Vicious Games: A Review
Vicious Games plunges you directly into the chaotic life of Rylee, a college student whose one-night stand is so disconnected from her reality that she can't even remember the man's name. This chaotic opening perfectly sets the stage for a story that is as unhinged as its protagonist.
Rylee’s character is a masterclass in self-destructive chaos. A former disciplined gymnast, she now uses partying and rebellion as a form of rebellion against her emotionally distant mother, who wishes Rylee would simply get over her father's death. This unresolved grief is the true engine of the book, fueling her erratic behavior and her desperate search for something to fill the void. Her infamous history paper on the history of fellatio is a perfect example of her wit and her willingness to burn her life to the ground for a well-placed joke.
The real conflict, however, is not with her college assignments, but with her stepbrother, Asher. Their relationship is a tense and emotionally manipulative dance, a winner takes all game fueled by a forbidden attraction. Asher's actions are a study in moral ambiguity—he has a girlfriend, yet he actively sabotages Rylee's attempts to connect with other men, a possessive move that keeps both her and the reader on edge. The book brilliantly shows how this emotional warfare is not a simple game, but a toxic and thrilling power struggle.
Just when you think you understand the rules, the game changes with the sudden, almost out-of-nowhere arrival of Asher's estranged twin brothers, Zayn and Blake. Their introduction transforms the dynamic from a tense two-person game into a morally gray reverse harem, leaving Rylee caught in a complex web of desires and rivalries.
While the plot has some holes—like the mysterious twins appearing with no prior mention—the book's strength lies in its relentless pacing and its deeply flawed, sympathetic protagonist. Rylee's journey is a train wreck you can't look away from, and you can't help but root for her to find some semblance of peace amidst the chaos. Vicious Games is a dark and intense read that promises a wild ride.