Playing with Her Heart

Caught Up in Love #5

by Lauren Blakely

A standalone romance from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Lauren Blakely...
He's sexy, sophisticated, possessive...and my boss.
I'm trying to resist him, I swear. I'm good at resisting, and at playing pretend too. It's what I do for a living. But as Davis Milo directs me in my first Broadway play, I'm having a harder time pretending that I don't want him to take me. On the piano. In the limo. In the dressing room. Anywhere and everywhere. And the more he guides me through staged kisses, the more I want them to be real.
***
I damn well know the first rule of directing: Never fall for your leading lady. But I'm captivated by her raw talent, and fighting this desire grows harder every day I spend with her. Keeping things professional isn't an option. I want all of her. Soon we're staying late in the empty theatre, our private rehearsals spiraling into new, forbidden territory. I swear I'm not playing with her heart, but how can I be sure that what she feels is real, and not a part of the play?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Chick Lit, Ebooks, Erotica

ebook

First published August 18, 2013

About the author

You can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

FREE on Amazon US today (6/23/2017)

Stand-alone book 5.
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Her-He...
BLURB:
He's sexy, sophisticated, possessive...and my boss.
I'm trying to resist him, I swear. I'm good at resisting, and at playing pretend too. It's what I do for a living. But as Davis Milo directs me in my first Broadway play, I'm having a harder time pretending that I don't want him to take me. On the piano. In the limo. In the dressing room. Anywhere and everywhere. And the more he guides me through staged kisses, the more I want them to be real.
***
I damn well know the first rule of directing: Never fall for your leading lady. But I'm captivated by her raw talent, and fighting this desire grows harder every day I spend with her. Keeping things professional isn't an option. I want all of her. Soon we're staying late in the empty theatre, our private rehearsals spiraling into new, forbidden territory. I swear I'm not playing with her heart, but how can I be sure that what she feels is real, and not a part of the play?


FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 600 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Two Obsessed Make a Right Stars
* * * 1/2 Free For Limited Time!!!
Years ago when I first started reading romance, I would troll the free books and click on what caught my attention. Lauren Blakely's Caught Up in Us (Caught Up in Love #1) was one of those books. It was a first in a series and I remember liking it. Well, years have gone by and my reading relationship with Lauren Blakely has become one of my favorites. Her writing talent was clear with the first book I read and it has only gotten sharper, cleaner and grown into its own since.

Recently, this last book in the Caught Up in Love series, became Free for a limited time. Never one to let a free Blakely book go unread, I snapped it up. Blakely is a marketing Genius....for in this book, there are references to our Ryder of The Knocked Up Plan... There isn't much, just enough to know this guy is the cool one of the group and he has been burned in the past. He is the romantic Guru...of sorts, so even back in the day...Blakely's wheels were turning... and laying little seeds in readers' minds... to blossom later when she was ready to bring them forward.

SIDE NOTE
I happened to Love the The Knocked Up Plan... so any reference to this guy made me sit up and take notice :D

This book has a very different feel then the current Blakely novels. Oh, there are plenty of sexy times, an alpha male for all to enjoy and heart, as always. There is a more intense, darker feel through the story line and characters.

We have the up and hopefully coming young actress trying to land her first Broadway show in NYC. It seems she really has the goods and is up for an important part in a new musical. This young woman is a troubled one...she had a romance in high school and her boyfriend became obsessed with her...She realized they were not the fit they first thought and she broke things off. Only he did not agree...he would plead with her, beg to get back together, send her letters which caused her to worry about him. We know things didn't end well between them...but are not told the specifics...at first...

This woman then goes down a path of pain and pretend...She pretends to everyone she has no pain in her heart... fronting everything as wonderful and happy. She is able to use her acting skills 24/7 in order to just live...and it is only on stage where she is able to be free...free in the play/musical and moment...She has even developed a "love" for a famous actor... and He is the one she dreams of at night.

Then there is this dynamic, award winning Director of this new musical. This is a man who has a reputation for demanding excellence. In his life, he has been burn deeply by an actress ... one who was at the start of her career. They worked together on a project that brought them both awards and although he had thought this was it... LOVE in capital letters...she coolly thanked him for everything he had done for her and went forward to pursue her career....SNAP...

Our guy vows NEVER to get involved with an actress again...
And he hasn't...

Until he sees this young actress auditioning and nailing the role....

This is a tale of two people who have been fronting a life...both hiding but in different ways...They are both meant to be it seems and their way of acting out appeared to be working...He sets her free with his demanding ways, getting truth and openness from her. She allows him to be the alpha and director in all ways....

There were the sexy times Blakely has always had...intense with some, sweet with other...and, of course a HEA for all.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Penelope ✘ that awkward girl that doesn't go here ✘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

THREE AND A HALF STARS!




Playing with her Heart is a story of growth for our heroine, Jill McCormick. Landing her first broadway gig, she meets and becomes involved with her director, Davis Milo, who draws out her true self, the self that she has been hiding ever since a horrible tragedy occurred six years ago. Davis teaches her how to let go of the past and of the guilt she has been carrying, allowing her to finally shine, both on and off of broadway.

This was a fun read. It was frustrating first getting into it with the whole, homg, I wanna bone you but oh no I don't do actresses so I have to play hard ball because I sure have hard balls in my pants (I don't think that made any sense at all =__=). But once Davis finds his balls at about the 32%, the book definitely started to work for me.

"I make the fucking rules.
I can change the rules.
I can make the rules work for me."

Hell yes you can, Davis. Hell yes.

Davis was such a pleasure to read after this point. He's fun and playful and that sexy mouth of his, dear Lord, I was ready to snatch Jill out of the picture and insert myself. There's nothing quite like a man who's willing to give pleasure without expecting anything in return. I almost felt that his passion was wasted on Jill because she was really slow. And by slow I mean, someone needed to buy her a clue. If a man goes down on you and gives you four of the most amazing, earth shattering orgasms that you've ever had in your life, without getting anything in return, then you know which man's door you should be banging down, girl. Just saying.

It took me a whole while to open up to Jill and to understand where she was coming from. I think it was because the great tragedy doesn't become revealed until about the 80% mark and I learned to somewhat sympathise with her. It was really frustrating to be in her head because she would always allude to this great tragedy every time you read from her POV that by the time I was halfway through, I was ready to shake her and yell what the hell happened. When it is finally revealed I was sad for her, but it was a bit of a non-event because she seems to get over it after a few supportive words from Davis (though to be fair, if someone like Davis held me in his arms and told me to forget, I would do any and all the things he'd tell me). Other than that, the playful and touchy side that Jill shows us when she isn't feeling sorry for herself was awesome to see and helped endear her to me, though it was always unravelled when she would run away and avoid things.

Would you recommend this? I think anyone looking for a nice and easy read would enjoy this. It's not anything ground breaking but its nice, fun and suggestive, which made it enjoyable for me.

