Scan barcode
the_librarians_daughter's review against another edition
5.0
Royal intrigue, American con artists, a King with a mission
I loved this book! I’m totally hooked into this world.
Fair warning - the story twists and turns. You are left with a happy ever after AND a cliff hanger.
Never fear, this series is complete and available for purchase, so if you find yourself falling for the good guys, or the not so good guys, or the in-betweens, we’ve got you.
The story kicks off in two different continents. Two divergently different families. A glimpse of two orphans running from abusive foster care. The concerns of a young prince watching his father while he fights for their principality.
The story speeds forward several years. Our young orphans have been on the run for a bit now. They’ve gone from sleeping on beaches to running low bit cons. We have two leading ladies. Both feisty, smart, cunning, and vulnerable. We have a ring leader. His role in the deeper plot is still veiled. He isn’t trusted by the girls, but he’s necessary.
Then there’s that moment where the con woman gets conned. In the middle of her “job” run by fellow grifter Seth, an older French gentleman pulls a trick from Hitchcock and “accidentally” looses a valuable casino chip down Zelda’s dress. Zelda, being the quick study she is, attempts to turn the gentleman’s play on him. With the help of her sister Ava, they manage a swift swap out and the girls are off with their loot.
Until the next day when they are hunted down by the mysterious gentleman and talked into a larger game.
This brings the ladies to meet King Rowan and Prince MacCallum. Zelda is supposed to woo and wed Rowan as part of her job. However, Rowan isn’t as he was described to Zee. He’s not the evil ruler and he falls in insta love with Ava. To make it more complicated, Zee finds herself falling for Cal.
As the ladies spend more time with the King and Prince they begin to suspect and then know that they have been pawns in a larger game than was sold to them.
Zee tries to extract them from the job, but the plot twists again, swiftly. They find themselves racing against newly discovered enemies, old coworkers and an assassin.
Just as the dust clears and we find that our main characters are safe in the moment, Zee begs Rowan for a favor that will save and protect her sister, but leaves Zee on the playing field to draw out the bad guys.
I was flipping through the pages so quickly as the last scenes in Rowan’s book played out that it was like running into a glass wall when Zee just vanishes.
Ms. Louise writes a very gripping love story and intrigue plot. She teases you with a bit of the next book in the series, but it’s just enough to let you know Zee is still on the move, but Cal is a few steps behind her.
The build up of the mystery, the unveiling of the larger plot, the character arcs combined with the flip flopping of whose love story this book’s is kept me glued to it. The writing is wonderful, the plot is engaging and the characters are deep with more to be revealed.
The series is complete and published, so please, dive in. The cliffhanger will only last as long as it takes you to get the next book.
I loved this book! I’m totally hooked into this world.
Fair warning - the story twists and turns. You are left with a happy ever after AND a cliff hanger.
Never fear, this series is complete and available for purchase, so if you find yourself falling for the good guys, or the not so good guys, or the in-betweens, we’ve got you.
The story kicks off in two different continents. Two divergently different families. A glimpse of two orphans running from abusive foster care. The concerns of a young prince watching his father while he fights for their principality.
The story speeds forward several years. Our young orphans have been on the run for a bit now. They’ve gone from sleeping on beaches to running low bit cons. We have two leading ladies. Both feisty, smart, cunning, and vulnerable. We have a ring leader. His role in the deeper plot is still veiled. He isn’t trusted by the girls, but he’s necessary.
Then there’s that moment where the con woman gets conned. In the middle of her “job” run by fellow grifter Seth, an older French gentleman pulls a trick from Hitchcock and “accidentally” looses a valuable casino chip down Zelda’s dress. Zelda, being the quick study she is, attempts to turn the gentleman’s play on him. With the help of her sister Ava, they manage a swift swap out and the girls are off with their loot.
Until the next day when they are hunted down by the mysterious gentleman and talked into a larger game.
This brings the ladies to meet King Rowan and Prince MacCallum. Zelda is supposed to woo and wed Rowan as part of her job. However, Rowan isn’t as he was described to Zee. He’s not the evil ruler and he falls in insta love with Ava. To make it more complicated, Zee finds herself falling for Cal.
As the ladies spend more time with the King and Prince they begin to suspect and then know that they have been pawns in a larger game than was sold to them.
Zee tries to extract them from the job, but the plot twists again, swiftly. They find themselves racing against newly discovered enemies, old coworkers and an assassin.
Just as the dust clears and we find that our main characters are safe in the moment, Zee begs Rowan for a favor that will save and protect her sister, but leaves Zee on the playing field to draw out the bad guys.
