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Love Games #1
The Lying Game
Living with a sexy-as-sin roommate in a luxury penthouse should be a fantasy brought to life, right?
Not when it's Carter Flynn--my teenage crush--who hates my guts.
When I’m in town for a once in a lifetime dance camp, my living arrangements fall through at the last second.
I have no other option but to crash with my childhood family friend...turned millionaire athlete.
He still hasn't forgiven me for the lie I told him years ago that shattered his heart.
But underneath it all, there are shades of the same boy I used to know, before his heart turned to stone.
I can tell myself all I want that I hate him, too. But deep in my heart, I know I’ve never wanted anyone more in my life.
When you’re playing the lying game, the most dangerous lies are the lies you tell yourself.
The Lying Game is Book 1 of The Game Duet. It is an enemies to lovers, steamy contemporary romance.
Book 2, The End Game, is coming in September.
Not when it's Carter Flynn--my teenage crush--who hates my guts.
When I’m in town for a once in a lifetime dance camp, my living arrangements fall through at the last second.
I have no other option but to crash with my childhood family friend...turned millionaire athlete.
He still hasn't forgiven me for the lie I told him years ago that shattered his heart.
But underneath it all, there are shades of the same boy I used to know, before his heart turned to stone.
I can tell myself all I want that I hate him, too. But deep in my heart, I know I’ve never wanted anyone more in my life.
When you’re playing the lying game, the most dangerous lies are the lies you tell yourself.
The Lying Game is Book 1 of The Game Duet. It is an enemies to lovers, steamy contemporary romance.
Book 2, The End Game, is coming in September.
ebook
First published August 27, 2018
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About the author
Mickey Miller
52 books2,192 followersHi, there! My name is Mickey Miller and I write sexy, fun romance with smart characters. My books are great if you're looking for a light-hearted, steamy read with some humor and a happy ending! Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
November 25, 2018
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was "just okay" 3 Stars for me. I struggled with the believability with some of the dramatic elements . I also didn't really like the H. He held too much of a grudge for a situation that the h couldn't help or did because she was trying to protect him. It was implied that he lashed out and mistreated the h in the past, but it was never clear as to what exactly he did. Overall, I think I just didn't like his attitude. However, I'm going to continue on to find out how the author is going to wrap up the story, but I really do hope that he redeems himself somehow...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Lacey and Carter' story. Lacey has what she considers her last chance at making a career out of dance with an audition camp in Chicago, but she is in a bad place when she finds out her housing situation has fallen through. Lacey's mom and Carter's mom are best friends, and they arrange for Lacey to live with Carter for 8 weeks even though they have a complicated past. There's some definite tension between them, and they finally give in and become f-buddies who deny the other stronger feelings they're developing for one another. There is some major baggage that Carter has to deal with and that makes him unable to move forward and commit to Lacey in any way other than casual...
POV: This alternated between Lacey and Carter's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, but some strong feelings were already there from their past when the story begins.
H rating: 2 stars. Carter. I didn't really like him. I understood that he had issues with his past, but I didn't like how he held on to his grudge so strongly.
h rating: 3.5 stars. Lacey. I liked her, but she would often get stupid when it came to the H and their sexual chemistry where I wanted her to be stronger.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No, but close
Cheating: No, they aren't technically together
Separation: No, again, they aren't technically together for me to really consider them separated.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends on a cliffhanger, and the next book has already been released and is available to jump right into.
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: This was "just okay" 3 Stars for me. I struggled with the believability with some of the dramatic elements . I also didn't really like the H. He held too much of a grudge for a situation that the h couldn't help or did because she was trying to protect him. It was implied that he lashed out and mistreated the h in the past, but it was never clear as to what exactly he did. Overall, I think I just didn't like his attitude. However, I'm going to continue on to find out how the author is going to wrap up the story, but I really do hope that he redeems himself somehow...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Lacey and Carter' story. Lacey has what she considers her last chance at making a career out of dance with an audition camp in Chicago, but she is in a bad place when she finds out her housing situation has fallen through. Lacey's mom and Carter's mom are best friends, and they arrange for Lacey to live with Carter for 8 weeks even though they have a complicated past. There's some definite tension between them, and they finally give in and become f-buddies who deny the other stronger feelings they're developing for one another. There is some major baggage that Carter has to deal with and that makes him unable to move forward and commit to Lacey in any way other than casual...
POV: This alternated between Lacey and Carter's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, but some strong feelings were already there from their past when the story begins.
H rating: 2 stars. Carter. I didn't really like him. I understood that he had issues with his past, but I didn't like how he held on to his grudge so strongly.
h rating: 3.5 stars. Lacey. I liked her, but she would often get stupid when it came to the H and their sexual chemistry where I wanted her to be stronger.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No, but close
Cheating: No, they aren't technically together
Separation: No, again, they aren't technically together for me to really consider them separated.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends on a cliffhanger, and the next book has already been released and is available to jump right into.
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
October 16, 2018
This was a book I did not enjoy at all due to the characters’ immaturity and so childish behaviour.
August 29, 2018
I call such heroines ‘Beggar..No Self respect whatsoever heroine’
First of all she is staying at HIS house free of cost and then she is behaving like a queen and showing him attitude in HIS house. Wow!