[Coco.V]

Free on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Heart-...

[[~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aw this was a lovely treat!!! It makes a change that the backdrop of the story is about a broadway show.





Davis is the director and having been burned in the past he promised himself he won't fall for an actress again.

The first rule of directing is you don't fall for an actress

Then we have Jill who is playing the understudy for the show who has been traumatised in the past.

Wow I loved the sexual tension between these two and there was the right amount of saucy scenes.





This is one of those books where it is all about the romance!! I loved how their relationship developed. I thought they complimented each other perfectly.

I am so completely in love with you that I can't imagine ever being without you

There isn't anything I didn't like about this book. It was sexy, romantic, simple yet engaging storyline... I loved it!!! I will definitely go back and check out the rest of the series x

[Lauren Blakely · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Angie - Angie's Dreamy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Review was posted at Angie's Dreamy Reads

"Sizzling, sexy, sweet and seductive. A perfect romance for the hopeless romantic. Lauren Blakely NEVER disappoints." - Angie's Dreamy Reads

One of my favorite things about Lauren Blakely books is that I can always count on her to deliver a solid 5 star romance. The woman writes incredibly. They're sexy without being nasty, sweet without being corny and romantic without being cheesy. The characters always crawl into my heart, pull on all the right heart strings and never leave me disappointed. I can honestly say she is one of my go to authors when I need a happy, sexy and sizzling book that'll pull me away from everyday life and stresses. I love that every book in the Caught Up in Us series has been an absolute favorite of mine. This book Playing with Her Heart was just another fantastic edition. If you love a dirty talking, sexy as sin, alpha male then Davis is your man and this is your book. He's one of those that'll have you swooning, your pulse racing and your body tingling. The best part is, his profession sets him apart from your typical book boyfriend. Davis isn't your rouged athlete (although he does like to box...yum) , your corporate tiger or your biker bad ass. He's a world renowned director. He's famous for his amazing Broadway plays. He's a bit artsy and it gives him a different edge and aura. I really felt like it set this book apart from the endless books out there. It gave it that little something special that made me scream YES!! If you're thinking about reading this book or series definitely try it. Each book is centered on different characters. They're all light hearted, sexy, steamy and heartwarming reads. Perfect for a lazy day, beach day or rainy day. Once you crack the book open you'll devour it in one sitting. Lauren Blakely NEVER disappoints.

Jill McCormick is an aspiring Broadway actress. To everyone around her she seems like a happy go lucky girl who's waiting for her big break. But sadly Jill has been acting her way through life. Unhappy in her day to day she harbors a secret that causes her to distance herself from people. She never let's them get close because she's afraid she's going to hurt them. Jill channels that inner pain through her art of acting. She's brilliant at it. Auditioning for a part in Crash the Moon the next big Broadway play she hopes this is her chance to get the break she's been longing for. Davis is the director and sees Jill who he's scouted before and knows she is the perfect Ava. There's something about her that Davis recognizes right away. She has star power. When Jill is cast she is ecstatic. Not only will she be in her first Broadway play but she has a chance to be around Patrick Carlson the man who she has fallen in love with and ached for over the last six years. Patrick is the man of her dreams. He's unknowingly helped Jill get through life. The fantasy of him has helped her separate herself from the ugly, tragic secret that haunts her every thought. But with this new casting she gets to work with Davis Milo an award winning producer who has his sights set on her. Davis is more than Jill could have ever bargained for and soon a sexual chemistry and emotional pull is more than they can both deny. A casual romance, turns into a full blown love affair that will have you hanging onto every word.

Overall I absolutely loved this book. Jill and Davis were down right scorching together. The chemistry and sexual desire was off the charts. More than the sizzling parts though Lauren did a beautiful job developing her characters. We really got to see into the minds and hearts of Davis and Jill. We got to experience their hurts and triumphs. I loved getting to know them and also seeing glimmers of my other favorite characters who were in the first two books. Kat, Reeve and Sutton all made cameos in Playing with Her Heart. Like I said before, this book is the PERFECT, go to, happy, romantic, and sensual read. I would absolutely recommend it, along with ANYTHING that Lauren Blakely writes. She's one if my favs!!

My rating is 5 Stars.

[♥Sharon♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Sexual Tension Filled Stars!



Playing with her Heart was such a great book. Lauren Blakely definitely knows how to write some pretty steamy stuff!

Jill McCormick has found her nitch in life. She loves to act and be on stage. The theatre has always been her escape. A place she felt safe and free from her past. A place where she felt her happiest.

Something that happened in Jill's past has made falling in love with someone a thing that remains out of her reach. She has placed a lock on her heart and isn't willing to let anyone else in. That is until she meets Davis Milo.

Davis is a producer of a show that Jill has is auditioning for a lead role. Davis has had his heart broken and swears he will never get involved with an actress again but that is until he sees Jill.

Davis decides that he wants Jill for the lead actress but others on the casting team decide otherwise and Jill ends up being cast as the understudy. The lead actor in the show happens to be Patrick Carlson who Jill has loved from afar. Their paths had crossed when Jill was younger and she continued to fantasize about him and is beyond excited that she would be finally sharing a stage with him.

As rehearsals begin, a friendly relationship begins to bloom between Jill and Patrick but what begins to bloom between Jill and Davis is a relationship that is HOT, SEXY and extremely SENSUAL.

As both relationships begin to spin, emotions that Jill has pushed deep down within herself begin to threaten the first relationship that she truly would love to have. What Jill battles within her heart and in her mind made me so sad and broke my heart. She struggles with her past because she has never been able to tell anyone the true story.

Though Davis is scared as hell to act on his feelings for Jill he decides he is willing to risk it all again. Jill is rocking his world. She is fulfilling feelings he hasn't had for a while but as amazing as they are together there is a piece of herself that she is still unable to give to Davis. Davis has to have all of her.

The chemistry between Davis and Jill was incredible. They share some pretty intimate moments and I loved how they just fit together. But will the pain of Jill's past prevent them from being together or will Davis hold the key to unlocking her heart.

What I loved about this book is that it was refreshing. It tugged at my heart, both MC's were easy to connect with and the plot was a bit different than books I have recently read. I found Davis to be sweet, classy and very sexy. Jill was sweet too. She had a bit of sass too which I loved. I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by this author!

[Indy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brilliant! Absolutely loved it! What made it unique was that it created sex appeal without the actual act itself (at the end some lovin' does happen) but more from the energy, dirty talk and sexual tension and connection the two characters have for one another that created physical flames my friends. That is talent to generate the heat without the actual act itself.

The story says it best at one pt:
"It hits me what's happening.
Because he's doing it to me again.
He's fucking me with his words, and I am turned on beyond belief." ME TOO!

