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The Game Players #2
Strength in Numbers
They’re back! In their first adventure, Marc Julian, software billionaire, and Jesse Winchester, hacker extraordinaire, survived the evil plans of the Krom brothers and Jesse’s first lover, Chip. But Jesse has old debts to pay to Russian gangster Leonid Ivanov. Now Leonid is calling in those debts, demanding that Jesse find a great treasure for him, and a new game is set in motion…
The mysterious “Satoshi,” creator of the cybercurrency Bitcoin, has been hiding $375 million worth of the currency for years. But now, he has chosen to start a quest for the keys to the Hoard, and he who controls the keys controls the fortune. And this will be a quest that will test the strength, the will, and the character of those who pursue it.
But Marc and Jesse aren’t the only ones on the hunt, as old enemies resurface to try and beat them to the treasure… And even if they reach it first, they must ask themselves – do they really want to give a Russian gangster $375 million to pursue his deadly enterprises? And what would be the consequences if they don’t?
The pursuit will take them from Andorra to Barcelona, through the museums of Tokyo, the streets of Buenos Aires, and the coast of Mexico, in a desperate and dangerous race to keep the fortune in digital gold from the hands of all their enemies…
The mysterious “Satoshi,” creator of the cybercurrency Bitcoin, has been hiding $375 million worth of the currency for years. But now, he has chosen to start a quest for the keys to the Hoard, and he who controls the keys controls the fortune. And this will be a quest that will test the strength, the will, and the character of those who pursue it.
But Marc and Jesse aren’t the only ones on the hunt, as old enemies resurface to try and beat them to the treasure… And even if they reach it first, they must ask themselves – do they really want to give a Russian gangster $375 million to pursue his deadly enterprises? And what would be the consequences if they don’t?
The pursuit will take them from Andorra to Barcelona, through the museums of Tokyo, the streets of Buenos Aires, and the coast of Mexico, in a desperate and dangerous race to keep the fortune in digital gold from the hands of all their enemies…
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2016
11 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Brad Vance
61 books244 followersBrad Vance is the author of over twenty books. He's hard at work on the sequel to Stabitha. Keep up with Brad at BradVanceAuthor.com, or email him at BradVanceAuthor@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 11, 2016
Bitcoins. Cryptography. Satoshi. Haikus. Eidetic Memory. The Hoard. On first glance, digital currency and encrypted data storage and transmission may not seem the most exciting subject for a M/M contemporary romance novel, but …. would I lie to you? .......
…. this book is fantastic. Strength in Numbers is the second book in the Game Players series, and is NOT a standalone, so you’ll need to read the first book in the series (Would I Lie to You?) to get up to speed.
Marc and Jesse find themselves on a quest to find the key to a one million bitcoin “wallet” (worth roughly $375 million) as a favor to Leonid, the enigmatic Russian criminal Jesse knew in prison. Their travels take them to Andorra, Barcelona, Tokyo — as well as a heartbreaking detour to Marc’s boyhood — and along the way they encounter their nemeses Chip and Walt, as well as Ryan. The plot is engrossing and it is a mark of Vance’s mad writing skills that along the way you realize you’ve learned an awful lot about encryption and code breaking, without feeling you’ve gotten a lecture.
Marc and Jesse’s relationship started as a deliciously slow burn between two smokin’ hot MCs, but bursts into flames in this book as they explore their fantasies with some incredibly steamy role playing. (Hello, sailor!) As Jesse ponders at one point — “Few men are happier than the man who’s had three orgasms in one day.” Indeed.
The book moves along at a good pace, and although the ending brings this quest to a very satisfactory conclusion, their adventures continue in the next book in the series “Game Theory.” If you are looking for an intriguing plot, along with two MCs whose kinks and quirks compliment each other in oh so many interesting ways, give the Game Players series a read!
I received an ARC from the author, via GayBook Reviews, in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at GayBook Reviews.
…. this book is fantastic. Strength in Numbers is the second book in the Game Players series, and is NOT a standalone, so you’ll need to read the first book in the series (Would I Lie to You?) to get up to speed.