I mean why would a girl go live with a guy who hates her. There should be some self respect.
Maybe because this book is written by a guy and he thinks this is the way a woman behave...
I don’t think I can continue reading this because this is so stupid and both of them are acting like teenagers.
First of all she is staying at HIS house free of cost and then she is behaving like a queen and showing him attitude in HIS house. Wow!
I mean why would a girl go live with a guy who hates her. There should be some self respect.
Maybe because this book is written by a guy and he thinks this is the way a woman behave...
I don’t think I can continue reading this because this is so stupid and both of them are acting like teenagers.
November 26, 2018
It’s a series. Strike 1. I’m not into series these days. Dragging out a story and writing a short novel instead of a full length books is a useless waste of my reading time. I work and I work endlessly so I read for pleasure. Some books are worth the hours of walking (reading) the journey characters take. This book didn’t make the cut for me.
It had one laugh out moment, but to me the writing wasn’t the issue like it usually is. It was the main characters. The main character kept complaining she was 26, but she and the main male lead seemed to be 18-year-olds stuck in 26 year old bodies. Every other side character felt dimensional with a full background of history. The plot was there for the side characters and then it felt empty for the main characters.
Everyone praising the book seems to be praising the sex scenes and the few scenes that these two leads have when clarity finally hits their brains. The rest of the time the two of them seemed like a jumbled mess that no one wants to be around. Cough. Beauty guru community. Cough.
Strike 2: the love hate thing wasn’t well portrayed because it was border line on bipolar because the damn male character never moved beyond the age of 16. If you read the book you’ll know what I mean. However I was stupid to continue reading because I had hope. I HAD HOPE, PEOPLE. That it would get better, but then it didn’t. The female lead was redeemed barely at the end when she wouldn’t put up with a guy who just wasn’t ready for anything real.
Strike 3: this is a series. I’m not interested in series so I won’t bother reading book 2 since I feel like it will be a dragged out book when the author could’ve written like two more chapters, and finished the whole story. It’s not hard people, it’s just words on a digital page.
Read at your own risk. The sex scenes are okay. Some bondage but it’s really the male being an insecure punk boy who can’t handle not being in control. Girl. Bye. Next.
I just realized the author was a male lol no wonder this book is a flop and no wonder the characters seems so 2D. There's no real emotion behind this since everything was faked and used trope after trope to evoke something from the reader. You do not need to fake anything when your imagination provides enough creativity to make a character real.
It had one laugh out moment, but to me the writing wasn’t the issue like it usually is. It was the main characters. The main character kept complaining she was 26, but she and the main male lead seemed to be 18-year-olds stuck in 26 year old bodies. Every other side character felt dimensional with a full background of history. The plot was there for the side characters and then it felt empty for the main characters.
Everyone praising the book seems to be praising the sex scenes and the few scenes that these two leads have when clarity finally hits their brains. The rest of the time the two of them seemed like a jumbled mess that no one wants to be around. Cough. Beauty guru community. Cough.
Strike 2: the love hate thing wasn’t well portrayed because it was border line on bipolar because the damn male character never moved beyond the age of 16. If you read the book you’ll know what I mean. However I was stupid to continue reading because I had hope. I HAD HOPE, PEOPLE. That it would get better, but then it didn’t. The female lead was redeemed barely at the end when she wouldn’t put up with a guy who just wasn’t ready for anything real.
Strike 3: this is a series. I’m not interested in series so I won’t bother reading book 2 since I feel like it will be a dragged out book when the author could’ve written like two more chapters, and finished the whole story. It’s not hard people, it’s just words on a digital page.
Read at your own risk. The sex scenes are okay. Some bondage but it’s really the male being an insecure punk boy who can’t handle not being in control. Girl. Bye. Next.
I just realized the author was a male lol no wonder this book is a flop and no wonder the characters seems so 2D. There's no real emotion behind this since everything was faked and used trope after trope to evoke something from the reader. You do not need to fake anything when your imagination provides enough creativity to make a character real.
September 4, 2018
Ok
I started a review and it jumped pages and I lost everything I had written. This one will be short.
The reason the hero hates heroine? Stupid.
The reason they play these dumb games with each other? Dishonest!
The reason he is an asshole in general? Not good enough.
The reason heroine stays around? Aside from good sex and big shlong? No clue. He kept being mean to her.
Cliffhanger mystery? Interesting. She finally tries to grow a backbone. Wonder if book 2 will redeem this asshole.
The is a 2.5 read with a sneak peak into book 2 laced with punctuation errors.
I started a review and it jumped pages and I lost everything I had written. This one will be short.
The reason the hero hates heroine? Stupid.
The reason they play these dumb games with each other? Dishonest!
The reason he is an asshole in general? Not good enough.
The reason heroine stays around? Aside from good sex and big shlong? No clue. He kept being mean to her.
Cliffhanger mystery? Interesting. She finally tries to grow a backbone. Wonder if book 2 will redeem this asshole.
The is a 2.5 read with a sneak peak into book 2 laced with punctuation errors.