This is a story about two people whose past have each of them fearful of falling in love for different reasons. Not once however was I screaming at either character to act mature or to stop being stupid or for being mean to one another. They were honest to goodness emotions that entirely made sense. In fact, as they came to terms with their emotions and reactions (both POVs are shared), as a reader I did too at the same time, literally I was coming to a conclusion myself about the thinking behind Jill's actions and then she would come to the realization herself.

"It's a big thing, because it has everything to do with who I am now. With why I am this person. I read these books because it's all I have allowed myself. Because I'm terrified of getting close to another person again. Because I am petrified of a twisted kind of love."

Minor spoiler quote:
"A wave of understanding smacks me hard. That's what Patrick has been. A drug. A good drug, a gentle drug. But a drug nonetheless."

Pure magic! I read the above line and am like, EXACTLY!

What I loved about him: Davis was alpha but not unreasonable; romantic, patient, respectful and intelligent. What I liked about her: she was wounded but her spirit was not broken, she was sassy and intelligent and didn't play games once feelings started to mature. These were such multi-dimensional characters. And as we read about the musical which brought them together, it was art imitating life at its finest and really creative way of unfolding their relationship on stage and off it.

This book was a really nice refreshing read from some of the BDSM, MC club, rockstar angst, I have been reading lately and restored my faith in honest to goodness romance. Well done!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read any of Lauren Blakely's other books, you are already familiar with Jill. She is the room mate of Kat in Caught Up in Us, friend to Reeve in Pretending He's Mine, and sister of Chris from Trophy Husband. So it was time for Jill to get her own story.

Because love like that only happens when it's make believe. At least, I've always thought so. Then I met Davis Milo and everything in my life changed. Irrevocably.

Jill just landed her "almost" dream job. She made understudy and chorus for a new Broadway musical, with her longtime actor crush Patrick as the lead, and a one of the hottest directors in New York, Davis Milo. Davis is not only at the top of his career, he is also freakin' crazy hot (like melt your panties hot. Charming, and irresistible aren't even close to describing his dominating personality (and not to mention the amazing book cover with Steve Boyd totally captures his essence). But Jill isn't too keen on the intense chemistry between them and sees Davis as completely off limits. She is all about seeking what's safe and familiar. In Jill's mind it's all about Patrick...she has wanted him for years and this gig is her perfect opportunity to get even closer to him. And since Patrick has been thrust back into her life, there should be no contest to who wins her heart...the guy who has held her heart for years (even if he does not know it) vs. the one who scares the living day lights out of her.

But acting is really all I've ever done. Acting like I'm fine. Acting like what happened back then...wasn't all my fault. I suppose now, six years later, I'm mostly fine. People who know me say I'm carefree, laid back, happy go lucky. Sometimes I truly am. Other times, I've become so damn good at the appearance of moving on that I even believe the illusion. Fake it until you make it, right?

Davis has been also heartbroken in his past, and he now has rules. First and foremost, he does not date actresses. But Jill knocks him on his ass in more ways than one. He is immediately drawn to her even though deep down he knows he should resist her at all costs. I loved seeing this strong alpha male who makes no excuses for who is develop cracks in his armor. It allowed me to delve into the many layers that made up Davis Milo, giving me a better understanding of what he felt he really wanted and needed. I had a blast watching such a domineering man lose complete and total control.

Davis Milo is the strangest mix of sophisticated class and unbridled intensity I've ever seen. It's as if a Merchant Ivory movie fucked a Quentin Tarantino flick and made him.

I tell myself to turn it off for her. It should be business...Besides, I didn't cast her because she's fuckable. I cast her because she's fucking amazing.

There are to many reasons Jill and Davis are wrong for each other, yet nature takes it course. Their chemistry is off the charts and seems to have a mind of it's own. It's like an unstoppable force with a magnetic pull that links them together and puts them in situations they are not prepared for. The best part about it, no matter where they are... lust happens (it's often fast and intense, plus you get the added benefit of it happening in some interesting places). The jealousy these two feel when it comes to each other is a strong emotion that just adds more fuel to the fire. Life imitates art as their interactions and those of the characters in the play become intermingled and gain intensity.

Seriously if anyone is in need of some hot orgasms, it is Jill. She has been through so much and has turned herself off emotionally and physically. She is damaged and fearful of being hurt or causing others pain. Davis on the other hand is completely alpha, sexy, commanding, intense, and possessive. He just oozes power, sexuality and charisma. In addition, he is also vulnerable and incredibly perceptive when it comes to Jill. Davis is the one man who can see the real Jill enough to break down her barriers. Their interactions are so passionate, impulsive, and full of need. And as the walls slowly come down and insecurities and pasts are revealed, it becomes all too real and scary.

Something about the way he looks at me makes me want to tell him things, to open up, to share all sorts of secrets I've never told anyone else. His dark blue eyes are so pure and unflinching that they seem to demand nothing less than total honesty.

"Because we will hurt each other, and we will fight, and we will argue. And sometimes it'll be less than perfect. But it'll be real. Every second of it will be completely real."

What I really love about Lauren Blakely's books is her sense of humor and fun. This book does have that, but it also delves much deeper and adds more layers. Both of these characters have been broken, have past demons, and are hiding pieces of themselves. They have fears, insecurities, jealousies, and mixed feelings. Their connection is intense, but confusing. They both try to resist but cannot seem to. Lauren Blakely did a wonderful job making the reader feel their passion, their need, and their conflicting emotions. At times it was funny, flirty, and sweet. And at other times heartbreaking and emotional. And still there were times it was hot, steamy, and completely out of control. And she does not give us all of the information about these characters up front, she slowly lets it come out throughout the story adding some mystery as well.

But these characters were so well developed, so real, and so likable that I was totally invested in their relationship. I am so glad she gave us both Jill and Davis' points of view. Davis was such a perceptive guy and I loved seeing how his mind worked and when things clicked for him. Even though I loved his possessive, domineering alpha side, I think I preferred his softer, vulnerable one. His need and desire was palpable and you could literally feel the profound way Jill affected him. I thought it was funny that Jill was a romance novel junkie who liked the dirty talking alphas. But she also mirrored the broken heroine you see in many novels.

I consider Lauren Blakely a comical genius. Her characters are funny, sassy, and have no filters. She can have you shocked and laughing one minute, but then turn around and make you want to throw your kindle or grab for the tissues the next. I love this series because each book is unique and complete, but also has common threads or characters. They can be read as stand alones, but part of the fun are the connections. It was great to catch up with some of the favorite characters from the rest of the series: Kat and Bryan, Reeve and Sutton, and Chris and McKenna. Jill is really the connecting factor to all of these people and it was definitely time for her story to be told. And as much as I enjoyed the other books, this one is by far my favorite. It had everything: humor, passion, romance, heartbreak, emotion, love and redemption. It was written flawlessly, flowed effortlessly, and kept me completely engaged until the very end. And Davis Milo is my new book boyfriend. He is so scorchingly hot and perfectly delectable that he made me tingle and swoon...sigh...No wonder Jill did not know what hit her!

