dream that is a dream that is reality! Awesome reading! It was a freebie and a short read. Looking forward to Book 2! I am a bonafide fan!❤️🤗❤️
I have never read a PR that took where this book takes you! Reality in a dream that is a dream that is reality! Awesome reading! It was a freebie and a short read. Looking forward to Book 2! I am a bonafide fan!❤️🤗❤️
April 5, 2015
First off, from the description, you don’t get to know a whole lot about the book. That right there is a fail in my book. I want to at least know who I’m reading about. All I get are a bunch of pronouns and a crisis.
Crystal is a witch, only she doesn’t know it. I would go so far as to suggest she is an empath (clairsentient ) and she doesn’t understand what, why, or how. Only from a very tender age of thirteen she discovers she can feel physically the thoughts of others. I don’t want to go into more detail here because it would spoil the book.
In part one of the book, Crystal experiences something with the young man she has fallen in love with. This experience forces her to move away a one horse town in Texas in which she takes a job at a bar and lives with a married couple in return for some work around the house and a small monthly rent. It works for her. Nobody knows her or her issues.
At least that is what she is led to believe. She has conversations with this man, Jack, never knowing the truth that he hides; never understanding the truth of herself. It is only when she ‘calls’ a demon hunter that she realizes, slowly, the type of danger she is in.
So far, I must admit, I am really intrigued by the premise of this story. The author writes vivid details from the very first page. Yeah, maybe there are some words that didn’t sit well with me but I could look beyond them with all the action and imagery going on in the scenes. Whoah!
Part Two of this book goes a little slower. It gets into the history and teaching of witches. We see little action, but enough to keep the fingers turning the page. It ends, obviously on a cliffhanger, of sadness, but also of hope. This author writes well enough to lead me into book two. It is one I’ll invest in and so for that it gets an automatic 4. I am going to slide into rating it a 5 because it has every solid element I look for in a novel.
The characters are vivid and entertaining. The storyline is unique and that it carries the plot of witches are, for me, a rarity. I normally don’t relish my time being entertained by stories of witches and demon hunters but this author wrote fabulously.
My final verdict: 5 out of 5
For more book reviews: www.drowninginwords.com
Crystal is a witch, only she doesn’t know it. I would go so far as to suggest she is an empath (clairsentient ) and she doesn’t understand what, why, or how. Only from a very tender age of thirteen she discovers she can feel physically the thoughts of others. I don’t want to go into more detail here because it would spoil the book.
In part one of the book, Crystal experiences something with the young man she has fallen in love with. This experience forces her to move away a one horse town in Texas in which she takes a job at a bar and lives with a married couple in return for some work around the house and a small monthly rent. It works for her. Nobody knows her or her issues.
At least that is what she is led to believe. She has conversations with this man, Jack, never knowing the truth that he hides; never understanding the truth of herself. It is only when she ‘calls’ a demon hunter that she realizes, slowly, the type of danger she is in.
So far, I must admit, I am really intrigued by the premise of this story. The author writes vivid details from the very first page. Yeah, maybe there are some words that didn’t sit well with me but I could look beyond them with all the action and imagery going on in the scenes. Whoah!
Part Two of this book goes a little slower. It gets into the history and teaching of witches. We see little action, but enough to keep the fingers turning the page. It ends, obviously on a cliffhanger, of sadness, but also of hope. This author writes well enough to lead me into book two. It is one I’ll invest in and so for that it gets an automatic 4. I am going to slide into rating it a 5 because it has every solid element I look for in a novel.
The characters are vivid and entertaining. The storyline is unique and that it carries the plot of witches are, for me, a rarity. I normally don’t relish my time being entertained by stories of witches and demon hunters but this author wrote fabulously.
My final verdict: 5 out of 5
For more book reviews: www.drowninginwords.com
December 21, 2015
This story was a different kind of 'witchy' tale than what I've read in the past. It contains a few different supernatural creatures such as witches, demons, hunters etc. But the action and magic mostly happen within their dreams. In this case Crystal our witch is in danger from a demon named Jack, who will do whatever he can to drain her power and bring her over to the dark side.
At times I found this a little mind-boggling mainly because if I had put the book down for a short time and then came back to it, I had to back track to remember whether or not a particular part of the story was in the dreamscape or real life. The story switches back and forth between the two constantly.