I was flipping through the pages so quickly as the last scenes in Rowan’s book played out that it was like running into a glass wall when Zee just vanishes.
Ms. Louise writes a very gripping love story and intrigue plot. She teases you with a bit of the next book in the series, but it’s just enough to let you know Zee is still on the move, but Cal is a few steps behind her.
The build up of the mystery, the unveiling of the larger plot, the character arcs combined with the flip flopping of whose love story this book’s is kept me glued to it. The writing is wonderful, the plot is engaging and the characters are deep with more to be revealed.
The series is complete and published, so please, dive in. The cliffhanger will only last as long as it takes you to get the next book.
alwaysbereadin's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't know I was looking for a Cinderella meets Ocean's Eleven story. But I found one and I loved it. I'm really picky with my royalty romances, but this author didn't do me dirty. (HA) I wish I had read this a lot sooner than i did, but i must say, i really do love the new cover.
I recieved a complimentary copy of this from wildfire pr on behalf of the author and i volunteered to leave an unbiased review.
I recieved a complimentary copy of this from wildfire pr on behalf of the author and i volunteered to leave an unbiased review.
whatemilyisreading's review against another edition
5.0
Wow!! What an incredible story!! I love how Tia was able to weave both stories in this one novel. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book and loved how the scene was set for future stories. Zelda is such a complex character and I feel we haven't even skimmed the surface of what we can learn about her. There is so much more to all the stories we read in this book, and I can't wait to continue reading this series!
pavi_fictionalworm's review against another edition
5.0
This review was first posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds in exchange for an honest review via Inkslinger PR <3
Actual Rating 4.5 Stars
Disclaimer: This is the first book in the Dirty Player Duet and ends in quite a cliffhanger.
“Did you never dream of being a princess when you were a little girl?”
“No.” I glance over my shoulder, and my eyes meet Ava’s. “I dreamed of finding us a safe place to sleep, of no one catching us stealing food or breaking into boathouses when it rained. I dreamed of a place where we didn’t have to be afraid…”
Once upon a time, there were two sisters; homeless and orphaned all they had was each other and their skills as a con artist to survive day by day. They are the only family they have - Zelda Wilder aka Zee is the older sister; the one who is the front of their cons and the one who protects her younger sister, Ava Wilder aka Ava-bug. They might not have had the best life, but they have always been able to count on each other and that is their biggest strength. So when, they are approached (or rather blackmailed) by a gentleman, Grand Duke Reginald Winchester, who apparently wants Zee to run a con to “save” his country, she has no choice but to accept.
Rowan Westringham Tate aks Ro, is the heir apparent to this European country called Monagsco with MacCallum Lockwood Tate aka Cal, his younger brother. Rowan has been slowly making a whole lot of changes for his country, while simultaneously been embroiled in a scandal – which has made his mother all the more determined to marry him off!
A ball held for all the stately single woman, is where Ro and Cal meet the Wilder sisters and it’s open season on good intentions and bad villains.
Zelda Wilder is no princess. The closest I am is a dirty Cinderella, an orphan on the run, and that’s not the kind of girl for a prince.
This one was a one hell of a bumpy ride – you have Zee who is supposed to be seducing Rowan, but can’t seem to keep her eyes (or hands) off his younger brother Cal. And then you have Rowan, who knows that he needs to charm Zee, for her “inheritance” could help his country out in more ways than one; but somehow can’t seem to stop thinking about Zee’s “friend” Ava. Yup, this one was one serious clusterbomb really!
This one starts off quite a bit slow, but then again, there are a whole lot of background situations brewing up, but the best of all is the slow connection that both couple seem to be building with each other.
This is a book that you definitely need to read, to enjoy the full effect of what the plot entails – and it is not without it’s doozies!
I feel like a dirty Cinderella, playing games with the handsome prince’s heart.
The only issue I had with this one was, that while we got Rowan’s POV, I would have also LOVED having Ava’s as well! It would have provided me with a wholistic view of the players in this game!
While Rowan and Ava were the cheesy and sweet couple; Cal and Zee became my favourite; not only because the focus of the book was on their relationship; but because theirs was a relationship based on sarcasm, lustful actions and definitely an emotional connection, neither of them ever saw coming!
The lies, betrayal and the political thrills; were honestly just the icing on the cake! It is in the last 15-20% of the book that we end up with a whole lot of action that speeds everything along! And trust me, you will be waiting with bated breath to know exactly how everything ends up!
And, being totally honest here – I did not have to wait anytime, before I could dive into the next book – making my rating for this one a bit biased; because no matter how hard I try, I honestly am keeping the conclusion in mind while rating this one!
