A Game of Romance and Ruin

A hidden princess and the best negotiator in town – fated lovers: if only they can get through this mission, save the kingdom, and get over their very messy history.

Picking up after the events of A Game of Hearts and Heists, Ruby Roe brings us the love and betrayals of Stirling Grey and Morrigan Lee, two of the side characters from her first book.

Once the gauntlet is laid, the pace just doesn't stop. The action – and the sex (oh my god but yes there's sex!) – doesn't let up. One bedroom tryst leads to a clandestine operation, leads to revelations and heartbreaks, leads to messy break-up sex, leads to skulking around trying to find dirt on the villain (and yes – he's fuckin' reprehensible), leads to more sex... you get the idea.

If that sounds like you're kind of panting reading that, then strap yourself in because it's one page turn after another, one climax after another.

Now don't get me wrong, it's not all smut and breathless desire. This tells a great story about a heist with very brutal stakes. It tells about emotional wounds and the lengths we go to, in trying to protect the ones we love. It tells about the price of lies, and the pain of honesty, and the hope of truth.

Ruby Roe has definitely found herself with this second book. Her voice is strong, assured and shines with the sheer joy of one who's got a story to tell, and is telling it on her terms.

The fantasy and magic is fascinating and engaging. The dialogue, the sass and snark is top notch. And all the characters have more than their moment in the sun – I desperately want to know more about all of this beautiful supportive crazy found family.

This is one you don't want to be interrupted reading. Oh, and have a cold flannel handy – I wasn't a lesbian before I read this, but I think I am now!

In a game of power, can love be the deadliest weapon?

I received an advance copy, this is my honest review.