Marc and Jesse find themselves on a quest to find the key to a one million bitcoin “wallet” (worth roughly $375 million) as a favor to Leonid, the enigmatic Russian criminal Jesse knew in prison. Their travels take them to Andorra, Barcelona, Tokyo — as well as a heartbreaking detour to Marc’s boyhood — and along the way they encounter their nemeses Chip and Walt, as well as Ryan. The plot is engrossing and it is a mark of Vance’s mad writing skills that along the way you realize you’ve learned an awful lot about encryption and code breaking, without feeling you’ve gotten a lecture.
Marc and Jesse’s relationship started as a deliciously slow burn between two smokin’ hot MCs, but bursts into flames in this book as they explore their fantasies with some incredibly steamy role playing. (Hello, sailor!) As Jesse ponders at one point — “Few men are happier than the man who’s had three orgasms in one day.” Indeed.
The book moves along at a good pace, and although the ending brings this quest to a very satisfactory conclusion, their adventures continue in the next book in the series “Game Theory.” If you are looking for an intriguing plot, along with two MCs whose kinks and quirks compliment each other in oh so many interesting ways, give the Game Players series a read!
I received an ARC from the author, via GayBook Reviews, in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at GayBook Reviews.
May 21, 2016
Nice to see the guys again! I love cryptography and treasure hunts so this was a fun read... Heh though I think Jesse and Marc had it too easy. Looking forward to the next.
February 10, 2016
This is the second book in a series, and should be read in order.
4.5 Stars for this M/M romantic thriller/ cyber crime novel.
Marc and Jesse are back in action, together, on the trail of a half-billion in Bitcoin. I am NOT a tech-heavy person. I have little interest in the intrigues of hackers etc, but I really enjoyed this National Treasure-type escapade. Bitcoin is a digital currency that was invented and invested by "Satoshi" whomever that may be. Thing is, Satoshi's Bitcoin is anonymous but fully traceable. It's also a criminal's paradise as it's unregulated and can pay for any good or service from vendors who will accept the digital transfer into their digital wallets. It's an ACTUAL thing IRL, for folks to Google, should they like to. In the book Satoshi maintains a cache of Bitcoin that amounts to a street-value of a half billion dollars. It's destined to end up in the wrong hands unless Marc and Jesse can intercept it.
Problem is, Jesse's honor-bound to retrieve this treasure for a criminal mastermind, Leonid, who assisted him to gain his "early release" three years in on a 35 year sentence. Leonid has recently orchestrated his own release, and he is calling in his marker on Jesse to get him the Bitcoin so he can pay his way back to Russia. Problem is, two bad dudes from the previous book, Chip and Walt, are also on the trail to Satoshi's Hoard.
So, there's a bit of Japanese-inspired cryptography filled with haiku clues and Matrix-style leads. Jetting all over the world, Marc and Jesse uncover the clues in this tech-heavy scavenger hunt. Also, to my great delight, we get to see Jesse and Marc enjoying the passionate side of their partnership. We do have some extended flashback chapters that bring Marc's youthful foray into cryptography and his darker side. That was unexpected, and showed Marc's Avenging Angel mentality in Kodachrome. Expect to be surprised, and to have a bit of sorrow for Marc's loss of a good friend, and a kid who was boxed in to a bad experience.
I was honestly getting riled by Chip and Walt's ability to pretty much turn up whenever there was a clue to be decoded, and then the end happened, and I was really so satisfied! Justice was served cold, and I wasn't even a little sad. I'm a little confused regarding Jesse's status. He had been a fugitive to the US government (aka Snowden) but then he is able to travel at will and not get captured. I think it's because he keeps turning in bigger fishes than himself, but I'm just a little fuzzy on it all.
As for Leonid and the Bitcoin, it's unclear what happens to Leonid, but the Bitcoin is destined to make a difference in a scheme masterminded by Marc and sure to bring wrath upon himself and Jesse. This story ends with an HEA and the promise for further mayhem. To which I say: sign me up. I like these guys and their kinky games and bright minds.
