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The Vision Series #1
A Good Game
It’s a life based on deception.
Freedom is simply an illusion.
Each person is a slave to Vision.
Trent’s dirty past threatens to steal any chance at happiness for the woman he loves and he must decide how far he is willing to go to protect her. As Charlotte watches him struggle she is faced with the question of who he really is and whether or not she can forgive him. In this world nothing is as it seems.
“Don’t come back, I’m begging you. I’ve only got so much time before they figure out what to do with me and I don’t want to waste it playing games with you.”
“This isn’t a game,” she declared.
“Then don’t act like it is. Just go. You showed your hand and you lost,” he proclaimed calmly.
“And what was your hand?” she asked defensively.
He cocked his head. “I never showed it.”
She pulled the sheet closer around her body. “Is this you winning?”
“No.” He shook his head. “We both lost.”
**Book intended for mature readers only due to graphic content, abuse, and strong language**
Freedom is simply an illusion.
Each person is a slave to Vision.
Trent’s dirty past threatens to steal any chance at happiness for the woman he loves and he must decide how far he is willing to go to protect her. As Charlotte watches him struggle she is faced with the question of who he really is and whether or not she can forgive him. In this world nothing is as it seems.
“Don’t come back, I’m begging you. I’ve only got so much time before they figure out what to do with me and I don’t want to waste it playing games with you.”
“This isn’t a game,” she declared.
“Then don’t act like it is. Just go. You showed your hand and you lost,” he proclaimed calmly.
“And what was your hand?” she asked defensively.
He cocked his head. “I never showed it.”
She pulled the sheet closer around her body. “Is this you winning?”
“No.” He shook his head. “We both lost.”
**Book intended for mature readers only due to graphic content, abuse, and strong language**
- GenresRomance
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2015
3 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 23, 2017
The Goodreads group Shut Up & Read (Read It & Reap) provided a copy of the ePub in exchange for an honest review.
Charlotte or Charlie is clearly living in a world where personal freedom has been restricted and often eliminated. She is a dynamic and bright personality that challenges her boarding school instructors. Her determination isolates her permanently. When Trent enters her room everything changes. Their connection is immediate and their path is forever altered. Their journey is dangerous and unpredictable.
A Good Game is an original read by D. D. Shaw. The story moves quickly with so many twists, turns and unexpected revelations. The author has created a world that suppresses independent thinking. Charlie and Trent’s many secrets are painful. The characters have strong and identifiable voices. The setting is meticulously written as their environment comes alive for the reader. Charlie and Trent’s journey is far from over. Looking forward to the next instalment in The Vision Series.
Charlotte or Charlie is clearly living in a world where personal freedom has been restricted and often eliminated. She is a dynamic and bright personality that challenges her boarding school instructors. Her determination isolates her permanently. When Trent enters her room everything changes. Their connection is immediate and their path is forever altered. Their journey is dangerous and unpredictable.
A Good Game is an original read by D. D. Shaw. The story moves quickly with so many twists, turns and unexpected revelations. The author has created a world that suppresses independent thinking. Charlie and Trent’s many secrets are painful. The characters have strong and identifiable voices. The setting is meticulously written as their environment comes alive for the reader. Charlie and Trent’s journey is far from over. Looking forward to the next instalment in The Vision Series.
February 6, 2017
5/5 Stars (But I would give it much higher if I could!)
So this has got to be one of the most enrapturing books I’ve read in a long time. This story begins with a very Rapunzel-like theme in which the story’s heroine, Charlotte, is locked in an attic as punishment for her rebellious attitude at her finishing school. Charlotte prefers the attic because it’s the only place that gives her a look at the world outside. It’s this very view that changes her life in the form of a stud named Trent. When he wanders up to Charlotte’s window one night, she doesn’t know what to think. From there the relationship between them grows and becomes an intricate web of pain, love, and the growing realization that no matter what their lives throw at them, they can get through it together. I loved the mystery behind the story, the idea of Vision and the way that they control the fate of the people they save. This idea reminded me of “Big Brother” from George Orwell’s 1984 which thoroughly drew me into the story.