I cannot wait for The Breakup Album coming in October. She teased us a bit with the rocker Jane Black in this book and I look forward to her story.

Thanks to Lauren Blakely for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim.

[Anas Attic Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing With Her Heart
Adult Contemporary. Interrelated Standalone.
3.75 stars

Playing With Her Heart by Lauren Blakely  is a really hard book for me to review. On one hand, I really enjoy Lauren Blakey's hot dirty talkers and unique and sweet romances. But the narrators in this audiobook, especially the male narrator, completely ruined the book for me. Usually I can power through a crappy narrator and get used to them, they even grow on me. But in this case, Milo, the sexy, dirty talking male lead, sounded like he was 75. And Jill's voice was no better. She was whiney and annoying. BUT I must tell you, I just went to Audible to find out the male narrator's name so I know to avoid it in the future, and saw that  Todd Haberkorn got rave reviews and he narrates so many other great books! I don't get it. My husband said the same thing, he sounded old. His dirty talking, which I usually LOVE in an audiobook, did absolutely nothing for me. Luckily, I really enjoyed the story.

Jill McCormick was an aspiring actress going for her first big broadway role. She's been in love with the male costar for six years. Though she didn't get exactly the role of her dreams, she still had a very important part in the show. Davis Milo was a world renown director. He was THE broadway director, guaranteed to make any show a hit.

Davis has been hurt by an actress before and will never get involved with one again. And Jill had a tragedy that made her fear relationships. But the two were explosive together.

"Something about the way he looks at me makes me want to tell him things, to open up, to share all sorts of secrets I've never told anyone else. His dark blue eyes are so pure and unflinching that they seem to demand nothing less than total honesty."

Davis knew she loved the star, Patrick. But did she really? Or was it just a fantasy? Because the real chemistry was with Davis, no matter how hard they tried to fight it.

"Let me see what you look like on my stage with nothing on."

Oh man. You might think a broadway director wouldn't be so alpha, but you know, he's the guy in charge.

"Touch yourself, " he commands. "I want you to come from your own hand."

"And how does it feel to have your fingers on your clit while I am right here next to you, and I can smell how turned on you are?"

And his dirty talking was awesome.



They just both had so many doubts and insecurities, but it didn't stop them from fucking like animals. :) It never felt rushed, and I liked the relationship development, but her doubts that he talks to all of his stars like that started to bug me, and it took away from the honest relationship it felt like they were building.

He nods, then presses his lips lightly to my forehead. "You are my sin." He brushes them gently against my earlobe. "And my heaven." Then the barest of kisses on my lips. "And everything in between."

Likes:

•Unique story line.
•Very sexy.
•I love a dirty talker.
•Good character and relationship development.

Dislikes:

•I really, really didn't like the narrators. So much so that I am unable to separate the story from the narration. I just never liked the characters enough to love the book.

The Down & Dirty:

I love Lauren Blakely's writing style. Just a perfect amount of heat, dirty talking, romance and alpha-ness. But in Playing With Her Heart I never fell in love with the characters. I think it may be because I really did not like the narrators. I recommend the book, but I think this should be read, not listened to. I must mention that I saw other reviewers loved the male narrator and he narrates so many other great books, but to me he sounded like an old man.

Rating:
Story- 3.75 stars (I think, very hard to remove the narration, I probably would have liked it a lot more if I read it.), Heat 4.25, Narration: 2




Purchase Playing With Her Heart by Lauren Blakely

Kindle Audible iBooks BN.com

Playing With Her Heart is a spin-off of the Seductive Nights Series and the Fourth in the Caught Up in Love Series. I have read several, and each of the books are only vaguely related.

[Violet Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow. This is without a doubt, my favorite of all of Lauren's books. Compelling, almost hypnotic writing that immersed me into the story so deeply, the sizzling hotness you've come to expect from Lauren but at an amazing new level, and wonderful characters that stay with you long after you're done reading. Simply incredible. You're all going to love it.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My FAVORITE Lauren Blakely book yet!!!! Mad swoony <3 for this story!

[Tahsin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

probably the best in the series.

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing With Her Heart was the fifth book in the Caught Up in Love series by Lauren Blakely. The series can be read as stand-alones; however, Blakely’s characters all grace each other’s stories throughout the books.

Jill McCormick was a struggling Broadway actress waiting for her big break. She gets it with the cast of the new show, Crash the Moon.

Davis Milo was the Director of Crash the Moon. He was well known, respected and had multiple awards throughout his career. He had several rules about his personal life but his first and foremost rule: Never Date Actors!

Jill and Davis had chemistry from the onset. However, they also both carried a lot of baggage. Blakely took us through their development while simultaneously unpacking their baggage and preparing for the opening of a new Broadway Show. Blakely’s attention to detail made for a more interesting story with depth and dimension.

Al in all, it was mostly a lighthearted and fun read.

[Bonnie G. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had the makings of a good romance. I like the setup of an aspiring actress and her director, and there were elements of both characters' backstory that were enormously appealing for me. but the writing was SO BAD. No one talks like any of these characters. 20-somethings do not repeatedly refer to Broadway as "the great white way" or share that they are captivated by "the very scent" of their partner. It is all florid and silly and reads like the script for a 3rd rate 1930's flick about a plucky ingenue. Also the lead had the WORST taste in music. It was like they grabbed the canned music from a hospital where people need to be kept very calm.

[Lucinda Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Blakely is one of my go-to authors when looking for a nice, romantic, sexy read. I recommend her books to friends who want to “try” the genre, because her stories consistently deliver on all fronts – they’re romantic, sexy, a little drama just to keep the pages turning, but with an HEA. Oh, and did I mention sexy? Oh, ya! So I was thrilled to be offered an ARC of “Playing With Her Heart” in exchange for an honest review. Well, let me just say that this time, Lauren Blakely has outdone herself, and in the process, she managed to surprise me in ways I never saw coming! This book is Lauren’s STAND OUT work to date!

We’ve previously met Jill McCormick as a supporting character in “Caught Up In Us,” (she’s Kat’s quirky roommate/actress), and in “Pretending He’s Mine,” as Reeve’s irrepressible friend and biggest fan. “Playing With Her Heart” is Jill’s story, and what a story it is! She has landed the role of a lifetime under the direction and tutelage of famous Broadway and Hollywood director Davis Milo, and it appears that sparks are flying from the opening scene.

Jill is a delightful young woman, loving sister and loyal friend. She is devoted to her craft and her fellow actors, and committed to giving the best performance she possibly can. She’s also a woman who wants what most of us want -- to love and be loved – but she’s built walls and donned masks to hide a painful past which she desperately wants to let go of. Unfortunately, fear and guilt just won’t allow her to take that risk. Jill is the consummate artiste, committed to act the part – to own the role in which she’s been cast – but, when the lines start to blur and similarities between her own life and the character she is to play begin to surface, it becomes difficult for Jill to tell where the character ends and she begins. Is Jill letting down her defenses, or is she simply playing a role?

