"Complex, decadent, intricately layered intrigue!"

I received an Advance Reader Copy for The Game written by Vanessa Fewings and voluntarily reviewed this book. This is the second installment of a very intriguing story. Both characters come into being in the real world, having been shaped by a singular event during their childhoods. Both have pasts they need to put to rest. One is Tobias Wilder, head of a billion-dollar-tech empire, owner of the Wilder Museum, and also suspected infamous art thief, known as “Icon.” The other is the one person on a mission to catch said thief, forensic art specialist, Zara Leighton. And she is hot on Icon’s trail, finding herself unable to commit fully to the wholly attractive phenomenon that is Tobias because his actions as well as his mysterious past is turning out to possess a provenance just as shady as some of the alleged Old Masters’ art she has examined.

The author describes a very decadent art-owners’ world, where Tobias is utterly comfortable, but it is also a world where trust, loyalty, and devotion to altruistic pursuits could come with a heavy price tag. This story is very complex, rich with art-history details and anecdotes and just as many real-life gray-area situations, encountered by both Zara and Tobias in this book, The Game.

Tobias and Zara and back and better than ever. The second book in the ICON trilogy has set a new bar for the series, and I can't wait to see how it concludes with THE PRIZE. Vanessa Fewings does an excellent job of incorporating an over-the-top sexy couple with the suspense she weaves in this book. Highly recommend!

I am such a Vanessa Fewings fan! However, the ICON trilogy was really hard for me to get into.  Hence why my review has taken so long to get done.  I tried, I really did.  I even went back to it three times!

There are some books that just don’t click with people.  This was one of them.  But know that I still love Vanessa!!  And my blog (My Girlfriend’s Couch) will always support her.

Thank you for giving me the chance to try this new trilogy.  I am just sorry that this was not the series for me.

I was very excited to start this new series by Fewings but sadly it didn’t work in my favor. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the story wasn’t able to hold my interest. I’ve read another  series by this author which I enjoyed and will continue on with that series.

Things have heated up. Zara and Tobias have had the world to roam and treasure to hunt down. This was steamy hot erotic adventure on a high-stakes hunt for a treasure stolen and hearts laid bare. This world of money, influence, greed, illusions, corruption, lies/deceit, secrets. Zara finds that her world has been turned up side down. Do she follow the rules or her heart? Can she risk it all for the truth? The dance between Zara and Tobias was almost like a smooth, well planned chess game. The second book in this trilogy steps up the intrigue, drama, sensuality.

This book wasn't for me. I really wanted to like it because I liked The Chase and wanted to see what happens next. I think Tobias and Zaras interaction with one another is throwing me off with the storyline. It was a lot of back and forth regards to Zara telling Tobias he should turn himself in and the next she wants his help finding her lost paintings. I think at 42% I really started to struggle with this book. The interest wasn't there for me and I started skim to the end unfortunately. I wasn't believing in Zara and Tobias' relationship anymore. I was also getting annoyed with Zara saying "oh, no" quite a bit. So I'm stopping with this book in the trilogy.

4.5 Stars

I am at a loss as to how to review this book.  

Was it great?  Yes, it was.  There were a couple of small things that I am not sure I was totally on board with, and one little thing that seemed out of character for Zara, but nothing major and I see the reason for the author's choice.

Did you learn more about Tobias and Zara?  Yes, you definitely did.  And, their relationship certainly grows and evolves.

Did it further their relationship?  Yes, it did.  They are definitely not in the same place at the end of this book as they were at the end of the 1st one.

Did it take turns you will NOT see coming?  Oh, it so did that, this definitely happened.

Was it well written and engaging?  Yes, it was.  You are so drawn to the characters, and to the story, that you don't want to put it down.

Is being specific about any of this a super huge spoiler?  Yup.

So, I have literally nothing to say as I would not want to ruin this for another reader.

Go, read the first one, be enthralled by this one, and wait on the edge of your seat for the 3rd installment.  To tell you anything else would spoil it.

I recommend this title.

5 GAMER stars! This is a must read you do not want to miss. It seems I can’t have enough of Tobias.

Holy heaven! It seems I can’t have enough of Tobias. After reading The Chase , he has become my new obsession. Vanessa Fewings, as the talented author she is, carries on with her elegant writing. This time she exceeded my expectations of what I found in the second instalment of the Icon Trilogy. She left me really anxious and pretty curious of the secret behind Icon. Questions like who was him and what does he want? Are answered in The Game.

Some could say that this book can be read without reading the first but trust me you do not want to miss any clue. I highly recommend you to read first The Chase before reading The Game.

I devoured this book in a day. I couldn’t put it down. I am officially addicted to Vanessa’s writing. The plot is captivating. The way she mixed a hot romance and suspense left you wanting more.