4.5 Stars for this M/M romantic thriller/ cyber crime novel.
Marc and Jesse are back in action, together, on the trail of a half-billion in Bitcoin. I am NOT a tech-heavy person. I have little interest in the intrigues of hackers etc, but I really enjoyed this National Treasure-type escapade. Bitcoin is a digital currency that was invented and invested by "Satoshi" whomever that may be. Thing is, Satoshi's Bitcoin is anonymous but fully traceable. It's also a criminal's paradise as it's unregulated and can pay for any good or service from vendors who will accept the digital transfer into their digital wallets. It's an ACTUAL thing IRL, for folks to Google, should they like to. In the book Satoshi maintains a cache of Bitcoin that amounts to a street-value of a half billion dollars. It's destined to end up in the wrong hands unless Marc and Jesse can intercept it.
Problem is, Jesse's honor-bound to retrieve this treasure for a criminal mastermind, Leonid, who assisted him to gain his "early release" three years in on a 35 year sentence. Leonid has recently orchestrated his own release, and he is calling in his marker on Jesse to get him the Bitcoin so he can pay his way back to Russia. Problem is, two bad dudes from the previous book, Chip and Walt, are also on the trail to Satoshi's Hoard.
So, there's a bit of Japanese-inspired cryptography filled with haiku clues and Matrix-style leads. Jetting all over the world, Marc and Jesse uncover the clues in this tech-heavy scavenger hunt. Also, to my great delight, we get to see Jesse and Marc enjoying the passionate side of their partnership. We do have some extended flashback chapters that bring Marc's youthful foray into cryptography and his darker side. That was unexpected, and showed Marc's Avenging Angel mentality in Kodachrome. Expect to be surprised, and to have a bit of sorrow for Marc's loss of a good friend, and a kid who was boxed in to a bad experience.
I was honestly getting riled by Chip and Walt's ability to pretty much turn up whenever there was a clue to be decoded, and then the end happened, and I was really so satisfied! Justice was served cold, and I wasn't even a little sad. I'm a little confused regarding Jesse's status. He had been a fugitive to the US government (aka Snowden) but then he is able to travel at will and not get captured. I think it's because he keeps turning in bigger fishes than himself, but I'm just a little fuzzy on it all.
As for Leonid and the Bitcoin, it's unclear what happens to Leonid, but the Bitcoin is destined to make a difference in a scheme masterminded by Marc and sure to bring wrath upon himself and Jesse. This story ends with an HEA and the promise for further mayhem. To which I say: sign me up. I like these guys and their kinky games and bright minds.
March 11, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
I loved Jesse and Marc in the first book and I loved them again in this book but I do wish we had been given a little more of their relationship – I was left feeling that although they had been on quite the adventure they hadn’t moved on that much in their personal lives, at least not on page, and it left me feeling as though I had missed out.
Bitcoins. I previously had no experience of them but by the end of the book had learnt quite a lot. Strength in Numbers reads like a fast paced spy novel with lots of very clever twists and turns and some obviously well researched facts. It starts out quite slowly but the pace picks up as the facts are revealed. There are numerous characters, both good and bad, from the previous book and a feeling of danger as the boys are sent on a mission to recover their treasure.
As a sequel this works really well. Jesse and Marc are clever but together they are dynamite and are usually one step ahead of everyone else out to find the treasure. Brad does an amazing job with the intrigue, with making the reader feel tense and for making it feel as though we are along for the ride. It won’t work as a standalone however so before you start make sure you have read Would I Lie to You? which incidentally was one of my favourite books of 2015.
I loved Jesse and Marc in the first book and I loved them again in this book but I do wish we had been given a little more of their relationship – I was left feeling that although they had been on quite the adventure they hadn’t moved on that much in their personal lives, at least not on page, and it left me feeling as though I had missed out.
Bitcoins. I previously had no experience of them but by the end of the book had learnt quite a lot. Strength in Numbers reads like a fast paced spy novel with lots of very clever twists and turns and some obviously well researched facts. It starts out quite slowly but the pace picks up as the facts are revealed. There are numerous characters, both good and bad, from the previous book and a feeling of danger as the boys are sent on a mission to recover their treasure.
