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Dangerous Games

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'A gritty powerful story. A must read for fans of gangland crime.' Kerry Kaya, Author Annette Lambrianu is young, blonde, beautiful and bored. Life on the family vineyard with her husband and young son, Antonias, is not what she had expected. Yearning for excitement, she flees to London with her lover and the boy, only to find out the streets are not paved with gold.Since being taken from his home by his mother in the middle of the night, fighting for survival is all Antonias Lambrianu has ever known. He soon learns that money is power and sets his sights on what he sees as a better future. When his past finally catches up with him, it unexpectedly opens up new opportunities, but new threats come hand-in-hand with them.Antonias is determined that he will emerge triumphant, but there’s jeopardy everywhere and the stakes are high. Everyone, it seems, is playing dangerous games … Antonias most of all.This is a tale of selfishness, cruelty, love and betrayal. But who will be the ultimate winner?Dangerous Games is the origin story of gangster Tony Lambrianu. Book two in the series, Nasty Business, will be published in June 2019, and Francesca – available now – covers the next stage of his journey.

295 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2019

193 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Gillian Godden

24 books98 followers
Hello fellow readers. My name is Gillian Godden and i write Gangland crime books. currently published by Boldwood Publishers. i have written many different series on the subject, so if this is your genre please check them out. originally born in London, i now live in Yorkshire. i also work for the NHS.
When I come home I like to wind down and writing is my escape from the mental stresses of my day. My job is not a 9 to 5 job and I work to support my patients when they need me so my days can be long. i enjoy hearing from and meeting readers of my books. just knowing someone out there is reading my books is a bonus ;}
Take a look at my websites and hopefully join my author page for updates on forth coming books.
amazon.com/author/gilliangodden




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5 stars
910 (67%)
4 stars
308 (22%)
3 stars
90 (6%)
2 stars
18 (1%)
1 star
20 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Mark.
1,688 reviews
November 14, 2019

This is Book 1 of a ( so far ) 3 Book series published this year

Meet Antonia Lambrianu and his ‘brother’ Jake, now in charge of protection for East London pubs and also having just redesigned an old West End building that was used as a ropey nightclub, top of their game, respected, rich and feared

But before all that they had a VERY different life and the book starts, well, at their beginnings and you travel with them through ( without telling too much ) the hell they endured as children, living on the streets, pushed from pillar to post and Antonia living as nothing more
than a ‘feral’

There’s a lot of life from this to what and who they are now and this book takes you through that journey, methodically, interestingly and excitingly

I really liked both of them and in fact loved most of the characters, except Antonio’s natural Mum, a real character to love to hate and with good reason ( she’s vile 😎😵 )

The story really never lets up and builds the tension as it goes between London and Italy and the 2 of them find themselves becoming more daring in their quest for success!

The writing for me was perfect in as much as it was easy to follow and built the picture as it went along and was impossible to get lost as all was explained so well, I had a pic in my mind of every character as and when they were introduced

Its gritty and real as any ‘gangland’ based book should be but I felt this book as well as a certified ‘gangland’ book had heart, and emotion built in ( as well as quite a lot of saucy goings on!!!! )

As mentioned above the have to have nightclub is there along with everything else you need in this type of story/genre, the one surprise was the lack of bad language which, for me, took nothing away from the book

I really enjoyed it and was left with a ‘wanting more’ and look forward to reading the next 2 books ( and any more that follow )

10/10
5 Stars
Profile Image for Sandra.
566 reviews22 followers
July 15, 2019
Well Tony and Jake are now men and have survived they have the love of Elle,Sharon and Tony's Grandmother,but they have had to keep their wits about them as they have taken their steps into the London scene.I don't want to say too much that would spoil the book but 5* from me and now i am onto the next one.Well done to Gillian Godden Excellent Book.
Profile Image for Tracey.
75 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2019
Fabulous read

So glad I found this author. I'm an avid reader of gangland books and this one did not disappoint. Looking forward to reading more of her books.
Profile Image for tony brasier.
20 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2019
Fantastic books

Both Dangerous Games and Francesca are fantastic books to read i cannot wait to read your next book you have a new fan Gillian Godden
13 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2019
Gillian Godden is a fairly new author on the block, her books are under the urban fiction gangland genre, so they are very similar to authors such as Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers, Kerry Barnes, Jessie Keane (you get the picture).

