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100 Series #5
Play My Game
New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian returns to the sizzling, emotional world of the 100 Series with Play My Game, a contemporary romance between a tormented, brilliant painter and the beauty he is determined to have at any cost.
She stands out like a flame in the dark. Out of place in my orbit, she is a bright splash of color in an abyss of darkness. An innocent in a den of sin. And I, Jared Rush, am a master of corruption.
Like my paintings—dark, carnal images that have crowned me the king of the avant-garde art world while also making me a very rich man—I don't flinch away from my baser instincts. And now, every one of those instincts is hungry for the fresh-faced beauty who made the mistake of wandering into my lair.
I don't know her name yet, but that's inconsequential. I know who she belongs to. And while she has nothing to do with the bad blood that's been festering inside me for decades, I can’t help thinking about that old, unsettled score. I'm thinking about payback. And I already have a price in mind. One that begins with her.
When it comes to getting what I want, I always play to win. But in the end, will the cost of my vengeance be more than I can bear to lose?
While this novel is Book 5 in the 100 Series, featuring characters introduced in earlier books, PLAY MY GAME can be read as a complete standalone with a swoon-worthy HEA and no cliffhangers.
She stands out like a flame in the dark. Out of place in my orbit, she is a bright splash of color in an abyss of darkness. An innocent in a den of sin. And I, Jared Rush, am a master of corruption.
Like my paintings—dark, carnal images that have crowned me the king of the avant-garde art world while also making me a very rich man—I don't flinch away from my baser instincts. And now, every one of those instincts is hungry for the fresh-faced beauty who made the mistake of wandering into my lair.
I don't know her name yet, but that's inconsequential. I know who she belongs to. And while she has nothing to do with the bad blood that's been festering inside me for decades, I can’t help thinking about that old, unsettled score. I'm thinking about payback. And I already have a price in mind. One that begins with her.
When it comes to getting what I want, I always play to win. But in the end, will the cost of my vengeance be more than I can bear to lose?
While this novel is Book 5 in the 100 Series, featuring characters introduced in earlier books, PLAY MY GAME can be read as a complete standalone with a swoon-worthy HEA and no cliffhangers.
300 pages, ebook
First published June 30, 2020
About the author
Lara Adrian
106 books10.6k followersLARA ADRIAN is a New York Times and #1 internationally best-selling author with nearly 4 million books in print and digital worldwide and translations licensed to more than 20 countries. Her books have been named among Amazon’s Top Ten Romances of the Year, and have also been nominated by readers multiple times as finalists for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance of the Year. Reviewers have called Lara’s books “addictively readable” (Chicago Tribune), “extraordinary” (Fresh Fiction), “strikingly original” (Booklist), and “one of the best vampire series on the market” (Romantic Times).
Writing as TINA ST. JOHN, her historical romances have won numerous awards including the National Readers Choice; Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice; Booksellers Best; and many others. She was twice named a Finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards, for Best Historical Romance (White Lion’s Lady) and Best Paranormal Romance (Heart of the Hunter). More recently, the German translation of Heart of the Hunter debuted on Der Spiegel bestseller list.
With an ancestry stretching back to the Mayflower and the court of King Henry VIII, the author lives with her husband in New England, where she is working on her next novel. Visit Lara’s website and sign up for new release announcements at http://bit.ly/LaraAdrianNews
Writing as TINA ST. JOHN, her historical romances have won numerous awards including the National Readers Choice; Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice; Booksellers Best; and many others. She was twice named a Finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards, for Best Historical Romance (White Lion’s Lady) and Best Paranormal Romance (Heart of the Hunter). More recently, the German translation of Heart of the Hunter debuted on Der Spiegel bestseller list.
With an ancestry stretching back to the Mayflower and the court of King Henry VIII, the author lives with her husband in New England, where she is working on her next novel. Visit Lara’s website and sign up for new release announcements at http://bit.ly/LaraAdrianNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
November 5, 2023
What a fabulous read!!! This book is why I love good contemporary romance!!! I'm very picky about reading this genre. It can't just be a bunch of hot sex scenes,I'm a romantic at heart and I need the emotional connection as well and a storyline and characters that jump off the pages and make me become invested in their ending. I've read Lara Adrian books for years because she knows how to capture and hold my attention. She is a amazing storyteller and her words flow flawlessly. This book was full of sensuality and beautiful breathless moments with characters that had a great chemistry from the beginning and each had a story to tell. Jared Rush is a talented painter who's paintings are depraved and very sexual. He had a Dorian Gray vibe with his hedonistic behavior and He loves nothing better then exposing his muses flaws and secrets.But when he decides to extract revenge from a son of a man who ran a scam and destroyed his family years ago he meets Melanie. What starts out as revenge by making her pose nude becomes a awakening for a man who has become so jaded,bitter and all around arrogant bastard who is keeping a secret that he hides with a beastly attitude and heavy drinking. From the first meeting melanie see's jared's deep scar's that he keeps hidden behind his eyes, very few know the real Jared or what he went through on his climb to the top. As they spend time together their attraction becomes a five alarm burn the bed down kind passionate romp that had my kindle melting!!! This is the newest book in The 100 series,but can be read as a standalone. Until next time Luv's 💕💋
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 13, 2020DNF @ 69%
Nothing wrong with the writing per se. I just didn’t feel anything for the main characters. It also didn’t help that I kept picturing the H as a young Feargal Sharkey. Clearly I’m in the minority here but I just couldn’t muster any enthusiasm to carry on! Overall, an underwhelming read with a premise that didn’t live up to my expectations.
Nothing wrong with the writing per se. I just didn’t feel anything for the main characters. It also didn’t help that I kept picturing the H as a young Feargal Sharkey. Clearly I’m in the minority here but I just couldn’t muster any enthusiasm to carry on! Overall, an underwhelming read with a premise that didn’t live up to my expectations.
February 28, 2021
Eine unglaublich tolle und besondere Geschichte!
Es war tiefgründig, anders und total fesselnd.
Die Story hatte wirklich Tiefgang und war für mich auch an einigen Stellen sehr emotional.
Jared und Melanie waren wunderbare Protagonisten und das Ende hat alles perfekt gemacht! ❤️
Eine ganz ganz tolle Buchreihe, die durch Originalität glänzt und viel mehr Aufmerksamkeit bekommen sollte!
Es war tiefgründig, anders und total fesselnd.
Die Story hatte wirklich Tiefgang und war für mich auch an einigen Stellen sehr emotional.
Jared und Melanie waren wunderbare Protagonisten und das Ende hat alles perfekt gemacht! ❤️
Eine ganz ganz tolle Buchreihe, die durch Originalität glänzt und viel mehr Aufmerksamkeit bekommen sollte!
July 14, 2020
Yay! It’s always exciting when a new Lara Adrian book comes out. I’ve been waiting for this book since March 2020 so I was really glad to finally have it in my hands. PLAY MY GAME continues the sizzling 100 days series, featuring Jared and Melanie.
This book opens up with an interesting premise. Melanie’s man has been keeping his gambling problem away from her and when he gets himself in a bind, Melanie actually ends up being the one to get him out of it. Instead of owing Jared money, she is to be his model for his next comeback. There’s not much conflict in this book, but I was still able to read it because of the characters. I found Jared to be alluring because of his dark ways although the author does play him up a bit more than is really necessary. Nevertheless, the impact is strong and I think that was what she was going for.
Melanie didn’t really wow me. However, I did appreciate her level head throughout this entire novel. I think instead of gushing over her character, I came to respect her a lot in the end and I think that’s probably just as good as falling in love with her. She didn’t immediately fall into Jared’s arms, but rather warmed up to him slowly and in a believable way. I ended up enjoying their romance tremendously.
