Thank you so much to NetGalley, Victory Editing Netgalley Co-Op, and the author, Elise Eliot, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Game On by Elsie Eliot was an interesting read, though it ultimately felt like a three-star experience for me. The story had some intriguing elements, but, there were aspects that left me feeling somewhat detached from the characters and plot.
The book follows Millie Barlowe, a thirty-something single mom of two, who finds herself at a crossroads after losing her job again. Tired of the real estate industry, she contemplates a new career path, but an unexpected opportunity comes her way, offering her more financial stability than she's ever had. With a new job and a budding romance with an attractive realtor, things seem to be looking up.
However, as Millie navigates this new phase in her life, she faces challenges that test her resilience and ethics. She finds herself tangled in a web of greed and manipulation, leading her to question the integrity of those around her. Throughout the story, Millie's best friend Paige plays a significant role in guiding her decisions. It often felt like Millie couldn't make choices without Paige's input, which was frustrating. I would've loved to see Millie grow more independent and develop her own perspectives, especially during critical moments.
The narrative also had some inconsistencies, particularly in portraying Millie's financial situation. Despite being described as struggling at the start of her book, her lifestyle sometimes seemed relatively luxurious, including the way Millie judges some less fortunate real states which felt contradictory since she didn't come from a rich family herself. Additionally, the initial attraction between Millie and her love interest, Luca, felt a bit shallow, making it difficult to fully engage with their relationship.