As a sequel this works really well. Jesse and Marc are clever but together they are dynamite and are usually one step ahead of everyone else out to find the treasure. Brad does an amazing job with the intrigue, with making the reader feel tense and for making it feel as though we are along for the ride. It won’t work as a standalone however so before you start make sure you have read Would I Lie to You? which incidentally was one of my favourite books of 2015.
February 25, 2016
Jesse and Marc are back! This time it's the mysterious world of Bitcoin. I knew a little about the subject before I started reading, but I know much more now.
Once again Brad Vance has provided the reader with a smart, intriguing, brilliant, mystery laced with erotic sexy scenes. Your time and money could not be better spent than with this dazzling piece of work. The astute Mr. Vance is at the top of my "never miss anything an author writes list" .
Once again Brad Vance has provided the reader with a smart, intriguing, brilliant, mystery laced with erotic sexy scenes. Your time and money could not be better spent than with this dazzling piece of work. The astute Mr. Vance is at the top of my "never miss anything an author writes list" .
March 1, 2016
Strength in Numbers (The Game Players #2) by Brad Vance
4.5 stars
M/M Romance, treasure hunting
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Vance did not disappoint with this story. While there was far less BDSM in this story, the undertones were far reaching. You are once again thrust in to a story where Marc and Jesse are fighting for their lives. However, it is much more along the lines of a mystery treasure hunting experience than one of danger.
With the bad guys hot on their tails, it's up to Jesse and Marc to figure out the clues to save the bitcoin empire.
There is still steamy scenes, a good connection and chemistry between Marc and Jesse, but with the added characters of Ryan and the bad guys, this story really took on a different depth. Vance was able to draw the story around and around, twisting, winding and plotting until the very end.
I really enjoyed this story and was happy that I got to see more about Marc's past hurts - what drives him. I think that expanded my understanding of him that much more.
Overall a very fun treasure hunt!
4.5 stars
M/M Romance, treasure hunting
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Vance did not disappoint with this story. While there was far less BDSM in this story, the undertones were far reaching. You are once again thrust in to a story where Marc and Jesse are fighting for their lives. However, it is much more along the lines of a mystery treasure hunting experience than one of danger.
With the bad guys hot on their tails, it's up to Jesse and Marc to figure out the clues to save the bitcoin empire.
There is still steamy scenes, a good connection and chemistry between Marc and Jesse, but with the added characters of Ryan and the bad guys, this story really took on a different depth. Vance was able to draw the story around and around, twisting, winding and plotting until the very end.
I really enjoyed this story and was happy that I got to see more about Marc's past hurts - what drives him. I think that expanded my understanding of him that much more.
Overall a very fun treasure hunt!
March 26, 2016
I still love these guys. Want more.
February 17, 2016
What incredible fun! There are all manner of happenings going on in this cover-to-cover action-packed erotic thriller, which is the sequel to Would I Lie to You. Note: This is not a standalone novel. You will want to have read the first or you’ll be miserably lost. (On the plus side, the first book is so incredibly good that you want to read it anyway – trust me – would I lie to you?!) In my many years of reading, I have frequently found that second books in a series are generally not as well-written as the first or the subsequent installations. That is absolutely not the case with Strength in Numbers, which made it a wonderful surprise. This is an intense, draw-you-in-and-keep-you-fully-engaged novel from start to finish.
Starting precisely where Would I Lie to You leaves off, Marc and Jesse are happily ensconced in a hotel in beautiful Andorra, but they don’t stay there long. Tasked with finding the Satoshi Bitcoin hoard codes, they wind up jet setting across the planet, being chased and occasionally outwitted by their nemeses, Jesse’s ex Chip and Marc’s former business partner, Walt, who are also searching for this coveted prize.
