After publicly self-destructing over a heartbreak a year ago, bestselling romance writer Piper James is now making nice with her publisher by agreeing to teach Hollywood's favorite action star how to act like he's in love. Only playboy Mick Blackwell has no clue what love looks like.
When a seductive heat ignites between Piper and Mick, she jumps at the chance for a bit of fun between the sheets, but with two stipulations: she's kept out of the public eye and things end when she returns to New York. Only Mick keeps changing the rules on her. Tempted by America's favorite bad boy, Piper is wondering how far she's willing to bend...
A USAToday and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Robin Covington loves to explore the theme of fooling around and falling in love in her books. Her stories burn up the sheets…one page at a time. A biracial author of Native American descent, Robin proudly writes diverse romances where everyone gets their happily ever after.
A 2016 RITA® Award finalist, Robin’s books have won the National Reader’s Choice and Golden Leaf Awards and finaled in the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice, the Holt Medallion Awards, and the Book Seller’s Best.
She is an unapologetic Indiginerd and comic book geek. She hoards red nail polish and stalks Chris Evans. She is thoroughly obsessed with her Corgis, Dixie Joan Wilder & Delilah Skye O’Malley
Drop her a line at [robin@robincovingtonromance.com](mailto:robin@robincovingtonromance.com) - she always writes back.
Well I have now found myself a new author to look out for. Never having read a book by Robin Covington before, I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book.
Piper James is a romance book author. After going through a very public break-up and losing it by going after her ex-fiance in the press, she's trying to keep a low profile. But what do you expect when her famous actor fiance cheats on her?
Focused on her career, she knows she needs to avoid the public eye and another scandal. So making nice with her publisher, she agrees to consult on a movie remake of one of her bestselling books. Of course she knows she's in trouble, when her job is to teach Hollywood's sexy badboy action star, Mick Blackwell, how to play a man in-love in a romantic movie.
Mick is sexy and he knows it. He's not exactly lacking for women's attention. But when he sees Piper and her sexy little "librarian meets Katy Perry vibe", he knows he has to have her.
They don't really play coy around the subject or beat around the bush with their attraction to each other for too long. They decide on a purely physical relationship, since Mick doesn't really do relationships and the last thing Piper wants to do is get romantically involved with another bad boy actor.
This is where the book get REALLY good, because let me tell you that the steam factor in this book is SERIOUSLY hot. Mick and Piper burn up the sheets and the pages together.
I loved the writing style and the characters. The steamy love scenes certainly didn't hurt either.
It does have a very cutesy hollywood-type ending and epilogue, but I enjoyed that too. I do have a request for the author, however.
PLEASE give us a story for Lincoln. I mean seriously, how can you write this
The tattoos, the wounded soul, the voice with just a hint of a Welsh accent were almost impossible for some women to resist.
and not expect us to practically salivate? Seriously! I need a story for him! I'm dyin over here! Please for the love of all that's holy, just put me out of my misery and write the book! I swear, I won't harass you (well maybe a little) And I will love you forever (seriously, like a lot) I can continue to pester and beg some more, but I don't want to come off stalker-ish...so maybe I'll cut myself off here
"I saw stars there for a moment." well, you are in Hollywood."
Short, sexy and off the charts Hot, get your passports readers we are going to Hollywood. If your in the mood for a quickie (pun completely intended) then this may just hit your quick fix spot. Everything I could have wanted to waste away a few hours on a Friday night.
So, What's it all about? Piper is in trouble, firstly she has her publishers breathing down her her neck to provide her next book with a deadline approaching like a freight train. Secondly she has been tasked with coaching playboy actor Mick Blackwell to sharpen up his love-on-screen acting skills. So What's the problem you may ask? Well to start with Piper has a serious case of writers block which may not go hand in hand with her book writing deadline and her other problem, Well ever since a very public and humiliating breakup with the love of her life, piper has sworn of the bad boy player type, which means she needs to do all she can to remain professional, do her job and stay away from the confident, delectable and very tempting Mick Blackwell. But news flash to these characters, true love can pop up when it's least expected.
What I liked? This story hit all my quick read 'needs', plenty of bedtime action, gorgeous playboy hero, coupled with a stunning intelligent heroine. Fast paced, easy going storyline, nothing to worry over or think to much about. Good start, hot middle and sweet ending. Would I reccomend it? Why not, Go get it tigers ...
It was like living in a damn movie...or a romance novel.
Hello Hollywood! If you are in for a movie star romance, then look no further!
All she had to do to salvage her career was teach the leading man, Mick Blackwell, the sexiest playboy in Hollywood, how to act like he was in love. Piece of cake, right?
It was hot! A bit hotter than the ordinary contemporary romance book. Bring a glass of hot water! And Mick is one hot hero!
Mick was a man-sized portion of death-by-chocolate layer cake, and she wanted to eat him up.
The sexual relationship drives the story.
