Step into the sultry, high-stakes world of Kresley Cole’s Game Maker series, where Russian mafia intrigue collides with scorching romance! This steamy trilogy of contemporary romance novels captivates with its blend of alpha male protagonists, fierce heroines, and pulse-pounding action. Known for its sizzling chemistry and masterful storytelling, Game Maker invites readers to lose themselves in a world where love and danger are inseparable.
Perfect for fans of dark romance and mafia thrillers, the series follows the Sevastyan brothers—three enigmatic men tied to the Russian Bratva—whose lives are upended by the women who challenge their control. With Cole’s signature wit and immersive prose, Game Maker is a must-read for anyone craving passion with an edge.
How Game Maker Began
Kresley Cole, a #1 New York Times bestselling author renowned for her Immortals After Dark paranormal series, ventured into erotic contemporary romance with Game Maker. The idea for the series sparked years before its 2014 debut, inspired by Cole’s fascination with Russian mafia antiheroes. She envisioned Aleksandr Sevastyan, a brooding enforcer, whose story became the backbone of The Professional. Initially hesitant to shift from paranormal to BDSM-infused romance, Cole crafted Game Maker as a bold, provocative trilogy that pushed boundaries while retaining her knack for complex characters and vivid settings.
The Heart of Game Maker
The Game Maker series comprises three novels, each a standalone tale centered on a Sevastyan brother. The Professional (2014) introduces Aleksandr “The Siberian” Sevastyan, a mafia enforcer tasked with protecting Natalie Porter, his boss’s long-lost daughter. Their whirlwind journey from Nebraska to Russia is packed with forbidden desire and mafia turf wars. The Master (2015) follows Maksimilian Sevastyan, a politician and Bratva boss, whose obsession with fiery escort Catarina Marín leads to a dangerous game of trust and betrayal. The Player (2016) concludes with Dmitri Sevastyan, a troubled billionaire, and Victoria Valentine, a cunning grifter whose con spirals into raw, emotional romance.
Cole’s series thrives on themes of power, obsession, and redemption, set against the opulent yet treacherous backdrop of the Russian mafia. The novels blend intense BDSM dynamics with heartfelt vulnerability, creating relationships that feel both electrifying and authentic. From Moscow’s glittering palaces to Miami’s sultry nights, the settings amplify the stakes, while Cole’s sharp dialogue and steamy scenes keep readers hooked. Fans praise the balance of action, suspense, and romance, with each book delivering twists that deepen the emotional and narrative complexity.
Why Game Maker Resonates
Game Maker has carved a niche in the mafia romance genre, earning a devoted following for its unapologetic intensity and richly drawn characters. Cole’s ability to humanize hardened antiheroes and empower her heroines resonates with readers seeking stories of resilience and passion. The series’ exploration of trust and vulnerability amid danger offers a fresh take on romance, influencing other authors in the dark romance space. Its lasting appeal lies in its fearless embrace of complex desires, making it a touchstone for fans of steamy, high-stakes love stories.
- Publication Years: 2014–2016
- Number of Books: 3 (The Professional, The Master, The Player)
- Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
- Setting: Russia, USA, and Europe
Dive into The Professional and let Kresley Cole sweep you into Game Maker’s intoxicating world of mafia intrigue and irresistible romance!