The Player

Club Southside #7

by Delta James

A brilliant FBI linguist and a sexy-as sin Cerberus operative go undercover as a married couple. Two players. One game. What could possibly go wrong?

Hope is a brilliant codebreaker and FBI linguist, accustomed to cracking the toughest puzzles the world has to offer. When she uncovers a dangerous criminal organization with global reach, she finds herself in over her head and turns to the only person she can trust—her ex, Royce Sanders, and his elite team at Cerberus.

Seth, is a suave Cerberus operative known for his charm and a favorite among the subs at the club. Though he's spent recent years behind the scenes as a communications specialist, Seth can’t resist the call to protect his best friend’s ex, especially when it means going undercover with Hope as her husband.

As they dive into their roles, the line between duty and desire blurs, and the fake relationship they’re playing starts to feel all too real. The deeper they go into the criminal organization's web, the more layers of deceit they uncover, betrayal, and secrets that test their loyalty to each other and their respective agencies.

With the fate of nations at stake, Hope and Seth must navigate a treacherous path filled with danger and deception. Will they complete their mission and protect their growing love, or will the tangled web they've woven around themselves unravel in the face of danger?

The Player is a pulse-pounding addition to the Club Southside series. This electrifying romantic suspense thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat as Hope and Seth race against time to save the day—and discover if love can truly survive in the shadowy world of spies and seduction.

Genres: Mystery, BDSM

203 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2024

About the author

As a USA Today bestselling romance author, Delta James aims to captivate readers with stories about complex heroines and the dominant alpha males who adore them. For Delta, romance is more than just a love story; it’s a journey with challenges and thrills along the way.

After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels, and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and white-water rafting.

Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally with as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/34898....

Reviews

[Pene|ope • Reading Slump, Send Help · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a copy/paste of my notes:

Right off the bat the author is doing too much to make this guy seem awesome.

"With expert precision, Seth returned fire, his aim deadly. The guards were no match for him, falling one after another as they tried to stop the escape."

"One by one, Seth dispatched them. A swift knife to the throat here, a chokehold there. He moved like a shadow, a phantom in the night."

"Ignoring it, Seth moved through the guards on the inside like a swift, deadly wraith—ending them before they ever really knew he was there."

We get it, he's the best operative ever.

Hmmm. I don't understand what's going on or why this undercover organization is attached to a BDSM club??? ...other than that it gave a reason for there to be a bunch of barely detailed D/s scenes at the center of this entire book.

It's an interconnected standalone, but it's very clear that the author expects you to have read the 6 books that came before this because nothing is explained to set this story up. Why is the FBI working with this random paramilitary organization? Events from a previous book that have bearing on characters in this book are only casually mentioned before the story moves on like we all know what happened between these characters already.

At times these are some of the worst undercover operatives istg:

1. She can't even fake not being tense around him in public when they're supposed to be in a D/s relationship AND married. He constantly has to tell her to relax and get in character to not give them away.

2. Talking about their mission and their tasks in a room given to them by the enemy, and then like 5 minutes later when an alarm goes off, suddenly they both initially think of how they can't speak about the mission in that room because they don't know if it was bugged or not. If it was bugged then, it was bugged for the first conversation too, like wtf. They're behind enemy lines and talking about this stuff when they know they're being watched....

3. Do they not realize that having the enemy's system hacked on the very first night this new couple was accepted into their club (because in this world the cartel is runs out of a BDSM club for some reason) would look hella suspicious? Why are they going all in on hacking and sneaking into off limits areas when they're still being vetted on their first night there by everyone involved with the club??

4. They had a party at their house where the creepy guy was invited, and they didn't scan their house for bugs or cameras afterward before they started freely talking about their mission. They're not only working to bring down a highly dangerous organization, but they're also trying to bring down a mole in their own organization. Why would they be this careless?

5. Oh and when they moved into the townhouse, knowing that the guy they were sent to watch lived only two townhouses away, they just started talking about the mission in the front yard and she was still glaring at him anytime he breathed. How are these people the best for this job?

Wrapped up way too quickly for how dangerous they kept saying it all was. Skipped a bunch that happened too.

Aside from all of that, this was entertaining. It passed the time and I didn't feel like DNFing. The couple was cute together. Could have been a 2.5 star for me, but I was really interested for the majority of the book and it didn't piss me off. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

TO HIM, HOPE WAS EVERYTHING

The story is the seventh in the Club Southside series and is a spinoff from some of the other books that will include several main characters that revolve around the Baker Street BDSM club. The Southside Club is an American version of Baker Street in London, including a Cerberus office.