PLAY MY GAME is a very quick read. I read it in one sitting, so I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is in need of a sexy refresher. It will definitely light your fire!
June 30, 2020
4.5 sexy, emotional and intense stars!
I love this book! An intense, emotional and deliciously seductive love story that captured my heart and had me absolutely captivated!
This book is part of the 100 series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. There is some character crossover, but it’s minor, and written in a way where you don’t need to understand previous stories in order to enjoy this one. So feel free to dive in!
Jared Rush is a brilliant artist whose hedonistic paintings have made him a fortune. He has a reputation as being a bit of a deviant playboy, but he has come from humble beginnings and has survived a traumatic childhood to get to where he is. He still holds a lot of anger over his past, and when an opportunity is presented to him to get his vengeance, he takes it.
Melanie is a part time student working two jobs to help support her family. It’s her boyfriend that drags her into Jared’s world, but he runs into trouble and the only way to get him out of it is if she poses for one of Jared’s paintings. She reluctantly agrees, but she has no idea that Jared’s ultimate plan is to seduce her.
It’s a dark set up, and Jared comes across as this controlling millionaire who takes what he wants, but there is an denying the sizzling attraction between the two of them. It’s there from their very first encounter, and my heart was pounding with anticipation to see how it would all play out.
This book has the feel of those darkly intense romances that were so hugely popular (and that I was obsessed with) in the early 2010s - Fifty Shades, Crossfire, In Flight, etc., but without the BDSM - and I was thrilled to be able to experience that feeling again. That sense of power beneath heart-pounding excitement and desperation as you wait for two characters to come together.
Jared has all the hallmarks of your controlling alpha millionaire – he’s not obsessive, but he’s certainly intense and all-consuming, and he pursues Melanie with raw determination. While his initial plan may be been one of revenge, he feels so much more for Melanie than he ever anticipated. His desire for her just leaps off the page, and I loved seeing him experience that sort of emotion for the first time.
And Melanie is a wonderful heroine. She’s strong, stubborn and determined, and even when faced with such a powerful presence as Jared, she’s not a pushover. She’s feeling their attraction just as strongly as he is, but she makes him work for it, and she’s not about to accept anything that is not on her terms, and I love that about her!
The sexy time is seriously hot. There wasn’t as much as I was expecting, and there’s quite a bit of build-up that goes into it before they get down and dirty, but it’s so worth the wait. Passionate and explosive, it reflects all that they feel for each other, and the emotion is really well written.
They both have demons in their pasts, and there is some drama as secrets are revealed. It was more emotional than I was anticipating, and I felt everything with them as they dealt with it all. And it presents the opportunity for a swoony-as-hell ending that had me clutching my heart and grinning like a fool as Jared and Melanie find their HEA.
This is a really great read. It was just the intense, all-consuming romance that I was in the mood for. I loved Jared and Melanie as characters, and their story is beautiful.
I loved it – 4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love this book! An intense, emotional and deliciously seductive love story that captured my heart and had me absolutely captivated!
This book is part of the 100 series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. There is some character crossover, but it’s minor, and written in a way where you don’t need to understand previous stories in order to enjoy this one. So feel free to dive in!
Jared Rush is a brilliant artist whose hedonistic paintings have made him a fortune. He has a reputation as being a bit of a deviant playboy, but he has come from humble beginnings and has survived a traumatic childhood to get to where he is. He still holds a lot of anger over his past, and when an opportunity is presented to him to get his vengeance, he takes it.
Melanie is a part time student working two jobs to help support her family. It’s her boyfriend that drags her into Jared’s world, but he runs into trouble and the only way to get him out of it is if she poses for one of Jared’s paintings. She reluctantly agrees, but she has no idea that Jared’s ultimate plan is to seduce her.
It’s a dark set up, and Jared comes across as this controlling millionaire who takes what he wants, but there is an denying the sizzling attraction between the two of them. It’s there from their very first encounter, and my heart was pounding with anticipation to see how it would all play out.
I saw her, and I knew I had to have her. On my canvas. In my bed. At my total mercy.
This book has the feel of those darkly intense romances that were so hugely popular (and that I was obsessed with) in the early 2010s - Fifty Shades, Crossfire, In Flight, etc., but without the BDSM - and I was thrilled to be able to experience that feeling again. That sense of power beneath heart-pounding excitement and desperation as you wait for two characters to come together.
This need is something different. It’s something deeper. Something she’s not ready for.
Maybe neither of us are ready to give in to what we both want from each other.
Jared has all the hallmarks of your controlling alpha millionaire – he’s not obsessive, but he’s certainly intense and all-consuming, and he pursues Melanie with raw determination. While his initial plan may be been one of revenge, he feels so much more for Melanie than he ever anticipated. His desire for her just leaps off the page, and I loved seeing him experience that sort of emotion for the first time.
I should let her go. I never should have brought her into any of this in the first place.
But it’s too late for that.
Too late for either one of us. There’s no undoing the connection that’s been smoldering between us since our eyes locked for the first time. Now, those flames are on the verge of exploding into something neither of us can control.
And Melanie is a wonderful heroine. She’s strong, stubborn and determined, and even when faced with such a powerful presence as Jared, she’s not a pushover. She’s feeling their attraction just as strongly as he is, but she makes him work for it, and she’s not about to accept anything that is not on her terms, and I love that about her!
The sexy time is seriously hot. There wasn’t as much as I was expecting, and there’s quite a bit of build-up that goes into it before they get down and dirty, but it’s so worth the wait. Passionate and explosive, it reflects all that they feel for each other, and the emotion is really well written.
“You’re mine.” I say it fiercely, needing her to understand. “I love you, Melanie Laurent. For the rest of my life, I’m going to love you.
They both have demons in their pasts, and there is some drama as secrets are revealed. It was more emotional than I was anticipating, and I felt everything with them as they dealt with it all. And it presents the opportunity for a swoony-as-hell ending that had me clutching my heart and grinning like a fool as Jared and Melanie find their HEA.
This is a really great read. It was just the intense, all-consuming romance that I was in the mood for. I loved Jared and Melanie as characters, and their story is beautiful.
I loved it – 4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2020
Yay! It’s always exciting when a new Lara Adrian book comes out. I’ve been waiting for this book since March 2020 so I was really glad to finally have it in my hands. PLAY MY GAME continues the sizzling 100 days series, featuring Jared and Melanie.
This book opens up with an interesting premise. Melanie’s man has been keeping his gambling problem away from her and when he gets himself in a bind, Melanie actually ends up being the one to get him out of it. Instead of owing Jared money, she is to be his model for his next comeback. There’s not much conflict in this book, but I was still able to read it because of the characters. I found Jared to be alluring because of his dark ways although the author does play him up a bit more than is really necessary. Nevertheless, the impact is strong and I think that was what she was going for.
Melanie didn’t really wow me. However, I did appreciate her level head throughout this entire novel. I think instead of gushing over her character, I came to respect her a lot in the end and I think that’s probably just as good as falling in love with her. She didn’t immediately fall into Jared’s arms, but rather warmed up to him slowly and in a believable way. I ended up enjoying their romance tremendously.
PLAY MY GAME is a very quick read. I read it in one sitting, so I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is in need of a sexy refresher. It will definitely light your fire!
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July 15, 2020
I've been a huge fan of Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series for years now but I also really love her contemporary romances and Play My Game was right up there with the best of them. We've met the mysterious and brooding artist Jared in previous instalments of the 100 series so I was already looking forward to his book, I'm not sure if we saw Melanie before but she is friends with Eve so does have a link too. As always it was fun spotting previous character cameos but Jared and Melanie rightly take centre stage for their story.
