What do you think?
Ridge Rogues #2
Wicked Games
I played the game. There were rules. There was strategy. There was always an escape.
No one knew how my past dictated my every move. I did everything to keep the nightmares of my childhood at bay. I reveled in my playboy reputation.
Then Sarah Hodges made a wrong move. One that left me wondering how to match her play.
We weren't supposed to work. She was everything I wasn't. But she had secrets of her own. Ones that left me shocked and furious. Ones that gave me a leg up. Or so I thought.
It only took one quick game to land us in checkmate, something Wellington University never saw coming.
No one knew how my past dictated my every move. I did everything to keep the nightmares of my childhood at bay. I reveled in my playboy reputation.
Then Sarah Hodges made a wrong move. One that left me wondering how to match her play.
We weren't supposed to work. She was everything I wasn't. But she had secrets of her own. Ones that left me shocked and furious. Ones that gave me a leg up. Or so I thought.
It only took one quick game to land us in checkmate, something Wellington University never saw coming.
- GenresRomance
152 pages, Paperback
Published January 26, 2022
About the author
Renee Harless
49 books1,055 followersRenee Harless is a
USA TODAY
bestselling author of contemporary romance - focusing on family and small towns. Her upcoming release, At First Spark, is scheduled for May 20, 2026. Add it to your TBR today!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 21, 2021
This is the second book of this series and so far, I have loved this group of brothers who come from troubled pasts only to find a bond that makes them inseparable. Sarah is a klutz; she is down on her luck having to find a way to stay in school and survive. Archer has never paid any attention to her only to laugh at her when she falls but now, she is living in the same building it is becoming hard to ignore her. He lives to bully her and at times is cruel to her, but deep down that’s not the real Archer. Sarah tries to stay away from him as much as possible, but fate keeps throwing them together and they hate it. Their banter was amusing, and he hurt her so much I was mad at him, yet knew he was suffering from his past. This was a quick read that I really enjoyed the end seemed a little rushed and I felt like the deal with the crazy chick was solved too easily and wished we got more of Archer because I loved him so much.
May 21, 2021
Archer is a broken man who doesn't let anyone get too close, his entanglements with women are one night only and they know that going in, because he is just not cut out for anything more. His past constantly haunts him and he is just not comfortable letting anyone see what the memories to do him, so everyone around him is kept in the dark and at a safe distance. That is until he meets a woman that challenges him, one that is so unlike any other woman that he has met before. Sarah Hodges has sparked something in him that he can't seem to let go of... he has to have her, even if it means going against everything he holds true.
Of Bishops and Pawns is a heart-torturing fast paced romance that will introduce you to too people that have never needed love more. One has a past that leaves them unable to connect to anyone, and the other has a good life, but has always been missing something. They bring out the best in one another and push each other past their breaking points... but in a good way. Watching them come together was uplifting and good on the heart. I really enjoyed meeting these characters, their story was packed with feels and steam, and left my just curious enough to come back for more! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Of Bishops and Pawns is a heart-torturing fast paced romance that will introduce you to too people that have never needed love more. One has a past that leaves them unable to connect to anyone, and the other has a good life, but has always been missing something. They bring out the best in one another and push each other past their breaking points... but in a good way. Watching them come together was uplifting and good on the heart. I really enjoyed meeting these characters, their story was packed with feels and steam, and left my just curious enough to come back for more! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 23, 2021
Once I started reading Of Bishops and Pawns I legitimately think that I had finished it within an hour or so and it was so good and held my attention that I couldn't stop reading.
College student Sarah Hodges is in a bind, just as she is about to move into her new apartment for the next school year she finds out that she has lost her full ride scholarship. Because her dad can't help with the bills her only options are move back to her small town, live with her father (who she loves) and work as a babysitter or at the bank giving up her dream or get a job near campus. In the end she decides to work at a local strip club because its the only place that'll pay enough. Just whenever thing is going well she starts to have issues with her new neighbor, and her best friend's roommate, Archer Calloway.
Archer doesn't want attachments and he makes sure that every girl he hooks up with knows that going in but for some reason they never seem to remember that after the fact. But when Archer meets his brother's girlfriend's best friend he can't stand to look at her because she reminds him of his past that he'd rather forget. Because of this he treats her terribly but then one night he finds out about her job as a dancer and everything changes between them...
