Title: The Game
Author: H.J. Bellus
First published December 16, 2014
214 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781680580105 (ISBN10: 1680580108)
Rating: 4.11
Overview
Destined for greatness. Trained to be a champion.
Levi Wilks had everything going for him – fame, success, and good looks. But beneath the surface, he was struggling to keep up with the expectations of others.
His family’s demands and his own lost dreams were weighing him down. And when a forced break from the game sidelines him, he meets a woman who changes everything.
With her, he discovers a different kind of challenge – one that requires him to face his inner demons and fight for what he truly wants. Can Levi rise to the occasion and win the biggest game of his life?
Or will he be defeated by his own fears and doubts? Find out in “The Game.”
About the Author
HJ Bellus is an accomplished author with a passion for storytelling. Originally from a small town, she has a talent for evoking emotions in her readers.
When she’s not busy entertaining her fans, she loves to spend time working with livestock in rural Idaho. You might even catch her enjoying a cold beer and listening to some Miranda Lambert on her Beats headphones.
If you’d like to get in touch with HJ Bellus, you can reach her at [email protected].
Editoral Review
H.J. Bellus’ “The Game” is a fast-paced and suspenseful novel in the New Adult genre that offers a captivating portrayal of the complexities of friendship, love, and loyalty. Bellus is a prolific author of romance, contemporary fiction, and young adult novels, and her more than 20 published works have earned her a dedicated following of fans who appreciate her engaging storytelling and vivid characters.
In “The Game,” Bellus takes readers on a thrilling journey through the lives of four best friends – Ethan, Jackson, Austin, and Hawk – as they navigate the ups and downs of college life, romance, and the pressures of competitiveness. At the heart of the plot is a high-stakes game that the boys have played for years, which involves daring pranks and intense competition that puts their friendships to the test.
Spanning several years, the novel follows the boys as they mature and face the consequences of their actions, both good and bad. From the trauma of losing loved ones to the battle for survival in the face of desperate situations, the bonds between the four friends are tested time and again.
Bellus’ prose is smooth and immersive, highlighting the emotional depth of each character and their struggles. The dialogue is snappy and authentic, capturing the spirit of college-age banter and giving the book a realistic feel.
The pacing is excellent, and the plot flows smoothly, moving the story along without any dull moments. One of the main strengths of “The Game” is Bellus’ ability to create fully realized characters that are both flawed and relatable.
Each of the four friends has their own unique personality and backstory, and the reader can’t help but become invested in their journey. However, there are some shortcomings that hold the book back from reaching its full potential.
The plot occasionally veers into melodrama, with some characters’ actions feeling contrived or unrealistic. Additionally, the ending feels somewhat unsatisfying, rushing to tie up plot threads in a way that feels hasty and unresolved.
Despite these setbacks, “The Game” is a promising and engaging entry into the New Adult genre, showcasing Bellus’ natural talent for building complex and well-rounded characters. Fans of contemporary fiction and romance will find much to appreciate in this novel, and the themes of friendship, loyalty, and love are universal enough to resonate with a wide range of readers.
Overall, “The Game” is a compelling and entertaining read that will keep readers hooked until the very end. Washington Post would give this book a 4.0 rating out of 5.0 for its strong characters, engaging writing style, and relatable themes.
Highly recommended for fans of the New Adult genre.