This book had a little bit of something for everyone—thriller, action, suspense, romance, psychological, and sci-fi. The characters were so well fleshed out and the development of both Charlotte and Trent is staggering throughout the book. The author did a fantastic job of bringing this story together and I can’t wait to see what the next book in the series has to offer!
So this has got to be one of the most enrapturing books I’ve read in a long time. This story begins with a very Rapunzel-like theme in which the story’s heroine, Charlotte, is locked in an attic as punishment for her rebellious attitude at her finishing school. Charlotte prefers the attic because it’s the only place that gives her a look at the world outside. It’s this very view that changes her life in the form of a stud named Trent. When he wanders up to Charlotte’s window one night, she doesn’t know what to think. From there the relationship between them grows and becomes an intricate web of pain, love, and the growing realization that no matter what their lives throw at them, they can get through it together. I loved the mystery behind the story, the idea of Vision and the way that they control the fate of the people they save. This idea reminded me of “Big Brother” from George Orwell’s 1984 which thoroughly drew me into the story.
This book had a little bit of something for everyone—thriller, action, suspense, romance, psychological, and sci-fi. The characters were so well fleshed out and the development of both Charlotte and Trent is staggering throughout the book. The author did a fantastic job of bringing this story together and I can’t wait to see what the next book in the series has to offer!
April 3, 2017
"I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book." Wholly sugar waffles batman! This was a hell of a book that I thoroughly enjoyed! Trent to me represents most people who unknowingly have destructive behavior and have repressed all memories of why. Charlie is just an unsuspecting innocent girl that gets pulled by her heart strings into a situation far beyond what she can imagine. This a great story so worth every page read!
March 12, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was a unique plot and it was an enjoyable read. I found Charlotte easily manipulated and felt angry with Trent for some of his decisions. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book.
September 6, 2016
A total mind boggler. Nothing for the lover of straight - laced romance stories.. More like a Scandinavian filme d'auteur with shattered lives and personalities. The story is mainly carried through dialogue, leaving the reader clueless for pages what is going on until one sentence clears up the mystery, but only to head for the next mindfuck (excuse the language) one sentence later on. You might think at several points of the plot :now you know who is on whose side, but rest assured - it is all different. The book is full of contradictions just like its characters. My personal rating system failed me on this one. Usually I look at the originality of the plot, the consistency and development of the characters as the story unfolds, the language/quality of the editing. Apart from the last category which was a good 4* for very few typos and syntax errors I was lost with the others. Maybe I'm too dumb to understand the plot, but the author seemed to make it his/her personal aim to twist it thoroughly each time I thought now I understand. And the characters are so twisted, too. The only predictable reactions come from Charlotte, who is romantically in love with Trent, whose personality has been all but destroyed by abuse and rejection in his past. Development? No, he just kept shedding layers of his character and turned more and more inhuman with each other onion skin flaking off leaving the reader with stinging eyes. Summa Summarum : a highly disturbing artful book, definitely not a romance and a bitter tasting end that leaves you questioning the reality of happiness. Depending on my state of mood it could be anything from 1to 4stars. Being thankful for the free copy I received I shall opt for the 4.
March 15, 2018
-I received this book from Reader's Favorite. Below is my honest review.
A Good Game, by D.D Shaw, is about overcoming personal struggles and finding comfort in the freedom love offers.
Charlotte is a twenty-year old woman who longs to see the world. One night, she meets a young man who, while rough around the edges, she can’t help but be drawn in by. Before long however, she is thrown into a world filled with deception, technology, and possibilities, a world that attracts both her curiosity and horror. Trent, on the other hand, works for a foreboding company known as Vision. After being sexually abused over and over again, he meets woman whom will become yet another pawn for Vision. As time goes on, the eventually fall in love with each other, only to realize that it might just be too late. Shaw weaves a romantic tale where love isn’t limited by boundaries and, despite all our struggles, we can still earn our happy ends, regardless of how much suffering we’re put through.