August 28, 2018
I have to admit, I don't usually give a book 5 stars if I don't do the "ugly cry" while reading, but this book was THAT good, and I didn't feel right only giving it 4. With that said, this story had everything I look for in a book-angst, humor, frustration, anger, mind-blowing steamy hot sex and the love/hate that Carter & Lacy have towards each other was beyond crazy! One of my favorite lines is when Carter says,"Don't let the ghosts of the past kill your dreams of the future." Which is very true. I was up reading past 2am because I HAD to finish the book and now I HAVE to have The End Game ASAP!!! I very highly recommend this book, you don't want to pass this up, I promise you!! With the hundreds of books I have on my TBR list, I'm very happy I read this one!! Enjoy!!
May 2, 2020
:If you’re looking for a hate to love read, this is for you. If you love angsty books, then this is for you. If you just love hot romance in general then you definitely need to pick this book up when it releases and trust me, it’s so worth one clicking.
And lastly, I want to say to Mickey Miller this is the BEST work of your writing career. Keep up the great work and I seriously cannot wait to read what happens to Carter and Lacy in the final book of this awesome duology….
And lastly, I want to say to Mickey Miller this is the BEST work of your writing career. Keep up the great work and I seriously cannot wait to read what happens to Carter and Lacy in the final book of this awesome duology….
October 18, 2018
If it were a complete book....I felt I was dropped in the middle of a book....It could of worked but what character development was sketchy. He didn't even have to be a basketball player!? Just got the two star review for the cover. Thank you.
The cover fooled me into reading a second time. It's still a 2.
The cover fooled me into reading a second time. It's still a 2.
Want to read
December 2, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/29/2020)! 🎁
May 13, 2021
I’m still trying to figure out what I just read .
There wasn’t ONE mature character in this book.
There wasn’t ONE mature character in this book.
November 23, 2018
I love this enemies to lovers duet! It’s fast paced and a lot of fun. I was hooked!! Full review to come.
An arc was provided for an honest review.
An arc was provided for an honest review.
August 26, 2018
This book could be titled ‘When Mickey Miller Worlds Collide,’ bringing a little of the Blackwell series and a touch of the Ballers series into another hot, hilarious, heartfelt read from an author who has quickly earned a spot at the top of my must-read authors. As much as I've come to enjoy and anticipate his writing, each new book offers delightfully unexpected surprises as his work continues to improve and keep me on my toes.
This is the first book in a two book duet so there is a cliffhanger, with the romance and other issues being left unfinished, but the second book will be available next month so we won’t have to wait long. Carter Flynn is a basketball player from the small town of Blackwell who made it big and now lives in Chicago, playing for the Chicago Wolverines. When the girl he grew up with and dated his senior year needs a place to stay, their mothers, who are best friends, decide Lacy should stay with Carter in the spare bedroom of his penthouse. The only problem is Carter felt betrayed by a secret Lacy kept all those years ago and he’s never gotten over it. Sure, they pretend to like each other for their mothers' sake, but theirs is a pure, unadulterated mutual hate, because Lacy had her heart broken too.
There were a lot of terrific things about this book and just one thing I took exception with. The storyline is fast paced and engaging and the characters are complex, believable and likeable. I was tickled to see the ever-present yet elusive pineapple make a bold appearance in this book, leaving a memorable impression in its cameo role. The early copy I read sucked me in and wouldn’t let go, to the point I stayed up most of the night reading it straight through.
My issue is with one scene that required a lot of trust between Carter and Lacy and I didn’t feel their trust in each other had built to the necessary degree. Aside from the fact that some of the physical execution would have required a contortionist to make it believable, in a situation that invariably involves emotion, Lacy's feelings of anger, panic, irritation and rage left me feeling uneasy, leaving Carter to look like an even bigger jerk and making Lacy look weak. What could have been a beautiful, pivotal exchange came across as a power play with little care, tenderness or compassion. There’s a fine line between an erotic encounter and porn lit, and it's the emotional component that differentiates them.
Lacy was a wonderful character who grabs onto one last chance to pursue her dancing career. I loved her authenticity and the way she stood up to Carter, something he wasn’t at all used to from women. I really wanted to despise the cold, heartless, cocky, arrogant Carter, but no matter how much I kicked, screamed or resisted i found myself falling a little in love with this occasionally sweet, somewhat damaged, endearing jerk. He still has a ways to go, so I expect great things from him in book two. Lance was a terrific secondary character who added a lot of humor, providing the best ever faux sexy times scene that I couldn’t stop laughing about. All in all, I enjoyed the book, loved the characters and definitely want more, so I’ll be eagerly be awaiting the conclusion of Carter and Lacy’s story.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
This is the first book in a two book duet so there is a cliffhanger, with the romance and other issues being left unfinished, but the second book will be available next month so we won’t have to wait long. Carter Flynn is a basketball player from the small town of Blackwell who made it big and now lives in Chicago, playing for the Chicago Wolverines. When the girl he grew up with and dated his senior year needs a place to stay, their mothers, who are best friends, decide Lacy should stay with Carter in the spare bedroom of his penthouse. The only problem is Carter felt betrayed by a secret Lacy kept all those years ago and he’s never gotten over it. Sure, they pretend to like each other for their mothers' sake, but theirs is a pure, unadulterated mutual hate, because Lacy had her heart broken too.
There were a lot of terrific things about this book and just one thing I took exception with. The storyline is fast paced and engaging and the characters are complex, believable and likeable. I was tickled to see the ever-present yet elusive pineapple make a bold appearance in this book, leaving a memorable impression in its cameo role. The early copy I read sucked me in and wouldn’t let go, to the point I stayed up most of the night reading it straight through.
