Marriage Games

The Games Duet

By: CD Reiss

Narrated by: Elena Wolfe, Sebastian York

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's Summary

The New York Times best seller and the Audie Award winner.

THIRTY DAYS.

That’s all Adam Steinbeck demands of his wife.

Thirty days in a remote cottage, doing everything he demands, then he’ll sign her divorce papers, give her his half of their company, and walk away.

He has 30 days to rediscover the man he once was. The dominant master he hid when he fell in love with the woman who would leave him five years later. 

Diana wants the company they built badly enough to go to the cottage with him. 

She’ll give him her body, but her heart will never yield.

She thinks this is his pathetic attempt to repair their marriage.

She’s wrong.

©2016 Flip City Media Inc. (P)2016 Flip City Media Inc.

THIS DUET IS BETTER THAN EBONY & IVORY

This was an excellent story and a even better listen. I normally don't enjoy the duet style of narration because it normally sounds like one person reading over a tape not this book it was like real conversations. I loved every minute of it. These narrators are excellent alone but as a duet it's masterful . NOTE TO AUDIO CASTING AGENTS AND AUTHORS!!! WHEN NARRATORS ARE THIS GREAT IT CAN MAKES YOUR BOOK A MASTERPIECE. I LOVED IT👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

I think i'm in Love

WOW!!! I loved this book! I really liked how it goes back and forth between "then and now", it helped me get a better understanding of the characters. Adam might be my new favorite Dom, He is so calm even when things are freaking him out, that makes him super sexy to me because I love a Dom that is always in control (even of himself). From the beginning this book grabbed me and now I can't stop thinking about it! And it was hot hot hot!!

I love that they are married when the story starts, that is huge for me because I felt their connection from page 1. The author does an awesome job writing these characters and their story, you will love them both even if you try not too. I wanted to dislike Diana in the beginning because of "the note", I wanted to dislike Adam because he hid who he was from his wife which to me is lying but I didn't stand a chance against either of them. I am so sad that I have to wait until January 3rd for the next book :'( Yes this book has a cliffhanger but it's not a mid sentence cliffy at least.

The narration was perfect!!!

Confusing quality, concluded with a rip-off

As I listened to this book I experienced a range of reactions.

As it began, the plot was engaging and seemed to be well-developed and well-delivered. I found both Adam and Dianna to be interesting characters and, from the beginning I cared about what happened to them.

York and Wolfe did an outstanding job with narration. I can't find any fault with their performances.

Unfortunately, Ms. Reiss apparently needed to milk two books out of a one-book plot so what eventually happened was that the otherwise engaging characters and a nuanced plot in this book became tedious and plodding. And considering the amount of sex involved, that's actually quite a feat!

Huge amounts of time are spent listening to internal monologues - mostly Dianna's, but not exclusively - wherein Adam and Dianna analyze nearly every aspect of everything they are thinking or feeling.

And then, by about chapter 83, cue the dramatic arc ... and it's over. Not concluded. Not summed up and ended. Just a full stop half way through the story, with a blatant invitation for the reader to buy the next book to see what happens.

This is not a stand-alone novel; it's a one-book-for-the-price-of-two rip-off. And in making the one book into two, the padding destroys the first.

I am not buying the second book.

Long Live the Queen-Move Over Jonathan! 5 Stars!

I first met CD Reiss through the Songs of Submission audios narrated by the incredible Jo Raylan and Christian Fox and I was blown away, luckily able to buy the whole series one after another. I devoured them even though they weren't in my regular wheelhouse for romance audio (with BDSM and intense emotions (eek)). I listened to most of CD's other audios and they were very good, but none had the impact of Songs of Submission...until now.

Marriage Games hits all the notes. A marriage in trouble, not due to unfaithfulness to their marriage but to themselves. The struggle between Adam and Diana is palpable and relatable. There are moments you want them together and apart, the pain and past between them sometime seeming insurmountable.Yes, this book contains BDSM but as usual with CD, it's not the entire story. Many stories about the "lifestyle" are about the shock value and primarily porn, which is fine if that's what you like. CD makes it a very relatable human issue about consenting adults finding what fulfills them from their very core without judgment.

The narration? Absolutely perfect. Two of my favorite narrators performing duet (or conversational) narration. Elena Wolfe's performance is flawless as usual and she makes Diana relatable, fragile and sympathetic as well as strong and fearless. You feel her struggle in every word. Sebastian York, my favorite alpha male narrator, has cornered the market on loving dominants with this book. When he says "get on your hands and knees" you want to just do it, thankfully. But the softness and love he brings to Adam just sends this performance over the top.

Is it a cliffhanger? Yes. Does that usually stop me? Yes. Adam and Diana's story is complicated and this cliffhanger is mild and worth every moment of it. I can't wait for Separation Games and to relisten to Marriage Games as well. Give them the Audie now!!