The characters were enjoyable to read about. Charlotte was written in a way that made her fiery, despite her being incredibly condescending at times. I liked how she was humbled, not just by the maids, but by everyone around her. What’s more, when she realized the truth of what was happening, I was proud that she stood up for herself, despite making a few strange, if risky, choices along the way. Trent, meanwhile, appeared to be just another typical bad boy heartbreaker. However, as the story continued on, and I got to know him more and more, I realized how screwed up his life is. He’s enslaved by his family legacy, and his being taken advantaged of over and over again. Even so, he manages to find the strength to love Charlotte. I liked watching their relationship blossom, and though it was an interesting way to embrace both the past and present.
The theme was much darker than I’d anticipated. Sexual abuse and emotional neglect were prevalent in the story, whether it be from Trent’s own past, or even Charlotte’s experiences at her boarding school. In spite of the pressures of family and work and even an obsessed stalker endeavoring to separate them, the couple still made it through somehow. It denotes that love really can make you stronger, that having that support system will help you overcome anything life throws your way. It was inspiring, to be honest.
Still, there were a couple of things that didn’t sit well with me in this book. For example, Trent just decided to have sex with Charlotte right there, even with everyone watching. It was an immature decision on her part, mainly because she could’ve forced him off, and that clearly Trent didn’t need sex right then. I was also a bit confused in the beginning. Charlotte could’ve called for help, since, of course, there was a strange man in her room who admitted to practically watching her, and she didn’t do anything. She was flattered, more often than not. And it didn’t sit well with me; at the very least I would’ve expected her to put up more of a fight.
Overall, the book was a good read. The interesting plot line, flawed characters, and their subsequent development made the story all the more fascinating. What’s more, it dove into issues not a lot of fiction books would explore, and was something that Shaw did well. There were some aspects of Charlotte’s and Trent’s relationship that didn’t make sense, but other than that, I liked it well enough. As such, I would give this book a rating of a 3.5 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to fans of The Girl of Glass by Megan O’ Russell and The City of Dreams by Hailey Griffiths.
A Good Game, by D.D Shaw, is about overcoming personal struggles and finding comfort in the freedom love offers.
Charlotte is a twenty-year old woman who longs to see the world. One night, she meets a young man who, while rough around the edges, she can’t help but be drawn in by. Before long however, she is thrown into a world filled with deception, technology, and possibilities, a world that attracts both her curiosity and horror. Trent, on the other hand, works for a foreboding company known as Vision. After being sexually abused over and over again, he meets woman whom will become yet another pawn for Vision. As time goes on, the eventually fall in love with each other, only to realize that it might just be too late. Shaw weaves a romantic tale where love isn’t limited by boundaries and, despite all our struggles, we can still earn our happy ends, regardless of how much suffering we’re put through.
The characters were enjoyable to read about. Charlotte was written in a way that made her fiery, despite her being incredibly condescending at times. I liked how she was humbled, not just by the maids, but by everyone around her. What’s more, when she realized the truth of what was happening, I was proud that she stood up for herself, despite making a few strange, if risky, choices along the way. Trent, meanwhile, appeared to be just another typical bad boy heartbreaker. However, as the story continued on, and I got to know him more and more, I realized how screwed up his life is. He’s enslaved by his family legacy, and his being taken advantaged of over and over again. Even so, he manages to find the strength to love Charlotte. I liked watching their relationship blossom, and though it was an interesting way to embrace both the past and present.
The theme was much darker than I’d anticipated. Sexual abuse and emotional neglect were prevalent in the story, whether it be from Trent’s own past, or even Charlotte’s experiences at her boarding school. In spite of the pressures of family and work and even an obsessed stalker endeavoring to separate them, the couple still made it through somehow. It denotes that love really can make you stronger, that having that support system will help you overcome anything life throws your way. It was inspiring, to be honest.
Still, there were a couple of things that didn’t sit well with me in this book. For example, Trent just decided to have sex with Charlotte right there, even with everyone watching. It was an immature decision on her part, mainly because she could’ve forced him off, and that clearly Trent didn’t need sex right then. I was also a bit confused in the beginning. Charlotte could’ve called for help, since, of course, there was a strange man in her room who admitted to practically watching her, and she didn’t do anything. She was flattered, more often than not. And it didn’t sit well with me; at the very least I would’ve expected her to put up more of a fight.