College student Sarah Hodges is in a bind, just as she is about to move into her new apartment for the next school year she finds out that she has lost her full ride scholarship. Because her dad can't help with the bills her only options are move back to her small town, live with her father (who she loves) and work as a babysitter or at the bank giving up her dream or get a job near campus. In the end she decides to work at a local strip club because its the only place that'll pay enough. Just whenever thing is going well she starts to have issues with her new neighbor, and her best friend's roommate, Archer Calloway.
Archer doesn't want attachments and he makes sure that every girl he hooks up with knows that going in but for some reason they never seem to remember that after the fact. But when Archer meets his brother's girlfriend's best friend he can't stand to look at her because she reminds him of his past that he'd rather forget. Because of this he treats her terribly but then one night he finds out about her job as a dancer and everything changes between them...
May 24, 2021
So this is book 2 in the Ridge Rogue series, and as I haven't read the first book I can definitely say that this reads as a standalone. Now having said that, my interest is piqued enough that I will more than likely read Ford & Jolee's as well.
Archer is a bit of an anti-hero. His horrible childhood has made him wary and it just so happens Sarah brings back memories for him that he is constantly trying to forget. Their connection in there straight away - but Archer's ghosts hold him back until he just can't fight it anymore.
This is a quick read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I liked how once Archer decided to give Sarah a chance his past didn't seem to define him anymore and he was willing to make the most of his new relationship. The story is well written with some complex characters that I look forward to reading their stories as well.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book
Archer is a bit of an anti-hero. His horrible childhood has made him wary and it just so happens Sarah brings back memories for him that he is constantly trying to forget. Their connection in there straight away - but Archer's ghosts hold him back until he just can't fight it anymore.
This is a quick read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I liked how once Archer decided to give Sarah a chance his past didn't seem to define him anymore and he was willing to make the most of his new relationship. The story is well written with some complex characters that I look forward to reading their stories as well.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book
May 26, 2021
"So this is book 2 in the Ridge Rogue series, and as I haven't read the first book I can definitely say that this reads as a standalone. Now having said that, my interest is piqued enough that I will more than likely read Ford & Jolee's as well.
Archer is a bit of an anti-hero. His horrible childhood has made him wary and it just so happens Sarah brings back memories for him that he is constantly trying to forget. Their connection in there straight away - but Archer's ghosts hold him back until he just can't fight it anymore.
This is a quick read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I liked how once Archer decided to give Sarah a chance his past didn't seem to define him anymore and he was willing to make the most of his new relationship. The story is well written with some complex characters that I look forward to reading their stories as well.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book
"
Archer is a bit of an anti-hero. His horrible childhood has made him wary and it just so happens Sarah brings back memories for him that he is constantly trying to forget. Their connection in there straight away - but Archer's ghosts hold him back until he just can't fight it anymore.
This is a quick read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I liked how once Archer decided to give Sarah a chance his past didn't seem to define him anymore and he was willing to make the most of his new relationship. The story is well written with some complex characters that I look forward to reading their stories as well.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book
"
May 20, 2021
"I had thought her the pawn in my game of control, the weakest out of us. But she was proving to be the Bishop, the one to watch, the one that could make any move and capture the other player."
Oh, this Ridge Rogues!! First Ford and his broody ways, and now Archer. My poor broken, Archer. And Sarah - what a strong character she is!! A little timid on the outside but a total force on the inside!
While their relationship starts out quite contentious, beneath the insults and the hurtful comments is a bonfire waiting to explode.
I loved these two. My heard broke for Archer, using any willing woman to block out his painful past. Then along comes Sarah who won't play his game and won't let him off the hook. Just what he needed to finally see what he'd been missing.
I can't wait for the rest of this series and the stories of the remaining Ridge Rogues!!
Oh, this Ridge Rogues!! First Ford and his broody ways, and now Archer. My poor broken, Archer. And Sarah - what a strong character she is!! A little timid on the outside but a total force on the inside!
While their relationship starts out quite contentious, beneath the insults and the hurtful comments is a bonfire waiting to explode.
I loved these two. My heard broke for Archer, using any willing woman to block out his painful past. Then along comes Sarah who won't play his game and won't let him off the hook. Just what he needed to finally see what he'd been missing.
I can't wait for the rest of this series and the stories of the remaining Ridge Rogues!!