This story was one I found I could not put down, I was totally intrigued and immersed in the lives of Tony and Jake, especially Tony's, his start in life brought a tear to my eye I have to admit it.

When I was reading this book on my way to work on the bus I was gutted when it was time to get off the bus to head off as I wanted the journey to be so much longer so I could discover what was going to happen next, so by the time lunchtime came and on my lunch break I was back on my kindle reading again, my half hour is not long enough especially when you are hooked on stories such as Gillian has written.

I found this story had ingredients that made me laugh, made me feel sad and made me say 'no way' and a few 'OMG' moments, it had everything in it that I wanted to find in a gangland book.

I liked the fact Gillian does not have too many characters in the book as I could remember who was who and who done what, which makes it an 'easy read'.

Nasty Business is the next book out on the 11th of June and I can't wait for it, I can't wait to get back into reading about the antics of Tony and Jake, I had a real soft spot for each character and I can't wait to see what direction Gillian takes these characters in.

The only downside is Gillian 'tells' just a little too much where she should be 'showing' the readers the story and if she can get a hang of 'showing' her books would be more explosive than dynamite as she has strong characters and even better storylines her enactments are powerful and leaves you wanting more.

I have given this book its full 5 stars as it totally deserves it, Gillian is an author to watch out for I highly recommend this book, I won't deny it I am very excited for Nasty Business, bring it on!

A big round of applause to you Gillian a job well done indeed!

Profile Image for Lin Robertson.
162 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2019
Antonias is a small boy, being woken by his mother in the middle of the night. Why the need to do this?
They head for London, but he’s from Italy.
This is where things start to go wrong for the mother. This is where Antonias becomes a surviver on the streets, and in the care system.

At times I was so sad for this young boy.
Other times, I felt proud of his determination to do well.

As an adult, he’s attracted to the clubs and the strippers.
He knows how to look after himself now though. He carries a gun.

Couldn’t put this down. My second book, by this author, and can’t wait for the next one.
181 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2019
Dangerous Games

We have read about Antonias when his name was made this fantastic story tells us if Antonias begging.
Not many books suck me In a have me loving characters as Gillian’s books has.
Throughly enraptured on to the story line and playing the story on my mind as if I’m too there with Tony and Jake one their journey.
Loved both books by Gillian just hope this isn’t the end of Antonias, Jake and crew
Highly recommend
Profile Image for Tracy ann  Robinson.
1,154 reviews27 followers
June 9, 2019
i so enjoyed this book this author is very talented. I so enjoyed how tony grew up and how he got where he is very touching and emotional story .oh and very funny in places the dimonds and truffles gave me the giggles his mother was not the nicest and jake what a friend I so recommend this book but you need to read this before Francesca so cant wait for authors next book
Profile Image for Kyle Burdin.
43 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2019
Page Turner

Why ever this isn't in the top ten, bestselling list, I don't know, come on people let's get this up there with the others, definitely as good as martina, manda-sue Kimberley, and jesse. I picked this up, and I haven't been able to put it down, all day.what a fantastic way to spend a Sunday. Read it.!!
Profile Image for Vicki - I Love Reading.
961 reviews58 followers
July 26, 2019
Absolutely loved this book.
I'd seen some great reviews on this and bought the book for my mum. Once she told me how good it was I knew I'd have to read it myself.
I certainly wasn't disappointed and the moment I finished it, I downloaded Nasty business and started it straight away.
Some great characters and brilliant story line.
Profile Image for deborah fanning.
93 reviews6 followers
September 6, 2019
Great story and characters have downloaded and started the next episode!
No spoilers here download read enjoy . Initially thought it was a bit disjointed then it all came together!
Profile Image for Kim.
482 reviews4 followers
September 18, 2019
What a great book, I loved the character Tony Lambrianu and his adopted brother Jake.
It had thrills, violence, love, and crime all rolled into one. From the shady dangerous characters to the loveable rogues.
Everything you could want in a book and more with an excellent story to go with it.
Francesca is the follow-up book to this which is equally as exciting, both real page turners from this new and very talented author.
2 reviews
July 7, 2019
Dangerous Games