In this book Zara is chasing Icon. She already know who he is. She travelled to Los Angeles. All the answers she needs are there. After the disappearance of one of her father’s paintings, for second time, she wants to confirm what she already discovered. She also needed to clean her father’s name. Falling for Tobias meant trouble. Seeing him again will be bittersweet. His first reaction will hurt her. Nevertheless she will fight for him. Saving him will be her priority.

“This magnetic pull toward him was impossible to resist. It wasn’t just me saving him but him saving me too. I saw this now because all this pain and deceit I’d endured in my past slipped away when I was in his arms.”

Will she risk her career? Being a part of the team who is helping the Interpol will make it really complicated because she can lose her credibility as an art consultant. Her dreams will be in danger but Tobias worth it. Zara will not give up on him.

On the other side we have Tobias. He is also having issues with his priorities. Zara has change his world for good. His past is not letting him living a future with the woman he loves. His previous commitments shall be fulfilled.

“Damm you for making me fall for you… It’s so fucking inconvenient.”

The priorities of both characters will change. Zara and Tobias will have to decide what is best for the other. Being together does not seem easy. And to top it all, everything will turn against them. Zara will manage to save the man she loves and she will bring up her dominant side. However Icon's shadow will make things complicated for both of them.

“I am his willing prisoner, weak and needful for his cock that is pressing my abdomen with a promise of being inside me.”

Be prepared for a mind-blowing story with wonderful characters. This book is beautifully addictive. Let Vanessa take you to the art world and pack your bags because we are traveling from London to Los Angeles. If I could give more than five stars, I give this book million stars. This is a must read you do not want to miss.

Let Tobias seduce you with his cocky smile and clever mind.

I'm posting my review to Goodreads and Amazon! I'll have to get the links once I get my reviews up!

I was sorely disappointed in this read. I wish it was better. I will still give this author another try anyways.

Zara Leighton is torn. Does she follow the rules? Or does she trust her heart?

Tobias is somehow involved, and Zara will not stop until she finds the truth. She travels from London to Los Angeles to confront him, but what she ends up discovering changes everything. 

I really enjoyed their steamy moments, but I loved their relationship outside the bedroom. The moves they played against each other were entertaining to witness. Whenever it seemed like Zara was about to find something, Tobias was always one step ahead. I couldn't put this book down!

The second books in trilogies usually drag and disappoint, but there was never a dull moment in The Game. I'm biting my nails for book 3. Please pick this series up if you love mystery, romance, and adventure.

4.5 stars! The Game, book 2 (3).  A whirlwind secret affair & high-stakes game of stolen treasures, seduction, greed, illusions!


“My life was carved into two parts, before Wilder and after him, with each careful step leading me towards this complex, enigmatic man with lines of right and wrong blurring.”

Books in The ICON trilogy should be read in order:
Book 1: The Chase
Book 2: The Game
Book 3: The Prize

In The Chase, book 1 recent college graduate and art forensic investigator Zara Elizabeth Leighton was pulled into a secret affair with a client, renowned art collector, inventor and heir to a fortune, the aloof and mercurial Tobias William Wilder, Toby aka Wilder.  All while a sophisticated art thief wreaked havoc on the art world casting suspicions on everyone.

The Game, book 2 opens up to an explosive reunion and Wilder and Zara’s undefined on-again-off-again affair continuing.  Controlled by the whims of a hot-cold Wilder and ignited by an, at times, emotional and impulsive Zara.  

Determined on clearing her family name, Zara must learn her enemies while trying to hold her own against the larger-than-life Wilder.  With everyone chasing the art thief, Icon they soon find themselves caught in a menacing game of excess, betrayal, greed, vengeance and redemption.

TOBIAS WILLIAM WILDER, Toby:  American/30 years/Inventor/Art collector/Heir/$$$$/Dk blond hair/Gold-green eyes/Tattos/Orphan/6’2”.
Seven words to describe Tobias William Wilder, Toby: Enigmatic, possessive, aloof, mysterious, commanding, charismatic and unpredictable.

ZARA ELIZABETH LEIGHTON:  British/23 years/Art Forensic Investigator/Auburn hair/Brown eyes/5’6”.
Seven words to describe Zara Elizabeth Leighton: Smart, reflective, curious, stubborn, impulsive, perceptive and strong.

The Game, told from Zara’s POV, allowing Toby to remain an enigma, is an intriguing whirlwind affair high on mystery, suspense and danger.  It ends with truth framed by a narrow escape leading right to book 3, The Prize for the conclusion of their saga.

A high-stakes game of stolen treasures, treacherous illusions, leveraged secrets and buried truths!

“Our s*x melded together in this sensual dance, my toes curling  with this unrelenting erotic tension, like a bird in a cage waiting to fly free.”

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

I didn't include a link to a review because I didn't finish this one, but here is my feedback of what I did read. 