Melanie is actually pulled into Jared's circle when she finds out that her boyfriend has a gambling problem and has got himself in trouble. Jared offers to bail him out but only if Melanie agrees to pose for his latest painting. She has no idea that she's been caught up in a revenge plot that Jared has been planning for months though and her life is about to get extremely complicated. I was glad to see that the boyfriend became an ex the minute Melanie discovered how much he'd been lying to her so if you're worried about any potential cheating issues you can dive into this book without fear. I actually had a huge amount of respect for Melanie from the beginning, she knows her own value and she won't put up with anyone treating her badly which makes her easy to root for. I always love a heroine with a backbone!
Jared is dealing with some pretty big demons and has been using alcohol as a crutch but when he sees how much it upsets Melanie he realises that he needs to do something differently. The attraction between them was pretty instant but I liked that it took time to develop into a relationship. Even though Jared went into things with an agenda he realises pretty quickly that Melanie is important to him and this didn't end up being a story with a huge amount of drama. I don't know about anyone else but 2020 has been bringing more than enough stress into my life so I really appreciated being able to just relax and enjoy this story! If you enjoyed the previous books in this series then you're bound to love Play My Game too but it would work just as well for someone who is new to the series as there are only a few cameos to link it to previous books.
Melanie is actually pulled into Jared's circle when she finds out that her boyfriend has a gambling problem and has got himself in trouble. Jared offers to bail him out but only if Melanie agrees to pose for his latest painting. She has no idea that she's been caught up in a revenge plot that Jared has been planning for months though and her life is about to get extremely complicated. I was glad to see that the boyfriend became an ex the minute Melanie discovered how much he'd been lying to her so if you're worried about any potential cheating issues you can dive into this book without fear. I actually had a huge amount of respect for Melanie from the beginning, she knows her own value and she won't put up with anyone treating her badly which makes her easy to root for. I always love a heroine with a backbone!
Jared is dealing with some pretty big demons and has been using alcohol as a crutch but when he sees how much it upsets Melanie he realises that he needs to do something differently. The attraction between them was pretty instant but I liked that it took time to develop into a relationship. Even though Jared went into things with an agenda he realises pretty quickly that Melanie is important to him and this didn't end up being a story with a huge amount of drama. I don't know about anyone else but 2020 has been bringing more than enough stress into my life so I really appreciated being able to just relax and enjoy this story! If you enjoyed the previous books in this series then you're bound to love Play My Game too but it would work just as well for someone who is new to the series as there are only a few cameos to link it to previous books.
July 3, 2021
Die Hauptreihe muss ich immer noch lesen aber ich musst schon diesen band lesen. ich war einfach zu neugierig.
Der Klappentext hat mich einfach schon neugierig gemacht und nicht zu viel versprochen.
Ich mochte die Geschichte um die beiden Protagonisten Jared und Melanie.
Zumal dies auch eine gewissen Tiefe diesmal hat.
Die Handlung hat mich gefesselt und ich war gespannt wie es sich zwischen den beiden entwickelt. Sie kommen aus unterschiedlichen Welten aber man merkt direkt eine gewisse Anziehungskraft die beide auf den anderen ausüben. Trotzdem hat mir hier ein gewisser Funke gefehlt. Die Anziehung ist da aber mir hat ein gewisser Moment irgendwie gefehlt.
Melanie opfert sich für andere auf und ist super liebenswert und lässt sich nicht unterkriegen. Aber eine gewisse Taffheit hat mir hier gefehlt, manchmal kam sie mir unsicher vor.
Jared hat ein sehr starkes Auftreten, trotzdem hat mir was gefehlt bei ihm, obwohl ich ihn mochte.
Trotzdem ist die Geschichte sehr angenehm und man kann drin abtauchen und sie genießen.
Die Bücher der Autorin lese ich immer noch ganz gern und ich werde mir bei Gelegenheit noch die Hauptreihe besorgen und lesen.
Der Klappentext hat mich einfach schon neugierig gemacht und nicht zu viel versprochen.
Ich mochte die Geschichte um die beiden Protagonisten Jared und Melanie.
Zumal dies auch eine gewissen Tiefe diesmal hat.
Die Handlung hat mich gefesselt und ich war gespannt wie es sich zwischen den beiden entwickelt. Sie kommen aus unterschiedlichen Welten aber man merkt direkt eine gewisse Anziehungskraft die beide auf den anderen ausüben. Trotzdem hat mir hier ein gewisser Funke gefehlt. Die Anziehung ist da aber mir hat ein gewisser Moment irgendwie gefehlt.
Melanie opfert sich für andere auf und ist super liebenswert und lässt sich nicht unterkriegen. Aber eine gewisse Taffheit hat mir hier gefehlt, manchmal kam sie mir unsicher vor.
Jared hat ein sehr starkes Auftreten, trotzdem hat mir was gefehlt bei ihm, obwohl ich ihn mochte.
Trotzdem ist die Geschichte sehr angenehm und man kann drin abtauchen und sie genießen.
Die Bücher der Autorin lese ich immer noch ganz gern und ich werde mir bei Gelegenheit noch die Hauptreihe besorgen und lesen.
August 24, 2020
This one was a fast paced one although my least fav. in this series.
July 3, 2020
Lara Adrain has done it again with book. I laughed and cried and truly fell in love with Jared. Loved every page of this book. Parts of it were very personal for me and hard to deal with. Those parts only had me tearing up more. This newest to the 100 series is just outstanding.
July 15, 2020
An incredible contemporary romance that I couldn't put down!!!
Melanie Laurent is a struggling MBA student and the primary breadwinner for her small family (consisting of her ailing mother and young niece). In the opening chapter, Melanie is confronted with the shocking fact that her new boyfriend has a serious gambling problem. In order to clear his debts, artist Jared Rush makes a deal with the couple that Melanie will pose for him to paint. Melanie is appalled at the idea and that her boyfriend was keeping secrets from her, but she is unwilling to throw him to the wolves. Jared is technically using Melanie as a means for revenge, but soon discovers she means more to him than his twisted plans.
I love that the author can get readers so emotionally invested so quickly. Both Melanie and Jared have intense personal issues that they're dealing with and yet they're able to forge a connection so seamlessly and perfectly. I also am thrilled that characters from previous books make appearances throughout. There are a couple of other characters that I could see having their own books in the future and I've got my fingers crossed that the series continues. Highly recommend!!!
Melanie Laurent is a struggling MBA student and the primary breadwinner for her small family (consisting of her ailing mother and young niece). In the opening chapter, Melanie is confronted with the shocking fact that her new boyfriend has a serious gambling problem. In order to clear his debts, artist Jared Rush makes a deal with the couple that Melanie will pose for him to paint. Melanie is appalled at the idea and that her boyfriend was keeping secrets from her, but she is unwilling to throw him to the wolves. Jared is technically using Melanie as a means for revenge, but soon discovers she means more to him than his twisted plans.
I love that the author can get readers so emotionally invested so quickly. Both Melanie and Jared have intense personal issues that they're dealing with and yet they're able to forge a connection so seamlessly and perfectly. I also am thrilled that characters from previous books make appearances throughout. There are a couple of other characters that I could see having their own books in the future and I've got my fingers crossed that the series continues. Highly recommend!!!
December 15, 2020
Play My Game
100 Series, Book 5
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla Digital via PP Library
Dates Read: 11/25/20 - 11/30/20
Stars: 3.5
The Characters:
Jared Rush:
Melanie Laurent:
The Story:
To be honest, I didn’t really like Jared and his vendetta was kinda boring. Maybe because we didn’t find out the full details until late in the book but that whole part was just kinda meh. I did like the back and forth between him and Melanie.
The Random Thoughts:
It was good to get a peek at some of the characters from previous books.