May 22, 2021
“You showed me that every move had a purpose, every thought had an action.”
Of Bishops and Pawns is the second book in the Ridge Rogue series by Renee Harless. Archer and Sarah instantly rub each other the wrong way, but you can see that there is a flicker of interest beneath the surface. Both are struggling with their past and how it is affecting their future. Archer buries his pain behind a façade of laughs and good times but finds he’s unable to hide from Sarah. Sarah is struggling to afford the private college they both attend and she makes decisions for her future that bring back tragic memories for Archer.
I enjoyed this enemies to lover’s story, but it moved a little too quickly for me. I would have liked it be a little more fleshed out and to have gotten to know both characters better, but Archer and Sarah were a good match.
Of Bishops and Pawns is the second book in the Ridge Rogue series by Renee Harless. Archer and Sarah instantly rub each other the wrong way, but you can see that there is a flicker of interest beneath the surface. Both are struggling with their past and how it is affecting their future. Archer buries his pain behind a façade of laughs and good times but finds he’s unable to hide from Sarah. Sarah is struggling to afford the private college they both attend and she makes decisions for her future that bring back tragic memories for Archer.
I enjoyed this enemies to lover’s story, but it moved a little too quickly for me. I would have liked it be a little more fleshed out and to have gotten to know both characters better, but Archer and Sarah were a good match.
May 31, 2021
This is the second book of the Ridge Rogues and my only complaint is it was a novella. I wanted more of Archer and Sarah! Archer's past constantly haunts him, so much that he has meaningless one night stands. Sarah doesn't even cross his radar except for the time she tripped on her way to class. Then she moves into his building and she his best friends with his brother's girlfriend. There's something about her that reminds him of his past and his way of dealing with it is by bullying her. Sarah discovered that due to unseen circumstances she lost her scholarship and had to find a way to pay her tuition. When Archer discovers what she is doing, this sets off a whole chain of events that spirals out of control between them. Will Archer continue to let his past control his present or will he finally let go and embrace the wonderful future that awaits him?
May 26, 2021
I have to start out by saying that I loved Sarah so much, and so many things that happened to her were very wrong (just had to get that out of my system). Sarah is having a hard time in her life, so catching the attention of Archer definitely didn't help things at all. He's very cruel to her quite a bit which had me enraged & it was hard to ever warm up to him. Yeah I know that he wasn't that person deep down, but his actions were wrong & unacceptable no matter what. And maybe if the length were longer I could have gotten on board with him, but it wasn't so I really didn't but that's just me. I won't say anymore since this is only my opinion, and I seriously hope that you decide for yourselves! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 20, 2021
Archer and Sarah have secrets they wish could have been hidden forever, pasts they wish could be forgotten. When Archer first encountered Sarah, his past came back to haunt him in a debilitating way, draining him of his energy and leaving him wrapped up in despair. What was it about Sarah that bothered him, but at the same time compelled him to seek her out to find out more about her?
Sarah believes that keeping to herself and minding her own business is the best way to survive her college experience. She deserved to be at Wellington University and she refused to allow the rude and privileged students get her down. Archer was someone who she didn’t understand and couldn’t figure out. He was popular with the ladies but glared at her as if his hate for her came from the bottom of his soul. He was like two different people and she didn’t know which one she should be afraid of -- the one that could break her heart or the one that confused her.
What happens when Archer and Sarah realize that fate had brought them together to brighten up each other’s lives so they will never be lonely again?
Sarah believes that keeping to herself and minding her own business is the best way to survive her college experience. She deserved to be at Wellington University and she refused to allow the rude and privileged students get her down. Archer was someone who she didn’t understand and couldn’t figure out. He was popular with the ladies but glared at her as if his hate for her came from the bottom of his soul. He was like two different people and she didn’t know which one she should be afraid of -- the one that could break her heart or the one that confused her.
What happens when Archer and Sarah realize that fate had brought them together to brighten up each other’s lives so they will never be lonely again?
May 21, 2021
Book 2 in the Ridge Rogue series is a novella length book and is an easy read.
Sarah has just lost her scholarship and tuition is expensive at this private college. But going home is not an option. She fought hard to get out of that small town. So she finds a job that will help her pay for that tuition.