My issue is with one scene that required a lot of trust between Carter and Lacy and I didn’t feel their trust in each other had built to the necessary degree. Aside from the fact that some of the physical execution would have required a contortionist to make it believable, in a situation that invariably involves emotion, Lacy's feelings of anger, panic, irritation and rage left me feeling uneasy, leaving Carter to look like an even bigger jerk and making Lacy look weak. What could have been a beautiful, pivotal exchange came across as a power play with little care, tenderness or compassion. There’s a fine line between an erotic encounter and porn lit, and it's the emotional component that differentiates them.
Lacy was a wonderful character who grabs onto one last chance to pursue her dancing career. I loved her authenticity and the way she stood up to Carter, something he wasn’t at all used to from women. I really wanted to despise the cold, heartless, cocky, arrogant Carter, but no matter how much I kicked, screamed or resisted i found myself falling a little in love with this occasionally sweet, somewhat damaged, endearing jerk. He still has a ways to go, so I expect great things from him in book two. Lance was a terrific secondary character who added a lot of humor, providing the best ever faux sexy times scene that I couldn’t stop laughing about. All in all, I enjoyed the book, loved the characters and definitely want more, so I’ll be eagerly be awaiting the conclusion of Carter and Lacy’s story.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
May 5, 2020
2.5
I liked this story. I loved that it was a different play on the second chance genre. I read the two books out of order. I had the info from book 2 to go on, or I wouldn’t have made it past the first 10% when the “hero” brings home another girl so that she could hear him screwing her. The H was much more of a douchebag in the part of the story. He is angry over a secret that she held for a little while when they were 16. Because of that he broke up with her (then) and started screwing around (even screwing her friend) it didn’t make him come off as redeemable. So that’s a double, with him punishing her by sleeping with other women. Note to author, leave sex with other women out of your story! It’s takes a book from a 5 to a 2.5 really fast. And no woman would be ok with you randomly pulling out a vibrator from you drawer... It had better still be in the packaging or it’s a big hell no! I don’t know anyone that would be ok with using sex toys that were used on another woman... Even reusing the restraints would be a no from me. Just saying, know your audience.
I liked this story. I loved that it was a different play on the second chance genre. I read the two books out of order. I had the info from book 2 to go on, or I wouldn’t have made it past the first 10% when the “hero” brings home another girl so that she could hear him screwing her. The H was much more of a douchebag in the part of the story. He is angry over a secret that she held for a little while when they were 16. Because of that he broke up with her (then) and started screwing around (even screwing her friend) it didn’t make him come off as redeemable. So that’s a double, with him punishing her by sleeping with other women. Note to author, leave sex with other women out of your story! It’s takes a book from a 5 to a 2.5 really fast. And no woman would be ok with you randomly pulling out a vibrator from you drawer... It had better still be in the packaging or it’s a big hell no! I don’t know anyone that would be ok with using sex toys that were used on another woman... Even reusing the restraints would be a no from me. Just saying, know your audience.
January 28, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to be nice
As with the other books I’ve read by this author, I like the writing but there are a few little plot things that are a bit of a stretch for my taste. Especially in the beginning, Carter was an ass and even though that fit with his character’s storyline he was again a bit much for me. I think the lie in her past didn’t fit his reaction- he over-reacted. But it intrigued me enough to see where the story goes so on to book 2.
As with the other books I’ve read by this author, I like the writing but there are a few little plot things that are a bit of a stretch for my taste. Especially in the beginning, Carter was an ass and even though that fit with his character’s storyline he was again a bit much for me. I think the lie in her past didn’t fit his reaction- he over-reacted. But it intrigued me enough to see where the story goes so on to book 2.
September 5, 2018
Good! I hate I have to wait on second book!!
October 28, 2025
DNF
Kindle Unlimited - returned book half done
Kindle Unlimited - returned book half done
August 26, 2018
"I hate you, Carter."
"I hate you too. But, I'm also done resisting you."
Who doesn't love a good enemies to lovers story -or in this case a friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to lovers story! Mickey brings us a story full of love, hate, secrets, and steam!
Carter Flynn is on top of the world. A multi-million dollar pro basketball contract, a ballers penthouse apartment, and a different woman warming his bed each night. But, his world is about to get tipped on its axis when SHE shows up. Playing the "Lying Game" with this woman for the sake of the friendship of their mothers has been exhausting, and now she's in town and needs a place to stay. He can't stand her. The lie she never told him made sure of that. This is going to be the longest eight weeks of his life. As much as he hates her he can't help but notice those curves, those lips, and the way his body betrays him everytime she's near. Can his head ever forgive her so that his heart can get to what he really wants- a forever with Lacy? Can he finally face the demons of his past and be able to let her in? Or will he lose her all over again?
Lacy Benson has no choice. After being dumped by her boyfriend half way through her trip to stay with him, her only option is the one person she hates. Carter. He's never forgiven her for keeping that secret. They've pretended to like each other in front of their mothers, but this isn't going to be easy. Eight weeks living with the man that hates her, that she hates just as much, and his sexy grin, those delicious abs, and the small hint of the man she used to know. She doesn't want to want him this much. When lines are crossed, the one between love and hate becomes extremely blurred.