There is not a strong amount of romantic emotions in this one as I had expected but there is certainly no lack of lust. Crystal has fallen for her hunter/protector - Luke who appears in her dreams, particularly when she's in danger. As she is a witch, she remembers her dreams when she wakes up and is determined to find this man with the help of another witch who also helps her to learn the full extent of her powers. The only problem is that Luke will wake from his dreams and not remember a thing. However things begin to change over the course of the series and the story grows much more interesting.
There are some very sexy times and some very graphic violence in this series. The romance and sexy times are not that often but you can certainly feel the emotions between Crystal and Luke in the moment.
The series has plenty of drama in particular between witches as they don't work very well together, despite the efforts and suggestions that they would be stronger if they did work together.
I enjoy Rachel's writing style, and I liked that this tale was very different to others in this genre that I've read. Her development of Crystal, whilst not a huge difference from the start to the finish, her witchcraft certainly progressed nicely.
Overall, an interesting series that certainly holds your attention and gives you something a little different in the paranormal romance genre.
4 stars!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book
Sharon's Book Nook!
At times I found this a little mind-boggling mainly because if I had put the book down for a short time and then came back to it, I had to back track to remember whether or not a particular part of the story was in the dreamscape or real life. The story switches back and forth between the two constantly.
There is not a strong amount of romantic emotions in this one as I had expected but there is certainly no lack of lust. Crystal has fallen for her hunter/protector - Luke who appears in her dreams, particularly when she's in danger. As she is a witch, she remembers her dreams when she wakes up and is determined to find this man with the help of another witch who also helps her to learn the full extent of her powers. The only problem is that Luke will wake from his dreams and not remember a thing. However things begin to change over the course of the series and the story grows much more interesting.
There are some very sexy times and some very graphic violence in this series. The romance and sexy times are not that often but you can certainly feel the emotions between Crystal and Luke in the moment.
The series has plenty of drama in particular between witches as they don't work very well together, despite the efforts and suggestions that they would be stronger if they did work together.
I enjoy Rachel's writing style, and I liked that this tale was very different to others in this genre that I've read. Her development of Crystal, whilst not a huge difference from the start to the finish, her witchcraft certainly progressed nicely.
Overall, an interesting series that certainly holds your attention and gives you something a little different in the paranormal romance genre.
4 stars!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book
Sharon's Book Nook!
July 2, 2015
Dunning has given readers a different experience in her first book to this paranormal series. She has taken Star crossed lovers and melted them into something new.
A hunter and a witch...lost to each other in reality but desperate for each other in a dream world witches create. Hunters born to protect witches from demons live two lives. One as hunter remembering only in the dream worlds about the witches and demons. Their other life is spent ignorant of everything unable to remember in reality until Luke meets her...
I'd like to take a moment to say I rate stars on a scale of pleasure reading.
5 stars means completely engrossed nothing could make it much better and I couldn't put it down.
4 stars means I got involved with character's and had many times been engrossed in the story...but could put it down.
3 stars means I was entertained by the story and characters. I managed to get involved in some areas of the story. The book could be put down but is still commendable to my friends and family.
I quite enjoyed the unique story. The romance between the main character and her dream lover involved me deeply enough I rooted for them.
The plot itself has a lot going for it. The witch learns of her powers and her real enemy happens to be someone she trusted...but his demon nature betrays everything and she's forced to save herself or die...
The one thing that truly dropped this story down to a 3 star rating was the amount of telling in the story. Yes many of the important parts of the story were shown and quite well.
But the rest had a lot of summarizing telling the reader about it but not letting the reader immerse fully with the main character.
If you enjoy paranormal romance and want a new twist on an old idea...pick this book up. It was a pleasurable read.
A hunter and a witch...lost to each other in reality but desperate for each other in a dream world witches create. Hunters born to protect witches from demons live two lives. One as hunter remembering only in the dream worlds about the witches and demons. Their other life is spent ignorant of everything unable to remember in reality until Luke meets her...
I'd like to take a moment to say I rate stars on a scale of pleasure reading.
5 stars means completely engrossed nothing could make it much better and I couldn't put it down.
4 stars means I got involved with character's and had many times been engrossed in the story...but could put it down.
3 stars means I was entertained by the story and characters. I managed to get involved in some areas of the story. The book could be put down but is still commendable to my friends and family.