This is from Entangled Brazen's homepage: "On the Indulgence line, the emotional connection between the characters drives the romance. Here at Brazen, the opposite is the case — the explosive physical connection between the hero and heroine is the story and propels the characters toward love. Remove the sex and there'd be no romance."
I've read plenty of Brazen books that I didn't feel this way about. Yes, the physical side can be the start. But we never got the emotional connection. And I lacked the goofy and emotional side of the book.
It's fast, sexy and over-the-top. You get to go to clubs, visit Hawaii and sleep with the ultimate playboy. The perfect beach read!
Thanks to Entangled Brazen and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.
3.5 stars. I'm going against my better judgment by rounding up because the epilogue was cheddar on swiss on gouda on brie levels of cheesy. And I wanted more relationship building instead of copious amounts of sexytimes.
BUT. Playing the Part was fairly delightful. And I'm a sucker for the "publicly jilted and humiliated and shamed woman gets revenge by living well and realizing her ex is a sleaze" trope. Since it's 2005 and I'm petty af, my mind kept going there during the story...
(Sorry but it still gets my goat that people vilified a woman who was cheated on because "she refused to give her husband children" (as if they knew the inner workings of her uterus) and because she correctly compared Pitt to a low-rent Billy Idol impersonator.)
Playing the Part doesn't break new ground. Romance author Piper is the perennial good girl who got burned but can't help playing with fire with bad boy Hollywood heartthrob Mick. Of course, Mick isn't really bad - at least not outside of bed 😜Starring in the film adaptation of Piper's successful novel, Mick is a womanizer with a heart-of-gold and their NSA fling becomes more. Predictable twists and turns ensue. But the characters and their handling of those twists and turns made the story more original. Yes, I eye-rolled and guffawed at times, but it was an amusing and painfully honest read.
I lurved the diversity in the story. Piper is curvy and spirited and insecure and so relatable. Mick is biracial and speaks candidly about having to fight for his career. Piper's best friend and agent, Chris, is gay and probably my favorite character in the story.
Although I find myself yet again complaining about an inaccurate cover (Piper is brunette, people), I have little else to complain about. Off to find some more Robin Covington to read!
Read for SBTB October - December 2018 Quarterly Challenge: A book with a writer or author character.
Robin Covington knocked it out of the park. I loved this book. By the end, I was completely rooting for Piper and Mick's happy ending. This insecure, yet feisty writer and hot Hollywood playboy burn up the pages. Hated when it ended! A definite must read.
I enjoyed this one, my first read by this author 3.5* and always spoilers ahead
h had a public breakup and meltdown a year previously, she had some hookups after but didn't want to get emotionally attached H was a Playboy who usually slept with his Co stars but since the last two wanted to get serious he's stopped (ugh) he is still a known Playboy They work together and things heat up pretty quickly Lots of dirty filthy sexy times (yum) I didn't like that he was such a publicity whore but I guess that's the nature of his profession Liked that he stood up for her I saw the bad guy's identity early Dumb breakup man, but sweet grovel
I am loving this Brazen series!!! This is my first book by Robin Covington and I really enjoyed it. Short, sexy and super H-O-T, what’s not to love??!
Piper James is a New York Times best selling romance author. After a very public and humiliating break up with her boyfriend, book sales are down and her career is limping along. In order to make nice with her publisher, she agrees to coach the lead actor in the film adaptation of her latest book. Mick Blackwell is Hollywood’s “it” boy, how hard can it be to teach him to act like he is in love?? You can see where this is going, can’t you? The chemistry is instant. Piper and Mick decide on a purely physical relationship and things really heat up. I’m talking Kindle-melting hot! Add to that a very sweet ending and you’ve got yourself a new fan, Ms. Covington. Nicely done!!
Playing the Part was sexy and very entertaining. The story is about a delicious actor Mick and a romance writer Piper whose book is being made into a movie with Mick as the star. I loved this book, Mick and Piper were smoking together and I loved their immediate attraction and how they acted on it. As usual there is a lot of nonsense that interferes with their time together but in the end the HEA was sweet.
Initially, I had a somewhat hard time deciding what to rate this book. I had kind of a bi-polar reading experience with it. One minute, I seriously couldn't put it down. It was definitely a page turner and the story was fabulous! But, the next minute, I found myself losing focus easier than I would have liked. After some internal debating I've come to the conclusion that the loss of focus has to do with the fact that the Hollywood setting has never really appealed to me. With all that being said, overall I really enjoyed this book. All the technical stuff was very well done. The writing style, the character development, the plot, all great! The supporting characters were also fantabulous; Chris would have to be my favorite followed very closely by Linc! ;) (I hope we get a book for Linc!) This author really did an awesome job incorporating some of the steamiest sex scenes along with an actual story line. And let me tell you, there was a lot of steamy scenes! ;) My only issue was a few typos in one spot that jacked up several lines and I wasn't sure what it was supposed to say, but I'm sure they were an editing issue and not the author's. This was my first book by Ms. Covington, and it will definitely not be my last!
