Turning the Tables

Games of the Heart #2

by Claire Thompson

He's an arrogant, dominant badass... who finally meets his match
Hank Seeley works through his rage over his ex’s betrayal by using rent boys from an exclusive escort service, forcing submission whether it’s wanted or not. When the service sends Avery Thompson rather than one of the usual twinks, Hank gets way more than he bargained for.
To make ends meet, Avery, a brew master, takes a temporary job as a sex worker. When he’s asked to meet with a customer who has developed a reputation for being too rough on the subs, Avery doesn’t mind taking the gig. He’s always up for a challenge. It doesn’t take long for Avery to sense something deeply hidden beneath Hank’s entitled, angry façade.
The clash between the two men is immediate and intense, as is the attraction. Hank, used to being on top of the world, is overwhelmed by the upheaval taking place in his life, including the sexy bear of a man who is so different from anyone he’s ever met.

Turning the Tables is Book 2 of the Games of the Heart series. While it is a stand-alone novel, your experience will be enhanced if you read Book 1 – Dangerous Games.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance

225 pages, Paperback

Published September 11, 2019

About the author

Claire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 85 novels. She writes BDSM romance and abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award and the Golden Flogger Award for best BDSM fiction.. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.
Connect with Claire and get a FREE starter library!
https://clairethompson.net

Reviews

[Tracey Priestland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am glad that we re visit Hanks story in the next book. I know he was supposed to be the bad guy in book 1, but I actually felt a little sorry for him. He and Reese both chose to play the games they did, not caring who got hurt. Just because Reese actually falls in love and no longer wants to play, he just leaves Hank, who doesn't understand that it is over. He shouldn't have retaliated against Luca the way he did, but he was hurting.
Then along comes Avery, you can't help falling a little in love with this character. He is charming, caring and kind in a way that Hank has never known before. He blows everything that Hank has believed out the window.
In this book we watch Hank grow as a better person due to the laid back nature of Avery. As always this book is well written, with wonderful descriptions and the BDSM scenes were steamy and erotic. I enjoyed going on this journey with Avery and Hank.
Well done Claire on another fabulous book.

[Wolfgirl18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continued to dislike Hank at the beginning of this book. I guess a tiger really can change his stripes. Hank finally learned what love and being in a real relationship means. Hank and Avery gives hope to those who thinks that loving someone is just a meaningless emotion. Go Claire!! You are a true inspiration and your books show that. Can't wait for the next one!!

Voluntarily leaving this review.

[Carole-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the first book (kudos to Reece and Luca for standing up to this guy), Hank finds himself alone and miserable, so looks to hiring rent boys for his pleasure.

Avery needs money so starts to turn tricks, and when Hank's request for a boy is turned down by the others, Avery turns up on Hank's doorstep.

This is where it turns good: Avery is no way a 'boy' and Hank knows it. However, Hank is intrigued so continues to see him.
And the twist is there for all to see.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hank Seeley. Redemption. Seemingly three words that shouldn’t seem to occupy the same universe when considering the events which unfolded in Games of the Heart/Dangerous Games Book 1. In fact, I nearly believed Ms. Thompson had lost her mind when deciding to make Hank the focus of the second book in this series! I mean, what is there to love, let alone LIKE when it comes to the spoiled, self-centered, manipulative, head-game-playing Hank EM-EFFING Seeley! I almost feel as if a “Bah-Humbug” or a “HURRUMPH” is called for here. But I think my point is made. Hank Seeley isn’t the person one would normally look to for a MC in a M/M romance series. He makes a great big-bad, and foil for our hero Reese, in book 1. But a leading romantic lead and carry a book on his own? Madness!

So, having said all that….my hat is off and I bow deeply to Claire Thompson for taking this on and succeeding to a degree I can only say makes for wonderful story-telling and a heart-warming redemption of Dickensian proportions. I don’t want to give too much away, but for a redemption story to work, the person in need of a soul make-over must experience some life change which helps refocus their world view and understand the gravity of their past callousness and wrong-doing. This occurs. That’s all I’m going to say about it. But that particular plot-point is made so believable and is accomplished in such a way as to further assist the reader in understanding very profoundly how Hank got to be “Hank”—that is the guy described with all those colorful and negative adjectives I threw around at the beginning of this review.