This was a great read by Mr. Miller! I loved the banter between these two - the verbal challenges, the quick comebacks, and the way they push each other's buttons - both the good ones and the bad ones! And of course, there's the steam!! I am really holding out hope that there are men as "skilled" as Carter out there! Holy Hannah is this one hot!! It is book one of a series, and not a standalone, so expect some unresolved issues at the end. Can't wait for book two!!
"I hate you too. But, I'm also done resisting you."
Who doesn't love a good enemies to lovers story -or in this case a friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to lovers story! Mickey brings us a story full of love, hate, secrets, and steam!
Carter Flynn is on top of the world. A multi-million dollar pro basketball contract, a ballers penthouse apartment, and a different woman warming his bed each night. But, his world is about to get tipped on its axis when SHE shows up. Playing the "Lying Game" with this woman for the sake of the friendship of their mothers has been exhausting, and now she's in town and needs a place to stay. He can't stand her. The lie she never told him made sure of that. This is going to be the longest eight weeks of his life. As much as he hates her he can't help but notice those curves, those lips, and the way his body betrays him everytime she's near. Can his head ever forgive her so that his heart can get to what he really wants- a forever with Lacy? Can he finally face the demons of his past and be able to let her in? Or will he lose her all over again?
Lacy Benson has no choice. After being dumped by her boyfriend half way through her trip to stay with him, her only option is the one person she hates. Carter. He's never forgiven her for keeping that secret. They've pretended to like each other in front of their mothers, but this isn't going to be easy. Eight weeks living with the man that hates her, that she hates just as much, and his sexy grin, those delicious abs, and the small hint of the man she used to know. She doesn't want to want him this much. When lines are crossed, the one between love and hate becomes extremely blurred.
This was a great read by Mr. Miller! I loved the banter between these two - the verbal challenges, the quick comebacks, and the way they push each other's buttons - both the good ones and the bad ones! And of course, there's the steam!! I am really holding out hope that there are men as "skilled" as Carter out there! Holy Hannah is this one hot!! It is book one of a series, and not a standalone, so expect some unresolved issues at the end. Can't wait for book two!!
August 27, 2018
The Lying Game was a nice blend of not just friends to lovers but ALSO enemies to lovers. Cater and Lacy have this push and pull that they’re constantly playing and I actually was smirking more often then not with their banter. When you add Lance and Joseph into the mix things only get better and I love the story that much more. There’s a mystery that builds more in the center of the book and just took off from there that I didn’t want to put my kindle down. I’m happy with the way this story concluded for the time being, it keeps us wanting to know more. It’s not a HEA because we’re far from done. What does the future hold for everyone? We must wait and see. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
September 11, 2018
DNF about 20%
I just. I got to the yacht scene in the bedroom and just couldn't continue. Through the part, I read I was unable to connect with the characters. To be honest, they seem very bland - we are informed about their characters' traits but it's all very cookie cutter.
The male lead is angry, angsty sex God - and that's it. The heroine is just there. Also, the yacht sex scene - why is it so S&M like?
I really wanted to enjoy this book as I'm a fan of a second chance romance, but there's nothing that would keep me in, unfortunately.
I just. I got to the yacht scene in the bedroom and just couldn't continue. Through the part, I read I was unable to connect with the characters. To be honest, they seem very bland - we are informed about their characters' traits but it's all very cookie cutter.
The male lead is angry, angsty sex God - and that's it. The heroine is just there. Also, the yacht sex scene - why is it so S&M like?
I really wanted to enjoy this book as I'm a fan of a second chance romance, but there's nothing that would keep me in, unfortunately.
July 21, 2022
This book was such a damn disappointment, and I’m extremely annoyed I have to read the second one to find out how it all ends. The only reason I didn’t give it was star is because there were parts that gave me butterflies. But they were few and far between. My biggest gripe with this book is two fold
1. Carters ridiculous immaturity and anger
i.e: He has an early morning practice, doesn’t tell lacy, on his way home, he gets her a cappuccino which is a big deal because “he’s not the kind of guy guy the gets coffee for a girl” then gets home and she’s not there. He flips out, goes in a rant about how “some things never change,” people always leave”, blah blah blah, and then treats her like garbage. Uhmmmmm ok? You didn’t tell her your were going out man. She’s just supposed to wait around for you all damn day?🙄🙄
2. The randomness of it all.
i.e: They are totally into one another, hot dirty hooks ups, then one day out of the blue he tells her “his secret” that he’s into BDSM? Then we have to read an extremely random, awkwardly written hook up scene with her in handcuffs and him spanking the shit out of her. Then it’s never mentioned again. The the hook ups proceed to being hot and heavy like before, no kink, and this was well over halfway in the book. I just can’t. 🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️
But that doesn’t even scratch the surface. This book was random and awkward and annoying and the storyline was shit. To say I’m disappointed in this Mickey Miller is an understatement.
All I can say is I hope the second one is better because this was awful and could have easily been wrapped up in one book. I’m hella annoyed I have to read the second because I’m committed to lacy and carter now. So fingers crossed it’s better.