This book has so much awesome-sauce. Sexy-as-Sin Art Thief vs. Art Thief Investigator = You know the Sparks are gonna fly!

I didn’t expect this book to be so EROTIC. But holy wow! It got me so hot! I loved how irresistible he was, and he was relentless, chasing her and knowing exactly how to pleasure her in the most creative of ways! There was a definite unique and expected quality to this book. The character development was good. I do wish the book included his point of view. 

The dialogue and story line was a little choppy and disconnected for me. I found myself having to go back and reread something because it was a little hard to follow at times.

Zara, art forensic investigator, has traveled from London to Los Angles in pursue of Icon, an art thief. While in LA, she encounters with Tobias wilder, the man that turned her world upside down. Zara is struggling with accepting who he is. Tobias is intense and seems to know her more than she knows herself. Unable to resist him, she's pulled back into his world. Zara finds herself having to choose between her heart and capturing Icon. As she sorts out her feelings, she uncovers secrets, some that can clear her family's name, and others that could be dangerous. 

The Game started slowly, but once it picked up, I couldn't put it down. There are some nail biting moments. I was worried for Zara and Tobias. These parts had me turning page after page, wanting to know what was going to happen next. There were also moments when I was swooning over Tobias. This guy is close to perfect; he's amazing. He's good looking, intelligent, and perceptive, knows how to make a woman feel sexy and special. I love how he treats Zara with love and respect, and how he makes her feel. Oh, and that scene with the VR glasses had me fanning myself. Tobias sure made tech hot as hell. We see a new side of Zara. Some of it may seem out of character, but it could also be because of her new found confidence and determination. I liked this new Zara, though, she did infuriate me a few times. I literally wanted to shake some sense into her, for not listening. The ending left me wanting more, and I have to wait a whole year for the conclusion... longest wait ever. 

The Game is a great romance with suspense set in the the art world. I'm still amazed with all the art knowledge that Vanessa Fewings put in this book. She brings art to life, much like her characters, making it an important ingredient to the story. Even though, it's the second book in the series, it still can be read without having to read the first one. A new reader wouldn't get lost. Though, I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to read The Chase. 

4.5 stars

Are you kidding me?  I knew there would be a cliffhanger, but this one was not what I was expecting.  Once again, there was passion, suspense, and intrigue.  The chemistry between Tobia and Zara was combustible.  Once again, I was confused on the ICON's and Tobias's motivates.  I do not want to say too much.  If you are looking for a series that will keep you on the edge of your seat, you need to read the ICON trilogy.  


☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

The Game is the second book in the ICON Trilogy by Vanessa Fewings. I made a big mistake by not reading the first book, because this is far from a stand alone novel. I was lost from page one concerning the plot. I could follow along okay with the art talk and the sex scenes…but any motivations and feelings were beyond me without the backstory of the book one. I really thought this was going to be my kind of book…art, sex, love, danger…all the great ingredients you need for a wonderful story. It ended up as a DNF for me. I hate that I couldn’t finish it, but I just don’t have the time to keep reading a book where I have missed half the story.

This book does read as if it is one of an older generation for romance novel. It’s one of those novels where the man is all powerful and masterful, and would never dare make a real life mistake or even have some real life feelings…except lust. The lust is definitely there. The heroine, Zara, slowly began to grate on my nerves as I read. She seemed like she was going to be one of those heroines I liked, strong, willful, intelligent and beautiful, but by the time I stopped reading, I kind of didn’t like her anymore. She just seemed to lose any rational thought and most of her spine when the hero, Tobias, was around. I do realize this type of writing is common in some romance novels, but to me, if a woman is saying “no, no” she should mean a big NO, because this is what the man is hearing. And a man who just keeps on with the seduction and sex when a woman is saying no, well, he isn’t my kind of hero. If you mean yes…then say yes and then own it. I would like any young woman who picks this book up to know that when someone says no, it means no. It also bothers me to see sex used as a power play. Sex should never be portrayed as a power struggle. Maybe an inner struggle against yourself, but never a struggle against your partner.

“Why are you doing this?

“Because I know what you need.”

“My body thrummed with need but, despite wanting this, my mind demanded I at least try to maintain my power.”

This hero is so masterful that the heroine was able to climax on demand. During sex, he is soooo good that she doesn’t come until he tells her it okay, and she does so instantly. They should really hold classes for this ability, people would be lined up for years.

The part of the book I read, which was up to 37% was based in LA, and from the story I’m guessing the first book was based in London. The descriptions of the homes and locations of the story were beautifully descriptive. Every item of clothing Zara wore was described in detail, including who the designer was…down to even her underwear. I personally don’t like that much clothing description, especially naming designer names, because if the book is great and going to be a reread for you, it will date the book at some point in the future. And it really bothers me when the hero buys the woman expensive clothing and then demands that she wear it…but I don’t like force no matter how innocuous. It comes off as sexier, for me, if she gets out of bed and puts on a shirt of his…not a fabulous designer negligee that he bought her. At one point in the book, the heroine’s idea of rebellion was to not put on the shoes he picked out for her…that’s some harsh way to show the guy you’re rebelling. I know that everyone has different types of romance novel kinks, that’s what makes this genre so awesome, there is something for everyone, but this just wasn’t my kind of read.

