The Games We Play. Alexandra Warren. 2018. 247 pages. [Source: Kindle Unlimited.]
Chance is only back in his hometown for a brief stint to help his mom remodel what everyone calls her trap house. The best laid plans often go awry, though, and things get complicated almost immediately. Londyn is the younger sister of Eric, Chance’s best friend. What they both thought would be a one-time, discreet hook-up, turns into something they both struggle to ignore. Chance and Londyn have chemistry. They definitely have physical compatibility that sparks flames. But their personalities hit it off, sometimes to a fault.
The Games We Play found a good balance of telling the story from both perspectives. Too often, romance tells a story from just the woman’s perspective, leaving gaps in the plot as well as preventing the reader from connecting fully with the characters. Here, however, you’re able to better understand both Chance and Londyn, including their motivations and hesitations in dealing with each other. To be fair, there’s enough at play to keep them from dealing with each other seriously. First and foremost, Chance isn’t even planning to stay long-term. He’s made his way out from under the small town and has no plans to look back. He’s also a bit reluctant because Londyn is his best friend’s sister. Dealing with her means risking Eric’s wrath … and something with her may not even be worth the trouble. For her part, Londyn isn’t completely set about settling down. She’s hit her stride in her career and is enjoying life. If she finds someone worth her energy, then so be it.
A standout feature of this book is the humor that is laced throughout. Eric and Londyn’s mother, Annie, is turned all the way up the entire book and provides great comic relief. She’s a mess and a half, but she’s incredibly endearing. The playful banter between Londyn and Chance, we well as other characters, is just as entertaining. I also love the balance brought in by Londyn’s best friend Khalid. His presence adds just a bit of drama and a whole lot of wisdom.
The Games We Play, as usual, is another great book by Warren. I definitely recommend it and hope to see more from these characters in the future.
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