1. Carters ridiculous immaturity and anger
i.e: He has an early morning practice, doesn’t tell lacy, on his way home, he gets her a cappuccino which is a big deal because “he’s not the kind of guy guy the gets coffee for a girl” then gets home and she’s not there. He flips out, goes in a rant about how “some things never change,” people always leave”, blah blah blah, and then treats her like garbage. Uhmmmmm ok? You didn’t tell her your were going out man. She’s just supposed to wait around for you all damn day?🙄🙄
2. The randomness of it all.
i.e: They are totally into one another, hot dirty hooks ups, then one day out of the blue he tells her “his secret” that he’s into BDSM? Then we have to read an extremely random, awkwardly written hook up scene with her in handcuffs and him spanking the shit out of her. Then it’s never mentioned again. The the hook ups proceed to being hot and heavy like before, no kink, and this was well over halfway in the book. I just can’t. 🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️
But that doesn’t even scratch the surface. This book was random and awkward and annoying and the storyline was shit. To say I’m disappointed in this Mickey Miller is an understatement.
All I can say is I hope the second one is better because this was awful and could have easily been wrapped up in one book. I’m hella annoyed I have to read the second because I’m committed to lacy and carter now. So fingers crossed it’s better.
August 26, 2018
I was so blown away by this book I am having difficulty putting everything I am feeling after reading it into coherent words.
The Lying Game is a roller-coaster of hate, animosity and ass-holiness with loops of steamy scenes and unresolved issues. Mickey Miller builds this angsty game between the characters so well that even from all the negativity surrounding the characters' relationship and past, hope seems to bloom and expectations and assumptions are made. But as Lacy Benson, Mickey's main female character, says in this book:
"High expectations and making assumptions equal major disappointment."
And boy if you get disappointed. Not because of the story, the powerful characters or the way Mickey builds this story so masterfully. But because by the end of the story, there is nothing else to read and you have to wait for the second and final book to come out.
But THAT is exactly what you need to feel with this story. Because you will be left with the most powerful, cursing inducing cliffhanger in history and a visceral need to know more about the characters. You will physically crave to get answers and know the ending of this unique couple.
I know I have not make this book enough justice with my words but I hope everyone gives this book a chance if you are reading this. You will fall in love with it!
The Lying Game is a roller-coaster of hate, animosity and ass-holiness with loops of steamy scenes and unresolved issues. Mickey Miller builds this angsty game between the characters so well that even from all the negativity surrounding the characters' relationship and past, hope seems to bloom and expectations and assumptions are made. But as Lacy Benson, Mickey's main female character, says in this book:
"High expectations and making assumptions equal major disappointment."
And boy if you get disappointed. Not because of the story, the powerful characters or the way Mickey builds this story so masterfully. But because by the end of the story, there is nothing else to read and you have to wait for the second and final book to come out.
But THAT is exactly what you need to feel with this story. Because you will be left with the most powerful, cursing inducing cliffhanger in history and a visceral need to know more about the characters. You will physically crave to get answers and know the ending of this unique couple.
I know I have not make this book enough justice with my words but I hope everyone gives this book a chance if you are reading this. You will fall in love with it!
February 19, 2019
I said I was done with contemporary romance because I was getting burned out on the same old shit, which always happens when I go on a binge like this. Buuuut it's Valentine's Day, so sue me.
Anyway, I'm glad I read this one because it had just about everything on my checklist of what makes me love a romance book. Enemies (sort of) to lovers, an emotional past, hotness (duh), an ACTUAL PLOT (thank you!) that is intriguing and interesting, characters whose sole purpose isn't just to be titillating - they have passions and their own thoughts outside of the romance going on, absolutely the best secondary characters (can Lance please be my bff?), some genuine laugh out loud moments followed by some gut wrenching ones, and, finally, add in a healthy dose of angst and I am SOLD.
Some of other reviews mentioned the immaturity of the characters and how they handled certain situations, and while I do agree with that to a certain extent, I have to remember that's the viewpoint of my current ancient ass 31 year old self. When I was in my 20s, even 26/27, I was totally different, and was still prone to unnecessary dramatics sometimes. And looking back on it, it makes me laugh, which is why some of the situations in this book made me laugh.
And I am 100% okay with the fact that, after slugging through a lot of god awful contemporary romance this month, when I finally secured a gem, it's written by a dude. If this trend continues, I vow to only read romance novels written by men for forever.
Mickey, if can you write a historical romance (where my heart truly lies) as well as this, you got yourself a lifelong devoted fan.
Anyway, I'm glad I read this one because it had just about everything on my checklist of what makes me love a romance book. Enemies (sort of) to lovers, an emotional past, hotness (duh), an ACTUAL PLOT (thank you!) that is intriguing and interesting, characters whose sole purpose isn't just to be titillating - they have passions and their own thoughts outside of the romance going on, absolutely the best secondary characters (can Lance please be my bff?), some genuine laugh out loud moments followed by some gut wrenching ones, and, finally, add in a healthy dose of angst and I am SOLD.
Some of other reviews mentioned the immaturity of the characters and how they handled certain situations, and while I do agree with that to a certain extent, I have to remember that's the viewpoint of my current ancient ass 31 year old self. When I was in my 20s, even 26/27, I was totally different, and was still prone to unnecessary dramatics sometimes. And looking back on it, it makes me laugh, which is why some of the situations in this book made me laugh.