The Game took me on an unexpected wild ride! The chase for Icon was so exciting and mysterious that it truly took my breath away. I literally found myself holding my breath a few times, anxious at how the next scene would unfold. And the way Zara and Tobias's relationship developed further was so sexy and alluring, but heartfelt. 

If I talk too much more about the story, I'll give spoilers, and that's not my style. But I genuinely can not wait for book 3, The Icon, because that ending was crazy good and not something I saw coming! I'm not sure what else to say to do it justice, but I do suggest you take a chance on this series. You will not regret it. 

This review is much shorter than I normally write, but I feel like it tells you enough, without telling you too much. 5 stars just isn't enough.

Good Lord! I need to catch my breath!! I was INSANELY hooked on the first book in this series, The Chase (Get on this NOW if you haven't read it!), and could not start the second book fast enough!! Following the cliffhanger ending in the first book, I absolutely could not get enough of Tobias and Zara and the combustible chemistry between them. This novel was filled with intrigue, suspense, adventure and passion and was such a brilliant addition to the trilogy. I am now DYING in anticipation for the third book!

Following the cliffhanger ending in book one, The Game starts off a week later as London art investigator Zara Leighton is left reeling from the shocking revelations in book one. She must now chase after her lover, Tobias Wilder, as clues led her to believe that the charismatic and reclusive Billionaire and Icon, the word's most elusive and slickest art thief are one and the same. But can she reconcile her duty to capture him to do what is right with her forbidden need to be with the man who consumes her - body, mind and soul?

I was absolutely consumed by this book. I loved Zara and Tobias passion and deep feelings for one another and the fact that despite their apparent mistrust of one another, their obvious feelings of adoration and obsession could not be denied. I love that Fewings was able to aptly depict Zara's misgivings about Icon. On one hand she had a strict code of right and wrong as an Art Investigator, but on a personal level was torn up about losing the man she loved. Likewise Tobias and his innate sense of justice needed to balance his love and loyalty to Zara and his need to right the wrongs of the past at the hands of a criminal mastermind.

In addition, similarly to the first book, the real standout in The Game was the art itself. It took center stage as you can't help but get lost in the story and the history of each painting and gallery. Ms. Fewings has a remarkable gift in that she can paint a picture for her readers with a myriad of colors not only highlighting her exceptional ability as a writer but also highlighting her seamless ability to weave history and drama to transport you right alongside her characters. All in this was a fantastic addition to the series and I can not wait for the conclusion later this year! Bravo!

Good Lord! I need to catch my breath!! I was INSANELY hooked on the first book in this series, The Chase (Get on this NOW if you haven't read it!), and could not start the second book fast enough!! Following the cliffhanger ending in the first book, I absolutely could not get enough of Tobias and Zara and the combustible chemistry between them. This novel was filled with intrigue, suspense, adventure and passion and was such a brilliant addition to the trilogy. I am now DYING in anticipation for the third book!

Following the cliffhanger ending in book one, The Game starts off a week later as London art investigator Zara Leighton is left reeling from the shocking revelations in book one. She must now chase after her lover, Tobias Wilder, as clues led her to believe that the charismatic and reclusive Billionaire and Icon, the word's most elusive and slickest art thief are one and the same. But can she reconcile her duty to capture him to do what is right with her forbidden need to be with the man who consumes her - body, mind and soul?

I was absolutely consumed by this book. I loved Zara and Tobias passion and deep feelings for one another and the fact that despite their apparent mistrust of one another, their obvious feelings of adoration and obsession could not be denied. I love that Fewings was able to aptly depict Zara's misgivings about Icon. On one hand she had a strict code of right and wrong as an Art Investigator, but on a personal level was torn up about losing the man she loved. Likewise Tobias and his innate sense of justice needed to balance his love and loyalty to Zara and his need to right the wrongs of the past at the hands of a criminal mastermind.

In addition, similarly to the first book, the real standout in The Game was the art itself. It took center stage as you can't help but get lost in the story and the history of each painting and gallery. Ms. Fewings has a remarkable gift in that she can paint a picture for her readers with a myriad of colors not only highlighting her exceptional ability as a writer but also highlighting her seamless ability to weave history and drama to transport you right alongside her characters. All in this was a fantastic addition to the series and I can not wait for the conclusion later this year! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

This is to die for. I was left to many questions at the ending. Looking forward for 2 nd 3.