I believe you’ll find yourself rethinking Hank Seeley somewhere mid-book and then rooting for him to get his own HEA. Hank’s outcome here is won through suffering, understanding and finally submitting in the most unexpected, beautiful, meaningful and humbling way. And in talking endlessly about Hank, I certainly don’t mean to short-change Avery Thompson the escort-cum-master brewer and “Dom of dreams” who enters Hank’s lion’s den. Avery soon sees that Hank is spiraling out of control and could use some expert “managing”, then proceeds to start Hank (almost imperceptively) down a path which will ultimately reframe his focus and help him come to terms with what is truly valuable in life; and what his real needs are. With a quiet patience and confidence Avery expertly sets out to take on the beast that is Hank Seeley. How will it all go? Who comes out on top? Getting there is 100% of the joy of this book.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We first met Hank Seely in Dangeous Games, Book One. In this new series, Games of the Heart;  I loved to hate him.  He was used to getting his way by being a bully and throwing money at any problems.   Hank was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and had never worked a day in his life. He thought of himself as a Dom in his life and the BDSM clubs he frequented. Really he was a Sub in Doms clothing. Hang on to your seat,  Hank is in for the ride of his life when literally the table is turned on him.  He never saw this coming.

Hank meets his match in Avery. Avery is a Dominant  through and through. He understands the lifestyle and the power exchange that takes place between a Dom and Sub when there is trust.  Avery sees Hank for what he is, a scared lonely man, and wants to help him find his way.  Avery takes Hank on a journey to finding himself.  Does Hank have the courage to submit with grace?  Can he overcome the new challenges as his life is turned upside down?  Follow Avery's and Hank's special journey to find out.  This is an amazing book, so please don't miss out.  However, you should read book one in the series first to get the full picture of who Hank is.  Claire Thompson you have out done yourself with this new series.

[Debra Guyette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hank Seeley uses rent boys to work out his rage against his ex-lover who left him. Those actions really do not seem to work until the agency sends him Avery Thompson who is definitely not his usual twink. Avery, though, could be just what Hank needs. Avery works hard as a brew master but needs extra cash so he winds up at Hank’s. While there he realizes that Hank needs more control. He is just the man to help him. He sees beneath Hank’s angry surface to the sub in side. As Hank’s life spirals out of control, Avery is there is help him pick up the pieces.

Hank was not all that likeable in the beginning. Avery was cool and in control, even when Hank tried everything to push his buttons. Gradually, Hank began to realize that Avery may have a few points in his corner and maybe, just maybe, he could help him. Avery was older and is trying to get a brewery off its feet. He has no problem doing the same with Hank. Their relationship was contentious in the beginning but filled with lots of attraction. It was fun to watch Hank fall, but did he really? He found himself with Avery’s help. Pick up Turning the Tables and watch as these two fight it out. The journey and the reading are well worth it.

[Cindy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read Dangerous Games I really, really disliked Hank as he was an egoistical jerk and I was a little put off by the bet/game that he had going on with Reese. I was not sure how I would like this book as it is based on Hank's story but let me tell you I loved it!! The book starts off with Hank being his obnoxious self until he meets Avery. Claire did a fantastic job of taking us on Hank's and Avery's journey where you understand why Hank was the way he was. Hank's story is an emotional one and you just feel bad for him. Having money doesn't equate with happiness and with Avery's guidance, understanding, and eventually love, Hank evolves into the person he is meant to be. I received an advanced copy of this book to review and I love Claire Thompson's work but this book is worth reading. It is intense at times, beautifully written, and an enjoyable read.

[Gab · Rating 5 out of 5]

There he is again!
Hank - the monster bully, the wannabe Dom with the entitlement complex.
Reese, his longtime partner, has left him, and so has Julio, his house-boy. He's alone and resents everybody and everything. So what does he do, he orders boys from a high-priced agency for one night, and treats them abominably enough for the agency to consider cancelling his lucrative contract. The last "boy" they send him before they do, is a total surprise.
With even more than her usual empathy Ms Thompson takes us on a journey from anger, misunderstanding and loneliness, to the freedom to become and finally be the person one's meant to be. Peppered with her, trade-mark spine-, and other parts tingling scenes, she makes this a un-put-down-able read!
Embedded in this book is one of the most touchingly beautiful "first-times" I have ever read.