And I am 100% okay with the fact that, after slugging through a lot of god awful contemporary romance this month, when I finally secured a gem, it's written by a dude. If this trend continues, I vow to only read romance novels written by men for forever.
Mickey, if can you write a historical romance (where my heart truly lies) as well as this, you got yourself a lifelong devoted fan.
September 3, 2025
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Slow Burn
✔️ High School Exs
✔️ Will they or won’t they?
✔️ Push / Pull
✔️ Spicy
✔️ Second Chance Romance
✔️ Basketball Player MMC
✔️ Dancer FMC
“Don’t let the ghosts of the past kill the dreams of the future.”
At times, Carter and Lacy may seem a bit childish in their behaviour, each stuck in their head with things that happened in the past and tormenting each other with high school-ish drama. He brought girls home to bang loudly in their shared apartment, her fake dating her gay friend to get revenge, but even though I found The Lying Game to be enjoyable and finished it in a single day. I hope Cater will come to his senses and be ready to grovel in book two. He also really needs to work on himself. Am I invested enough to continue to book two? Yes! I want to see where the story goes next. I am giving a rating of 4 / 5 stars.
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Slow Burn
✔️ High School Exs
✔️ Will they or won’t they?
✔️ Push / Pull
✔️ Spicy
✔️ Second Chance Romance
✔️ Basketball Player MMC
✔️ Dancer FMC
“Don’t let the ghosts of the past kill the dreams of the future.”
At times, Carter and Lacy may seem a bit childish in their behaviour, each stuck in their head with things that happened in the past and tormenting each other with high school-ish drama. He brought girls home to bang loudly in their shared apartment, her fake dating her gay friend to get revenge, but even though I found The Lying Game to be enjoyable and finished it in a single day. I hope Cater will come to his senses and be ready to grovel in book two. He also really needs to work on himself. Am I invested enough to continue to book two? Yes! I want to see where the story goes next. I am giving a rating of 4 / 5 stars.
September 1, 2018
I have such a love hate relationship with Carter and Lacy. I take turns being mad at each of them, and then loving them at the same time. I loved reading about this love hate relationship between the two. I never knew which one was going to surprise me next. Carter the ***hole or Lacy the smart***. I can't wait to see what is in store for the two as they continue on with their lives in denial of their feelings. Carter and Lacy make me so frustrated with their antics. I know that they will make the best couple once they realize how to make their mixed up personalities work.
November 15, 2018
Back to the beginning!
Lacy and Carter are a complex duo! A love hate relationship but when Lacy has to stay with him for 8 weeks and they finally hook up the sparks really fly! I enjoyed their wild story and look forward to the conclusion! Many grammatical errors in this novel though! That needs to be corrected otherwise a great read!
Lacy and Carter are a complex duo! A love hate relationship but when Lacy has to stay with him for 8 weeks and they finally hook up the sparks really fly! I enjoyed their wild story and look forward to the conclusion! Many grammatical errors in this novel though! That needs to be corrected otherwise a great read!
August 27, 2018
Fantastic start to this Game Duet Series! Loved this love hate relationship that Lacy & Carter have going on, the sex appeal, banter and mystery this story has is amazing! Does end with a cliffhanger! And I can't wait to find out how this ends!
September 2, 2018
OMG!!!
I've read a few books by Mickey Miller and I enjoyed them all but The Lying Game blew me away.. This book was so good and refreshing to read.. I fell so in love with Carter and Lacey and their story is fantastic. Definitely will be waiting for part two..
I've read a few books by Mickey Miller and I enjoyed them all but The Lying Game blew me away.. This book was so good and refreshing to read.. I fell so in love with Carter and Lacey and their story is fantastic. Definitely will be waiting for part two..
September 3, 2018
This has been an experience!
I don't even know where to begin except this was hot! So creative and even touched on a fantasy of mine. I am on board the 27th!!! All that is holy Mickey hit it out of the park on this book. Wtg Mr. Miller
I don't even know where to begin except this was hot! So creative and even touched on a fantasy of mine. I am on board the 27th!!! All that is holy Mickey hit it out of the park on this book. Wtg Mr. Miller
August 7, 2021
This was more of a 2.5 or maybe a 3 star rating but I dropped it to 2 stars because it has a cliffhanger ending and I hate those with the fire of 100o suns. If this hadn't been free under Kindle Unlimited and I paid for the book, I would have been pissed. That's how much I loathe cliffhangers. Authors - please, if you care at all about your readers, stop this nonsense.
Anyway, the story.
Some elements worked for me, some really didn't. The story started off well enough - childhood friends (and now enemies) Lacy and Carter find themselves reluctant roommates when Lacy's lodging falls through at the last minute for her 8 week dance audition in Chicago. Seemed like a good set up for an enemies to lovers plot line though as some reviewers have mentioned, the author didn't really put any new spin on things (which let's face it, is not easy to do with romance tropes).
Lacy makes friends with Lance, a gay dancer also in her audition group and at first he seemed almost like a "flamboyant gay man" caricature but he grew on me as his character developed and I got to actually like him (and his bf Joseph).
Carter continues to have one night stands and abides by his rule of spending no more than 24 hours with any woman - why oh why do so many romance books feature men like this? Are there really this many emotional stunted men running around who can't form a relationship b/c of a relatively minor hurt in his (long ago) youth?