My casting:
Mick
Piper
Them together:
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Romance author Piper has been on shaky ground with her publisher ever since she had a very public meltdown after finding out her famous boyfriend was cheating on her. She has sworn off men and is struggling to find her muse to finish her latest book even though her deadline is looming. Her only hope of getting back into her publisher's good graces is to act as a consultant on the set of the movie adaptation of one of her previous stories. Mick is famous for his action movies but he wants to try his hand at something more serious and he needs to prove his acting abilities as the romantic lead in his latest role. As a well known play boy with a love them and leave them attitude he has never been in love and it shows on screen. Piper has been tasked with teaching Mick to act like he's in love but the last thing she needs is to get close to another bad boy actor. She was burnt before and no matter how attracted she is to Mick she isn't prepared to put her heart on the line again. Surely a little harmless flirting won't hurt though?
I'm a massive fan of Robin Covington's Boys are Back in Town series (A Night of Southern Comfort & His Southern Temptation) and I love Entangled's spicy Brazen imprint so I jumped at the chance of reading Playing the Part when I was offered a review copy. I have to say I think that Mick might be Robin's hottest hero yet and anyone who has read any of her previous books will know that is quite an achievement! I love the way this author always manages to blend humour into her stories along with realistic, likeable characters who are easy to relate to, and sexy, believable romances. Her books have me laughing one minute and fanning myself the next and they always leave me with a satisfied smile on my face.
Piper is the kind of girl most of us can relate to, she has had her fair share of heartbreak and it was made even worse by the fact it was all so public. She was rightly angry and distraught after catching her fiancé cheating but the press turned on her and made her seem crazy rather than the innocent victim that she really was. Mick is the kind of guy who draws her like a moth to the flame but she knows she can't trust him with her heart. The last thing she wants is to draw the attention of the media again - she's had more than her fill of cameras and journalists and it is something she never wants to go back to. All she wants to do is try and salvage her career and live her life in the shadows. Mick has the same kind of playboy image her ex fiancé did and he has the arrogant attitude to match his good looks. He makes it no secret that he wants Piper and she finds him almost impossible to resist. She is determined to protect herself though so she puts very specific rules in place when she agrees to have a fling hoping to get him out of her system. All she is interested in is hot sex - no commitment, no sleeping over, no being seen together in public and under no circumstances can the press get wind of what is going on. Her demands seem ideal to Mick, the last thing he has in mind is tying himself down to one woman no matter how sexy she is. The trouble is that the more time he spends with Piper the more convinced he becomes that there could be something special between them. Can he convince Piper to give him a chance to win her heart?
I'll admit that I wasn't sure if I was going to like Mick when we first met him, he has such a cocky attitude and I thought he was going to be too arrogant for my tastes. Thankfully it doesn't take long to discover a sweeter side and you start to see that his attitude is more for show than anything else, he has created the persona that he thinks people expect from him but when he is alone with Piper you get to see the real Mick. The chemistry between them was hot as hell but they also take time to get to know each other outside of the bedroom and uncover each other's secret fears and desires. I believe that this is the first book in a new series and I have high hopes that Mick's room mate - who happens to be an incredibly sexy rock star - might be up next (well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed anyway!). Robin Covington is definitely on my list of must read authors and I will be recommending all of her books to any contemporary romance fans. If you like your romances spicy then Playing the Part should definitely be on your wish list.
Last month, I discovered Robin Covington and her witty, sexy and smart writing. I wondered if all her books were that well-written and after having read PLAYING THE PART, I can tell that this level of writing doesn’t come naturally to many authors, let alone Contemporary Romance authors. Covington has that voice perfect for Contemporary Romance. PLAYING THE PART is smart, funny and charming – if this were a real man, I’d want to marry him.
Bestselling romance writer Piper James almost had a career ruining breakup that went public. Her publisher almost dropped her because of all the bad publicity, but since then Piper has tried to write something that will save her career. Her latest novel is about to be on the big screen but a problem arises regarding the main lead and Hollywood stud, Mick Blackwell. Mick isn’t nailing the part. Something is off and the director wants Piper to work with Mick on getting the character down. This puts them together in close proximity and Piper knows that being anywhere near Mick will lead to trouble.
They agree to have an affair. Something with no strings attached, just some fun. But soon, they find that their emotions are getting involved and cutting each other off gets harder and harder as they fall deeper in love.
Perhaps the best thing about this book is the dialogue. Mick and Piper’s chemistry leaps off the pages whenever they are together. I loved the banter between the two. Right from the get go, readers are thrown into their crazy world and the fun never stops. Despite the fact that Piper has been burned in the past, she has put that behind her. She may be a little more cautious, but she isn’t shy sexually. Mick brings that out from her and together, they are explosive. Mick is a smooth talker and the smart Piper knows just how to handle him, making them a perfect pair.
