The Professional (The Game Maker, #1)

by Kresley Cole

[Cocktails and Books]

Candace's Thoughts

The Professional: Part Two begins with with Sevastyan and Natalie alone and sheltered from a storm. The seduction sequence had me squirming in my seat. Sevastyan makes his claim on Natalie (trying to force her hand into marriage...rules that must be followed in the Russian mafia) and their erotic encounter leaves Natalie reeling. This man, who she wants to feel close to, has backed her into a corner and she isn't sure she wants to be there yet.

Sevastyan refuses to open up to the Natalie, who clearly has become his obsession. And Natalie is left confused and wondering if their relationship can ever be something more permanent when he refuses to answer any of her questions. An horrific tragedy occurs and Sevastyan and Natalie must flee to Paris where their already fragile relationship starts to unravel. Sevastyan starts to treat Natalie differently. He is more tender and not the lover that Natalie wants or needs. One of the best scenes of the book involves video cameras, Sevastyan watching as Natalie teases him. She pushes him to give in to his darker side and ends up playing a dangerous game that ruin their relationship.

When I turned the last page in Part 2, I basically said, "You have to be kidding!" What a great way to leave a reader hanging! The ending was so frustrating and I want to know what is behind the curtains and wall of glass. How Kresley is going to end this intense story? I guess I have to stay tuned for Part 3!



Elizabeth's Thoughts

I absolutely loved Part I. Sevastyan is the dangerous, forbidden bad boy and Natalie just can’t help herself but want more of him. At the end of the first part, we were left panting as Natalie and the Siberian were in a steam house soaking wet from a rainstorm. Part II picks up where they left off and the first 25% of the book is of Natalie and Sevastyan getting naughty in the sauna.

Natalie was dragging her feet a lot in this part. Sevastyan is ready to claim Natalie as his but now Natalie is having the second thoughts. There is A LOT of sex in this part and while it was very passionate, I wished there was more to the story.

After a huge showdown at Natalie’s father’s home, Sevastyan is once again tasked with Natalie’s protection. He takes her to Paris and makes love to her constantly but Natalie can tell that Sevastyan is holding back. The too-gentle routine is making Natalie unhappy and when she prompts Sevastyan to start getting a little rough, he puts a stop to it.

Sevastyan confesses that he has a “sickness” inside and wants to take her a whole bunch of nasty ways and Natalie is all for it. Sevastyan doesn’t think she’s up to it so he sets up an evening in Paris. After dinner he takes her to what appears to be an underground exhibitionist/BDSM-type voyeuristic place and as Natalie gets her first taste of the scene, the story stops.

I felt the whole book was about sex. While it was extremely hot sex, I would have liked to see more of Natalie and Sevastyan interacting without being naked and entwined. I think when all three parts of the stories are placed together, this wouldn’t be an issue.

I do love the characters and I’m looking forward to Part III, but I’m a little worried about Sevastyan’s predilections and what, if anything, from his past has drawn him into the BDSM lifestyle.

Reviewed by Candace and Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books