“I can’t drag you into this.”
“I’m already in it.”
“I’m not good for you.”
“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“You can’t save me.”
“Want to bet?”
Pick this book (or rather this duet) up, if you adore your romances with a whole lot of bite and secrets to spice it up!
For more reviews visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
Do come join us at For The Fictional Worlds Facebook Page
Actual Rating 4.5 Stars
Disclaimer: This is the first book in the Dirty Player Duet and ends in quite a cliffhanger.
“Did you never dream of being a princess when you were a little girl?”
“No.” I glance over my shoulder, and my eyes meet Ava’s. “I dreamed of finding us a safe place to sleep, of no one catching us stealing food or breaking into boathouses when it rained. I dreamed of a place where we didn’t have to be afraid…”
Once upon a time, there were two sisters; homeless and orphaned all they had was each other and their skills as a con artist to survive day by day. They are the only family they have - Zelda Wilder aka Zee is the older sister; the one who is the front of their cons and the one who protects her younger sister, Ava Wilder aka Ava-bug. They might not have had the best life, but they have always been able to count on each other and that is their biggest strength. So when, they are approached (or rather blackmailed) by a gentleman, Grand Duke Reginald Winchester, who apparently wants Zee to run a con to “save” his country, she has no choice but to accept.
Rowan Westringham Tate aks Ro, is the heir apparent to this European country called Monagsco with MacCallum Lockwood Tate aka Cal, his younger brother. Rowan has been slowly making a whole lot of changes for his country, while simultaneously been embroiled in a scandal – which has made his mother all the more determined to marry him off!
A ball held for all the stately single woman, is where Ro and Cal meet the Wilder sisters and it’s open season on good intentions and bad villains.
Zelda Wilder is no princess. The closest I am is a dirty Cinderella, an orphan on the run, and that’s not the kind of girl for a prince.
This one was a one hell of a bumpy ride – you have Zee who is supposed to be seducing Rowan, but can’t seem to keep her eyes (or hands) off his younger brother Cal. And then you have Rowan, who knows that he needs to charm Zee, for her “inheritance” could help his country out in more ways than one; but somehow can’t seem to stop thinking about Zee’s “friend” Ava. Yup, this one was one serious clusterbomb really!
This one starts off quite a bit slow, but then again, there are a whole lot of background situations brewing up, but the best of all is the slow connection that both couple seem to be building with each other.
This is a book that you definitely need to read, to enjoy the full effect of what the plot entails – and it is not without it’s doozies!
I feel like a dirty Cinderella, playing games with the handsome prince’s heart.
The only issue I had with this one was, that while we got Rowan’s POV, I would have also LOVED having Ava’s as well! It would have provided me with a wholistic view of the players in this game!
While Rowan and Ava were the cheesy and sweet couple; Cal and Zee became my favourite; not only because the focus of the book was on their relationship; but because theirs was a relationship based on sarcasm, lustful actions and definitely an emotional connection, neither of them ever saw coming!
The lies, betrayal and the political thrills; were honestly just the icing on the cake! It is in the last 15-20% of the book that we end up with a whole lot of action that speeds everything along! And trust me, you will be waiting with bated breath to know exactly how everything ends up!
And, being totally honest here – I did not have to wait anytime, before I could dive into the next book – making my rating for this one a bit biased; because no matter how hard I try, I honestly am keeping the conclusion in mind while rating this one!
“I can’t drag you into this.”
“I’m already in it.”
“I’m not good for you.”
“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“You can’t save me.”
“Want to bet?”
Pick this book (or rather this duet) up, if you adore your romances with a whole lot of bite and secrets to spice it up!
For more reviews visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
Do come join us at For The Fictional Worlds Facebook Page
imireviewsbooks's review against another edition
2.0
I greatly wanted to 1-star this as probably the worst written chick-lit poorly written romances I’d ever read, but I gave it an extra star for the simple fact that it has still left me wanting to read the second??? What can I say, I’m a sucker.
myownbookshelves's review
4.0
You know the books you've been waiting for? You stalk -oops I mean follow - the author's Goodreads and booksellers pages. See and read the teasers... and JUST. CANT.WAIT.... Then you get it, devour it, and wish for more pages.
That's what you get with this fast moving storyline from Tia Louise's new series: Dirty Players. And oh boy, are these Cinderellas meant to play dirty. Ms Louise keeps you on your toes. Which sister should get the prince? Or should they just follow through with plan no one the wiser but richer for it? Things just don't seem as simple as they could or should be. Rowan and Ava are sweet, loving and loyal - in other words perfect for one another. However, it's secondary characters for this installment, Zelda and Cal, who steal the show in my book. And Tia doesn't disappoint as those last few pages lead you to.....can't spoil it for you, now can I?
