Stepbrothers forced to room together, Felix and Killian are constantly sniping at each other, until Killian's arrogant protectiveness refuses to let someone target Felix. Several personal struggles and many unknowns cause problems for Felix and Killian, but they are drawn together and eventually can't imagine being apart.
From the Wicked Games blurb:
Killian
I hate obscure school rules. Especially the one that says siblings have to room together after a tragedy. Now I’m stuck sharing my dorm with my stepbrother, and I have no idea how either of us is going to make it to the end of the school year without offing the other.
Just as I’m getting used to having Felix around, someone else tries to off him, and now my cousins and I have to figure out who’s after him, and why. We might not like each other, but Felix is family, and that means he’s mine to protect.
Felix has always annoyed the hell out of me, but now he likes making me angry. And unlike most people, he isn’t afraid of me when I’m angry. There’s also something else between us. Something wild and addictive.
Something I’ve never felt before.
I’ve always known there’s more to my buttoned-up stepbrother than meets the eye, but it isn’t until we start a game of gay chicken that I realize just how similar we are.
He should know better than to start a game he can’t win, but if that’s what he wants, then game f*cking on, bro.
***Wicked Games is the first book in a new dark romance series set at an elite, invite-only college, and is an animosity to lovers story between stepbrothers who have more in common than they think. You can expect: stepbrothers, animosity to lovers, a double bi-awakening, roommates/forced proximity, hurt/comfort, fighting as foreplay/mild primal play, dirty talk, bratting, their version of gay chicken, a protective MC, morally ambiguous heroes, not-so-secret societies, and lots of spicy times that should come with a warning label (and they do, so be sure to check the content warning before diving into this one) as these two stepbrothers realize that in some games, everyone’s a winner.
SNik's review:
First in series (Silvercrest U). Stepbrothers. Roommates. Adversarial to lovers. Forced proximity. Hurt/comfort. Found family. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.
After tragedy strikes, Felix is forced to room with his stepbrother at the elite college they both attend that is filled with legacies and powerful families. Killian is used to being in charge, and he isn’t thrilled to have Felix in his immediate orbit, but his protective instincts are triggered when Felix is threatened.
Felix and Killian’s dynamic while antagonistic in the beginning morphs quickly into a lust filled attraction that neither seems to be able to deny. I thought this would be darker, and we don’t get to see as much of the secret society/immoral dealings that I expected, although there are glimpses as Felix’s found family protects him. Felix and Killian are super steamy together, are surrounded by supportive and interesting secondary characters, and completely commit to the whirlwind that is their relationship. Overall, an entertaining first entry to a new series.
Zakiyya's review:
Killian, who is the more stoic and reserved of the two, grows protective of Felix, particularly as their attraction grows into something undeniable. Felix, on the other hand, is more open about his desires, but his carefree nature masks a deeper emotional vulnerability that is only revealed as the story progresses. The chemistry between them is electric, and the author does an excellent job of capturing the slow-burn romance that builds with every page.
However, the heart of the story lies not just in the romance, but in the looming threat that haunts their relationship. Someone is targeting one of the brothers, and the mystery surrounding these attempts on his life adds an element of suspense that keeps readers engaged. As Killian and Felix, with the help of Killian’s friends, try to uncover the truth behind the danger, the story deepens, exploring themes of trust, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect the ones they love.
The secondary characters, while not as fleshed out as the leads, add interesting layers to the story, it makes you want to learn more about Jax and Jace – I love how they bonded with Felix.
The book strikes a delicate balance between the themes of forbidden love and the thrill of a suspenseful mystery, making it a must-read for fans of both genres. The romance is steamy without being overdone, and the mystery is intriguing without overshadowing the emotional depth of the characters.
Heather's Review:
I honestly wasn't sure what I was getting into with this book... and I wavered about requesting it until almost the last minute... I haven't been reading darker romances lately with all the IRL stuff going on, but Willow Dixon is one of the authors I one click on and stepbrothers are my kryptonite... I wasn't disappointed...
The darker edge to this story is apparent from the beginning and the antagonism and chemistry between Killian and Felix is palpable... the kink and steam are dialed up to eleven and the strange things happening to Felix just ramp up the suspenseful nature of the book.
I appreciate the strong family vibe, the supporting cast of characters and the way Willow Dixon wove the drama in with the steam to create a book I read cover to cover in one sitting!
While minding the triggers, this book is riveting and steamy and if that's what you're looking for, you're in for a treat!
Wicked Games is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
Release Blitz
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Cover Design: Lori Jackson Design
Photographer: Michelle Lancaster
Genre: M/M Romance Standalone
Tropes: Stepbrothers, college roommates, forced proximity, animosity to lovers, double bi-awakening, possessive MC, hurt/comfort, fighting as foreplay/mild primal play, dirty talk and bratting, their version of gay chicken, morally ambiguous heroes, not-so-secret societies, lots of spicy times that should (and do) come with a warning
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About the Author
What can I say about myself? It’s kind of like being the new kid in school and being asked to tell everyone a bit about yourself. Anyone else forget everything they’ve ever liked, thought of, and even their name in those moments?
A few facts about me; I’m a veteran, I’m Canadian, and I love books! I’ve been writing my own stories since I was eight and wrote my first novel at sixteen. I’m the first to admit those attempts weren’t my best work, but they started me on a journey of creating stories that has led me to fulfilling my dream of becoming an author. I’ve written and published in several genres under different names, but MM is by far my favorite, and I’m so happy to be able to share my stories with people today.
I currently live on Canada’s east coast with my kiddo and my cats. I have a shoe collecting addiction, and I enjoy taking long walks, discussions with friends, and reading anything and everything I can get my hands on.
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