[Monique Hebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. First I enjoyed it because there isn't enough BDSM or D/S MM books out there.
One of the things I enjoyed the most is Avery's character and the type of Dom he was. He was so gentle and his approach to a D/S relationship was different than most if not all the books I've read.
The scenes escalated and so did my anticipation to what came next.
The storyline was great but most importantly so was their relationship. I also enjoyed Hank' s newly discovered submissive role from his previous dominant one.
I enjoyed the discovery along with the characters. Loved it! Can't wait to see what's next in the series.

[lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the last book I did not know how I would feel about this one. Obviously some redemption would be made (because who is going to write a book about a royal jerk) and I was right.
Hank may have been a jerk but it takes meeting the wrong (or right?) people, falling on hard times and learning self worth to make him change his ways.
When Hank meets Avery, Avery is not who he was expecting. Not even close. Avery is not what Hank expected and that seems to be what Hank needs. For Hanks whole life, he was a dom - or so he thought. Avery comes in and changes his way of thinking and in the end his life.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I belong to you....
There is something so incredibly erotic about that sentence that makes the mind stutter and a deep exhale expel from your body. This book is almost a sensory overload to your system as you read. Hank is a character that you love to hate until you stop hating him and just love him. He is sad, lonely, selfish. On a path of destruction until he meets the man who calms his soul and nourishes his mind. This is a beautifully written story.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.

[Audrey Pott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thoroughly enjoying this series, Hank was in the first, he was a bully and awful person but by reading this story I learnt to understand that Hank was lonely and parents who just didn’t care about him. When Avery and Hank met it was the best thing for Hank, who was taught to like and eventually love himself. An emotional roller coaster ride, well written and insightful.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. Definitely recommend this story.

[T Heinze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning the tables was fantastic. I liked this even more than the first, but could be read as a standalone. Hank has had everything handed to him. He gets a wake up call from Avery who shows him who he gruels is. I would have liked to see Hank struggle more financially, as I thought he deserved it, but that’s just me. Hopefully he and Reese can still be friends. Great BDSM training/scenes. M/M. No cliffhanger.

[Saskia · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Dangerous games I really hated Hank and what i thought was impossible happened in this book. Claire Thompson made me like Hank and even feel sorry for the guys.

What I loved about this book was that is showed the real Hank. the lonely and vulnerable Hank. And the Hank that finally grew up and took responsibility for his action.

All this happened with the love and guidance of the patient, gentle but firm Avery. I loved them together.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having seen Hank in the previous book, I knew there was more to him. He wasn’t a villain; he was just a guy with no concept of reality or the consequences of his actions. Lucky for him Avery comes into his life and is nothing like Hank. Avery is Zen, self-sufficient, and a has a joy for life. He also knows exactly how to handle Hank, and bring the truth out of him, and make him understand. The fact they have off-the-charts chemistry really doesn’t hurt the situation one bit!

[Anne Streaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as it explained more of the BDSM life to me. I liked the formation of the relationship between Hank and Avery and how it grew into something stronger.
Claire Thompson builds her characters to be these real people in my head and can expect to see them in the street the next day.
I had started this book late at night and could not wait to resume the next day.
I received this book in exchange for a voluntary review.

[Doreen Frantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read....Hank has redeemed himself. After reading the first book in the series, I can only say I hated Hank, but now I look at him differently. Love Avery. He is so gentle yet firm when Hank needs it. So romantic yet so kinky and sexy. They made a great team and this book had many, many hot moments. Enjoyable read!

[Karen Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It was one surprise after another throughout. This is honestly one of the most original storylines I’ve read. The development of Hank and Avery’s relationship was fascinating, unpredictable, and hot! You will definitely want to read this story.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m breathless!
Just finished this intense story about Hank. Following Hank from a totally jerk in the first book in the serie to a beautiful lover and submissive. I think everyone needs ’an Avery’ - someone who sees you. I’m in love.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Juli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite liked this (although it was basically Guy is saved from himself by the power of BDSM)! I wish the protagonist wasn't called Hank and I wish his Dom wouldn't call him kiddo, but otherwise, this was a fun read. No unnecessary angst, instead focusing on the character(s) and relationship.

[Danna Iuliana · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5