I think this was the most intense, heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat mystery of the good, the bad, and the ugly in people. When two people, who know each other, are thrust together in a covert operation, they must make others believe they are a loving married couple who embraces the BDSM lifestyle. Hope Pearson and Seth Newcomb aren’t just playing at a club, they are in a fight to take down a cartel while staying alive. But can they pull off acting as a loving married couple?

“We need to be careful. Whoever the mole is, they’re not going to make it easy for us. And if they suspect anything…”

Hope Pearson is a brilliant codebreaker and FBI linguist. She must turn to Cerberus when she uncovers a dangerous cartel. Seth Newcomb has secretly had feelings for Hope, and when it is decided that they are to work together as a married couple to infiltrate the cartel, he hopes that it will lead to more. But first, they must present as a happily married couple living a D/s lifestyle.

“He tilted her chin up, forcing her to look into his eyes. Her gaze was filled with a mix of emotions—fear, desire, defiance—and he knew she was on the edge, teetering between control and surrender.”

The story is brilliant and intense. When Hope and Seth enter the field undercover as a married couple, their lives change, and things go from pretense to desire. But they can’t allow emotions to overrule the life-and-death danger they will be facing. They enter the underbelly world controlled by the Obsidian Cartel. Seth must let men like Hargrove and Valente know upfront that he doesn’t share Hope—they can watch but not touch. They must perform scenes as they would at Baker Street in London at a private club where they will be picked up and taken. The deeper undercover, the more danger they experience, and the trust they must have for each other. Will they be able to strike the Cartel and discover who the mole is within Cerberus? They must face their demons, fight the battles, defeat the enemy, and hope they come out on the other side stronger—together.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I absolutely love reading these books Club Southside and this is book seven, we meet Seth is a confident communications specialist for Cerberus. Hope works for the FBI as a linguist, and a codebreaker, she doesn't trust to easy after her ex Royce. When Hope and Seth need to act as husband and wife after uncovering an organisation, Seth being a Dominant he wants Hope to be submissive except the trickery he pulled at the club so now will she forgive him and learn to trust him and continue with the job they were given.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve waited for Seth’s story and it didn’t disappoint: full of action, suspense, and danger! Hope is a character who’s strong, but closed in emotionally. I would have liked more interactions between them, but the BDSM scenes were well written and sexy. The tension between them felt abbreviated in some instances. Delta James seems to just have this great insight about where each series is going and I enjoy reading her books.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lottie Hildenbrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was pretty good. It’s short so it’s a quick read. The story is full of suspense so it’s hard to tear yourself away. It includes some pretty intense BDSM scenes so it might not be for some readers. I thought the characters were well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mandy Grepares · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to read Seth and Hope's story! Seth has always had his sights on Hope, but circumstances prevented him from claiming her. A global threat throws them together as they go undercover to prevent it from happening. Hope's past made her guarded and fearful of love. Seth continued to work past her walls until they came crumbling down. This book kept me guessing until the end!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Liz Sadowsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seth and Hope’s story is non stop action start to finish. They have to learn to work together to take down a Cartel threat, plus find the mole at Cerberus, while trying to figure out their own relationship. It’s a great read as they work through all the obstacles placed before them to finally get to their HEA.

[Mrs R · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I have not read any of the previous books in the series. I think reading them would have added to the back story of the characters, but I think this can be read as a standalone.

Seth has a thing for Hope, but she's not interested. There is a reference to her previous relationship with Royce (different book in the series), and it's put her off. He works for Cerberus as an operative, and Hope is a codebreaker/linguist from the FBI - they have to work together undercover as a married couple.

So, their objective seemed to change throughout the book. I thought they were trying to find a mole within Cerberus, but they seemed to spend most of their time trying to infiltrate Citadel. What totally confused me was the fact that both Cercerus and Citadel were both tightly linked to BDSM clubs - I mean, why? And also, what a really strange coinsidance! That did mean that Seth & Hope, who both have D/s kink, were able to perform in scenes in order to gain trust with the enemy. For me as a reader, this link was such a stretch, and it seemed like it was only there so that the D/s scenes could be part of the story - it was way to far fetched to be anywhere believeable that a high security firm would be based in a BDSM club, and have several club locations around the world.

The BDSM D/s scenes were in a bit of detail, but any other steamy scene was fade to black - and from memory, there was only one.

Considering they were both highly trained operatives in their own areas, they made some serious rookie mistakes. Holding a dinnner party at their 'fake' home - way too dangerous to let stranger wander around where damaging evidence might be. Not run a security check after the party? They might as well have just asked the enemy to plant bugs whilst they were there. They have conversations in Cerberus's club rooms and don't think to check whether there are cameras or microphonnes. At one point they break into Cerberus to gain intel, and then get completely distracted and walk out with nothing.