Overall, the book was a good read. The interesting plot line, flawed characters, and their subsequent development made the story all the more fascinating. What’s more, it dove into issues not a lot of fiction books would explore, and was something that Shaw did well. There were some aspects of Charlotte’s and Trent’s relationship that didn’t make sense, but other than that, I liked it well enough. As such, I would give this book a rating of a 3.5 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to fans of The Girl of Glass by Megan O’ Russell and The City of Dreams by Hailey Griffiths.
April 10, 2018
This well-written story was intriguing from the start and I wasn't sure where it was leading...certainly mysterious. It was a mix of fantasy, science-fiction and romance, and though I don't like explicit sex scenes, the plot and mystery compelled me to read on (I skipped through the scenes I didn't want to read). Its beginning was not its end and that was very clever - great twists, turns and surprises.
I loved the idea of the portal and cringed at the idea of Vision and their grasp on power. I was horrified about the 'skips' and their utilisation (no spoilers).
The characters were developed, and will probably continue to do so as the series moves on, although, I did find that Charlie was amazingly quick to assimilate to the sudden changes. I could only suppose that to be her nature, which was further explained later in the story.
It was also very sad in places, despite the supposed illusions, and it tackles such issues as abuse, control and obsession very well.
Overall, an excellent read, despite my preference, and I didn't think it fair to mark it down because of it. So, I recommend this book to those who like something different and mysterious with the promise of more.
I loved the idea of the portal and cringed at the idea of Vision and their grasp on power. I was horrified about the 'skips' and their utilisation (no spoilers).
The characters were developed, and will probably continue to do so as the series moves on, although, I did find that Charlie was amazingly quick to assimilate to the sudden changes. I could only suppose that to be her nature, which was further explained later in the story.
It was also very sad in places, despite the supposed illusions, and it tackles such issues as abuse, control and obsession very well.
Overall, an excellent read, despite my preference, and I didn't think it fair to mark it down because of it. So, I recommend this book to those who like something different and mysterious with the promise of more.
May 25, 2018
Plenty of twists and turns
This is a story that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. The first few paragraphs give a glimpse into the sci-fi nature of the book. Then the reader is introduced to Charlotte, a young woman living a sheltered life in a very strict, all-female boarding school. Intelligent and strong-willed, Charlotte is often banished to the one room in the house where she has access to the outside.
It is through that access that we are introduced to Trent, an incredibly handsome and mysterious young man who introduces Charlotte to a world she’s never imagined. As Charlotte and Trent’s relationship develops, it is one of love, lust … pain and unimaginable surprises.
Mystery, romance, sex, and intrigue are all included in this hard-to-put-down novel. The few editing errors were relatively minor and did not take away from the story. I enjoyed it very much!
This is a story that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. The first few paragraphs give a glimpse into the sci-fi nature of the book. Then the reader is introduced to Charlotte, a young woman living a sheltered life in a very strict, all-female boarding school. Intelligent and strong-willed, Charlotte is often banished to the one room in the house where she has access to the outside.
It is through that access that we are introduced to Trent, an incredibly handsome and mysterious young man who introduces Charlotte to a world she’s never imagined. As Charlotte and Trent’s relationship develops, it is one of love, lust … pain and unimaginable surprises.
Mystery, romance, sex, and intrigue are all included in this hard-to-put-down novel. The few editing errors were relatively minor and did not take away from the story. I enjoyed it very much!
January 29, 2017
Everyone should read this book, it is amazing! I have built a love-hate relationship with Trent. He is an amazing character and it is so sweet how careful he is for his daughter. In the beginning I had no idea how to think of him. He is gentle and then he is a pain in the ass. Normally I am not a fan of multiple versions of the story because I can't really follow the story then. But with a good game I liked it a lot with the different perspectives! Which is a huge thing for me because English is not my mothers language. To talk about Charlie, that girl is amazing! She fights for what she loves. She nevers gives up! I loved it! So everyone go read it!! Dear, D.D. Shaw, you did an amazing job with this book, I can't wait to read Miss you already!