What can I tell say about the Davis Milo? Lauren Blakely has created her most complex and enigmatic male character so far. Davis is self-contained and mercurial. He’s tough-as-nails one minute and so sensitive he breaks your heart the next. He has a panty-melting smile and a dirty-talking mouth that is just sexy as hell! Davis, however, has his own painful past, and he’s created rules and built his own barriers to protect him from experiencing that kind of pain again. But there’s something about Jill that has him threating to compromise all of the self-protections he has come to rely on. Davis is also highly skilled in his craft. He knows how to draw the best possible performance from his actors. So is Davis making concessions, or is it merely all about the show?

“Playing With Her Heart” is much more than a sexy romance. Jill and Davis have a connection which transcends just a sexual attraction; although, trust me, there’s plenty of that! The teasing and banter between them is absolutely endearing. But the depth of these two characters is what sets this book apart. The author had my emotions running the gambit. I laughed. I cried. I swooned. I had heart palpitations, and there were even scenes where I found myself holding my breath for pages at a stretch.

In addition to the sexual intensity and emotional complexity of the characters, “Playing With Her Heart” dares to tackle a painful and agonizing issue, and examine the lingering after-effects on everyone touched by it. Lauren Blakely delicately and responsibly uses Jill and Davis to confront this unthinkable tragedy with care and compassion in equal measure. She shows the reader, through these amazing characters, that it is possible to overcome pain, to forgive, and to let go of guilt. To love, to be loved, and to let the past be the past.

“Playing With Her Heart” deserves five emotional stars.

[lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Whoa whoa whoa. There is more to Jill McCormick than meets the eye. She seems so carefree but she carries a huge baggage with her, and that kind of affects her relationships (or explains why she lacks one).

Jill and Davis

WHOA. Insta-lust! Davis has the charisma and charm, and it's hard not to fall in lust with him. They have the connection which can only be described as explosive. Major fireworks. Though I do have one issue I think they talk too much while giving each other the business...? HAHAHA I find it funny and awkward but mostly awkward. Do people talk that much? I don't mind the dirty talk but serious confession conversations during the hibbyjibbys...nope. HAHA. but I rode with it.

Overall, it's an entertaining read. I wish we got more of Chris in this though (but I know that's impossible), I've totally fallen in love with the guy in Trophy Husband.

[April Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing With Her Heart, by Lauren Blakely was a thrilling read. I was lucky enough to win this book after participating in a Twitter party for the release of Lauren Blakely's new book Far Too Tempting.

Jill is an under study for the Broadway Show "Crash The Moon". She has a self-deprecating sense of humor and is very gracious for the opportunity to be a part of the chorus and possibly play the star "Ava" for "Crash The Moon". Jill carries a lot of baggage with her that she hides as best she can.

Davis is the director for "Crash The Moon." He is broody, classy, sexy, and sophisticated. It should also be mentioned that he has a dirty mouth. Like Jill, he carries a lot of baggage. His one rule; do NOT date actresses.

For years Jill has been crushing on Patrick, an actor. He plays Paulo in the Broadway Show, and she has the chance to work alongside him. Her feelings for him, although she doesn't realize it herself, aren't real. Her crush on him is very shallow, and it keeps her from falling in love with someone more suited to her. -Which is just fine by her because even though she wants to, she is afraid to fall in love again.

Both Davis and Jill crave for a love that doesn't hurt...

Jill bravely asks Patrick out on a date, and he replies that he just wishes to be friends. While this hurts to hear, it doesn't hurt as much coming from him as it did when it came from Davis; who told her previous that he doesn't date actresses.

Davis is hot and cold. Despite rejecting Jill, they share a wild cab ride home... While Jill enjoyed this thoroughly, afterwards she feels like a play thing, even feeling a bit guilty since it is Patrick who she is truly interested in. Jill plays it off, convincing herself that she was a "crazed animal, beseeched with need." She still believes that she has a chance with Patrick, the "nice guy", and feels that Davis is only interested in sex.

She couldn't be anymore wrong.

Patrick and Jill go out for coffee and then to an indie bookstore. He asks her what her favorite kind of book to read is, and while she knows it is racy romances that she enjoys, she has a hard time admitting this to him. So instead she lies and discusses a book that her brother has talked about several times. She questions herself why she is so afraid to let him know this tiny detail about herself...

She is scared to let him in. Is it because she has been hurt before? Or because she isn't comfortable with Patrick in general?

Davis and Jill have private rehearsal sessions. During the rehearsal, they have another wild sexual encounter on the stage in front of an empty theatre. Their sexual relationship is red hot, wild, and exciting. However, Jill knows that Davis isn't interested in a romantic relationship. She is confused as to what his motives are, and imagines the worst.



Later, Patrick and Jill go bowling. She enjoys being around him because he is drama free. They enjoy each other's company, but it is clear this isn't a "date". Later on, Davis learns they went out and becomes jealous. They go backstage and they have another sexual encounter. Davis asks Jill to forgive him for being a jealous jerk. She of course does forgive, after what he does to her...

Davis breaks his rules and asks Jill out on a date to a nice restaurant. He reserves a table in the furthest corner way in the back, but not because he doesn't want to be seen... Rather he doesn't want anyone to see what he asks her to do while they wait for their dinner.

*Fans myself with the book*

Davis asks Jill out to another date to a big Broadway event. He buys her a beautiful sapphire dress for her to wear. At the event, she sees him for what he is; a powerful presence in the world of the New York City performing arts! This turns her on, and makes her like him even more...

Patrick who??

Unfortunately, everyone has their claws hooked into Davis at the event. His ex-girlfriend Madeline is there, (the woman who destroyed him and broke his heart), and his sister Michele threatens Jill to back off her brother...

Michele tells Jill not to play with her brother's heart.

At the event, Jill and Davis escape into the bathroom where they have another sexual encounter in front of the bathroom mirrors. After this, Davis tells Jill he loves her. Jill is completely blindsided by this, and she runs.

Davis doesn't hear from her for days. He is heartbroken, and feels used and rejected.

Unable to take it any longer, Davis shows up at Jill's apartment. He finds her in her bed, clutching a note. She hands it to him and he reads it and things become more clear. Years ago, Jill's boyfriend committed suicide. Davis stays the night and holds her close to him all night, comforting her when she needs it the most.

The next day Jill and her brother burn the letter that has haunted her for years.

The main star, Alexis, who is supposed to play Ava, drunkenly trips and hurts her knee during rehearsal. Her doctor tells her she will be in crutches for 4-6 weeks... Jill is told that she will be playing Ava in "Crash The Moon."

Jill does amazing during her first Broadway Show. The crowd goes crazy and Davis is proud of her. Her "high" crashes down fast when she finds out Davis will be going to London for two months to work on a new show, "Twelfth Night." However, Davis tells her it is part of his contract to be able to come home one day every week so he won't have to be apart from her the entire two months.