100 Series, Book 5
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla Digital via PP Library
Dates Read: 11/25/20 - 11/30/20
Stars: 3.5
The Characters:
Jared Rush:
Melanie Laurent:
The Story:
To be honest, I didn’t really like Jared and his vendetta was kinda boring. Maybe because we didn’t find out the full details until late in the book but that whole part was just kinda meh. I did like the back and forth between him and Melanie.
The Random Thoughts:
It was good to get a peek at some of the characters from previous books.
April 21, 2023
3.75⭐️
War Anfangs wirklich gut. Die Storyline war sehr spannend und die Charaktere interessant. Von der Umsetzung her war ich leider nicht so zufrieden. Der Ursprüngliche Plot im Buch das Jared nackt Melanie malen wollte wurde einfach ignoriert. Es hatte soooooviel Potential😭
Man hätte in jedem Kapitel Spannung aufbauen können und ein „knistern“ 💀 zwischen den beiden erzeugen. Stattdessen haben sie beim zweiten Mal- treffen direkt gevögelt und die Luft des Buches war raus.👍🏻
Das Ende war mir irgendwie zu kitschig und ist zu kurz gekommen.
Dennoch war der Schreibstil sehr angenehm🫶🏻
War Anfangs wirklich gut. Die Storyline war sehr spannend und die Charaktere interessant. Von der Umsetzung her war ich leider nicht so zufrieden. Der Ursprüngliche Plot im Buch das Jared nackt Melanie malen wollte wurde einfach ignoriert. Es hatte soooooviel Potential😭
Man hätte in jedem Kapitel Spannung aufbauen können und ein „knistern“ 💀 zwischen den beiden erzeugen. Stattdessen haben sie beim zweiten Mal- treffen direkt gevögelt und die Luft des Buches war raus.👍🏻
Das Ende war mir irgendwie zu kitschig und ist zu kurz gekommen.
Dennoch war der Schreibstil sehr angenehm🫶🏻
July 13, 2020
I liked this one, but things sure when fast between Jared and Melanie, especially when she starts out the book dating someone else. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad she's not with Daniel, he is a weak POS. I'm also glad that Jared seemed to get his issues worked out and that he and Melanie can be happy.
January 4, 2022
Ok, es beginnt recht mysteriös und voller zwiegespaltene Gefühle und man verfolgt die Geschichte voller Spannung. Melanie zeigt sich von einer ganz anderen Seiten als man vom ersten Eindruck erwartet und das macht die Geschichte noch interessanter. Jared ist genauso wie ich es erwartet hatte und das ist auch gut so. Denn das höre ich gerne. Gefühlschaos, fesselnd und voller Leidenschaft. Die Sprecher machen einen guten Job, sodass ich bei manchen Szenen eine Gänsehaut bekomme. Man ahnt schon in welche Richtung die Geschichte ihren Lauf nimmt, doch hat die ein oder anderen Wendung noch einen kleinen Überraschungseffekt. Eine wunderbare Liebesgeschichte von Lara Adrian, die mir sehr gut gefällt und einen guten Abschluss der Reihe bringt.
February 20, 2023
I was waiting for Jared’s story
Jared was one of the more intriguing secondary characters from the 100 series and I am so glad we got to read his story. I must confess that in PLAY MY GAME, he seemed much better behaved than was hinted in Nick and Avery’s story. We’ve heard the rumors of his kinks and debauchery, but not actually been able to judge such proclivities for ourselves.
Melanie’s story was also very compelling and I only wanted to see her express more of her freedom and passion with Jared.
Jared was one of the more intriguing secondary characters from the 100 series and I am so glad we got to read his story. I must confess that in PLAY MY GAME, he seemed much better behaved than was hinted in Nick and Avery’s story. We’ve heard the rumors of his kinks and debauchery, but not actually been able to judge such proclivities for ourselves.
Melanie’s story was also very compelling and I only wanted to see her express more of her freedom and passion with Jared.
February 28, 2021
Meine Meinung:
Bis jetzt haben mir die Bücher von Lara Adrian immer richtig gut gefallen und deswegen war ich schon sehr gespannt auf den fünften Band der 100-Reihe. Und ich wurde nicht enttäuscht: Die Geschichte war wie gewohnt spannend, tiefgründig und mit der richtigen Prise Erotik versehen. Jared und Mel haben mich in ihren Bann gezogen und es wurde nie langweilig, ihrer Geschichte zu folgen. Ich finde, dass man hier dieses heiße CEO-Flair spürte, ohne dass man eine übliche Klischee-Geschichte vor der Nase hat.
Glücklicherweise hat die Autorin beiden Protagonisten eine Sicht geschenkt, denn in Jareds Kopf herumzuschnüffeln war eine sehr interessante Erfahrung. Jareds Gedanken sind speziell und manchmal so typisch Mann, dass ich ihm manchmal den Kopf hätte abreißen können. Aber auch Mels Sicht konnte mich von der ersten Seite an fesseln und die Ich-Perspektive hat mir den Lesefluss gleich noch mehr erleichtert. Lara Adrian merkt man einfach an, dass sie schon viele viele Bücher geschrieben hat, denn sie beherrscht es perfekt, mit Wörtern umzugehen und konstant die Spannung zu halten. Ihr Schreibstil lässt sich sehr flüssig lesen und insgesamt wollte ich dieses Buch gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen, denn ich wurde in dieser Welt gefangen gehalten - vom Schreibstil, den Charakteren und der Handlung. Die Kapitel waren eine bunte Mischung aus längeren und kürzeren Exemplaren, doch sie waren nie zu lang, sodass ich nie das Gefühl hatte, dass es langatmig wird.
Das Cover ist jetzt nicht mein persönlicher Liebling, aber erstens passt es perfekt ins Genre und zweitens passt es perfekt in die bestehende Reihe, also habe ich auch nichts zu meckern.
Wie ich oben schon einmal erwähnt habe, fand ich Jareds Gedanken immer sehr interessant, denn auf der einen Seite ist er ein sehr sinnlicher Mann, aber er hat auch einen weichen Kern, mit dem er mich ganz schnell um seinen kleinen Finger gewickelt hat. Er ist ein sehr kreativer Mensch, was durch seinen Beruf nur verständlich ist und diese Kreativität lebt er liebend gern an Melanie aus. Melanie, die eigentlich vergeben ist und Jareds Art am Anfang überhaupt nicht leiden kann. Aber seine Anziehung ist einfach unwiderstehlich und ihr zu entkommen, ist fast unmöglich. Ich habe Mel als eine sehr kluge, aufopferungsvolle junge Frau kennengelernt, die es wirklich nicht leicht hatte in ihrem bisherigen Leben. Trotzdem hat sie sich zu einer starken Persönlichkeit entwickelt, die mich immer wieder erstaunt hat. Jared und Melanie sind wahrlich keine einfachen Charaktere, aber beide tragen ihr eigenes Päckchen mit sich herum, das sie handeln lässt, wie sie es in ihrer Geschichte tun. Das Knistern zwischen ihnen war beinahe greifbar, weswegen ich die Beziehung zwischen den Beiden von Anfang an geshippt und unterstützt habe.
Auch der fünfte Band der 100-Reihe von Lara Adrian hat mir tolle Lesestunden verschafft, weswegen ich ihn euch sehr empfehlen kann. Dieses Buch überzeugt mit einer spannenden Handlung, welche erstaunlich tiefgründig wird und mich komplett in ihren Bann gezogen hat.
Vielen Dank an den LYX Verlag für die Bereitstellung dieses Rezensionsexemplars.
4,5 Sternchen von 5 Sternchen
Bis jetzt haben mir die Bücher von Lara Adrian immer richtig gut gefallen und deswegen war ich schon sehr gespannt auf den fünften Band der 100-Reihe. Und ich wurde nicht enttäuscht: Die Geschichte war wie gewohnt spannend, tiefgründig und mit der richtigen Prise Erotik versehen. Jared und Mel haben mich in ihren Bann gezogen und es wurde nie langweilig, ihrer Geschichte zu folgen. Ich finde, dass man hier dieses heiße CEO-Flair spürte, ohne dass man eine übliche Klischee-Geschichte vor der Nase hat.