I've marked it on my 'cliffhanger' shelf. So is it a bad one? Actually, no. If you wanted to stop right here, you get a complete storyline involving Ava and Rowan that could leave you satisfied. But as I said earlier, it's Zelda and Cal who are the interesting characters for me so yes, if you are like me, you'll be eagerly waiting.
If you are familiar with Ms Louise's novels, this story will not disappoint. It has fast spaced plotline that doesn't feel like it's dragging, interesting secondary characters and always very HOT scenes. If you aren't familiar, this book is a great series to start with. It's quick, fun and steamy.
4.25 out of 5.0 stars
That's what you get with this fast moving storyline from Tia Louise's new series: Dirty Players. And oh boy, are these Cinderellas meant to play dirty. Ms Louise keeps you on your toes. Which sister should get the prince? Or should they just follow through with plan no one the wiser but richer for it? Things just don't seem as simple as they could or should be. Rowan and Ava are sweet, loving and loyal - in other words perfect for one another. However, it's secondary characters for this installment, Zelda and Cal, who steal the show in my book. And Tia doesn't disappoint as those last few pages lead you to.....can't spoil it for you, now can I?
I've marked it on my 'cliffhanger' shelf. So is it a bad one? Actually, no. If you wanted to stop right here, you get a complete storyline involving Ava and Rowan that could leave you satisfied. But as I said earlier, it's Zelda and Cal who are the interesting characters for me so yes, if you are like me, you'll be eagerly waiting.
If you are familiar with Ms Louise's novels, this story will not disappoint. It has fast spaced plotline that doesn't feel like it's dragging, interesting secondary characters and always very HOT scenes. If you aren't familiar, this book is a great series to start with. It's quick, fun and steamy.
4.25 out of 5.0 stars
fortheloveoffictionalworlds's review
5.0
This review was first posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds in exchange for an honest review via Inkslinger PR <3
Actual Rating 4.5 Stars
Disclaimer: This is the first book in the Dirty Player Duet and ends in quite a cliffhanger.
“Did you never dream of being a princess when you were a little girl?”
“No.” I glance over my shoulder, and my eyes meet Ava’s. “I dreamed of finding us a safe place to sleep, of no one catching us stealing food or breaking into boathouses when it rained. I dreamed of a place where we didn’t have to be afraid…”
Once upon a time, there were two sisters; homeless and orphaned all they had was each other and their skills as a con artist to survive day by day. They are the only family they have - Zelda Wilder aka Zee is the older sister; the one who is the front of their cons and the one who protects her younger sister, Ava Wilder aka Ava-bug. They might not have had the best life, but they have always been able to count on each other and that is their biggest strength. So when, they are approached (or rather blackmailed) by a gentleman, Grand Duke Reginald Winchester, who apparently wants Zee to run a con to “save” his country, she has no choice but to accept.
Rowan Westringham Tate aks Ro, is the heir apparent to this European country called Monagsco with MacCallum Lockwood Tate aka Cal, his younger brother. Rowan has been slowly making a whole lot of changes for his country, while simultaneously been embroiled in a scandal – which has made his mother all the more determined to marry him off!
A ball held for all the stately single woman, is where Ro and Cal meet the Wilder sisters and it’s open season on good intentions and bad villains.
Zelda Wilder is no princess. The closest I am is a dirty Cinderella, an orphan on the run, and that’s not the kind of girl for a prince.
This one was a one hell of a bumpy ride – you have Zee who is supposed to be seducing Rowan, but can’t seem to keep her eyes (or hands) off his younger brother Cal. And then you have Rowan, who knows that he needs to charm Zee, for her “inheritance” could help his country out in more ways than one; but somehow can’t seem to stop thinking about Zee’s “friend” Ava. Yup, this one was one serious clusterbomb really!
This one starts off quite a bit slow, but then again, there are a whole lot of background situations brewing up, but the best of all is the slow connection that both couple seem to be building with each other.
This is a book that you definitely need to read, to enjoy the full effect of what the plot entails – and it is not without it’s doozies!
I feel like a dirty Cinderella, playing games with the handsome prince’s heart.
The only issue I had with this one was, that while we got Rowan’s POV, I would have also LOVED having Ava’s as well! It would have provided me with a wholistic view of the players in this game!
