Games of Death and Desire

Rites of Possession, Book 2

By: Eva Chase

Narrated by: Michelle Sparks, Jason Clarke

Length: 17 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

To prove I'm not a monster, I have to play a monstrous game.

The men I'm falling for have discovered my horrific secret. Only the intervention of a god has saved me and my forbidden magic from the gallows... for now.

We've barely scraped the surface of the brutal conspiracy lurking at the royal college, and the threat looms ever larger. To get to the root of the evil and destroy it, we'll have to infiltrate it at its source.

And I'm the only viable new recruit.

So I'll play a dangerous game, courting the favor of cold-blooded murderers while dallying with noblemen who don't know whether to revile or desire me.

But the deeper I'm drawn into the darkness, the more I wonder if there's any way for me to truly win...

*Games of Death and Desire is the second book in a new fantasy romance series full of forbidden magic, impossible love, hot damaged men, and a rebellious heroine who's so much more than she imagines. There are more books to come.*

©2023 Eva Chase (P)2024 Eva Chase

I need the next one please

This series just keeps getting better! I love how the narrators bring the characters to life and keep you wanting to listen more. So many twists and turns keep you engrossed in the story and I look forward to more.

Harrowing Dark Fantasy

Book 2 of the "Rites of Possession" series was even more exciting than the first one. In order to discover all the members who were behind the conspiracy, Ivy needed to infiltrate the group. There were many edge-of-your seat moments and some surprising twists. There were some steamy descriptions. I enjoyed the occasional flashes of humor. Michelle Sparks' narration was fine, but there were times when she paused overlong after each sentence, especially during long narrative passages. Jason Clarke's narration was great, and I found his performance entertaining. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

loved it

Book two in ivys story picked up where things left off. She's still hunting the scourge sorcerers while also keeping her true identity a secret from the guys. I enjoyed the development of the relationships in this book and how Ivy and how we learn more about all our favs. Definitely can't wait to get my hands on book 3.

Love the story!

As much as I love the story and Jacob....I'm just not sure I can finish the series! 🫤
First, Jacob should have read way more. The female narrator pauses too long in between....well everything! She pauses in the middle of sentences, between sentences and sometimes between words that should be together. It drives me crazy, but maybe you will not mind it!! It's also the slowest burn RH I've ever listened to or read. AND don't get me started on ALL the inner dialog. It becomes so monotonous that I just yell..."get on with it"!
I must say this is all surprising, because I love Eva and have most all of her books and love them.....what happened?

A Thief and Larger Problems at Stake

Another great story that I could NOT put down!
Ivy and her men have quite a bit to figure out after the ending of the previous book. There are plenty more twists and turns from the scourge sorcerers. The conspiracy grows and it's a little difficult to figure out who to trust. Ivy goes undercover (well, even more undercover) to try and infiltrate the sorcerers from the inside and she has to do some really crazy things. Stavros, Casimir, and Alek will really have to be there to keep her from allowing her magic to take control of her.

I liked Julita more in this story, than the last one. She was able to grow more and wasn't as mean. I like the relationship Ivy has with her. They play off each other nicely.

Have no fear, there are more steamy times in this one (one even with multiple partners!). The hurdles Ivy and company faced were good ones that allowed the relationships to grow stronger and clear the air where needed.
One thing I liked in this story, compared to the previous one, is the multiple POVs! The men get to share their thoughts! I totally get why the author didn't include them in the first story and that makes them all the more special in this story.

I loved the narrators! It's the same one from the previous audiobook and a new one. The female narrator voices all the chapters from Ivy's perspective and the male narrator voices all the chapters from Ivy's men.

This is the second book in the series and the first book needs to be read prior to this one to understand the plot line.

games of death and desire

This book was very well written. You get thrown through a loop everytime you think you get it figured out. Ready for book 3.

So much intrigue

This second installment was so full of surprises! Ivy & her guys had some hurdles to overcome, some surprising challenges, some unexpected obstacles, some hard truths, and plenty more scheming and surprises.
There were certainly plenty of opportunities for Ivy and her guys to be discovered. Ivy and Julita both had to come to terms with their unique situation and what that means going forward.
There was so much angst and passion and spice. I can’t wait to see what happens next, what new discoveries will be made and just how they will overcome the challenges of what’s to come.
Michelle Sparks and Jason Clarke do such a phenomenal job bringing all of the characters to life.

My new favorite Eva Chase Series?

The way this series has an absolute choke hold on me! I should have known with how much I loved Their Dark Valkyrie but omg I need book 3 like yesterday! I love the fmc she is simultaneously a bad 🍑 but also so kind and selfless. I loved getting to know the MMCs more in this book and seeing each of them fall for and accept their feelings for Ivy. The conflicts are so good and are constantly keeping you on your toes. I swear every time I think I figured out what’s going on and who’s involved I’m thrown for a loop all over again.

It ain't over til its over

Loved the second book in the series! Most of the little group now know Ivy's secret. Her 'boss' and current roommate is scowling at her, but two of the other three men in the group are still supporting her. The final one remains in the dark about her riven magic and his proximity to the royal family means they are keeping it that way. Ivy decides that the only way to really stop the scourge sorcerers is to infiltrate them. She is the only one that can possibly pull it off, but it isn't going to be easy. The scourge socerer group is not very trusting and she is going to have to prove herself without killing anyone with her magic. Fortunately, her love life will be looking up.

Just when you think the whole thing is over.....nope. I was given an advanced copy of this audiobook by the author. My review is voluntary.

Why Choose Fantasy Romance

Games of Death and Desire by Eva Chase is a why choose fantasy romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Michelle Sparks and Jason Clarke. This is the second book in the Rites of Possession series.

I absolutely love Eva's books! She did an amazing job keeping me hooked through this book. There were definitely some surprises I did not see coming in this book. I really enjoyed getting Ivy, Stavros, Casimir, and Aleksi's points of views throughout the book.

I originally read the book and was so excited when I saw it was coming to audio. Jason and Michelle did an amazing job on the narration. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

The book ended on a great cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait for the next book in the series Secrets of Graves and Gold to be released on March 6, 2024.

I would recommend this series if you're looking for a fantasy romance, slow burn romance, or why choose romance.