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have recommended it to a couple of friends, my only criticism is the similarities to Martina Cole, many of the more recent author's seem to copy the theme of Martina's storylines with two brothers (based on the Kray brothers) always set around the East end of London and involve power struggles, I was very impressed that she was able to portray that world without having to use bad language. I look forward to her next book.
155 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2019
Dangerous wasn't the word

This was the first time that I read a book by Gillian Godden she has wrote a brilliant novel and I was well impressed I will certainly but her other two novels I read this book while on holiday and couldn't put the book down from the first chapter to the last well done Gillian you deserve 5 Stars and I certainly will recommend this book .
Profile Image for tanya hand.
21 reviews
May 18, 2019
Brilliant

Loved this story from beginning to the end & hope there's gonna be more to this story, Gillian Goddard is an amazing writer & brings her books to life & I feel I'm in the story keep it up x
69 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2019
She has done it again.

I thought Francesca was a great book but this blew me away. Right from the start I was hooked. I read this in a day and I am disappointed I read it so quick I should have paced myself. Never mind I will look forward to the next one x
Profile Image for Miriam.
953 reviews
May 23, 2019
This is the second book in the series and it's another engrossing read. It's all about Tony and Jake's early life and they get to where they are when they meet Francesca. I'm so looking forward to the next book.
9 reviews
June 7, 2019
Brilliant

Gillian Godden has done it again. Her first book Francesca was a brilliant read but Dangerous Games was excellent. Great characters. Highly recommend. Hope there's more to come from Tony and Jake.
15 reviews
August 25, 2019
Fantastic Read

I rate this 5 stars because I couldn't put it down. An entertaining fun book, with crime, violence, sorrow and humour. Looking forward to reading more from Gillian Godden.
39 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2019
Brilliant

Worth all 5stars I did not expect such a good book from someone I had never heard of, I am ready to start the next one , if it's as good as this one I will be keeping my eyes open for this author
Profile Image for Gemma Deary.
302 reviews3 followers
November 20, 2019
Hearing all the rave reviews for this book I had no doubt in my mind that I would enjoy it..I didn't just enjoy it I absolutely adored it!

The characters, settings and not to mention the storyline is just brilliant and I'm now off to download the next one. A very easy five stars!
6 reviews
September 28, 2020
Absolutely brilliant book. Gr8 gangland thriller and characters fitted into fast paced environment superbly by an excellent author. Can't wait to read more by this writer. Only one word for her and that is Superb ! !
Profile Image for Pol.
451 reviews9 followers
November 4, 2021
What a great read, cannot wait to read the next book to see what happens with Antonias and Jake.

Merged review:

What a turn pager, could not put this book down. Another great read from Gillian Godden. Brilliantly written
3 reviews
June 12, 2019
Great read

Love this book I'm hooked, definitely worth a read can't wait to read what Tony gets up to next 😆
113 reviews
March 14, 2024
Brilliant

Loved this tags to riches every type of emotion highs and lows and a touch of humour look forward to next installment
Profile Image for Biff meechan.
362 reviews5 followers
June 15, 2019
Loved the book

Gillian you retire good storylines, I enjoyed every bit of the book & totally invested in the main characters & can't wait to read more about them , thank you ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 reviews
June 16, 2019
Dangerous Games

Great book such a sad start to Tonys life full of up and downs then he meets Jake and life changes for them both

Profile Image for Kay-marie.
67 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2019
Awesome

This book is brilliant. Five stars from me
Loved the journey Tony was on. Heartbreaking and exciting. Deffo a page Turner. Roll on her next book. Can't wait
24 reviews
July 4, 2019
Good read

I enjoyed from start to finish,great story,hope there is a follow on soon. I would like to know how Tony gets on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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