In case you aren’t aware, Bitcoin is an actual thing. It really does exist. Google it! The creator really is Satoshi Nakamoto, and while no one knows who this individual actually might be, there are a multitude of supposed backstories available on him/her in publication. The Satoshi hoard actually exists, as well. These are unspent bitcoins sitting out there that have been untouched for years, just accumulating more and more value. As such, this is a fact to fantasy novel that is made even more exciting by the possibility that this fiction could become reality!
There is a lot of backstory presented in this book, so we really get the opportunity to understand how Marc and Jesse came to their current places in life. I occasionally had a hard time switching from past to present and back, forcing me to stop reading and back the pages up once I realized we’d switched times again. However, learning how Jesse and Marc developed their skills and their values was quite illuminating, so don’t skim these parts or you’ll lose in the end!
The plot is solid and contains enough subplots to keep your brain processing so things never become stale. The pace is a bit choppy, but this is due to the flashbacks and is to be expected with this style of writing. I was, however, frustrated by how Walt and Chip kept showing up at the brink of a discovery. This seemed a bit too contrived for me, and is the reason for the half-star deduction in my total rating. There is a specific reasoning behind it that is supposed to convey how and why, and while I can understand this, it almost spoke to what might have been additional not-discussed-in-the-book features, such as bugs transmitting information back to the person in charge that was then disseminated out to Walt and Chip.
The main and peripheral characters are well thought out, creatively written, and each bring something important to the book. None of them came across as “fluff” or “filler” to me, a fact that I very much appreciated. The end is beautifully written to allow for an HFN that appears to be leading to an HEA, but also points to more fun to be had in coming books.
Grab a copy of Would I Lie to You (if you haven’t already) and then immerse yourself in Strength in Numbers. This is a solid 4.5 star read that you will not regret!
HTML Code for ARC link to use on GR:
ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review by Divine Magazine.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
Starting precisely where Would I Lie to You leaves off, Marc and Jesse are happily ensconced in a hotel in beautiful Andorra, but they don’t stay there long. Tasked with finding the Satoshi Bitcoin hoard codes, they wind up jet setting across the planet, being chased and occasionally outwitted by their nemeses, Jesse’s ex Chip and Marc’s former business partner, Walt, who are also searching for this coveted prize.
In case you aren’t aware, Bitcoin is an actual thing. It really does exist. Google it! The creator really is Satoshi Nakamoto, and while no one knows who this individual actually might be, there are a multitude of supposed backstories available on him/her in publication. The Satoshi hoard actually exists, as well. These are unspent bitcoins sitting out there that have been untouched for years, just accumulating more and more value. As such, this is a fact to fantasy novel that is made even more exciting by the possibility that this fiction could become reality!
There is a lot of backstory presented in this book, so we really get the opportunity to understand how Marc and Jesse came to their current places in life. I occasionally had a hard time switching from past to present and back, forcing me to stop reading and back the pages up once I realized we’d switched times again. However, learning how Jesse and Marc developed their skills and their values was quite illuminating, so don’t skim these parts or you’ll lose in the end!
The plot is solid and contains enough subplots to keep your brain processing so things never become stale. The pace is a bit choppy, but this is due to the flashbacks and is to be expected with this style of writing. I was, however, frustrated by how Walt and Chip kept showing up at the brink of a discovery. This seemed a bit too contrived for me, and is the reason for the half-star deduction in my total rating. There is a specific reasoning behind it that is supposed to convey how and why, and while I can understand this, it almost spoke to what might have been additional not-discussed-in-the-book features, such as bugs transmitting information back to the person in charge that was then disseminated out to Walt and Chip.
The main and peripheral characters are well thought out, creatively written, and each bring something important to the book. None of them came across as “fluff” or “filler” to me, a fact that I very much appreciated. The end is beautifully written to allow for an HFN that appears to be leading to an HEA, but also points to more fun to be had in coming books.
Grab a copy of Would I Lie to You (if you haven’t already) and then immerse yourself in Strength in Numbers. This is a solid 4.5 star read that you will not regret!
