Bodyguard, Book Review, Rape, Romance, Second Chance, Series, Suspense

A Harmless Little Game (Harmless #1) by Meli Raine

ABOUT THE BOOK

Four years ago I lost my virginity on live, streaming television. Too bad I wasn’t awake for it. The video went viral. Of course it would. A Senator’s daughter on camera? Wouldn’t you click “share”? Besides, that’s what three of the four guys in the video did. Share. They shared me.

But that fourth guy? The nondescript one in the background in the upper left corner of the screen, just sitting on the couch? The only one who did nothing? Not one single thing. That was my boyfriend, Drew. And that was the last time I saw him. Until today, when my father—now on a path to the White House—hired him as head of security for my new team as I return home after four years of “recovering” in an undisclosed location that involved white lab coats, needles, pills and damage control.

You see, the other three guys never went to jail. Never had charges pressed. Never faced consequences. Until today. Game on.

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MY REVIEW

Four years ago Lindsay is bound, blindfolded, and brutally violated in the worst possible way and then imprisoned in a remote mental institution by her selfish and despicable parents. During that time she is violated once again when she finds out a video of her gang-rape goes viral and she (the victim) is slut-shamed by her friends and everyone who should have her back. Most notably her boyfriend, Drew, who was there that night and did nothing to stop it. When she is finally released from the hospital, Drew is appointed her bodyguard while her detestable parents try to save face with the public and sweep everything under the rug. But wait. Not everything is as it seems. It appears Lindsay has become a target again with threatening texts and an attempt on her life. 

Lindsay’s ordeal is extremely heartbreaking as she deals with panic attacks and nightmares. However, I am confused at her sexual feelings for Drew considering his supposed inaction during her attack. In addition, Drew disappoints me when he could have told her the truth after she first arrived instead of letting her asshole parents humiliate her with an unforgivable surprise meeting to vet her for her dad’s run for President of the United States. Namely, they hired two handlers to control her. Drew does swear to protect her with his life this time, but he will have to earn her trust. Even with the flaws in each of the characters, I still couldn’t put this book down. I wanted to see Lindsay and Drew find their happiness again and also get their revenge on everyone involved with her assault and the cover-up afterward. But I guess I’m going to have to wait after the interesting cliffhanger.

There are many vile characters in this book who need their ass’s kicked and I hope it is done thoroughly with a wicked vengeance. Lindsay has a small circle of friends, but it is understandable she can’t trust anyone. Especially, when there is an attempt on her life.

I recommend this deeply emotional story filled with triggers and many unanswered questions.  What is everyone hiding? Who are the bad guys? And, will Lindsay get her revenge? Book 2 here I come.

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A Harmless Little Game

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meli Raine writes romantic suspense with hot bikers, intense undercover DEA agents, bad boys turned good, and Special Ops heroes — and the women who love them.

Meli rode her first motorcycle when she was five years old, but she played in the ocean long before that. She lives in New England with her family.

Follow Meli on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Bookbub