This was not the book for me. Too much didn't make sense or didn't add up for me.

- romantic suspense
- he falls first
- fake relationship
- BDSM clubs
- D/s kink


*Potential Spoilers*
These next bits really pulled me out of the story, more so than the stuff mentioned above, as with a little bit of research, it could have been avoided.
At one point, when Seth & Hope escape, they separate. Seth heads off in a car from London and he ends up in Calais, sorts out what he needs to and then 'gets a taxi to Paris' to catch a flight.....that would be a 2-3 hour taxi ride as Paris is nowhere near Calais.
Hope ends up in a helicopter from London to Monoco....after a quick google search, this shows it's impossible as a helicopter cannot fly 800 miles. Only for them to then turn around and catch a flight back to London the next morning, so why go so far?

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE PLAYER is the seventh instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult CLUB SOUTHSIDE erotic, BDSM , romantic suspense series. This is Cerberus operative Seth Newcomb , and FBI agent Hope Pearson’s story line. THE PLAYER can be read as a stand alone but for back story I recommend reading the series in order


NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including scenes of BDSM, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.


Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Seth and Hope) THE PLAYER follows FBI Agent Hope Pearson and Cerberus operative Seth Newcomb as they are tasked with infiltrating the high end, English $ex club The Citadel, ferreting out the organization known as the Obsidian Cartel but operating as a married couple in the BDSM lifestyle hides a barely veiled tempestuous relationship between Seth and Hope. Months earlier, Hope experienced the ultimate betrayal with the added injury of a perceived betrayal by the people at the top but forced to work alongside a man she partially blames for her inability to trust, Hope finds herself falling for the man who will risk his own life to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The world follows the search for clues, information and the secrets behind The Citadel, and the Obsidian Cartel but Cerberus suspects a mole within their organization, a mole who is feeding pertinent information to the people Cerberus is trying to take down. With the threats becoming a reality, Seth and Hope find themselves facing down an enemy with an unknown agenda.


The relationship between Seth and Hope is an enemies to lovers ; a fake married in the face of a dangerous undercover operation, that should they fail, would threaten the safety of mankind. Hope continues to struggle with issues of trust but Seth is determined to prove he is worthy of her love. The $ex scenes erotic and impassioned.


The secondary and supporting characters include Cerberus leader Robert Fitzwallace, operatives Sawyer and Wyatt, as well as the requisite evil involved with the Citadel and the Cartel.


THE PLAYER is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, abuse and terrorism, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic and intense; the second chance romance is provocative; the characters are determined and desperate.


copy supplied for review

[Michelle Frater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seth Newcomb has been teasing us with tantalizing glimpses throughout the series, so I was beyond ready to dive into his story. But I have to admit my excitement took a hit right out of the gate. The James Bond-style prologue had me raising an eyebrow, and not in a good way. Was this guy for real? Sure, the Cerberus operatives are supposed to be top-tier, but this scenario bordered on the absurd. Cue dramatic eye-roll. Things didn’t improve much when Seth waltzed back to Baker Street and dove headfirst into a blindfolded Shibari scene with Hope—without her knowing it was him. Yeah, you read that right. He knew she’d flip when she found out, and surprise, surprise—she did. Honestly, I completely understood her fury. I mean, come on. That’s not just playing with fire; that’s pouring gasoline on the trust issues. And just when you think the drama can’t get worse, Hope is forced to go undercover as Seth’s loving wife. Ugh. The cringe factor was real. After the whole London incident, Hope is visibly tense every time Seth so much as breathes near her—not exactly the vibe you want in a couple supposedly dripping with long-standing D/s chemistry. Then there’s the undercover mission itself, which is riddled with issues. Like being invited to the cartel’s BDSM club with little more than a conversion, talking about their mission in places they absolutely shouldn’t. And when they infiltrate the Citadel, they hack into the system as if no one would think it might look a little suspicious, just when two new members had joined? Oh, and let’s not forget—Hope is a linguist and codebreaker, not a hacker. So, how did she manage that? I half expected them to crack the system with “password123.” The plot is littered with moments that had me either facepalming or chuckling at the sheer absurdity. And after all that buildup? The resolution felt… well, anticlimactic. That said, while this might not have been the grand finale I hoped, I don’t regret the ride. Seth’s story may not have been what I wished for, but I’m still intrigued by the Cerberus universe and eager to see what Delta comes up with next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally give advice unless asked… but I’m going to give advice: get this story, read it but do NOT start it before bed time. Give yourself time to read it in one sitting, if possible. Your welcome. ☺️

Delta James’ latest entry to Club Southside, The Player, Book 7, is amazing.