Carter never got over Lacy's terrible betrayal when she was 16 and they dated in high school so he likes to keep his womens at a distance and all. And just what was this massive betrayal? The one we hear about over and over for chapters and chapters until the reveal? Turns out Lacy OK so I get this from a high school boy. But Lacy apologized a million times over years and still, he hated her - for like a decade. Seriously? What does 27 year old Carter think 16 year old Lacy should have done? His massive grudge-holding made him seem petty and immature to me.
The two play some games of trying to make the other one jealous while denying their attraction to each other until they finally give in to it. So after they get the hate sex out of their system, the rest of the story is really a bunch of sex while they deny their actual feelings for each other. Lacy tries to make a go of a relationship with him but he doesn't want that, so she pulls away. Then he wants her back so he's nice to her and they have more sex. Wash, rinse, repeat.
I found most of their arguments to be repetitive - sometimes almost verbatim. How many times do they need to rehash high school? Carter's hookups? Etc etc.
At some point, Carter decides he's going to track down a long lost relative (avoiding spoilers) so he does a DNA test and
Carter then hires a PI who is somehow able to uncover all sorts of info on this person Outlandish, to say the least.
I feel like if the story had left out the rather silly angle on Carter's relative and Carter's teammate, it would have been a whole lot better. If Lacy's "betrayal" had been a little more recent than 10 years ago or a lot less "not really her fault", that would have worked better also. The "relative" plot line falls under "jumping the shark" to me.
Carter also smirked waaaay too much. Like ever other paragraph, he was smirking. I bet it's one of those words that a writer overuses completely without realizing it but it's extremely obvious to readers.
Aside from the issues noted above, Lacy and Carter feel like real people, which not all authors manage to pull off. I also liked the "Laces" and "Cartwheel" nicknames. I felt that Lacy's feelings were far easier to understand and seemed natural under the circumstances - Carter's, as mentioned, not so much. Lacy though is a doormat lacking self-respect.
I'm struggling to get through book 2 (also free on KU and I only picked it up b/c it was free and I wanted to see where things went with this whole dad-mess). Book 2 is mostly ridiculous thus far (75% in) and the two of them are still having the same arguments and insecurities.
Anyway, the story.
Some elements worked for me, some really didn't. The story started off well enough - childhood friends (and now enemies) Lacy and Carter find themselves reluctant roommates when Lacy's lodging falls through at the last minute for her 8 week dance audition in Chicago. Seemed like a good set up for an enemies to lovers plot line though as some reviewers have mentioned, the author didn't really put any new spin on things (which let's face it, is not easy to do with romance tropes).
Lacy makes friends with Lance, a gay dancer also in her audition group and at first he seemed almost like a "flamboyant gay man" caricature but he grew on me as his character developed and I got to actually like him (and his bf Joseph).
Carter continues to have one night stands and abides by his rule of spending no more than 24 hours with any woman - why oh why do so many romance books feature men like this? Are there really this many emotional stunted men running around who can't form a relationship b/c of a relatively minor hurt in his (long ago) youth?
Carter never got over Lacy's terrible betrayal when she was 16 and they dated in high school so he likes to keep his womens at a distance and all. And just what was this massive betrayal? The one we hear about over and over for chapters and chapters until the reveal? Turns out Lacy OK so I get this from a high school boy. But Lacy apologized a million times over years and still, he hated her - for like a decade. Seriously? What does 27 year old Carter think 16 year old Lacy should have done? His massive grudge-holding made him seem petty and immature to me.
The two play some games of trying to make the other one jealous while denying their attraction to each other until they finally give in to it. So after they get the hate sex out of their system, the rest of the story is really a bunch of sex while they deny their actual feelings for each other. Lacy tries to make a go of a relationship with him but he doesn't want that, so she pulls away. Then he wants her back so he's nice to her and they have more sex. Wash, rinse, repeat.
I found most of their arguments to be repetitive - sometimes almost verbatim. How many times do they need to rehash high school? Carter's hookups? Etc etc.
At some point, Carter decides he's going to track down a long lost relative (avoiding spoilers) so he does a DNA test and
Carter then hires a PI who is somehow able to uncover all sorts of info on this person Outlandish, to say the least.
I feel like if the story had left out the rather silly angle on Carter's relative and Carter's teammate, it would have been a whole lot better. If Lacy's "betrayal" had been a little more recent than 10 years ago or a lot less "not really her fault", that would have worked better also. The "relative" plot line falls under "jumping the shark" to me.
Carter also smirked waaaay too much. Like ever other paragraph, he was smirking. I bet it's one of those words that a writer overuses completely without realizing it but it's extremely obvious to readers.
Aside from the issues noted above, Lacy and Carter feel like real people, which not all authors manage to pull off. I also liked the "Laces" and "Cartwheel" nicknames. I felt that Lacy's feelings were far easier to understand and seemed natural under the circumstances - Carter's, as mentioned, not so much. Lacy though is a doormat lacking self-respect.
I'm struggling to get through book 2 (also free on KU and I only picked it up b/c it was free and I wanted to see where things went with this whole dad-mess). Book 2 is mostly ridiculous thus far (75% in) and the two of them are still having the same arguments and insecurities.
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