June 6, 2018
The story of Charlotte and Trent starts very sweet and innocent. I definitely did not expect the turn it takes. The author masterfully spins a tale of dealing with trauma and abuse in such detail I’m honestly surprised this is not on the bestsellers lists. It’s not a pretty tale of a perfect life. It’s raw, twisted, unapologetic; realistic to a point that will make you shiver many times while turning pages marveling at the twists and turns coming faster than you can track them. An amazing plot and unexpected subplot in the story just before the end left me wanting to pick up the next book the second I finished reading. This is a psychological thriller/mystery that I definitely highly recommend!
March 8, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am really struggling with my rating on this book. The first half was excellent. I loved the plotline, the time travel elements and how it kept me guessing. The characters were interesting and I had high hopes for the book. Once it hit the halfway mark though, it quickly took a turn for the worst. The plot became difficult to follow and I was bored for most of it. I found myself rolling my eyes for most of the drama and I just could not connect with the last half of the book.
The first part of the book would easily be a 4 star book, but the second part would left me wanting to give it 2 stars. I am going to give it 3 stars to even it out.
I am really struggling with my rating on this book. The first half was excellent. I loved the plotline, the time travel elements and how it kept me guessing. The characters were interesting and I had high hopes for the book. Once it hit the halfway mark though, it quickly took a turn for the worst. The plot became difficult to follow and I was bored for most of it. I found myself rolling my eyes for most of the drama and I just could not connect with the last half of the book.
The first part of the book would easily be a 4 star book, but the second part would left me wanting to give it 2 stars. I am going to give it 3 stars to even it out.
February 14, 2017
Wow! This was a book full of surprises. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, there was a new twist in the plot that changed it all. I must say that I enjoyed reading this immensely.
If I were to compare this to another book, I'd say that A Good Game is like a hi-tech version of The Outlander. And that's all I'm gonna say about that because I don't wanna spoil the story in any way.
Charlotte is in a boarding school, studying and preparing for a marriage. Or that's what she thinks. Learning new things is exciting and she excelled in her studies. Submitting to the strict house rules is more difficult for the intelligent and opinionated young woman.
One night she encounters a handsome stranger. Trent. Charlotte fears that she'll never experience love and that fear makes her give into him. On multiple occasions. There are consequences and until it's too late to regret anything, she's fallen for him.
When the reality hits Charlie and she finds out the truth... she has no choice but to obey those in command. And soon she realizes, that there never were any choices to make. Everything has been laid out to her long time ago. There's a game going on. The world is the board and her moves are decided by others.
This was an amazing novel that rendered me speechless. D.D. Shaw has written a book that has romance, sizzling hot love, lies, betrayal, elements of sci-fi... you name it and it's probably there. Besides all that, A Good Game is also a raw depiction of human nature, what we are willing to do to survive and save our own lives. What some of us are ready to sacrifice to reach their goals and fulfill their dreams.
Beautifully composed together, the story flows effortlessly and keeps the readers on their toes the whole time. If you want a thrilling reading experience, I recommend A Good Game!
If I were to compare this to another book, I'd say that A Good Game is like a hi-tech version of The Outlander. And that's all I'm gonna say about that because I don't wanna spoil the story in any way.
Charlotte is in a boarding school, studying and preparing for a marriage. Or that's what she thinks. Learning new things is exciting and she excelled in her studies. Submitting to the strict house rules is more difficult for the intelligent and opinionated young woman.
One night she encounters a handsome stranger. Trent. Charlotte fears that she'll never experience love and that fear makes her give into him. On multiple occasions. There are consequences and until it's too late to regret anything, she's fallen for him.
When the reality hits Charlie and she finds out the truth... she has no choice but to obey those in command. And soon she realizes, that there never were any choices to make. Everything has been laid out to her long time ago. There's a game going on. The world is the board and her moves are decided by others.