One thing I particularly love is the fact that the cover features a biracial hero. It perfectly fits Mick to a tee! As the first biracial big action movie star in the story, I think it’s wonderful to see a perfect rendition on the cover as well.
In terms of the sex, I can tell you that there is no shortage of sexiness in this book. This book burns flaming hot! How can you expect any less from Covington? For a fun, sexy summer read, I would recommend this one to Contemporary Romance fans!
Source: eARC for Honest Review from Entangled Brazen via NetGalley
I was super excited to read this book since after A night of Southern Comfort I became a fan of Robin Covington. I didn't know what to expect in this book but was pleasantly surprised with how it all turned out.
Mick Blackwell is a gorgeous, successful movie star. Who has never been in love and can't relate to his current role
Piper James is a successful writer with a jaded past that was in the spotlight. Piper is called in to help Mick act like he is in love.
The chemistry is instant.
Mick leaned in, and heat swept over her skin, settling in her most intimate places. He was the man every woman wanted in spite of his playboy reputation. Or maybe because of it. She loved men who came with a warning label. And Mick Blackwell didn't just have a label - he had a neon "Flammable. Do not touch" sign flashing over his head.
They both thought that they could play along with one another without either of them getting burnt.
WRONG!
Because of Piper's past she can't believe Mick's intentions. Because of Mick's non loving past he is not truly sure of his intentions until it is almost too late.
Playing the Part is my first Robin Covington book and it won't be my last. First and foremost, I am so happy that the hero is biracial! I think this is the first biracial character (half black, half white) that I've read in mainstream romance. It makes ZERO sense that romance novels featuring people of color or where one of the main characters is of color have to have their own category. This is 2013 people!
Mick is an an action start trying to transition to deeper roles. He's staring in the movie adaption of Piper's book. Mick is having a hard time with the emotion of the character so the production company brings in Piper to help Mick relate to the character. Piper is done with dating actors. After embarrassing herself and almost killing her career, Piper has worked hard to get herself back on track. But Mick has other plans. He is attracted to Piper and wants her for himself while Piper is working on the film. Piper sees nothing but trouble in Mick but she can't deny the attraction. What's the harm in having a fling with one of the hottest actors out there?
I was sucked into the story from the start. Mick and Piper's sexual chemistry is off the charts! Mick is such a player but he's also very likable. He doesn't hide who or what he is. I liked that he mentions how difficult it has been as a biracial actor to get starring roles. That bit of information adds so much reality to the story.
Mick and Piper together are very likable. And they have lots and lots of sex which makes sense because they're only having a fling, right? But this is contemporary romance so there's of course the HEA. But there are some bumps and hurdles that Piper and Mick must go through before they get there.
Again, I loved Playing the Part. It's sexy and funny. I loved the characters. I am SO happy that the hero is biracial. Books that break the romance norm really stand out for me especially when they are so well-written. I could not put this book down. I'm looking forward to reading more from Ms. Covington.
Rating 3.5 stars I've read two books by this author before and didn't really love them but this was by far the best. Since its from the sexy line, it has plenty of sex and for those who like to be warned like I would have wanted to the book has .
The heroine is an author whose life hasn't been going well, she found her famous boyfriend cheating on her, so she made a public spectacle, something that turned negatively, affected her publisher and her writing. So to get into the good graces of her publisher she agrees to coach the hero, Hollywood action star in an adaption of her book.
Now, I liked the heroine, she was gun shy of course and once she sees the chemistry she has with the hero, instead of fighting it she decides to give in, no strings attached. The hero grew up in Hollywood, kind of lonely, he knows all about it and he loves it. The hero comes across as a womanizer, publicity loving typical Hollywood hero and he is. He has never been in love and keeps his liaisons short, somehow with the heroine it seems to be more. Their liaison sparks the heroine's writing and hero's emotions.
Of course the book has plenty of sex, plus the hero's world collides with the heroine's and he gets a chance to do some growing up.
I can tell you off the bat that there’s definitely a demographic that will not like this book at all: spouses of readers like me. Why? I simply could not put it down! My hubby was definitely on his own for dinner and the laundry could wait one more day as far as I was concerned. Piper and Mick have this chemistry that just jumps off the pages. It’s easy to imagine them falling for eachother and we get to experience it all right along with them. The sexy scenes are scorching. I’m STILL fanning myself. Mick is delicious and has this powerful air about him that’s hard to resist. The plot was interesting and seems to speak to the plight of celebrities of today in a very realistic tone. I feel like I got a complete experience with no one element lacking nor overwhelming another. I am very excited to see what Robin has in store for us next. I imagine a certain sexy singer *ahem* will soon have his own story? If you are a fan of romance, you’d be insane not to treat yourself to this gem!
This book will sizzle your e-reader and leave you asking for more! The on-the-page chemistry starts off hot and only gets better as Mick and Piper move past their preconceived notions and difficult pasts to earn that hard-fought happily ever after. Covington is a master at drawing you in with finely-wrought tension that lasts throughout, and you'll root for Mick and Piper all the way. This book brings the heat! You won't want to put it down.