Glücklicherweise hat die Autorin beiden Protagonisten eine Sicht geschenkt, denn in Jareds Kopf herumzuschnüffeln war eine sehr interessante Erfahrung. Jareds Gedanken sind speziell und manchmal so typisch Mann, dass ich ihm manchmal den Kopf hätte abreißen können. Aber auch Mels Sicht konnte mich von der ersten Seite an fesseln und die Ich-Perspektive hat mir den Lesefluss gleich noch mehr erleichtert. Lara Adrian merkt man einfach an, dass sie schon viele viele Bücher geschrieben hat, denn sie beherrscht es perfekt, mit Wörtern umzugehen und konstant die Spannung zu halten. Ihr Schreibstil lässt sich sehr flüssig lesen und insgesamt wollte ich dieses Buch gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen, denn ich wurde in dieser Welt gefangen gehalten - vom Schreibstil, den Charakteren und der Handlung. Die Kapitel waren eine bunte Mischung aus längeren und kürzeren Exemplaren, doch sie waren nie zu lang, sodass ich nie das Gefühl hatte, dass es langatmig wird.
Das Cover ist jetzt nicht mein persönlicher Liebling, aber erstens passt es perfekt ins Genre und zweitens passt es perfekt in die bestehende Reihe, also habe ich auch nichts zu meckern.
Wie ich oben schon einmal erwähnt habe, fand ich Jareds Gedanken immer sehr interessant, denn auf der einen Seite ist er ein sehr sinnlicher Mann, aber er hat auch einen weichen Kern, mit dem er mich ganz schnell um seinen kleinen Finger gewickelt hat. Er ist ein sehr kreativer Mensch, was durch seinen Beruf nur verständlich ist und diese Kreativität lebt er liebend gern an Melanie aus. Melanie, die eigentlich vergeben ist und Jareds Art am Anfang überhaupt nicht leiden kann. Aber seine Anziehung ist einfach unwiderstehlich und ihr zu entkommen, ist fast unmöglich. Ich habe Mel als eine sehr kluge, aufopferungsvolle junge Frau kennengelernt, die es wirklich nicht leicht hatte in ihrem bisherigen Leben. Trotzdem hat sie sich zu einer starken Persönlichkeit entwickelt, die mich immer wieder erstaunt hat. Jared und Melanie sind wahrlich keine einfachen Charaktere, aber beide tragen ihr eigenes Päckchen mit sich herum, das sie handeln lässt, wie sie es in ihrer Geschichte tun. Das Knistern zwischen ihnen war beinahe greifbar, weswegen ich die Beziehung zwischen den Beiden von Anfang an geshippt und unterstützt habe.
Auch der fünfte Band der 100-Reihe von Lara Adrian hat mir tolle Lesestunden verschafft, weswegen ich ihn euch sehr empfehlen kann. Dieses Buch überzeugt mit einer spannenden Handlung, welche erstaunlich tiefgründig wird und mich komplett in ihren Bann gezogen hat.
Vielen Dank an den LYX Verlag für die Bereitstellung dieses Rezensionsexemplars.
4,5 Sternchen von 5 Sternchen
June 18, 2023
Oh Wow what a fabulous story.
I have never read anything by Lara Adrian before and I have been very impressed with her writing and attention to detail she has when conducting this story.
I really enjoyed the story about Jared and Melanie I only realised afterwards that this book is actually part of a series,but can be read as a standalone.
It didn't make a difference that it was a book from a series because it read exactly like it was its own unique story.
Jared is a famous artist who specialises on the erotic side of art,he is a very rich man who also has clubs and other establishments.
It is at one of his clubs when he first sees Melanie and he wants her but doesn't take action..yet...
Melanie is still in school trying to get her masters in buisness but she has the responsibility to take care of her mother and Niece...so she has other jobs to make ends meet.
Melanie finds herself with her boyfriend at a private event were her boyfriend Daniel is playing poker and losing epically..They are taken into a private room because Daniel owes alot of money and that is when she first encounters Jared Rush the owner of the establishment and host to this private poker game.
Its here were Jared gives Daniel a way out of his debt...If Melanie would pose for him while he paints her then all of Daniels debts would be eradicated.
....Of course she agrees because she doesn't want anything bad to happen to Daniel,and it is from this point that her life and Jared's life would change forever.
At first there is so much bitterness and animosity for Melanie and they are enemies as such,but as they get to know one another they slowly fall for eachother.
Their attraction is obvious and the chemistry is a fire burning bright...the sexy times are hot !!!!
But there is also a curve ball to this story and there is so much more to Jared's story and the real reason he wanted to pursue Melanie.
This is such an enthralling book and I loved listening to the audio of it Maxine Mitchell and Eric Michael Summerer are absolutley Phenomenal narrating this story...their voices were just so natural and bringing Melanie and Jared to life was effortless.
They are Amazing !!..its a brilliant audiobook.
Enjoying this book was so easy and I couldn't stop listening to it,Lara Adrian is such a fantastic storyteller I will definately be checking out more of her books.
Loved it.
5 Stars.
I have never read anything by Lara Adrian before and I have been very impressed with her writing and attention to detail she has when conducting this story.
I really enjoyed the story about Jared and Melanie I only realised afterwards that this book is actually part of a series,but can be read as a standalone.
It didn't make a difference that it was a book from a series because it read exactly like it was its own unique story.
Jared is a famous artist who specialises on the erotic side of art,he is a very rich man who also has clubs and other establishments.
It is at one of his clubs when he first sees Melanie and he wants her but doesn't take action..yet...
Melanie is still in school trying to get her masters in buisness but she has the responsibility to take care of her mother and Niece...so she has other jobs to make ends meet.
Melanie finds herself with her boyfriend at a private event were her boyfriend Daniel is playing poker and losing epically..They are taken into a private room because Daniel owes alot of money and that is when she first encounters Jared Rush the owner of the establishment and host to this private poker game.
Its here were Jared gives Daniel a way out of his debt...If Melanie would pose for him while he paints her then all of Daniels debts would be eradicated.
....Of course she agrees because she doesn't want anything bad to happen to Daniel,and it is from this point that her life and Jared's life would change forever.
At first there is so much bitterness and animosity for Melanie and they are enemies as such,but as they get to know one another they slowly fall for eachother.
Their attraction is obvious and the chemistry is a fire burning bright...the sexy times are hot !!!!
But there is also a curve ball to this story and there is so much more to Jared's story and the real reason he wanted to pursue Melanie.
This is such an enthralling book and I loved listening to the audio of it Maxine Mitchell and Eric Michael Summerer are absolutley Phenomenal narrating this story...their voices were just so natural and bringing Melanie and Jared to life was effortless.
They are Amazing !!..its a brilliant audiobook.
Enjoying this book was so easy and I couldn't stop listening to it,Lara Adrian is such a fantastic storyteller I will definately be checking out more of her books.
Loved it.
5 Stars.
January 23, 2021
I don't think I vibe with this author. I hadn't realized that I had previously read her other books as well (Midnight Breed) and felt the same way as I did in this book. I was bored the entire time. I felt like things moved so slowly and there was so much repetition of the same inner dialogue that I was exasperated. Like we'd hear his backstory on how he was scammed from his inner dialogue, then again when he's speaking to her he'll think of how he was scammed by her bf, then AGAIN he has to explain that he was scammed when they have a conversation while painting and he throws a tantrum. Then she describes all her reactions way too much, using too many metaphors, adjectives that are redundant and JUST GET TO THE POINT. I constantly found myself skipping paragraphs and pages and chunks of the book to finally see some progression. I have no idea how her books are so widely liked, I'm going to assume this is a problem on my end--I guess I'm not known to be a patient person. Not really sympathetic either. Like the female lead and her mother were way to wishy washy. They were literally built with personalities to be taken advantage of by being too soft and too loyal to someone for NO REASON. It's like she wanted to be pushed around BUT ohhh when the male lead comes in theres 300% resistance. Like aren't you supposed to be a pushover? At least be consistent.