I’ve been waiting for Seth’s story for a loonnngggggg time. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely!

Seth has had his eye on Hope for quite awhile. He’s tried to be cool, but he’s not fooled anyone. Seth had his chance with Hope, but, being a guy, he messed up & Hope ran.

Now, there are rumblings of a mole in Cerberus, one that has caused a LOT of damage, especially since Cerberus often handles extremely sensitive matters.

How to flush the mole out?

Fitz, owner of Cerberus, Baker Street, and Club Southside, (he’s a familiar figure in several series) is an enterprising fellow, and has come up with a plan. A plan that brings Seth and Hope together in an undercover operation that could cost their lives. Seth is all-in; Hope, not so much. Hope has to be convinced. Only the gravity of the threat convinces her.

What follows is a suspenseful, action-packed story. As dangerous as the threat is, however, Seth manages to have another chance to restore Hope’s trust. But what broke that trust? What made Hope vulnerable before Seth hurt her in the first place? Can Seth break down Hope’s emotional walls… and still keep her safe? Things look pretty iffy!

Thank goodness DJ is telling the story!

Will the guy get the girl? Will the girl get the guy? Will they survive the op? Will they get ALL the bad guys?

I could tell you, but why spoil the fun? 😏😉😄

Just… you know… don’t start the book at bedtime.

Thank you Delta James!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book seven in The Club Southside series and it is Hope and Seth’s story. Hope is a FBI linguist and professional codebreaker but when she uncovers a criminal organisation which is not only dangerous but also has a global reach she realised that she needs help and also someone who she can trust and that is the elite team at Cerberus where her ex boyfriend works. Seth works as an operative for Cerberus but spends most of his time behind the scenes as a communications specialist but when he is assigned to work with Hope he can’t say no. Hope and Seth will be undercover as a married couple and will have to look the real deal if they are to uncover who is responsible and also who is the mole in there organisation but this will all happen at the club which is a dom/sub and Hope is concerned because she had never done anything like this before and she doesn’t want to let anyone down or put her’s and Seth’s life in danger if everything goes wrong so trust is going to be the biggest issue and problem. What happens when fake suddenly starts to feel so real and the noose around there necks is tightening every single day, will they complete what they need to do by concentrating on there assignment by bringing down the cartel consortium and eliminating the mole in there group as well so that they can then see if Hope and Seth can have a future together. Wow I have read all the books in this series and have enjoyed them all but I have to say that this book is definitely one of my favourites of this series. I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting because it was so addictive and a real page turner that had you on the edge of your seat and I can’t wait to read more books by this author in the future.

[Martha Beck · Rating 2 out of 5]

One line ruined the whole book for me and the constant repetitions didn't help. The Player is the seventh and last book in the Club Southside series. It is a 199-page book that I think misses the mark. As has become clear, something is going on with not only Ms. James writing but with the editor and proof-readers. As you read through the Club Southside, Syndicate Masters, Mystic River, Otter Cove and Alaskan Tails, which I have, it becomes obvious that the descriptions of the love-making scenes has a cheat sheet of all the naughty words and names of body parts that need to be in the descriptions. That alone gets boring and frustrating. The constant and increasing repetitions start to become unbearable. It would be a good drinking game to read through them all and count the phrase, 'dance as old as time'. The next problem with this book is the scope of the book. It sets out to wrap up the series, get Seth and Hope together, clarify why Royce broke up with Seth, find out who the mole is, and I think it tries to lay the groundwork for another series or possibly for the Carriage House to take over the hunt. The book was able to answer some of the issues, muddy other issues and out-right make a mockery of Cerebus, it's Doms and their attitudes and their maturity. At least it did for me. I've rarely been so angry and disappointed at an author for the descriptions of a character. To say Ms. James put Royce in a bad light, in my opinion, is putting it mildly.
I have always loved Ms. James work, and I have to say I own a very large portion of her overall work. I'm beginning to rethink my automatic purchase of each new book when it comes out.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my free and honest opinion.

[Harper’s Home · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Player (Club Southside book 7 in the series) is an entertaining, attention grabbing, fast read. I love this series and can’t wait for the next.

This story is about Seth who works for Cerberus in Chicago. He is getting unsettled since he hasn’t been in the field for a long time and decides to change that. His first op back in the field is filled with tension as you turn each page.