I was absolutely blown away by “Playing the Part”. I was hooked on “Dammit” and did not let go atruegemawarduntil “For the rest of my life.” Ms. Covington wrote such a face-paced, down and dirty book that my head was spinning and jumping for joy with such a well-written story about lust, love, anger, betrayal and forgiveness. With a hot, lead male and a voluptuous female lead, you can’t go wrong.
Mick Blackwell is renowned movie star known for his action flicks. He’s tired of being type-cast and auditions for the lead in “Regan’s Gift”, a love story. Well, things aren’t going very well and they decide to bring in the author of the book to try to get him to understand Chance, the lead character. Enter Piper James, the hot, sexy, librarian-looking woman that is going to teach him about love. He’s never been in love, known love or wanted love, so what is he to draw from except his acting abilities. He’s a player and proud of it. Anyone that sleeps with him knows the score – wham-bam, thank you ma’am and nothing more. He grew up in his father’s shadow and is now making a name for himself with both his acting and his love life. Boy, does she have her work cut out for her!
Piper James is trying to make a come back. After a very public and “War of the Roses” type break-up with her fiancee Antonio Rojas, her publisher is ready to drop her. No more publicity, no more public display’s of affection or anger – just go to Hollywood and get Mick Blackwell to nail the part of Chance. OK! Then she sees him – tall, dark, handsome – a bad-boy to the bone – just the type of person she is always attracted to. Well, a little flirting won’t hurt, nobody needs to know if they sleep together. She knows the score with Mick and she lays the ground rules: Benefits – no sleeping over – nothing public. PERIOD! Hey, that’s right up Mick’s alley. A few weeks of hot sex with the sexiest man in Hollywood would take care of her libido and provide a fun distraction. Until Mick starts changing the rules.
Two weeks in Hawaii after the shoot, filled with hot sex, swimming, walking around nude and writing the best novel of her life ends in utter disaster. She knew she shouldn’t have let him talk her into the vacation. When pictures of her and Mick show up in the tabloids of them having Anal Sex on the beach, well, her publisher isn’t a happy camper and Piper is enraged. He promised they were alone. He promised no one could get onto his estate. He promised that they would have complete privacy. That’s the only way she would agree to go. Now she has to face the paparazzi, the scorn, the dredging up of her break-up with Antonio. Mick is the publicity hound, not her. Now, all her insecurities are coming to the fore-front again. Did he set this up? Why would he set it up? Who got the pictures? How did they get on the Estate? Why did they take those pictures? All questions that she couldn’t answer but Mick promised that he would. Did she trust him to tell her the truth? Did she trust him to not make things worse? Her best friend and manager, Chris is her rock and he’ll protect her any way that he can. But there’s not much that he could do when the second scandal hits the papers. She’s dropped by her publisher, she’s broken up with Mick, she’s in a depression. Only one person could fix this and it looks like she trusted the wrong man – again.
So, what’s so different about “Playing the Part”? A romance writer wrote a book about a romance writer. Loved. It. Who better to write about a romance writer? And, it was so fluid. The sex scenes were unbelievable and weren’t just thrown in for shock value. The back-and-forth between Piper and Mick was great. The dialogue was absolutely believable – it actually felt true to life. My favorite quote in the book? “You’re going to get so lucky you might want to stop off and buy a few lottery tickets.” And lucky he got, time and time again. So, take the time out of your busy schedule, put aside a couple of hours and enjoy the hot read that “Playing the Part” is. Honestly, I couldn’t put it down and wanted to go back and read it a second time.
Piper James is a bestselling romance writer who can't seem to get her next story written... almost a year ago she had a very ugly breakup with an up and coming star in hollywood, and she self-destructed causing bad publicity not only for her, but her publisher. In order to mend some of the hard feelings, she has agreed to mentor current hollywood playboy Mick Blackwell. Mick is playing the leading character in the movie version of her book, but he doesn't know what love looks or feels like and it's showing in his performance.
Mick has been typecast in the action hero role, and he's determined to show Hollywood what he has. But he definitely need's Piper's help to do it.
From the second they meet, the chemistry is off the charts...but Piper is worried about publicity... and her heart, because Mick is just the kind of guy she seems to fall for.
Covington wrote a wonderful story, and while it may have your typical romance tropes ... badboy who changes for the heroine, heroine who was burned in the past by a horrible cheater... it's done in a refreshing way. I was pleasantly surprised that I liked both Mick and Piper in this story. Even the secondary characters, when they showed up, were well done. (I'm thinking of Chris here)
The sexy times... well.. they were definitely sexy, and not over done, and very few bad words (there was one instance of ate at her/his face) but I'm willing to overlook that because the rest was so well done. Mick and Piper were combustible and I totally believed it. I was also incredibly happy that once there was the disagreement/misunderstanding we didn't have to read about months of the couple apart moping around with a broken heart. I really like that they were both adults and acted that way. And can I say that I loved Piper's forcefulness (I think that's the word I'm looking for) She knew what she wanted and she didn't get shy about it. I love that in a heroine.