Archer isn't sure what to make of the new girl in the building. She reminds him a the past. In too many ways. And when he finds out where she is working, he about loses it.
When they are assigned to work on a project together, sparks fly. In between barbs anyway.
What will it take for Archer to push through what's holding him the past and see that Sarah is who he needs?
Sarah has just lost her scholarship and tuition is expensive at this private college. But going home is not an option. She fought hard to get out of that small town. So she finds a job that will help her pay for that tuition.
Archer isn't sure what to make of the new girl in the building. She reminds him a the past. In too many ways. And when he finds out where she is working, he about loses it.
When they are assigned to work on a project together, sparks fly. In between barbs anyway.
What will it take for Archer to push through what's holding him the past and see that Sarah is who he needs?
May 29, 2021
Archer is a man who is plagued by his past and hates all concept of relationships or commitment, it's safer for everyone until he meets college student Sarah who has just lost her scholarship and everything her future would hold now she's forced to take a stripper job that pays and her future looks a little brighter until she meets her new neighbour Archer who takes an instant dislike to her and makes it hard for Sarah in a bully style kind of way but between the sheets with her is the biggest game changer for them both.
I love this band of brothers style book where they each have each others backs. This was a fantastic angsty, sexy and well written storyline. I love a Renee Harless book.
I love this band of brothers style book where they each have each others backs. This was a fantastic angsty, sexy and well written storyline. I love a Renee Harless book.
May 23, 2021
The second book of the Ridge Rogue series, another book I fell in love with .
Poor Archer, doesn’t want to love anyone, still having nightmares from his hellish childhood, knows what he needs in order to keep the nightmares away, a one night stand, no strings attached… when Archer meets Sarah, his nightmares come back, with a vengeance..
Sarah , a poor girl who is trying to find a way to stay enrolled at Wellington, finds herself dancing to make money at a strip club, Archer doesn’t like that Sarahs choices, brings up too many similarities of his sister. They have such a hate hate relationship, but of course, things change…….
Nice quick and easy read….. really enjoyed this one!
Poor Archer, doesn’t want to love anyone, still having nightmares from his hellish childhood, knows what he needs in order to keep the nightmares away, a one night stand, no strings attached… when Archer meets Sarah, his nightmares come back, with a vengeance..
Sarah , a poor girl who is trying to find a way to stay enrolled at Wellington, finds herself dancing to make money at a strip club, Archer doesn’t like that Sarahs choices, brings up too many similarities of his sister. They have such a hate hate relationship, but of course, things change…….
Nice quick and easy read….. really enjoyed this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2021
Great read!
This was a quick & easy read but also a great story! Archer & Sarah definitely don’t hit it off right at the beginning. Sarah reminds Archer of someone that he lost from his past and that makes him lash out to her. Sarah thinks Archer is just the user of woman that he portrays on the outside. They both find out that there is much more to each other than expected. This was a great addition to the series.
This was a quick & easy read but also a great story! Archer & Sarah definitely don’t hit it off right at the beginning. Sarah reminds Archer of someone that he lost from his past and that makes him lash out to her. Sarah thinks Archer is just the user of woman that he portrays on the outside. They both find out that there is much more to each other than expected. This was a great addition to the series.
May 26, 2021
4⭐️
This was my first ARC from the author.
Reading a college, enemies to lovers, bully romance is my jam. When I read the blurb, I signed up right away.
I enjoyed the book. I've observed that the first half was a slow burn... it was full of angst and it was almost frustrating and the second half of the book was fast paced... or it was just probably me. Like the relationship developed rather quickly. I Dont know how to explain it.
But like I said, Overall I did enjoy the book.
This was my first ARC from the author.
Reading a college, enemies to lovers, bully romance is my jam. When I read the blurb, I signed up right away.
I enjoyed the book. I've observed that the first half was a slow burn... it was full of angst and it was almost frustrating and the second half of the book was fast paced... or it was just probably me. Like the relationship developed rather quickly. I Dont know how to explain it.
But like I said, Overall I did enjoy the book.
May 26, 2021
I felt for Archer, but I loved that Sarah knocked him off his axis. I loved that Sarah was socially awkward and clumsy. I could so relate. I wish I had her dancing grace though. The banter of the two, while kind of mean spirited at times, was fun to read. I loved that Sarah didn't let Archer get the last word in. They definitely had some kind of spark, whether good or bad. It didn't take long for a fire to start. It was a good little story.
May 20, 2021
So...I received this last night and I knew that there was no way I could wait to read it. So I didn't sleep. Much. I stayed up reading this until I was done and then I still couldn't stop thinking about it. I loved the chemistry and the back and forth and I didn't know what was going to happen from one page to the next. But I was hooked and now I need more of this series.
May 20, 2021
I was anxiously awaiting the next book in Renee's Ridge Rogue series, and as usual, she did not disappoint!
I won't say much so as to not spoil the book, but I absolutely loved the characters of Archer and Sarah. They were well developed, and I loved the plot of their story. And getting lost in another one of Renee's books is just icing on the cake.
I won't say much so as to not spoil the book, but I absolutely loved the characters of Archer and Sarah. They were well developed, and I loved the plot of their story. And getting lost in another one of Renee's books is just icing on the cake.
May 21, 2021
Life knocked Asher for a loop as a child and Sarah learned early to hold up her head and move forward but the chemistry between these 2 is off the charts if they can only figure out they are more than what the other thinks. When Asher realizes she has his heart can he show Sarah how much she means to him and give them a chance at each other's one? Loved it!!!
May 21, 2021
While I'm not usually a fan of enemies to lovers stories I enjoyed this one and once again I'm glad I found Renee`s books. I felt Archer's pain and just wanted to hug him and make it better while I had mad respect for Sarah and choices she had to make and how strong and unashamed she was with them. These two balance each other perfectly.
May 21, 2021
This story will grab your attention right from the start. Archer and Sarah are complex characters, each with their own ghosts that haunt them and make them act as they do. Neither wanted the other but opposites attract and the heart wants what it does. If you want to know what happens next make sure you pick this one up. You will not put it down until you find out how it all ends.
May 22, 2021
A total page turner.
This was a total page turner
I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers story.
Asher and Sarah are complex characters. Both have pasts that haunt them.
These too have a strong attraction but are total opposites.
But I guess the heart wants what the heart wants.
Just wish we had more.
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review
This was a total page turner
I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers story.
Asher and Sarah are complex characters. Both have pasts that haunt them.
These too have a strong attraction but are total opposites.
But I guess the heart wants what the heart wants.
Just wish we had more.
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review
May 24, 2021
Sarah is dealing with unexpected fallout from Ridge Rogues #1. She has to make some drastic decisions to keep her spot at the university. Archer is dealing with his traumatic past daily and nightly. The two bump into each other, literally, and nothing is the same from there. Quick read that is fast paced. Sarah has the ultimate fixer-upper in Archer.
May 26, 2021
The title of this book is so on point. You never know what moves Sarah or Archer will make. I totally loved Sarah. She is my kind of girl. Archer needed a couple of snacks but under all that blister is a totally different guy. You just had to dig really deep. I love this series and can’t wait to see what’s next.
May 21, 2021
Short but good. It definitely comes to a head (no pun intended) quickly but that is expected.
I'm just a but freaked out by his lust/love for her and the connection he makes between her another person. NOT the connection you want in this situation!
I'm just a but freaked out by his lust/love for her and the connection he makes between her another person. NOT the connection you want in this situation!
May 22, 2021
I won an arc of this book, which lead me to go read the first in the Ridge Rogues series. I'm totally invested in this world now. This book is a quick read, but it has a little of everything from angst, to enemies to lovers. Wonderfully written!
May 22, 2021
This story was incredible. It didn't let me go till the end and even then it took me a minute to realise that it was finished. I loved how independent Sarah was and how Archer let her see the vulnerable side of him. Their story was absolutely perfect for them.
May 24, 2021
This enemies to lovers novella was steamy and sweet. This second book in the series follows Archer and Sarah. Archers past is haunting him and when he runs into Sarah her resemblance to his past is uncanny.
May 27, 2021
Another wonderful story and equally amazing characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Archer and Sarah’s story. It was so good I finished in one setting. I was captivated. This is a great addition to the series. Hope there is more to come because I loved how their relationship came together and chemistry.
May 28, 2021
Another great book by Renee Harless! A quick and easy read that you don’t want to put down once you start. The chemistry between Archer and Sarah is undeniable, although may have had some rough times. This book makes you feel all the feels and can’t wait for more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews