A Game of Love and Betrayal by Elayna R. Gallea

This book was gifted to me by author Elayna R. Gallea through R&R Book Tours. This is no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: A Game of Love and Betrayal

Series: The Choosing Chronicles

Author: Elayna R. Gallea

Release Date: March 13, 2024

Publisher: Independently Published

Genre: Romantasy

Source: digital, R&R Book Tours

TW: blood, gun violence, violence, moderate sexual content, death, torture, gore

Synopsis

He requires a wife.

She needs to kill him.

All’s fair in pursuit of love and revenge.

What’s a vampire to do when the fae who made her an orphan is searching for a wife? Make him choose her and end his life on their wedding night, of course. Brynleigh has been carefully planning this for years. Her plan is date Ryker Waterborn, the Fae Representative’s son, make him fall in love with her, and kill him after they say, “I do.” Unfortunately, it isn’t going to be that easy. She won’t be the only one going after Ryker’s hand. Far from it. Two dozen men and women from around the Republic of Balance are competing in The Choosing in the search of their perfect partner. The catch? It’s a blind selection process, and contestants won’t see each other until they have selected their partner. Nothing will stand between Brynleigh and her revenge, not even a competition for love. A Game of Love and Betrayal is the first book in The Choosing Chronicles, a captivating enemies-to-lovers, new adult urban high fantasy romance.

He requires a wife. She needs to kill him. All’s fair in pursuit of love and revenge.

What’s a vampire to do when the fae who made her an orphan is searching for a wife?

Make him choose her and end his life on their wedding night, of course.

Brynleigh has been carefully planning this for years. Her plan is simple: date Ryker Waterborn, the Fae Representative’s son, make him fall in love with her, and kill him after they say, “I do.”

Unfortunately, it isn’t going to be that easy. She won’t be the only one going after Ryker’s hand. Far from it. Two dozen men and women from around the Republic of Balance are competing in The Choosing in the search of their perfect partner. The catch? It’s a blind selection process, and contestants won’t see each other until they have selected their partner.

Nothing will stand between Brynleigh and her revenge, not even a competition for love. 

Thoughts

A Game of Love and Betrayal was a delightful surprise. As the narrative unfurled, it was clear that there were more layers to this plot than initially met the eye. I found myself increasingly drawn into the intricate web of Ryker's life, keen to uncover the truth.

The unique dating game style plotline was a refreshing twist, and I found myself rooting for the protagonists, Ryker and Brynleigh, from the outset. They were well-drawn characters with engaging personalities that made me yearn to see them together.

Gallea's take on vampires was intriguing, successfully blending traditional vampire lore with some novel additions like shadow magic and wings. These unique aspects added a fresh dimension to the story that made it stand out.

The sudden cliffhanger ending was unexpected and left me eager to continue with the next book in the series. A testament to Gallea's skill as a storyteller, I was genuinely invested in the fate of the characters.

In summary, A Game of Love and Betrayal is a captivating read that blends romance, fantasy, and suspense in a narrative that promises and delivers thrills.