This was an amazing novel that rendered me speechless. D.D. Shaw has written a book that has romance, sizzling hot love, lies, betrayal, elements of sci-fi... you name it and it's probably there. Besides all that, A Good Game is also a raw depiction of human nature, what we are willing to do to survive and save our own lives. What some of us are ready to sacrifice to reach their goals and fulfill their dreams.
Beautifully composed together, the story flows effortlessly and keeps the readers on their toes the whole time. If you want a thrilling reading experience, I recommend A Good Game!
November 3, 2016
This book really leaves me confused. It's. good read and has a lot going for it. But it's one huge riddle that I can't figure out.
December 30, 2016
This was a complex, confusing yet interesting book to read. The Preface itself says this book will be different, it just does not give you a clue of how different. The story begins as most stories start in its present day, in this case 1800s, girl meets boy and falls in love, through a variety of surreptitious meetings. Then the very artful twists to the story begin. From that point on, you do not want to put the book down. The pace of the book moves quickly, but do not think you have resolved the plot of the story. Not happening! It keeps you going until the last page. This is not your "normal" romance book. It is definitely different. I was fascinated that Ms. Shaw's debut book was so skilfully done. Hat's off to her. There are some very minor editing errors, but they in no way impede the reader, and many will not even notice. I cannot wait to read Book 2. Rating this was difficult. Based on my personal scale, I am giving it a 4.
December 13, 2015
Charlie is a young woman whose world is extremely narrow with little to recommend itself. One dark nite she happens to see Trent sauntering across her back yard. In speaking to him her world will change and open a new existence for her. There are lots of twists and turns in this book. I enjoyed the development of the characters. To tell the truth, I am rarely surprised by a story but this one did have enough of the unknown that I read the book in 2 days. Just when I thought the ending might not have a gotcha ending...oh-oh! I can hardly wait for the next book! I DO recommend this book. Thank you Ms. Shaw.
August 16, 2016
Wow, just wow!
I was a little confused at the beginning but as the story progressed, it opened up to so much more than I ever could have imagined. Charlie was never afraid of Trent when he showed up outside her window, she didn't question his sanity when he talked to her. She always wanted more information about where he came from.
I am just going to say, read this one if you like a story to keep you guessing because if I say more it will spoil it for you. This is a first for me from D.D. Shaw and I really enjoyed it and hope there will be more .
** I was contacted by the author to read her book and I was glad to have read it**
I was a little confused at the beginning but as the story progressed, it opened up to so much more than I ever could have imagined. Charlie was never afraid of Trent when he showed up outside her window, she didn't question his sanity when he talked to her. She always wanted more information about where he came from.
I am just going to say, read this one if you like a story to keep you guessing because if I say more it will spoil it for you. This is a first for me from D.D. Shaw and I really enjoyed it and hope there will be more .
** I was contacted by the author to read her book and I was glad to have read it**
November 27, 2016
This is a tough one for me to review... I thought the time travel element was excellent - well thought out, interesting and I certainly want to know more about Vision and the portal. However, I'm not a fan of reading very erotic/graphic sex and boy was there a lot in here! Having said that it is well written and not at all repetitive which I was impressed by, it's just not my scene.
I will read book two as I do want to know what happens to the main characters and there are lots of story lines yet to be resolved, but I will need a break first to let my core temperature return to normal...
I will read book two as I do want to know what happens to the main characters and there are lots of story lines yet to be resolved, but I will need a break first to let my core temperature return to normal...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2016
Wow
This is the first book read by this author. She writes raw, emotional, heart-wrenching stories. This is an awesome book! She will have you bawling by the page! 5 Stars!
This is the first book read by this author. She writes raw, emotional, heart-wrenching stories. This is an awesome book! She will have you bawling by the page! 5 Stars!
January 19, 2017
A nice read that takes you on a ride from beginning to end. Some pacing issues and confusion took me out of parts though. Still a good book.
April 13, 2017
A must read unique story I could not put down. Trent and Charlotte, great characters that kept me engaged. Great job DD.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews