Rabid Reading

I have a confession to make. I didn't read the first Games book. I know, I know, what was I thinking, right?! But before you come after me with pitchforks and torches, would it help if I told you I have realized the error of my ways and added the first Games book (Charade) to my to-be-read list? AND that I have plans to read it in the very near future and have already pre-ordered book 3 (Masquerade)? Yes, I have seen the light, and all thanks to Facade!

So what did it for me? What sold me on this book about two people whose lives are forever changed and connected by tragedy?

Three words:  Damn fine storytelling.

Here's the proof: Author Nyrae Dawn gave me a sweet and innocent heroine with strong caretaker tendencies, and she made me care about her. You may not appreciate what a big deal that is, but let me assure you, it is. I have nothing against "good" characters, but if they aren't written right, they can come across as flat, one-dimensional, and ultimately boring. I didn't have that problem with Delaney, though. Somehow, she got to me. It was if she threw her arms around me at the start of the book and held on tight. With every page I read, another crack formed in my prickly armor. I ended up not only caring about her, I became weirdly protective of her too. As in, I actually bristled up a few times when other characters treated her in a way I didn't approve of. It was the craziest thing - but it heightened my reading experience. I was deeply invested in Delaney's character and was prepared to throw down if she didn't get a happy ending.

On the flip side, there's Adrian. I've got three words for him too, and they are "hot, sexy mess". This really was his book. Delaney's a key part of it, obviously, but whereas Delaney shone like a light in the darkness, Adrian was all shadow. He blamed himself for the tragedy that occurred in his past, and he couldn't move past it. He wasn't living; he was existing. Just going through the motions of life and hiding his pain behind a playful, flirtatious smile. And boy, did he have a lot of pain to hide, and it was eating him up inside. If Delaney hadn't come along, I honestly don't think he would have made it. But she did come along, and she changed everything.

The romance is great - and by that I mean fantastic. Adrian and Delaney are a beautifully matched pair. Like ying and yang, they balance each other out. And in the physical department....um, yeah, definitely no problems there! They scorched quite a few pages, and even in their "quieter" moments, I felt the heated pull between them.

Biggest surprise of the book? Delaney's brother, Maddox. OMG, Maddox! He stole every scene he was in, and I'm so thrilled he gets the next book all to himself! It's already on my "highly anticipated" list.

Long story short, I am officially a Nyrae Dawn fan. You will be too when you read her books. Now go get them! :)

4 Stars ★★★★

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.