The next morning in his loft, Davis asks Jill if she will move in with him. She very happily accepts his offer, since her roommate is getting married and she needs to find somewhere to live anyways.

"Crash The Moon" is nominated for an award and Davis and Jill will be walking the red carpet at the 68th Annual Tony Awards, as an ENGAGED couple. Davis asks Jill to marry him and she says YES.

This book was very racy, erotic, thrilling, and sexy. I absolutely loved witnessing the romance that was building up between Davis and Jill. They both had the same suspicions about each other, even though they didn't realize that the other was thinking what they were thinking. They were so perfect for each other, and in the end they both got a love that didn't hurt.

5 stars. Lauren Blakely has a new reader and fan!

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH MAN. THE THEATRE DIRECTOR-ACTRESS TROPE. WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME ABOUT THIS BOOK EARLIER.

This one reminded me so much of Lucy Parker's Pretty Face. Maybe the age difference wasn't as obvious here & there was a lot more graphic Hot Stuff, but I'm definitely recommending it to everyone who loved Pretty Face because the same fun aspect was still there.

THE HOT STUFF THOUGH. REAL HOT AND NICE. SCALDING LEVEL.

Both Jill and Davis were likable and the secondary cast of characters were a treat (especially Davis's support squad!! cute). I didn't even mind the instalust ppl mentioned before because the chemistry between the characters worked so well it was totally plausible that they'd try to rip each other's clothes off sooner than later. And really, they tried not to. Valiantly. Loved that stuff. And the relationship developed along with them getting to know each other and sharing their past experiences and it just worked for me that way.

Solid 4 stars from me and a rec 👌

[♡Julalicious Book Paradise♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75/5

review to come.

[Yvette ~ Nose Stuck in a Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Blakely’s Playing with Her Heart is the third book in her Caught Up In Us series and, in my opinion, it’s the best one yet. Blakely writes with such vivid detail that it’s easy to picture the story coming to life. The characters are three-dimensional, with detailed backstories that provide insight into their current states of mind. I was captivated by the two protagonists, Jill and Davis, who are two very similar characters, both haunted by their past, which has made them more cautious when it comes to opening up to someone. I connected with these two characters, more so than any other previous protagonists because they bare themselves in the pages of this book, exposing their strengths and weaknesses in such a way that makes them both accessible and likable.

Fans of the series will recognize Jill from the two previous books as an aspiring actress, although we got to know her only as Kat’s and Reeve’s friend. Those books only scratched the surface of Jill’s character, while Playing with Her Heart reveals her innermost thoughts and vulnerabilities. Jill’s love interest, Davis, is a prominent director with whom she has an undeniable attraction. The romance between Jill and Davis is interspersed with the inner workings of a Broadway musical, which I know little about (unless you count watching Smash). It was fascinating to engage in the behind-the scenes drama in addition to the drama on stage.

Davis is an Alpha male, whose dominant persona is incredibly sexy and commanding. Being a director, Davis views the world with a critical eye, gaining knowledge by observing those around him. His description of watching Jill on stage in the prologue is breathtakingly beautiful, but it’s only a glimpse into the intense emotional and physical connection that the two characters share. They have an easy camaraderie as well as off-the-charts chemistry and they are constantly shrouded by a tension so thick and palpable, it seems as if they’re about to rip each other’s clothes off at any given moment.

Of the three books in the Caught Up In Us series, Playing with Her Heart is by far my favorite, not only because it shows Blakely’s continuous evolution as a writer, but because of my love for the two main characters. Learning the motivations behind Davis and Jill’s actions helped me to better understand their characters, and to share in both their joy and heartache. I also enjoyed getting updates on characters from the earlier stories that I’ve come to know and love. It’s my not-so-secret wish that Lauren Blakely will somehow find new characters with which to continue this series, especially if it means getting a peak at Davis and Jill’s future.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shey‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Review copy provided for an honest review

5 STARS

Lauren Blakely has done it again with her third book in the Caught Up In Us series, Playing With Her Heart and I have to say is now my favorite. Ms. Blakely has a unique contemporary writing style but in this book she steps outside of the box and made this one edgy, sensual and more emotional. She broached a tough subject that hit especially hard for me and had the tears flowing, however, she made it worth everyone and her delivery and acceptance of such was phenomenal.

From the moment we meet Jill in the first book Caught Up In Us I loved her, she is that best friend everyone wants, putting herself out there for everyone else, caring, supportive, fun and snarky. Then we are faced with the real truths that in the end Jill is a very good actress and sometimes times pretending isn’t fun anymore.

In steps Davis Milo, you could feel the power he commanded as a Director flow off the pages but not only that he carried such raw magnetism I could have sworn my Kindle was vibrating! From sweet nothings to downright dirty talking, Davis Milo is beyond words. Yet he can see through Jill and into the real person she is and not the person she tries to be and although he tries to fight the attraction he knows he’s lost to her.

The passion between Jill and Davis could be felt from the moment that they meet. The torment that Jill is going through on her own was written so well I felt like I was feeling it with her. The turmoil that Davis struggles with to protect himself was as if I could feel it in my own heart. Ms. Blakely knows how to write beautifully flawed characters that are perfect for each other even if it takes a while for them to get there.

It’s not been a secret that I have loved Ms. Blakely’s books but this one she really out did herself on. We are immersed into these lives that it’s as almost as if you can feel the tears that fall or the soft caress of lips. She makes you want to be that character to live in that moment in time with them and help them with their pain or celebrate their joys. This is what makes me want to read each and every day.

There has always been a bit of drama of course we can’t forget the humor that we have come to love about the books that Lauren Blakely has given us, yet in Playing With Her Heart I have to say we see a more of an erotic side to Ms. Blakely’s writing and I really liked seeing that side of her.

[AG Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It rook me a couple of days to work out my thoughts on this. As a theatre geek, I loved the book. I liked the H, Davis, an accomplished musical theatre director. I liked the h, Jill, an up and coming actress who is chosen for the chorus and as understudy for the lead in her first Broadway production. Both have been burned by relationships in the past, and healing from the past is a big part of their burgeoning relationship. Their attraction was undeniable, but welcoming that attraction was problematic.

As much as I loved seeing this story come together during the weeks of rehearsing the show, it was missing something. I feel like there are chunks of character sketch missing for both Jill and Davis. For one thing, by following certain clues scattered in the book, I have to assume Davis is about 30 years old. He delayed college for a year, then finished college, became a director, and won 2 Tony's and an Oscar. While not entirely implausible, that is stretching the boundaries of belief. The timelines didn't add up for me. As for Jill, we know her past. We know what happened to her and how she dealt with it afterward. I'm not sure I ever really got to know her, though. Layers of her personality are left too transparent, and maybe the character development suffered due to so much detail about the production and repetitive angst over her past and made-up obssession.

I have to say -- and any performers reading this review please forgive me -- I was looking forward to the chaos of tech week, and then disappointed when no mention was made of it. The author missed a big opportunity by not including it, especially after going into such detail previously. Tech week would have been the time to show how this couple copes with high stress together both personally and professionally. This was the author's chance to prove that Davis and Jill can make it as a couple in demanding careers. It didn't happen, and I think the book suffered for it.

On the surface, this is probably a 4.5 star read, if you don't look too deeply. For me, it is no more than 4 stars, but still a solid book and enjoyable.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically written story that pulled me in. It made me feel happy, it was compelling, and intense. I loved the characters, how they developed and grew. When they were playful with one another it was wonderful and when it was serious it was so emotional. I loved it all!

I think Jill McCormick and Davis Milo are great characters. From the start I’m curious about both of them and their pasts. Davis is drawn to Jill and her to him but they both seem to be in major denial even though the pull they have on one another is obvious. As the story moves along, the two of them together is intense. I think everything unfolds perfectly and really enjoyed it. I was captured by Jill and Davis, their romance, and how they came together.

I really enjoyed the fact that this story is written from different POV’s. I always think it’s fun to see a woman through a guys point of view. I also liked the fact that Davis only has eyes for Jill. He is so darn sweet and I had a few awwww moments while reading. I loved the fact that he was possessive in a loving way and not a caveman way. I enjoyed Jill’s POV’s as well, watching her grow and come to terms with her past. She was so guarded for so long, opening up truly made her stronger in the end.

There were a lot of hot scenes, there’s a nice build. Davis sure has a way with words – he’s a talker, he’s got a nice yet dirty mouth *cough*. I like how the sex scenes are written, they didn't seem cheesy or overdone.

There was also some series subject matter in this book and I thought it was artfully woven. I thought it was gripping and relevant. The foreshadowing for it was well written also.

Perfect mix of drama and lightheartedness. I was completely absorbed!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[All Booked Out · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are in for a Steamy & Emotional Ride!
Davis Milo is the ideal Man! If he was a Biscuit he would be a Cookie, Hard and sometimes a bit tough to break on the outside but take off the top and there is a sweet, soft, lickable centre!

You Will Fall In Love With Jill, I did, she is Wonderful You are routing for her the whole way through, i shed a tear for her, was her cheerleader, and shouted Go Girl when., Well You know When!

Jill is not a sniveller for no reason, she doesn't run or whinge for no reason, neither character does, it is all done for the story, nothing is drawn out, everything is just right. Nothing in it which had me wanting to chuck the kindle at the wall, as just when i am normally at the point when i think they are going to get half a book out of this now, i was like, well goodness me...it is being sorted.....well done Lauren....this was like all the Rom-com's i enjoyed when i was younger with the 'boom box in the rain' moments and they don't make them like they used to do.... encompassed into a book. I can see this on the screen. I can see the takeaway moment in my head right now on the screen. Rom-com with an 18* rating on it ;-) seriously steamy!!!! my car steamed up reading this waiting yesterday. A HOT-TOTTIE-TY-HOT Read

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't my favorite one so far. Jill was a difficult character to like at times. I didn't like how she was trying to get with Patrick but still sleeping with Davis. I truly felt he deserved better. We did eventually find out why Jill was messed up when it came to relationships. Thankfully in the end she was able to move on from her past and get her happy ending.

[Anncleire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Launch on my blog August 20th
Review + Except + Giveaway
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...

This book is so so so good it needs six, seven, ten stars!








“I want the best on stage for this. I want someone who is fresh and amazing and who is going to blow the audience away. I don’t want a diva. I want the next star. That woman. Jill McCormick. I want to read stories and say in Paybills for years to come that she got her first break, her first Broadway show, when she was cast as Ava in our show. She is going to be a star. I want to be the one who discovered her.”

“Playing with her heart” mi è capitato per le mani per caso. Ho partecipato al Cover Reveal circa un mese fa e me ne sono innamorata. E oggi sono fiera di poter partecipare al suo Book Launch, grazie a InkSlinger PR, perché vi assicuro che questo libro è QUALCOSA DI INCREDIBILE. E mi dispiace tantissimo di non aver scoperto prima questa scrittrice che non solo ha un talento straordinario ma è di una gentilezza unica. E non vedo l’ora di leggere il resto della serie.


Quando stai recitando il ruolo di una vita, come puoi sapere se l’amore è reale o fa solo parte dello show?
La ventitreenne nascente star del teatro Jill McCormick ha costruito la sua vita sulle pretese. Ha preteso di essere felice, ha preteso che le sue cotte a distanza portassero a qualcosa di reale, ha preteso di non essere perseguitata da un oscuro segreto che ha distrutto il suo mondo sei anni prima. Scelta per il suo primo show a Broadway, ha disperatamente bisogno di mantenere la sua maschera intatta, ma questo è successo prima di incontrare il suo devastante nuovo capo…
Il regista Davis Milo sa qual è la prima regola della regia: mai innamorarsi della protagonista femminile. Catturato dal talento ancora acerbo di Jill, combatte i suoi sentimenti, ma guardare Jill sul palco con un altro uomo è più di quello che la sua gelosia può sopportare. Tenere le cose professionali non è un’opzione. Lui vuole tutto di lei.
Presto la ragazza e il suo regista rimangono fino a tardi nel teatro vuoto, le loro prove private finiscono in un nuovo, proibito territorio. Catturata in mezzo alla finzione e la realtà. Jill lotta per trovare la verità in tutti i loro baci sul palco. Ma come può essere sicura che tutto quello che prova è reale, e non fa parte dell’opera teatrale? E quando due persone trascorrono tutte le loro vite pretendendo, cosa succede quando il sipario alla fine si chiude?