I quite enjoyed the unique story. The romance between the main character and her dream lover involved me deeply enough I rooted for them.
The plot itself has a lot going for it. The witch learns of her powers and her real enemy happens to be someone she trusted...but his demon nature betrays everything and she's forced to save herself or die...
The one thing that truly dropped this story down to a 3 star rating was the amount of telling in the story. Yes many of the important parts of the story were shown and quite well.
But the rest had a lot of summarizing telling the reader about it but not letting the reader immerse fully with the main character.
If you enjoy paranormal romance and want a new twist on an old idea...pick this book up. It was a pleasurable read.
July 15, 2019
Unique and forbidden tale. with a tad of slowburn and young adult.
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July 20, 2015
Unfortunately, this has made it on to my "started, but not finished," shelf.
I liked the idea of it - the worlds inside Crystal's mind, the fact she's a witch, the very hot sounding Hunter, Luke.
in reality, I'm a little bit bored. There's a LOT of back-story right there at the beginning. As I was reading it, I found myself skipping through thinking, "yep, uh-huh, yep... when does the story start?" If it's important, then weave it into the story. If it's not, leave it out.
The book is billed as a "dark, erotic, paranormal romance." It has witches and demons, and hunters, which can be seen as dark.. I suppose.. but they're certainly not terrifying. Erotic? Not really. A few choice words here and there do not an erotic story make. So far, nearly a third/half way through, we've had next to no sex and very little romance.
I'm also bothered by the writer's style. She seems to jump from past to present tense and then back again within the same chapter, sometimes within the same paragraph. Sometimes that works.. unfortunately I found it jarring.
Great concept, just not, in my opinion, very well executed. I'm afraid I found myself bored and have stopped reading.
I liked the idea of it - the worlds inside Crystal's mind, the fact she's a witch, the very hot sounding Hunter, Luke.
in reality, I'm a little bit bored. There's a LOT of back-story right there at the beginning. As I was reading it, I found myself skipping through thinking, "yep, uh-huh, yep... when does the story start?" If it's important, then weave it into the story. If it's not, leave it out.
The book is billed as a "dark, erotic, paranormal romance." It has witches and demons, and hunters, which can be seen as dark.. I suppose.. but they're certainly not terrifying. Erotic? Not really. A few choice words here and there do not an erotic story make. So far, nearly a third/half way through, we've had next to no sex and very little romance.
I'm also bothered by the writer's style. She seems to jump from past to present tense and then back again within the same chapter, sometimes within the same paragraph. Sometimes that works.. unfortunately I found it jarring.
Great concept, just not, in my opinion, very well executed. I'm afraid I found myself bored and have stopped reading.
May 29, 2015
New and exciting
What a great ride. Very imaginative world building. I have read about 40books this year and this was in the top 5. All of my senses were engaged. I would have preferred more explicit sex. But what I enjoyed the most was how emotionally involved with each of the lead characters I became. Very satisfying and I am fully invested for any and all sequels that may come. This was a free read, and I'm so happy because I can't wait to read all Ms. Dunning's work.
Thank you for the gift.
Your newest fan.
What a great ride. Very imaginative world building. I have read about 40books this year and this was in the top 5. All of my senses were engaged. I would have preferred more explicit sex. But what I enjoyed the most was how emotionally involved with each of the lead characters I became. Very satisfying and I am fully invested for any and all sequels that may come. This was a free read, and I'm so happy because I can't wait to read all Ms. Dunning's work.
Thank you for the gift.
Your newest fan.
May 25, 2015
This is an intriguing story of witches and demons.
The author feeds you bits of information without making it obvious of where the story is heading therefore keeping you interested and intrigued.
There is no cliff hanger but it does end on Crystal having gained some important information as to who she is ....... You will want to read book 2
The author feeds you bits of information without making it obvious of where the story is heading therefore keeping you interested and intrigued.
There is no cliff hanger but it does end on Crystal having gained some important information as to who she is ....... You will want to read book 2
April 6, 2015
Wow
This sucked me in and then bam it was over! I need to finish this review so I can go get the second book and finish the story, this is awesome!
This sucked me in and then bam it was over! I need to finish this review so I can go get the second book and finish the story, this is awesome!
April 20, 2015
Is a great book to read
May 29, 2016
The story was fine, just wasn't what I expected or wanted to read at the time.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 19 reviews