And of course, the romance parts just didn't live up to the build up and I was just so disappointed. Like I trudged through all this for WHAT? I don't get these characters, how their brains work, and I'm not even going to try to understand them anymore.
DNF sort of? I finished but like I feel like a deflated balloon.
And of course, the romance parts just didn't live up to the build up and I was just so disappointed. Like I trudged through all this for WHAT? I don't get these characters, how their brains work, and I'm not even going to try to understand them anymore.
DNF sort of? I finished but like I feel like a deflated balloon.
July 16, 2020
The story of Jared Rush, a brilliantly talented but tormented artist, and Melanie Laurent, an achingly beautiful MBA student working two jobs to support her sick mother and orphaned niece, is the latest in Lara Adrian’s 100 Series of contemporary romance.
The story features characters from the previous books in the series, but this can be read on its own. However, why would you want to? Read this one, and you will be hooked.
Melanie is the girlfriend of Daniel, who has been harboring many secrets from her. She finds out about one, his compulsive gambling problem, when he is invited to Jared’s elaborate Lenox Hill mansion to play.
How Jared proposes to have Daniel repay that night’s losses involves a contract. One that involves Melanie.
As days pass, each finds out the other has issues. Ones that are complex, and overlap, like the layers of an onion. And they find out that not all wounds leave visible scars.
As the story unfolds, more secrets are revealed. Some good, some not so good, and some hurtful. And a final one regarding Daniel.
There are many intriguing characters in this novel, and hopefully we will see more of them in the future. I’m personally hoping to see Andrew (Beck) Beckham, Nick Blaine’s attorney and Evelyn Beckham’s brother, get his own story soon.
I don’t want to reveal any spoilers, so I’m stopping here, except to say again, this book is awesome! I loved it.
I received an Advance Reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
The story features characters from the previous books in the series, but this can be read on its own. However, why would you want to? Read this one, and you will be hooked.
Melanie is the girlfriend of Daniel, who has been harboring many secrets from her. She finds out about one, his compulsive gambling problem, when he is invited to Jared’s elaborate Lenox Hill mansion to play.
How Jared proposes to have Daniel repay that night’s losses involves a contract. One that involves Melanie.
As days pass, each finds out the other has issues. Ones that are complex, and overlap, like the layers of an onion. And they find out that not all wounds leave visible scars.
As the story unfolds, more secrets are revealed. Some good, some not so good, and some hurtful. And a final one regarding Daniel.
There are many intriguing characters in this novel, and hopefully we will see more of them in the future. I’m personally hoping to see Andrew (Beck) Beckham, Nick Blaine’s attorney and Evelyn Beckham’s brother, get his own story soon.
I don’t want to reveal any spoilers, so I’m stopping here, except to say again, this book is awesome! I loved it.
I received an Advance Reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2020
Play My Game is beautiful, provocative and raw. A story that leaps off page one and doesn’t allow you to put it down until you’re finished, leaving you wondering how it ended so quickly.
Dark, shrewd, and sinful, celebrated artist Jared Rush sets his eyes on Melanie Laurent and she becomes the perfect pawn in his quest for revenge that has nothing to do with her. He reads her so well that it’s uncanny, knowing that by the end of the evening she will accept his proposal to model for his next series as payment for a debt she doesn’t owe.
Beautiful Melanie finds herself reluctantly agreeing to Jared’s terms unaware what part she’s playing in his game of vengeance. Although sweet and somewhat naive, she’s loyal to a fault. fearless and takes her responsibilities seriously, but it’s her ability to see Jared for more than the decadent and wealthy man who always gets what he wants. She sees his tortured soul.
As artist and model grow closer things change between them and when his revenge is complete, will it be worth the price he must pay? Be careful what you wish for.
Lara Adrian’s words bring these characters to life as real flesh and blood people who are both flawed and beautiful, fighting their own demons and finding love along the way. Explosive chemistry, emotionally charged and utterly gut wrenching at times. I give it ten stars!
Dark, shrewd, and sinful, celebrated artist Jared Rush sets his eyes on Melanie Laurent and she becomes the perfect pawn in his quest for revenge that has nothing to do with her. He reads her so well that it’s uncanny, knowing that by the end of the evening she will accept his proposal to model for his next series as payment for a debt she doesn’t owe.
Beautiful Melanie finds herself reluctantly agreeing to Jared’s terms unaware what part she’s playing in his game of vengeance. Although sweet and somewhat naive, she’s loyal to a fault. fearless and takes her responsibilities seriously, but it’s her ability to see Jared for more than the decadent and wealthy man who always gets what he wants. She sees his tortured soul.
As artist and model grow closer things change between them and when his revenge is complete, will it be worth the price he must pay? Be careful what you wish for.
Lara Adrian’s words bring these characters to life as real flesh and blood people who are both flawed and beautiful, fighting their own demons and finding love along the way. Explosive chemistry, emotionally charged and utterly gut wrenching at times. I give it ten stars!
July 16, 2020
Lara Adrian's 'Play my Game' is a must read!!
Lara has really done it again! Her books always seem to capture my intrest and pull me into the book, making sure that I'm unable to put it down until I've reached the last page!
'Play my Game' is the latest installment in Lara's 100 Series. It's an emotionally intense and seductive love story about Jared and Melanie.
Jared is a millionaire artist with a past that he's kept hidden from everyone, who is out for revenge. Holding onto a lot of anger from his past, Jared first sees Melanie as an opportunity to get his vengeance. Melanie a student who is also working two jobs to support her family, first comes into Jared's life when she agrees to pose for his next painting as way of clearing off her boyfriends gambling debts.
'When it comes to getting what I want, I always play to win. But in the end, will the cost of my vengeance be more than I can bear to lose?'
What started out as getting vengeance soon turns into much more, when Jared realises that he wants so much more from Melanie.
'He's out to settle an old score and the price may be her heart.'
If you love reading contemporary romance novels then 'Play my game' is a must read for you. You won't be disappointed as Lara is able to pull you into the world she's created leaving you wanting more.
Lara has really done it again! Her books always seem to capture my intrest and pull me into the book, making sure that I'm unable to put it down until I've reached the last page!
'Play my Game' is the latest installment in Lara's 100 Series. It's an emotionally intense and seductive love story about Jared and Melanie.
Jared is a millionaire artist with a past that he's kept hidden from everyone, who is out for revenge. Holding onto a lot of anger from his past, Jared first sees Melanie as an opportunity to get his vengeance. Melanie a student who is also working two jobs to support her family, first comes into Jared's life when she agrees to pose for his next painting as way of clearing off her boyfriends gambling debts.
'When it comes to getting what I want, I always play to win. But in the end, will the cost of my vengeance be more than I can bear to lose?'
What started out as getting vengeance soon turns into much more, when Jared realises that he wants so much more from Melanie.
'He's out to settle an old score and the price may be her heart.'
If you love reading contemporary romance novels then 'Play my game' is a must read for you. You won't be disappointed as Lara is able to pull you into the world she's created leaving you wanting more.
September 6, 2020
In simplest terms, Jared is a rich man bend on destroying someone and he thinks it might bring him some closure. The universe puts Melanie into his orbit and he can't control his feelings for her. Melanie is bold, smart and kind. She can't control her feelings for Jared. Their relationship isn't without issues but it's pretty straightforward.