C. D. Reiss is the Queen of Smart Hot Sexy Kink!!

Adam Steinbeck fell in love with Diana Barnes over a conference table when he
Bought controlling interest in her family’s floundering publishing company. He
Married her all the while he kept a very dominant part of his personality hidden.
Side by side they brought the company back till the day he got a “Dear Adam”
Letter that Diana left him requesting a divorce. His proposal to her – 30 days in a
Private house on Montauk where she will submit to him and he will sign over the
Company to her. What occurs when Adam reacquaints himself to his dominant
Side and awakens a side of Diana she had always stifled? A lot can happen to a couple
In 30 days… The Audible version is narrated by the always extraordinary Elena Wolfe and I
Believe this is with no qualification one of Sebastian York’s best performances EVER. A MUST read book and an Absolutely even better one to listen to. Can’t wait for Book 2.

Not What I Expected!

I must be a very naive 60 year old. I found this book overall disgusting and full of pain. Never knew a world like this existed. However, I start what I finish but I cannot bring myself to read the next one in the series. I am very disappointed and will ask to return the book.

Don't even want to hear the second book

What would have made Marriage Games better?

Less sadistic behavior.

Would you ever listen to anything by CD Reiss again?

Not sure.

What about Elena Wolfe and Sebastian York ’s performance did you like?

They are excellent narrators and the only thing I enjoyed about the book.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Any additional comments?

There is nothing sexy about being abusive or sadistic.

TWO HOURS TOO LONG

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I get the push to cash in on Fifty Shades of Gray (s/m). The premise here is promising, but the author seems to think that one of the ways to torture your estranged spouse is to make her wait, and wait. Well, that's what the reader does. Ultimately, I wound up not liking anyone in the story. They were all self-posessed and selfish to a fault.

What was most disappointing about CD Reiss’s story?

No real satisfaction as the story turned toward the end.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

They were the reason I stuck with it. Both were great, but they can't change the book.

Could you see Marriage Games being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No way. Way too boring.

Any additional comments?

Another case where two strong actors make a story more interesting than it really is. PS....enough with the S/M.

Best Narration Ever!

Full Review at Ana's Attic Book Blog

Since I have been married for a long, long time, I love reading about married couples. Obviously, when reading romance, stories about already married couples are few and far between, because we want to see them fall in love. But I have wanted to read more C.D. Reiss, so I got the audiobook without ever really reading the full blurb. I don't normally like books that can't stand alone because I have a terrible memory. But let me tell you, Marriage Games is totally worth it.

I need to first start out by talking about the audiobook. First of all, it is two of the best narrators in the business. But even more special is the fact that it is told duet style, meaning the narrators interact with each other, more like a play. They take out all the "he said, she said" and actually say it! It's surprisingly subtle, at first I didn't even notice it. It just felt so natural. But I must say, this may spoil me for other audiobooks.

Now for the story itself. Wow. C.D. Reiss can write! Marriage Games was sexy, emotional, thought-provoking, and completely compelling. Don't even think to lump it in with other BDSM books, because this is so much more, it's more of a psychological story with hot sex. But it's real. It's different. It makes you think. It makes you examine yourself and your own relationship. And it's completely addicting.

"I wanted her to go. I wanted her to stay. I wanted her on my terms. I wanted her on any terms. I wanted to be cured of the disease of love. I wanted to be cured of want."

Adam Steinbeck is shocked and devastated. His wife is leaving him, and he had no idea it was coming. He is thrown for a loop and doesn't want to lose her; she is not only the love of his life, but his business partner too. Adam gave up a big part of himself to be with her, but she never knew it. He was a Dom before meeting her, but locked that part of himself away when he met and fell for Diana.

"You can’t just decide to be vanilla the rest of your life. It’s not a choice."
"It’s all a choice. And I choose her."

Diana knew there was something missing in their marriage. He was there, but part of him just wasn't fully present. Enough so that she finally just fell out of love. All she wants is her family's publishing company (that he saved) back in the divorce. But Adam isn't ready to give up so fast. He can't lose her. So he asks her for 30 days. One month of them at his secret kinky house he shares with other Doms but hasn't visited in 5 years, to show her what he has been hiding all along.

“My answer to that is, by the end of our time here, you may not submit in your heart, but you’ll understand what it means. And you’ll understand me.”

He has hints that she might be submissive, but she is a strong, independent businesswoman. And while he is a sadist at heart, and needs the lifestyle sexually, he doesn't think he can love a sub.

“I loved her. Wanted to love her. Needed to love her, and the second she kneeled, she’d be nothing to me.”

But this is his wife, who he loves above all else. He needs to find a way to keep her.

Told in a combination of points of views and past and present tense, I never lost my way at all. It was a great way for the story to progress and bring in all the emotions from the past and present.

"He moved around me, stood in front of me and over me. His silence was predatory. His posture was feral, yet completely in control.
I’d had no idea who I’d married. Had I been stupid and naïve, or shrewd?"

Marriage Games threw me for a loop. I don't know which way was up. I will definitely need to re-listen to this before Separation Games comes out so it's all fresh in my mind. I can't freaking wait.