HTML Code for ARC link to use on GR:
ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review by Divine Magazine.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
December 4, 2016
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
Jesse and Marc are back again for another story and I freaking love them. Their adventures this time aren’t as cut and dry as last time. There’s more intrigue, more cunning, and more backstabbing in this one. Some of it is expected while other parts make you hurt a little when you realize which sides are playing each other. The Quest these two went on was so fascinating. I loved how the history, real life, and Mr. Vance’s imagination all combine to create this web where everything is connected.
You get far more of Marc’s background in this book, though not all of it. It absolutely breaks my heart what he went through to become the man he is presently. We also get a bit more of Jesse’s history. Just enough to let you know there’s more to come. But it also shows more of his thought and decision making processes. All of it just makes me love these two more.
Ryan is still a fascinating character and I’m interested to know more about him. I kind of get a feeling I know where this is headed and I’m not sure how I feel about that hunch. One part says “heck yeah”. But the more rational part wonders if Marc and Jesse will be the same afterwards. I can’t wait for the third book to come out so I can read to see if my hunch is right or wrong and so I can see more of the characters I already enjoy.
Four and a half stars!
Jesse and Marc are back again for another story and I freaking love them. Their adventures this time aren’t as cut and dry as last time. There’s more intrigue, more cunning, and more backstabbing in this one. Some of it is expected while other parts make you hurt a little when you realize which sides are playing each other. The Quest these two went on was so fascinating. I loved how the history, real life, and Mr. Vance’s imagination all combine to create this web where everything is connected.
You get far more of Marc’s background in this book, though not all of it. It absolutely breaks my heart what he went through to become the man he is presently. We also get a bit more of Jesse’s history. Just enough to let you know there’s more to come. But it also shows more of his thought and decision making processes. All of it just makes me love these two more.
Ryan is still a fascinating character and I’m interested to know more about him. I kind of get a feeling I know where this is headed and I’m not sure how I feel about that hunch. One part says “heck yeah”. But the more rational part wonders if Marc and Jesse will be the same afterwards. I can’t wait for the third book to come out so I can read to see if my hunch is right or wrong and so I can see more of the characters I already enjoy.
March 31, 2017
Quite an adventure
Before reading this, I Googled Bitcoin. The after reading Jesse's explanation to Marc, I understood. I understood that Bitcoin is some kind of computer code thingy, that somehow becomes worth real money. Fortunately, that's as much as I really needed to know! I did get easily distracted from the story initially, as it felt rather slow moving. The pace did pick up the more they traveled, with a few more suspenseful encounters. What I enjoyed the most was the knowledge, literature and information Jesse and Marc discussed. I like learning new facts couched in enjoyable fiction, that I'm not familiar with. Learning a little more about Marc's past was interesting, as well.
I have to mention the sex scenes. They were disappointing to me and most could have been left out, as far as I'm concerned. After Ryan and the implications in book one, I expected a little kink. There was a just a minor bit of role-play, followed by a brief description of a sex act. Marc was almost nothing but an orifice, and I'm not sure anyone got off besides Jesse. I'd like to have known what Marc was getting out of it. Nothing "hot", in my opinion.
But the overall story was good, with a little poetic justice served. There was some excitement, danger and the promise of future adventures. Our reluctant heroes haven't seen the last of more than one nemesis.
Before reading this, I Googled Bitcoin. The after reading Jesse's explanation to Marc, I understood. I understood that Bitcoin is some kind of computer code thingy, that somehow becomes worth real money. Fortunately, that's as much as I really needed to know! I did get easily distracted from the story initially, as it felt rather slow moving. The pace did pick up the more they traveled, with a few more suspenseful encounters. What I enjoyed the most was the knowledge, literature and information Jesse and Marc discussed. I like learning new facts couched in enjoyable fiction, that I'm not familiar with. Learning a little more about Marc's past was interesting, as well.
I have to mention the sex scenes. They were disappointing to me and most could have been left out, as far as I'm concerned. After Ryan and the implications in book one, I expected a little kink. There was a just a minor bit of role-play, followed by a brief description of a sex act. Marc was almost nothing but an orifice, and I'm not sure anyone got off besides Jesse. I'd like to have known what Marc was getting out of it. Nothing "hot", in my opinion.