I will say this was a fast read. My issues are many. First, Jared is so angry. Wow. Vindictive guy. His reasons are pretty weak. Second, he's an artist, business owner, kind of mob guy (I exaggerate). That's cool because it gives lots of opportunity but it becomes a throw away. The author focuses on him being mysterious, rich, handsome and moody. Ok. But he could be so much more. Third (I'll make this last though there's more), Melanie. Oh, Melanie. Her decision to make a deal with Jared to save her boyfriend makes no sense at all. Even if Melanie is the nicest person on earth, it makes no sense. Sigh.
Why did I give it three stars? It is a fast read. There is a story about Jared that is quite good (no details because big spoilers). Melanie manages to juggle a very complex life while having great friendships (I think she'd be a quality person in real life). There were some other minor good elements so I gave it three stars.
borrowed copy from Kindle Unlimited
I will say this was a fast read. My issues are many. First, Jared is so angry. Wow. Vindictive guy. His reasons are pretty weak. Second, he's an artist, business owner, kind of mob guy (I exaggerate). That's cool because it gives lots of opportunity but it becomes a throw away. The author focuses on him being mysterious, rich, handsome and moody. Ok. But he could be so much more. Third (I'll make this last though there's more), Melanie. Oh, Melanie. Her decision to make a deal with Jared to save her boyfriend makes no sense at all. Even if Melanie is the nicest person on earth, it makes no sense. Sigh.
Why did I give it three stars? It is a fast read. There is a story about Jared that is quite good (no details because big spoilers). Melanie manages to juggle a very complex life while having great friendships (I think she'd be a quality person in real life). There were some other minor good elements so I gave it three stars.
borrowed copy from Kindle Unlimited
July 14, 2020
Wow! This book has it all!
I Love Lara Adrian. She is an author who writes with her heart and it shows in every word that lands on the page.
Jared and Melanie are magic.
I'm going to do my very best not to give away any spoilers or details, so please bear with me.
When I first started reading, I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. I was picking up some taboo vibes, I don't do taboo, ever. The way Melanie was drawn into Jared's world made me feel a little uncomfortable. Matter of fact, I stopped reading. Just put the kindle down and walked away. But then I started thinking....
Play my Game is a Lara Adrian book. She doesn't do taboo. Maybe some day, but not right now. And I know this author wouldn't do a whammy like that to her readers without warning. So, I picked my kindle back up, and I'm so glad I did.
This book has all the feels, all the angst and lots of steamy chemistry to go along with it. And there's even catch up with most of the characters from the first 4 of this series.
Lara Adrian does romance so so good!
If you haven't yet read any of this amazing series, I say...what are you waiting for?
Thank you Lara Adrian for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book.
I Love Lara Adrian. She is an author who writes with her heart and it shows in every word that lands on the page.
Jared and Melanie are magic.
I'm going to do my very best not to give away any spoilers or details, so please bear with me.
When I first started reading, I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. I was picking up some taboo vibes, I don't do taboo, ever. The way Melanie was drawn into Jared's world made me feel a little uncomfortable. Matter of fact, I stopped reading. Just put the kindle down and walked away. But then I started thinking....
Play my Game is a Lara Adrian book. She doesn't do taboo. Maybe some day, but not right now. And I know this author wouldn't do a whammy like that to her readers without warning. So, I picked my kindle back up, and I'm so glad I did.
This book has all the feels, all the angst and lots of steamy chemistry to go along with it. And there's even catch up with most of the characters from the first 4 of this series.
Lara Adrian does romance so so good!
If you haven't yet read any of this amazing series, I say...what are you waiting for?
Thank you Lara Adrian for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book.
December 16, 2020
Nachdem ich die 100 Days Trilogie und den ersten Band der 100 Secrets Reihe einfach so weg gelesen haben, war ich sehr darauf gespannt, wie der nächste Teil sei wird. Gerade der Klappentext klang sehr vielversprechend und man hat Jared Rush ja schon ein bisschen in den anderen Bänden kennengelernt. Nachdem lesen muss ich sagen, dass ich leider ein kleines bisschen enttäuscht bin. Versteht mich nicht falsch, es war ein tolles Buch und gute Unterhaltung, aber dennoch hat die Autorin, meiner Meinung nach, Potential liegen gelassen. Durch den modernen und flüssigen Schreistil von Lara Adrian fliegt man nur so durch die Seiten, aber es fehlt mir einfach an Spannung. Ich habe hätte mir tiefere Emotionen gewünscht und etwas mehr knistern. Im Prinzip ist 280 Seiten lang nichts passiert, bis es am Ende nochmal etwas vorhersehbares Drama gab. Im Vergleich zu den anderen Bänden, war dies der schlechteste Teil.
Die Charaktere sind ganz gut entwickelt, auch wenn sie stellenweise etwas blass waren. Jared Rush hat als Charakter echt Potential und ich habe in gemocht, aber dennoch hat mir bei ihm das gewisse Etwas gefehlt. Melanie war eine absolut süße Person und ich habe sie von der ersten Seite an ins Herz geschlossen. Sie ist eine aufopferungsvolle junge Frau, die alles für ihre Familie tut. Auch ihrer innere Stärke hab ich bewundert, sie lässt sich nicht unterkriegen. Allerdings habe ich die Liebesgeschichte, zwischen ihr und Jared nicht ganz nachvollziehen können. Die Zeit war dafür einfach zu kurz und wirklich oft und lange haben sie sich nicht gesehen. Ich hätte mir da etwas mehr Knistern und Emotionen gewünscht.
Trotzdem war „100 Secrets – Illusion“ im Großen und Ganzen ein süßer Liebesroman für zwischendurch und Fans von Lara Adrian werden bestimmt auf ihrer Kosten kommen. Dennoch kann ich die anderen Teile der Reihe eher empfehlen.
Von mit gibt es eine kleine Leseempfehlung.
Die Charaktere sind ganz gut entwickelt, auch wenn sie stellenweise etwas blass waren. Jared Rush hat als Charakter echt Potential und ich habe in gemocht, aber dennoch hat mir bei ihm das gewisse Etwas gefehlt. Melanie war eine absolut süße Person und ich habe sie von der ersten Seite an ins Herz geschlossen. Sie ist eine aufopferungsvolle junge Frau, die alles für ihre Familie tut. Auch ihrer innere Stärke hab ich bewundert, sie lässt sich nicht unterkriegen. Allerdings habe ich die Liebesgeschichte, zwischen ihr und Jared nicht ganz nachvollziehen können. Die Zeit war dafür einfach zu kurz und wirklich oft und lange haben sie sich nicht gesehen. Ich hätte mir da etwas mehr Knistern und Emotionen gewünscht.
Trotzdem war „100 Secrets – Illusion“ im Großen und Ganzen ein süßer Liebesroman für zwischendurch und Fans von Lara Adrian werden bestimmt auf ihrer Kosten kommen. Dennoch kann ich die anderen Teile der Reihe eher empfehlen.
Von mit gibt es eine kleine Leseempfehlung.
July 1, 2020
This is a story of love and betrayal. I really love this world and I’m always happy to revisit it.
Both characters have pasts that seem to be dictating their current lives. Two complex characters with issues that haven’t perhaps been dealt with in a healthy manner but both, especially Jared, at a point where they need to address them and move on.
Melanie is doing her best and living her life as well as she can. Shes had a lot of responsibility and meeting Jared gives her a chance to live abit if her life for herself.
Jared is stuck in the past and at the point that revenge will finally be a possibility. Mel gets caught in the cross fire but I felt from the very first time they meet that Jared didn’t want to hurt her. His realisation that there’s more to life saves him from making more mistakes and ultimately opens his heart to Melanie.