One thing that I will point out that I liked was that Mick was bi-racial... we don't see a lot of that in romance and I hate that I have to point it out. But I will say that the times it was mentioned outside of the first time, it seemed a bit shoved in to make a point. Kind of like my statement here. LOL
Playing the Part is another in the Entangled Brazen line and I was really impressed with the story and writing from Ms. Covington. I'll definitely be watching out for more from her in the future! If you haven't picked this one up, I highly recommend it!
Thank you to Entangled & Netgalley for the advance copy for an honest review.
This is the third book I have read by Ms. Covington , and I have to say, it is a heated page turner! By the time I had finished I had so many pages highlighted, I was not sure I could write a review without spoilers.....here is my attempt.
Piper James is a best selling author of romance novels, recovering from a very bad, very public break up. Her ex fiancé was a popular actor, caught in a liaison with her best friend. Her career suffered after all the bad publicity generated by her well documented anger and pain . She is now trying to get her career back, by helping another actor understand the role he is to play in one of her novels brought to the screen. "All she had to do to salvage her career was teach the leading man, Mick Blackwell, the sexiest playboy in Hollywood, how to act like he was in love."
Mick Blackwell is the star of several action adventure movies, trying to make his mark in a more dramatic role. He lives with his best friend Lincoln St. John known to all his fans as a "rock god." Mick had a difficult childhood growing up in the shadow of his Oscar winning actor father. "Since I was seven I've spent more time pretending to be other people than I’ve been myself. My life isn’t exactly normal.” My first reaction to Mick was "slick." He was all charm and seduction. The cameras were his friend. Piper enjoyed his charm and seduction, but she had rules. Good sex, no sleepovers.
We learn a lot about our hero and heroine. They each have friends and staff they believe in. Some not worthy of their trust. Ms. Covington shows us in small ways Mick's true self. He's caring, and loyal, and not really the thoughtless playboy he shows to the world. This is a love story about two people who don't want to love, not even sure how to love, but it's in their hearts. With so many forces working against them can they hold on to it?
I enjoyed this novel very much. I liked both Mick and Piper, and the side characters. Hopefully Linc St. John will have a future story! I highly recommend this novel!
I received this novel from the author for an honest review.
I am a fan of Robin Covington's work. Her Boys are Back in Town series is an auto-buy for me. So, when the opportunity to get an ARC of her latest came up, I couldn't resist. After reading this book, this one thing I know for sure - Robin Covington can write one hell of a sex scene. The story has plenty of them, but they are completely relevant to a story about a Hollywood playboy with no experience with true love. That is what brings Piper James into the picture. She is a romance writer, whose book is being made into a major motion picture starring Hollywood action-hero, Mick Blackwell. Mick grew up in the Hollywood spotlight, son of a lothario, and has no experience with relationships. In comes Piper to "coach" him about the motivation of her characters.
I enjoyed the premise of this story and I felt that Robin Covington had fun writing it. There is a level of authenticity when the story focuses on the trials and tribulations of being in the public eye and how good and bad press can impact a person's career. I also liked the scenes when Mick was learning to be the character in the movie.
For me, the shortcoming of this book is the characters. I did not find Mick to be a sympathetic character until the very end and that's a long way to wait to start liking the main guy. He is introduced as a playboy with a caveman mentality towards women and not much changes until he has his big revelation. Piper, who is introduced as fairly strong minded character, devolves under Mick's sexual prowess. I wish we had more of her spunky attitude and resistance. It just seemed too easy.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Still, despite my troubles with the book, there is a satisfying ending. I would recommend this for a summer vacation read - poolside, bathing suit on, book in hand and with an nice cool beverage. You'll need that ability to dip in the pool to cool off after the hot scenes.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an absolutely fabulous read. Robin Covington never fails in creating characters and journeys that completely captivate you and 'Playing the Part' is no different; with wonderful characters, a great storyline, passion, intensity and a few surprises along the way, it has every single ingredient I love in a steamy romance. I devoured it.
Piper James, an author, is having her bestselling romance adapted to the big screen. Strong-willed, feisty, determined and with a messy, very public, broken engagement behind her, she's ever the romantic and isn't without her insecurities. With a dented reputation, she has a dislike of the the paparazzi, her sales are suffering and she has writers block. Mick Blackwell, Hollywood heartthrob with a reputation that goes with it, is struggling adapting to the romantic role and Piper is brought on board to assist. He oozes appeal; he's sexy, confident, witty and protective and has a way with words that would make any woman melt. The cocky publicity hungry side of him is less attractive but underneath the façade is kind, thoughtful softy. With instant attraction and a proposition of a no-strings-attached fling, both are mutually satisfied...or is it all an act?
