Review: The Master (The Game Maker, #2) by Kresley Cole

A need colder than Siberian winter meets an attitude hotter than the Florida sun in #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole’s sultry new Game Maker novel.

Everyone fears the Master…

Rich, irresistible politician/Mafiya boss Maksimilian Sevastyan prefers tall, obedient blondes to fulfill his…complicated desires. That is, until the icy Russian encounters a disobedient brunette whose exquisite little body threatens his legendary restraint.

Except her.

Catarina Marín was a well-off young wife until her world fell apart. Now she’s hiding out, forced to start working as an escort in Miami. Her very first client is beyond gorgeous, but when he tells her what he plans to do to her, Cat almost walks out of the door.

If pleasure is a game, play to win.

After their mind-blowing encounter burns out of control, the lovers crave more. If they escape the deadly threats surrounding them, can Maksim overcome his past—to offer Cat his future? Only then will she tempt him with what he really wants: her, all tied up with a bow.

In a few words: This story went beyond the steamy scenes, and the character development was organic and believable.

I lost my heart to a Russian.

Not just any Russian, but a Russian Mafiya boss with a very dirty mouth, and a gorgeous face.

That’s right, Maksimilian “Maksim” Sevastyan has officially made his way into my heart.

This book was told from Lucia Catarina Marín’s (the heroine) POV, and at first, I found the way her narration was written (bi-lingual–Spanish/English) was a little off-putting. But I got over it by about 30%. (Either I got over that, or there was a little less Spanish… *shrugs*).<–This was the only thing that kept me from giving this a full 5 stars. 

I really loved the dynamic between Cat and Maksim; their chemistry kept things “en fuego”. I loved how easily their dialogue flowed, and their scenes together kept me yearning for more. There were some moments that were surprisingly tender, and then there were some that had me thoroughly amused while laughing out loud.

For example, here’s one of my favorite Cat and Maksim moments from the book:

“How goddamned quaint,” Máxim grated as we wandered through our suite.

The space was large and luxurious, with a sizable bathroom and dressing area, but there were some kitschy touches. The mobster looked so out of place in a room with plank wood floors and Quaker quilts. Doilies covered the tops of oak tables. 

“Quilts.” He smirked. “Charming.”

I hopped on the bed, giving him a pouty lip. “Oh, does my baby boy suffer without his Four Seasons?” There’d been a display in the lobby made out of cornstalks .

I stretched out and made snow angels on the bed. “Just think, we’re going to have to snuggle here for warmth. We’ll have to build up friction.” I widened my eyes. “To preserve my very life, you’ll have to fuck me all night long.”

“If I must. But only to save your very life.”

Something I wasn’t ready for with this story, was a dose of feels. I mean, Cat had a bad way, which we learn about pretty early on, but getting the back story of Maksim and Dmitri’s upbringing after their older brother was out of the picture was something I thought I was prepared for, but nope…nope! Cue the feels. This added a new level of intimacy between Cat and Maksim, and it was a pivotal moment in the book (as you can imagine).

Though this book didn’t have as much danger and excitement as book 1, I felt that it had far more emotional “action”, and two characters who able overcome personal obstacles thus enabling them to find acceptance, and companionship.

Despite one of the characters being an alpha Russian mobster, this story was touching, and sweet. It’s packed with plenty of steam and kink, but also some swoon-worthy moments with a satisfying ending.

I cannot wait for the next book, which I’m hoping is all about Dmitri. I have a feeling we’ll need tissues for that one.

4.5 mafiya-lovin’ stars.

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Stephanie

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D.C.-born; Brazil-raised. Pasta aficionado, accidental comedian, road-trip warrior, sports junkie, lipstick collector, & Pocket Jamie handler. You can find Steph multi-tasking all of the things.

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