Melanie is very sharp, she’s sees straight through Jared’s hardened outer shell, she sees the kindness and love he’s capable of and pushes him to see it for himself.
Their connection is soul deep and something that will only get stronger. They have so much passion for each other, it’s beautiful to feel how connected they are.
Another brilliant book in this series, a must read for anyone who loves romance.
Both characters have pasts that seem to be dictating their current lives. Two complex characters with issues that haven’t perhaps been dealt with in a healthy manner but both, especially Jared, at a point where they need to address them and move on.
Melanie is doing her best and living her life as well as she can. Shes had a lot of responsibility and meeting Jared gives her a chance to live abit if her life for herself.
Jared is stuck in the past and at the point that revenge will finally be a possibility. Mel gets caught in the cross fire but I felt from the very first time they meet that Jared didn’t want to hurt her. His realisation that there’s more to life saves him from making more mistakes and ultimately opens his heart to Melanie.
Melanie is very sharp, she’s sees straight through Jared’s hardened outer shell, she sees the kindness and love he’s capable of and pushes him to see it for himself.
Their connection is soul deep and something that will only get stronger. They have so much passion for each other, it’s beautiful to feel how connected they are.
Another brilliant book in this series, a must read for anyone who loves romance.
July 5, 2020
Lara Adrian is back with a stunning new story in the 100 Series, Play My Game, that was a deeply intense, emotional, highly charged, sensual read that I could not put down.
I’m a huge fan of this series and how the author keeps managing to blow me away with every story that not only enriches the world she has created, but tells the HEA of characters I wanted to know more about and this addition was no different.
I’ve been waiting for Jared Rush to find the woman who would bring him to his knees and the author has given him a worthy heroine who could not be more perfect in Melanie.
Put them together and feel the pages heat up, emotions build and their love story unravel in the most unexpected way. I loved this pairing so very much.
I’ve already said that I’m a huge fan of this author and the series, so I can honestly say that this story was riveting from start to finish and still has me thinking about Jared and Melanie long after I turned the last page. Outstanding is my last word on it.
I’m a huge fan of this series and how the author keeps managing to blow me away with every story that not only enriches the world she has created, but tells the HEA of characters I wanted to know more about and this addition was no different.
I’ve been waiting for Jared Rush to find the woman who would bring him to his knees and the author has given him a worthy heroine who could not be more perfect in Melanie.
Put them together and feel the pages heat up, emotions build and their love story unravel in the most unexpected way. I loved this pairing so very much.
I’ve already said that I’m a huge fan of this author and the series, so I can honestly say that this story was riveting from start to finish and still has me thinking about Jared and Melanie long after I turned the last page. Outstanding is my last word on it.
July 13, 2020
Revenge isn't sweet
Play My Game is captivating, I couldn't put it down! Jared Rush finally gets a book and I loved it. I have been curious about the bad boy artist since he was introduced in Dominic and Avery's trilogy.
Jared Rush is known for his highly erotic paintings and his bad boy reputation but there is many layers to Jared that come out in this book. Jared hasn't painted in two years, nothing has caught his interest until he sees her dancing in his club, the carefree way she moved her body with her auburn hair falling down her back spoke to him. He knew who she was, Melanie Laurent, she was with a man who Jared has sworn to devastate, so why not take her as well?
Melanie is a couple of months from getting her MBA, she works two jobs to help take care of her mom and her 6 year old niece after her sister died. Melanie has been with Daniel for three months and things are going well until the night he gets an invitation to play poker....secrets are revealed that have put Melanie in a position she never thought to be in.
Play My Game is captivating, I couldn't put it down! Jared Rush finally gets a book and I loved it. I have been curious about the bad boy artist since he was introduced in Dominic and Avery's trilogy.
Jared Rush is known for his highly erotic paintings and his bad boy reputation but there is many layers to Jared that come out in this book. Jared hasn't painted in two years, nothing has caught his interest until he sees her dancing in his club, the carefree way she moved her body with her auburn hair falling down her back spoke to him. He knew who she was, Melanie Laurent, she was with a man who Jared has sworn to devastate, so why not take her as well?
Melanie is a couple of months from getting her MBA, she works two jobs to help take care of her mom and her 6 year old niece after her sister died. Melanie has been with Daniel for three months and things are going well until the night he gets an invitation to play poker....secrets are revealed that have put Melanie in a position she never thought to be in.
August 17, 2020
My favorite of the series to date - Highly recommend!
For mature readers only (18+ years old) as it contains subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some including adult language throughout, steamy intimate scenes, and themes of revenge, self-sabotage, etc.
While this could be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend it be read in series order for maximum reader satisfaction and to prevent spoilers as there are reoccurring characters from the previous stories (Avery and Dominic, Evelyn and Gabe).
Hopefully there will be more introduced into this series, as it surrounds the friends of the original couple, Avery and Dominic. This story is also well-written and so far is my favorite. Maybe it is because of the emotion that was breathed into the characters, or that the story universe is so well developed at this point. Regardless it was nice to learn more about Jared who has played as a handsome, sexy, distracting, mysterious artist in the other 4 stories, and Melanie as well who has just been a friend in the background.
For mature readers only (18+ years old) as it contains subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some including adult language throughout, steamy intimate scenes, and themes of revenge, self-sabotage, etc.
While this could be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend it be read in series order for maximum reader satisfaction and to prevent spoilers as there are reoccurring characters from the previous stories (Avery and Dominic, Evelyn and Gabe).
Hopefully there will be more introduced into this series, as it surrounds the friends of the original couple, Avery and Dominic. This story is also well-written and so far is my favorite. Maybe it is because of the emotion that was breathed into the characters, or that the story universe is so well developed at this point. Regardless it was nice to learn more about Jared who has played as a handsome, sexy, distracting, mysterious artist in the other 4 stories, and Melanie as well who has just been a friend in the background.
August 24, 2020
Not for me!
***SPOILER ALERT***
I stopped reading at chapter 15. Melanie goes to a Club where be known to her she was being watched by the owner Jared (who's a famous artist among other things). Melanie is dating Daniel who gets invited to play card games (gamble) they
We learned that Daniel has a gambling problem when he takes $75k in credit which he loses all. Since he whats more credit Jared decided to call him to his office. There we learn that he owes las Vegas casino like $90k. He offered to wipe both dept & give $160k to Melanie if she agrees to be painted by Jared. Chapter 15 is the 2 nd time she gets naked & nothing has happened. I dnt think she did wrong accepting the offer I just didn't like that partially she did it for a guy I was dating for 3mths. That's what I dnt understand. So I stop reading at this point because after she accepted the offer she kept dating or giving false hopes to Daniel. I just didn't like where the story was going for. Getting naked for a complete stranger over someone I have known for 3 mths NOPE CAN'T RELATE TO THAT!
***SPOILER ALERT***
I stopped reading at chapter 15. Melanie goes to a Club where be known to her she was being watched by the owner Jared (who's a famous artist among other things). Melanie is dating Daniel who gets invited to play card games (gamble) they
We learned that Daniel has a gambling problem when he takes $75k in credit which he loses all. Since he whats more credit Jared decided to call him to his office. There we learn that he owes las Vegas casino like $90k. He offered to wipe both dept & give $160k to Melanie if she agrees to be painted by Jared. Chapter 15 is the 2 nd time she gets naked & nothing has happened. I dnt think she did wrong accepting the offer I just didn't like that partially she did it for a guy I was dating for 3mths. That's what I dnt understand. So I stop reading at this point because after she accepted the offer she kept dating or giving false hopes to Daniel. I just didn't like where the story was going for. Getting naked for a complete stranger over someone I have known for 3 mths NOPE CAN'T RELATE TO THAT!
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