I loved them both. One of the things I love about Robin's books is how deeply you grow to know her characters, become invested in them and fall in love with them and their plights. With touching heartwarming moments, those that frustrate and tug on the heart-strings combined with absolute page-burning passion that will make your heart (amongst other things) flutter, I smiled, I swooned and I was desperate for them to find their HEA. This is a book not to be missed and can safely say that Robin Covington is now an author whose books will always find their way into my library. Here's to hoping that this is a series that will treat us to more delectable men.
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher for an honest and unbiased opinion (however I shall most definitely be purchasing it)
Piper is a novelist whose last Hollywood adaptation went sideways in a spectacular way. Mick, the lead in the newest adaptation of one of her books, is just the sort of man who got her into so much trouble the last time. But the chemistry is so fierce between them that neither can resist. Even though Piper tells herself it's just sex, it's just fun, soon enough it evolves beyond that, leaving them both reeling from the consequences.
This book is hot. Let's get that out of the way right off the bat. Piper and Mick's sex life is a big part of the story — it's how they connect and the foundation on which everything else is built. But despite the numerous love scenes, the book didn't depend on them alone to show the reader that Mick and Piper cared for each other. I didn't have trouble believing that their connection went beyond the physical because of all the little mentions of caring touches throughout the book.
I really liked both Piper and Mick. Even though Piper had been burned in the past, she didn't let it stop her from going after what she wanted, which I admired. Mick wasn't just a pretty face, either; he was smart, business-savvy, and grounded, and that came across very well. There were a few things that bugged me about them — the idea that Piper started writing again once she slept with Mick struck me as a bit "magical healing genitals"; and I would have liked to see more of the "real" Mick that Piper refers to now and again, rather than the actor-Mick or businessman-Mick. Overall, though, the characters were enjoyable to read, especially their interactions.
I loved the epilogue. Not only was it was so perfectly Mick, it gave me a really good sense of the characters' happily ever after, which led to the warm fuzzies, of course.
All in all, if you're looking for a hot romance with fun characters, I would highly recommend Playing the Part.
PLAYING THE PART (Entangled Brazen) by Robin Covington Publication Date: June 10, 2013 Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori Rated: 5 Stars
REVIEW: I loved Playing the Part! I have read Robin Covington’s The Boys Are Back In Town Series and I loved them, so I was really excited to get an ARC of Playing the Part. I devoured it in a couple hours! Robin Covington knows how to write smoking hot romance! Playing the Part is one of those stories that sticks with the reader and leaves a smile on your face when you are done. I loved the plot for Playing The Part! It captured and held my attention from the first page. I also loved the characters. Robin Covington has a way of writing her characters that really draws the reader in and makes them feel the characters. Piper and Mick have instant chemistry when they meet on the set for the movie based on Piper’s book that Mick is starring in. Mick is having trouble with the love scenes and Piper has been sent in to coach him though the scenes. I loved their interactions with each other. They had smoking hot chemistry and passion. Playing the Part is a fun, steamy romance that left me wanting more when it ended. I am hoping some of the secondary characters get their own stories. You don’t want to miss this book! Robin Covington’s books are on my must read list!
*An ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Immediately upon finishing this story, I was overwhelmed with a giant smile and an immense need to immediately write my review. This story was completely adorable with enough steam to add spice. Piper and Mick are great characters that are easy to love. Mick can be completely arrogant, but has his own hidden sweet side. Piper is feisty, but scorned from her past. I actually read this book while I had the flu, and I have to admit, I tried reading several books while I was sick, but this was the only one that could keep my attention! Perhaps I just have a strong affinity towards secret budding romances. I swear, there were multiple times that I swooned.
One thing that I really liked was the fact that Mick is multiracial. It’s not a common occurrence (at least in my experience) to have a mixed race relationship. I felt like this was a very bold move that deserves some praise! The added issues that Mick had due to his race while he was starting his career really added extra depth into his character. Personally, I feel it’s sad that this stood out for me, because it should be more common, but… I’d rather not start a rant. ;)
The added mystery of the story really brought it all together. Although I felt it was a bit obvious who the culprit was, the extra drama made this story exceptional. The wonderful authors at Entangled Publishing have done it again! Yet another amazing book!
Playing the Part is exactly what I needed to read today. Right after I finished it, I had a big smile on my face and was just...happy. Because who doesn't enjoy a well-written Happily Ever After?
Robin Covington creates a cast of characters that totally compliment each other. Piper, even with her understandable issues, has enough gumption to balance out superstar Mick. She doesn't let his ego get in her way and has the guts to stand her ground when needed. It is so nice to see that -- and what I especially liked was their communication. The all-to-common "lets jump to completely irrational conclusions and make knee-jerk decisions without giving the other party a chance to explain so we can wallow in our own misery for months on end before learning the truth" was missing and it was nice to read. The secondary characters were well-developed and didn't feel superfluous and I actually "woohoo'd" when the...nope, no spoilers here. Lets just say that the villian gets what he deserves.