Non so neanche da dove cominciare in questa recensione per descrivere la meraviglia che è questo libro, davvero, uno dei più belli che abbia letto quest’anno. In realtà pensandoci razionalmente non so che cosa mi abbia incantato in maniera così definitiva, davvero lo ignoro, eppure non posso fare a meno di pensarci, eppure ne sono rimasta affascinata. La storia non ha nulla di particolarmente originale, abbiamo lei bella e insicura, lui super fico e incredibilmente sicuro di sé, l’atmosfera romantica e imprevedibile di Broadway come può accadere in altri libri. Ma il mix è shakerato così bene da renderlo irresistibile.
A partire dai personaggi. La storia, narrata da entrambi i punti di vista, quello di Jill e quello di Davis si dipana nell’arco di qualche mese e naturalmente ha tutte le caratteristiche per essere entrare nel cuore. Jill è una ragazza alle prime armi, che si sta affacciando al mondo dei grandi musical di Broadway e che sogna la sua grande occasione. Ha le capacità, il talento e i sentimenti per essere una grande protagonista, ma naturalmente c’è la diva di turno a mettersi in mezzo. Ma questo non scoraggia l’entusiasmo di Jill che anzi si getta a capofitto nello studio del copione, anche se sarà solo una sostituta. Ma ciò che rende speciale questo lavoro è il fatto che il protagonista maschile è l’attore su cui fantastica da molto tempo. Una newyorkese doc, Jill è all’apparenza felice e appagata della sua vita, ma in realtà si porta dietro un dolore indicibile che la blocca e le impedisce di essere davvero soddisfatta. Fingere è quello che fa meglio, fingere è l’unico modo per andare avanti. Ed è per questo che fare l’attrice le riesce così bene, perché può catalizzare tutto quello che si porta dietro e rilasciarlo in un ambiente controllato, questo le dà sicurezza ma le impedisce di vivere qualcosa di “reale”, di passionale, qualcosa capace di rivoltarla come un calzino.
E qui compare Davis, con il suo fisico scolpito, i suoi meravigliosi occhi blu notte, la sua capacità di scrutarla e capirla, che manda all’aria qualsiasi sua sicurezza e la invita ad immergersi in qualcosa di tangibile, sconvolgente e tutto fuorchè immaginario. Niente con Davis è artefatto, tutto è brutalmente vero. Regista per professione, pugile nel tempo libero, adora il suo lavoro ed è un fiero sostenitore dello spremere i suoi attori per avere il miglior risultato possibile. Appena posa gli occhi su Jill sa che la vuole nel suo spettacolo e nella sua vita. Davis ha sofferto, ha avuto il cuore spezzato, ma ormai è pronto per avere di più. Un po’ bossy, incredibilmente sexy nella sua camicia bianca, provocatore e incredibilmente hot, non si può resistere a Davis, non quando lui ti investe con tutta la sua persona. Non solo sconvolge Jill ma è anche capace di aprirle gli occhi e di regalarle un’esperienza indimenticabile. Geloso, incapace di sentirsi di no, tenace è tutto quello che si vuole da un uomo. Ma anche lui ha i suoi difetti ed è lontano dall’essere perfetto, ma questo non gli impedisce di essere indimenticabile.
Il contorno dei personaggi secondari è ricco e molto interessante, a partire dai cammei dei personaggi dei libri precedenti della serie per proseguire con Chris il fratello di Jill e Michele la sorella di Davis, entrambi desiderosi di proteggere i propri cari.
Una cosa molto bella del libro è la scelta musicale che accompagna momenti speciali della trama: “Madness” dei miei adorati Muse e “Falling slowly” di Glen Hansard, quella del film Once (per me legata ad un pomeriggio stupendo…) non solo io adoro queste canzoni, ma sono azzeccatissime per evidenziare al meglio le scene in cui appaiono e la Blakely è stata straordinaria nell’amalgamarle nella storia senza farle stonare.
Il contorno che New York regala alla storia è perfetto, la Grande Mela, la città che non dorme mai ha quel giusto mix di passione, sex appeal, romanticismo e sfrenatezza che consente alla storia di uscirne vincente. Broadway, con il suo teatro St. James è qualcosa di magnificente e ho adorato ogni singola descrizione. È questo che mi ha colpito della storia, la romance viene costruita come si fa con una casa, dalle fondamenta. È tutto graduale, la conoscenza shoccante, l’attrazione irresistibile, i sentimenti che nascono dalla conoscenza, dalla condivisione, dallo stare insieme. E la dichiarazione di tali emozioni non si riduce a un “ti amo” ma è un affermare di esserci e di continuare a condividere una vita che corre veloce.

Il particolare da non dimenticare? Una felpa rossa…

Passioni, gelosie, prove, debutti e scene infuocate (quella al ristorante è indimenticabile) fanno da contorno ad una storia assolutamente perfetta, a cui non manca niente e a cui non cambierei una virgola. La Blakely è riuscita a creare una romance con i fiocchi che vi lascerà senza fiato. Anche se si tratta del terzo volume della serie “Caught up in us” è possibile leggerlo come uno stand alone. Non fatevelo scappare. Io vado a recuperare TUTTI i libri che ha scritto Lauren Blakely.
Buona lettura guys!


Ringrazio immensamente “InkSlinger PR” per avermi concesso di leggere questo libro in anteprima e Lauren Blakely per aver condiviso la lettura con me, tramite Twitter.

[Cailee Irving · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a free book that is nice but quite cliché.

[The Geekery Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just going to warn you now, I am STILL a bit (actually a LOT) gushy about this book. I sat down last night to go over my review, touch it up, and make sure I didn't leave any thoughts out it, but what I wound up doing was rereading the book again for the 3rd or 4th time. Yup, after driving for 10 hours to get home from Vegas, I stayed up until 3:30 in the morning reacquainting myself with Davis and Jill.


I always enjoy Lauren's style of writing, I love her fun and feisty female characters, her scorching hot sex scenes, and I always love her endings, because she has some of the best happily-ever-after's out there! BUT ,*pause for dramatic effect*, Playing With Her Heart is not like her other work. It's not the light hearted, fun, and flirty I'm used to. It's. So. Much. More. Don't get me wrong, it still has hot as hell sex scenes. Even the almost sex scenes turn up the heat in the room. I saw a piano in a hotel while I was in Vegas, and I seriously think I blushed! But there is a depth to it that isn't in her other books. Jill is in a self-imposed emotional exile, she has an ideal to get the one thing, from the one person, that will fix her. A "love that doesn't hurt". When she was going through an emotional hell, she found something/someone that she could focus on to get her through, to give her hope, but now she comes across a man who makes her "want things that she isn't supposed to have", things she doesn't think she deserves. Davis pursues her despite a broken heart. He loses all his rules because he wants her. He teaches Jill that "It's okay to be scared. It's okay to feel", and what I love about him the most is that he doesn't give up on her when she pushes him away. I know there have been times that I have pushed someone away, but what I really want is them to push right back, show they care. Davis understands that she's not the one who did the hurting, she's the one who got hurt and was made to believe it was her fault, so he puts aside his own insecurities about love, and they both embrace the fact that you have to take a risk and feel, both the good and bad, in order to obtain your happily-ever-after.


I'm not sure how to rate Playing With Her Heart. While it's definitely a 5 star read, there are a handful of books that I connect with on an emotional level that put them in a special category. The ones where you can picture exactly where you were curled up reading when that connection hit you, where you remember every emotion you had while reading them. For me, this is definitely one of those. If you have read any of Lauren's other books, you are going to want to read this one! If you haven't, you are still going to want to read it. Her books link characters, but can be read as stand alones without any confusion. Davis and Jill's story is one everyone should read!! (And a little side note: I LOVE the duel POVs!!)





A couple of my favorite lines:





"If only my eReader could vibrate."





"Because my body's going one way, but the rest of me is my usual messed-up, mixed-up, fucked-up self, and I have no idea what to do with these veiled questions that feel a lot like foreplay."