"Do you hate your husband?
"I never hated him."
"You're about to."

Likes:

•Completely unique.
•The narration was the best ever.
•CD Reiss can really write beautifully.
•Written so you actually feel the story as it unfolds. I'm not sure how she does that, but she does.
•Very hot sex.
•So many different layers to be uncovered.
•Told in an almost chaotic way, it only enhanced and never confused me.
•How the flashbacks were worked into the story to create a mood and evoke feelings.
•The writing is very intelligent and assumes the reader is too. I love that she never dumbs it down, but it's never smart just to be smart (I have no idea if that makes sense but it does in my head).
•I actually liked the cliffy. The book needs a pause right where it is.
•The characters were mature professionals, not virginal college kids.

Dislikes:

•I didn't fall in love with either character, something I usually need to fall in total love with a book.
•Diana was so judgmental.
•The lack of communication seems so unrealistic. Why didn't he introduce a little play into their vanilla sex life in 5 years? Why is it all or nothing? How had that sexy dominant side never shown up?

The Down & Dirty:
Marriage Games was a completely addictive story that you truly feel as you are reading it. It is different from any other BDSM book I have read, so don't lump it in and say "not another BDSM book!" Thought provoking and compelling, this very sexy story will have you examining yourself, your relationship and your feelings as you identify with both of them. While I usually hate cliffhangers, I found this is more of a turn the story needed to take, and a pause is needed. The cliffy just works. Though I didn't totally fall for the characters the way I like to, I fell for the story, and the way the story unfolded. As far as the audio goes, this was the best narration I have experienced. With my two favorite narrators acting it out like a play instead of reading "he said, she said". This style is ruining me for other audiobooks.
I absolutely cannot wait for Separation Games in January.

Rating: 4.5 Stars, 4.75 Heat, 5 Narration

ugg

Not for me.
I don't like to be hit. I don't like men who hit women for fun or other wise.
No thank you.

I absolutely loved this book!

I love duet narration. Elena Wolfe and Sebastian York are always perfect together. CD Reiss pulled so many emotions from me with this story. Listening to each one of her books has been an emotional rollercoaster so far. I don’t like leaving spoilers in reviews so I’m not going to go into any details but I would definitely recommend this book. I couldn’t download the second one fast enough!

major cliff hanger

Good book, liked the characters and how mixed up they both were.
Did not like the cliff hanger and having to wait for the book to be released!!

This is the most amazing Performance!

If you could sum up Marriage Games in three words, what would they be?

Sizzling, sexy, heartbreaking

What did you like best about this story?

I think the way the performers interacted within different chapters. It was like you was in the room with them. Very intimate/.

What about Elena Wolfe and Sebastian York ’s performance did you like?

I can't praise Sebastian York's high enough, as he did the bulk of the work.This is the first time I've listened to Elena Wolfe, and I enjoyed her performance.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I had it on all day with earphones, it made the performance very intimate.

Any additional comments?

This was an amazing and intimate performance, and I have to wait until Jan for the 2nd half.

I think it made me an Audiobook fan.Damn.

Let's start with a confession.I am not an Audiobook lover.I need the words under my fingers to soak the story.I tried this audiobook because it's CD Reiss.

Now Marriage Games wasn't one of my most favourite work by her.I don't hate it because it's CD Reiss.I can't tell why.Now I was listening to the audio and I absolutely totally completely have fallen in love with it.How weird is that?It's like I am listening to an entirely different book.The passion,the struggle,the love,the hate,the sex- everything came out in glorious technicolors.Adam and Diana's intense emotional journey came alive.

Now about the narrators?Sebastian York.What can I say?I just know I won't be able to read any erotic romance without imagining his voice in the hot alpha guy.Elena Wolfe was just perfect for Diana.Confident.Emotional.Everything.I think they just ruined me.

Couldn't put it down Cried like a baby

I couldn't put the books down, I wanted to see what was going to happen I felt very attached to Adam and I actually felt a NEED to follow his as much as a want.

I have to say initially I was very surprised at the change in point of view so as I hadn't read the book hearing the change in narration was quite surprising. I worried it would change my feelings towards the story. It did - I felt more involved in the characters and found myself talking to them, telling them off, advising them... Was very strange, I've never done it before.

Finally and another first for me at the end I cried like a baby it was so credible and believable I felt as though I was inside with them. I can't wait for the sequel.

The narrators voices suited both the book and the characters. I recommend this to anyone and everyone if you love CD Reiss or just think you might like to try the books seriously do it.

very different

i was a bit unsure but once i started tge reading i couldn't stop give you a different view on past books.. really love it can't wait fir the next one.

Awesome

Wow what a well written and exceptionally well narrated story. Went through so many emotions while listening, shock, anger and sadness. Great cliff hanger, can't wait to see what happens next.

Loved this one!

An unusual take on the typical DS novel. Well constructed characters for the genre.
Excellent narrators which bring the book to life.
Can't wait for the second part!