But the overall story was good, with a little poetic justice served. There was some excitement, danger and the promise of future adventures. Our reluctant heroes haven't seen the last of more than one nemesis.
March 17, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Strength in Numbers is the second book in The Game Players series and needs to be read in order so you can appreciate it better.
Marcus and Jesse are still going strong, managing to maintain romance and lust through everything life throws their way. In this case, Leonid, the inmate who helped Jesse escape from prison is back to collect on the favor and Chip and Walter are back to get in their way.
I love Marcus and Jesse, and I loved getting to know them better in this installment. It was great seeing them work together to finish their quest. They truly complement the other in the best of ways and that shows in every step of the path set up for them.
Brad Vance's writing is superb as always and it draws you into this suspenseful, fast-paced story that is filled with twists as the main characters rush around several countries to find the clues they need. I'm already looking forward to book 3! Definitely recommendable!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
Strength in Numbers is the second book in The Game Players series and needs to be read in order so you can appreciate it better.
Marcus and Jesse are still going strong, managing to maintain romance and lust through everything life throws their way. In this case, Leonid, the inmate who helped Jesse escape from prison is back to collect on the favor and Chip and Walter are back to get in their way.
I love Marcus and Jesse, and I loved getting to know them better in this installment. It was great seeing them work together to finish their quest. They truly complement the other in the best of ways and that shows in every step of the path set up for them.
Brad Vance's writing is superb as always and it draws you into this suspenseful, fast-paced story that is filled with twists as the main characters rush around several countries to find the clues they need. I'm already looking forward to book 3! Definitely recommendable!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
February 10, 2016
Brad Vance has done it again! Holy hell the ups and downs and the trips they went on had me at the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I love the descriptions of each place because I felt like I was there right with Jesse and Marc.
Jesse and Marc are back again and this time they are going to have a hard time with this mission because what is asked of Jesse will take them on an adventure of a lifetime. Jesse stills owe a debt to the Russian gangster Leonid and he is coming to cash in because there is something he wants more than life 375 million dollars in cyber currency. He tells Jesse he wants to cash in his debt and get the 375 million dollars.
As Jesse and Marc go in search for this money they go from coast to coast and museums. As they get closer to the money they will have to decide what they will do once they get the key to the money. Will they keep it or will Jesse settle his debt?
Jesse and Marc are back again and this time they are going to have a hard time with this mission because what is asked of Jesse will take them on an adventure of a lifetime. Jesse stills owe a debt to the Russian gangster Leonid and he is coming to cash in because there is something he wants more than life 375 million dollars in cyber currency. He tells Jesse he wants to cash in his debt and get the 375 million dollars.
As Jesse and Marc go in search for this money they go from coast to coast and museums. As they get closer to the money they will have to decide what they will do once they get the key to the money. Will they keep it or will Jesse settle his debt?
August 19, 2016
After being in jail for a crime he did not commit, Jesse Winchester receives a note from the man who helped him get out of prison. Leonid Ivanov, the Russian mafia magnate, sends Jessy and his billionaire boyfriend, Marc Julian on a quest to find the Satoshi Hoard: a "wallet" of Bitcoin coins worth $375 billion.
Unbeknown to Marc and Jesse, their nemesis: Chip Sutherland and Walt Starr have also been contracted to find the elusive treasure.
They will fight it out, from Argentina to Tokyo, to Mexico and finally to Wall Street - aided by the same person who put Jesse away, Alicia Kendall.
The novel is written from the third person point of view. It reads well. The characters seem real, the plot is interesting,
My only complaint is that this is not a stand alone book and you might want to read the first novel in the series to understand the plot better.
However, I enjoyed it!
Unbeknown to Marc and Jesse, their nemesis: Chip Sutherland and Walt Starr have also been contracted to find the elusive treasure.
They will fight it out, from Argentina to Tokyo, to Mexico and finally to Wall Street - aided by the same person who put Jesse away, Alicia Kendall.
The novel is written from the third person point of view. It reads well. The characters seem real, the plot is interesting,
My only complaint is that this is not a stand alone book and you might want to read the first novel in the series to understand the plot better.