Another aspect of this book that I feel needs to be mentioned and appreciated is the ethnic diversity in this book -- I can't think of another book off the top of my head with a bi-racial hero. I know there are others out there, but it is a shame that one doesn't come to mind. So kudos, Ms. Covington. Hopefully more authors will follow your lead.
All in all, Playing the Part is a fun, flirty, unffy read that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
I literally didn't want to put this one down. Even though the ordinary-girl-meets-and-dazzles-a-famous-celebrity troupe is definitely one from the fairy tale realm, this version had more than a touch of believability. For one, Piper isn't exactly an ordinary girl--she's an author who's had more than one of her novels adapted for the big screen, so she's not a complete stranger to the Hollywood scene and has had her own share of fame in her own right. Plus, she had dated an actor before (which ended up in disaster, and of course sets her up for her main hangups in this novel) and had been friends with yet another one in the past. The reason given for throwing Piper and Mick together is, admittedly, one of the weakest parts of the novel, but the story that followed was so entertaining I was more than willing to put my skepticism aside. Plus, even the characters mock her attempts to "help" him with his acting (Example #1: Ask your [male, best friend since middle school] roommate what being in love feels like. Example #2: Think of the feeling you have for your car when playing that [love] scene.), which made the whole even more entertaining. Sure, there's a touch of insta-love, but really it's more insta-lust, which I am totally behind. The love part develops a bit more gradually. This was a fun, steamy read, and I can't wait to see what the next one in the series brings!
I was given a coy by the publisher for an honest review.
I fell in love with Piper and Mick. Though sometimes I wanted to strangle them both. Piper especially. I get that she had a troubled past and a lot of baggage, but come on! When a dream-boat like Mick chases you all over the country, it's time to cut the baggage and hold on as if your life depended on it.
Mick had his issues as well, though his were more of the lack of baggage variety. As in never having been in love before. Even if he really was clueless as to what love looks like, he believed in Piper, and time and again, he went out on a limb for her. I didn't like how time and again, Piper got spooked, and left him hanging.
I loved that this book wasn't smut with some plot thrown in. This was first of all a story about Piper and Mick, the sexy smut was just icing on the cake. Though some of it was a bit predictable. When you're crazy famous, having al'fresco sex is ALWAYS a bad idea. Even if you think no one is around, you can bet your last dime a paparazzo with a crazy long lens is out there waiting for the perfect shot...
Piper and Mick, along with all their side-kicks kept me highly entertained, and I'm really looking forward to picking up another book by this author.
I received this book as an e-galley from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
Now, I'll be completely honest, when I received this one as an ARC from the publisher, I was a bit apprehensive. I'm not really into books about actors in the limelight and the flashing lights of the paparazzi. But, yes, there is a but.. I can admit when I'm wrong.
This was the first book I've read by this author, and I can assure you it won't be the last. The premise might not have been my most favorite, but the execution and delivery of the story was awesome. The writing was extremely smooth and the characters were likeable.
Actually, I sort of really dug Mick. I had him pegged to be nothing more than a playboy, but he truly was a leading man with a heart of gold. He had the best intentions and he was entirely up front with Piper from the beginning. Plus, the man doesn't play around in the bedroom. Just saying.
The attraction and tension was instantaneous between him and Piper from the start, and it was quite enjoyable to read their relationship progress into something so much more than either of them could imagine.
All in all, I thought it was a well written, fun read with sexy characters who took a gamble on each other, let down their guards a bit, and happened to find love along the way. I loved the author's voice and can't wait to read more from her.
It took me a little while to get into this book. I'm not one who likes the idea of having a relationship just for a fling, so I wasn't pulled into this story like I was with Ms. Covington's previous books. But once the storyline moved on and became more I was able to latch on and enjoy the characters and plot much more. Piper is a spunky but insecure writer (aren't we all) and Mick (which I was very excited to learn that he was bi-racial, made him that much more beautiful - we need more diversity in books) is the Hollywood hunk we've all dreamed to have look at us like we were the hot one. And speaking of hot... the sex scenes were smoking! Even downright erotic in one place. It's not often I get a little shifty when reading but dang woman - you know how to make it HOT! Overall - it took me a little bit to get into the story, but once I did - I loved it. The ending is spectacular! A total dream come true.
Playing the Part by Robin was an amazing love story. With hero being an actor who wanted more out of his career than action movies and a heroine being a writer needing the spark of inspiration for her long overdue book; the came together strongly.
I was drawn in from the beginning spark of Mick and Piper at the studio. There were no two people who needed a lesson in romance than one who never experienced it and one who got burned when given her all. What one lacked in confidence and sass the other had in spades. I laughed, cried, and felt the burning fire. The lesson and union was portrayed beautifully and had you guessing wrong on the cliffhangers.
Robin has another best seller on her hands with this contemporary romance novel.