While Rowan and Ava were the cheesy and sweet couple; Cal and Zee became my favourite; not only because the focus of the book was on their relationship; but because theirs was a relationship based on sarcasm, lustful actions and definitely an emotional connection, neither of them ever saw coming!
The lies, betrayal and the political thrills; were honestly just the icing on the cake! It is in the last 15-20% of the book that we end up with a whole lot of action that speeds everything along! And trust me, you will be waiting with bated breath to know exactly how everything ends up!
And, being totally honest here – I did not have to wait anytime, before I could dive into the next book – making my rating for this one a bit biased; because no matter how hard I try, I honestly am keeping the conclusion in mind while rating this one!
“I can’t drag you into this.”
“I’m already in it.”
“I’m not good for you.”
“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“You can’t save me.”
“Want to bet?”
Pick this book (or rather this duet) up, if you adore your romances with a whole lot of bite and secrets to spice it up!
For more reviews visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
Do come join us at For The Fictional Worlds Facebook Page
Actual Rating 4.5 Stars
Disclaimer: This is the first book in the Dirty Player Duet and ends in quite a cliffhanger.
“Did you never dream of being a princess when you were a little girl?”
“No.” I glance over my shoulder, and my eyes meet Ava’s. “I dreamed of finding us a safe place to sleep, of no one catching us stealing food or breaking into boathouses when it rained. I dreamed of a place where we didn’t have to be afraid…”
Once upon a time, there were two sisters; homeless and orphaned all they had was each other and their skills as a con artist to survive day by day. They are the only family they have - Zelda Wilder aka Zee is the older sister; the one who is the front of their cons and the one who protects her younger sister, Ava Wilder aka Ava-bug. They might not have had the best life, but they have always been able to count on each other and that is their biggest strength. So when, they are approached (or rather blackmailed) by a gentleman, Grand Duke Reginald Winchester, who apparently wants Zee to run a con to “save” his country, she has no choice but to accept.
Rowan Westringham Tate aks Ro, is the heir apparent to this European country called Monagsco with MacCallum Lockwood Tate aka Cal, his younger brother. Rowan has been slowly making a whole lot of changes for his country, while simultaneously been embroiled in a scandal – which has made his mother all the more determined to marry him off!
A ball held for all the stately single woman, is where Ro and Cal meet the Wilder sisters and it’s open season on good intentions and bad villains.
Zelda Wilder is no princess. The closest I am is a dirty Cinderella, an orphan on the run, and that’s not the kind of girl for a prince.
This one was a one hell of a bumpy ride – you have Zee who is supposed to be seducing Rowan, but can’t seem to keep her eyes (or hands) off his younger brother Cal. And then you have Rowan, who knows that he needs to charm Zee, for her “inheritance” could help his country out in more ways than one; but somehow can’t seem to stop thinking about Zee’s “friend” Ava. Yup, this one was one serious clusterbomb really!
This one starts off quite a bit slow, but then again, there are a whole lot of background situations brewing up, but the best of all is the slow connection that both couple seem to be building with each other.
This is a book that you definitely need to read, to enjoy the full effect of what the plot entails – and it is not without it’s doozies!
I feel like a dirty Cinderella, playing games with the handsome prince’s heart.
The only issue I had with this one was, that while we got Rowan’s POV, I would have also LOVED having Ava’s as well! It would have provided me with a wholistic view of the players in this game!
While Rowan and Ava were the cheesy and sweet couple; Cal and Zee became my favourite; not only because the focus of the book was on their relationship; but because theirs was a relationship based on sarcasm, lustful actions and definitely an emotional connection, neither of them ever saw coming!
The lies, betrayal and the political thrills; were honestly just the icing on the cake! It is in the last 15-20% of the book that we end up with a whole lot of action that speeds everything along! And trust me, you will be waiting with bated breath to know exactly how everything ends up!
And, being totally honest here – I did not have to wait anytime, before I could dive into the next book – making my rating for this one a bit biased; because no matter how hard I try, I honestly am keeping the conclusion in mind while rating this one!
“I can’t drag you into this.”
“I’m already in it.”
“I’m not good for you.”
“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“You can’t save me.”
“Want to bet?”
Pick this book (or rather this duet) up, if you adore your romances with a whole lot of bite and secrets to spice it up!
For more reviews visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
Do come join us at For The Fictional Worlds Facebook Page
karend's review
2.0
(read as part of the Tasted and Tempted collection)
This was ridiculous, and not in a good way. Not really a complete story, either, though not a crazy cliffhanger like some series resort to.
This was ridiculous, and not in a good way. Not really a complete story, either, though not a crazy cliffhanger like some series resort to.
More...