However, I enjoyed it!
February 11, 2016
This book pressed all my buttons. For the geek in me it taught me about bitcoin, and, believe me, it's fascinating the growing role this "web currency" has in our underground economy- It is a really good thriller with a romantic mm component. We have an established couple that faces really important challenges and grows through it. And I was really more than fascinated - obsessed, by "chapter 9" sounds crazy? It's not. It is Marc's backstory written with such soul and depth of feelings that you cannot but live with him those years that shaped his personality. It is a mini novel in and by itself, it's perfect writing tied with a bow. Please read it, it takes a little while,at the beginning, to take off because there's no way to get the gist of the novel without getting a bitcoin class at the but believe me, it's worth it, after that it takes off and it's a great ride.
April 29, 2016
Reviewed by Christina for QUEERcentric Books
Strength in Numbers by Brad Vance was an amazing book.
I know I say this a lot but I loved it! The characters, the sexytimes, the adventure–all wonderful. You should definitely read the first book in the series, Would I Lie to You?, before reading this book.
Everything was spectacular with Strength in Numbers I truly can’t recommend it enough. Even if, like me, you don’t know/care about bitcoin, this story is strong enough to still hold your attention.
Watch Christina's video review at QUEERcentric Books!
Strength in Numbers by Brad Vance was an amazing book.
I know I say this a lot but I loved it! The characters, the sexytimes, the adventure–all wonderful. You should definitely read the first book in the series, Would I Lie to You?, before reading this book.
Everything was spectacular with Strength in Numbers I truly can’t recommend it enough. Even if, like me, you don’t know/care about bitcoin, this story is strong enough to still hold your attention.
Watch Christina's video review at QUEERcentric Books!
July 25, 2016
An excellent follow up - still quite larger than life but fun and enjoyable.
I had seen a documentary on the Silk Road recently so a lot of the references did mean something though there was a lot of googling going on too!
I liked the way the real was woven in to the chase and treasure hunt story.
Leonid kind of disappeared so no doubt will crop up in another book. As I think will Ryan!
Marc's billions do make life easy when world jet setting is necessary and they do seem to fall on their feet a lot, but good fun.
I had seen a documentary on the Silk Road recently so a lot of the references did mean something though there was a lot of googling going on too!
I liked the way the real was woven in to the chase and treasure hunt story.
Leonid kind of disappeared so no doubt will crop up in another book. As I think will Ryan!
Marc's billions do make life easy when world jet setting is necessary and they do seem to fall on their feet a lot, but good fun.
February 14, 2016
Ooh Very Clever!
Once again, I am struck dumb by the level of research and the depth of knowledge that goes into writing such a story. I have no idea how accurate it all is, but consider me very impressed. I am very much looking forward to the next instalment (and I really hope we get to see "more' of Ryan).
Once again, I am struck dumb by the level of research and the depth of knowledge that goes into writing such a story. I have no idea how accurate it all is, but consider me very impressed. I am very much looking forward to the next instalment (and I really hope we get to see "more' of Ryan).
August 20, 2016
ahh !
having read this and Would I Lie to You? back to back I liked this a lot more that the first book.
These books really remind me of Oceans eleven and that kind of high voltage suspense romp.
Enjoyable and totally unbelievable
having read this and Would I Lie to You? back to back I liked this a lot more that the first book.
These books really remind me of Oceans eleven and that kind of high voltage suspense romp.
Enjoyable and totally unbelievable
May 4, 2016
Great sequel
In Book 2 you learn a lot more about the protagonists. Their past and present meld together to show you how they have become who they are. I really liked all the drama about code and how that keeps the story going. Extremely well written and researched.
In Book 2 you learn a lot more about the protagonists. Their past and present meld together to show you how they have become who they are. I really liked all the drama about code and how that keeps the story going. Extremely well written and researched.
October 14, 2016
4.5 stars
November 21, 2016
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Strength in Numbers by Brad Vance
Very well written, intriguing characters, fast paced plot.
Very well written, intriguing characters, fast paced plot.
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