After said mission he ends up in London at Baker Street the original life style club owned by Fitz Wallace who also is the owner of Cerberus.

Fitz asks him to do a favor and when he sees who it involves he can’t say no. It’s for his “one that never was” Hope. This favor goes all kinds of wrong.

Hope works for the FBI and is trying to crack the Obsidian Cartel. She’s not been undercover in years and the FBI wants Cerberus to take over this job. Hope stands her ground and a deal is struck for Cerberus to be jointly involved. The problem is Seth is to be her undercover husband.

This tale has great twist and turns with new discoveries around every corner. Danger is the main character in this book and another villain is introduced with concerning threats. He is known as the Cobra.

Though this story is from a series, it can be read as a standalone. But then you’ll miss out on the nuances you learn from each book about all the characters that reoccur and have interactions.

Happy Reading📖🌻

I received an advance copy of this book for free via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest unbiased review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh, I've been waiting for Seth's story, and it did not disappoint. If you're up to speed with the Cerberus bunch, you know Seth has pined for Hope for quite a while (pined, lusted, loved... he has wanted hee badly). She, not so much (for reasons all her own). Then, poof - they're married! (for an op, gotcha) Yeah, I was waiting for the fireworks to start as they head deep underground - literally. Delta, ever the master at manipulating her character's situations and environments, comes up with some real show-stoppers in The Player. With the level of clarity and detail, I could close my eyes and practically feel the ambiance and anticipation that hung in the extravagantly appointed aire of the club.

While Seth and Hope were on a mission to take down an outside entity, they also had to contend with internal struggles. Trust and control were key issues with Hope, something Seth realized but couldn't nudge her through... and they were on the clock. Would she find find her footing and settle her mind in time, or would everything blow up in their faces? They were on their own, and the number of those they could trust was dwindling rapidly.

This was a non-stop action/suspense romance that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat. I was fortunate to receive a gift copy and voluntarily leave this review. I highly recommend this standalone book, though for the best reading experience I suggest reading the series in order. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Morgana Lefaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this book, Delta James is back on form. It’s true, as some reviewers have noted, that it requires a major suspension of disbelief to accept that the enemy cartel works out of a BDSM club, but if you’ve already accepted that Cerberus, the security agency in this series, works out of a BDSM club, why not? It’s not like the basic premise of the series is realistic. We read these books as escapist fiction, not a realistic depiction of the world. So yes, the real FBI wouldn’t have paired Hope and Seth and sent them off to infiltrate a BDSM club in order to bring down a cartel, but none of that matters. What matters is, this book is well written and well edited, has a swoon worthy hero, plenty of tension and suspense, some interesting BDSM performances on the part of our chosen couple, and an HEA. So what if they take a helicopter to Monaco for no good reason? I don’t really care that that’s too far away for a helicopter to fly, and that they could have gone to a safe house anywhere in the UK. There was one bit of semi-realism that I appreciated; Hope took a couple of days to decrypt the data she downloaded from the enemyBDSM club, rather than simply waving her hands and decrypting it all immediately. For the rest, I don’t mind the unrealistic premises that the book is full of. I just enjoyed reading it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy, scintillating mystery and thriller romance
Part of a great series dealing with a lifestyle clubs named Baker Street in London and its US equivalent, Club Southside each with Cerberus, a covert operations contingent attached. Fitzwallace who runs the UK Cerberus knows that he has a traitor on the inside. They need to resolve who on the inside is feeding information to the Obsidian Cartel and bring down the cartel for good. They wield a lot of power in the UK and worldwide because it is made up of “philanthropists” who, in actuality, are a group of oligarchs who handle all manner of criminal enterprises including selling arms and human trafficking. They must be stopped.
Fitzwallace calls upon Seth Newcomb who has gotten tired of his desk job for Cerberus and Hope Pearson who is a highly regarded code breaker and FBI linguist. Together they will pretend to be a married couple in the lifestyle to gain entry to where they believe they can find the source of the cartel.
Whoa! I do not know which was more exciting, watching the contentious relationship between Seth and Hope mature or the thrills in finding all the bad guys. Toward the ending this book is a page-turner. Can they make it in time to save the world? Will Seth return to Hope? Lots of fun reading how this all will transpire. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.

[Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read any of the previous books in this series nor the series it’s a spinoff from. At times, sentences felt repetitive like explanation for the Eurotunnel, Valente’s unconscious form between stacked boxes and Seth’s lethal precision skills in every instance on his own.

It seemed strange that Seth worked for the company where there was a mole yet, they seemed to just accept their contacts from said company at face value and also have meetings at said company headquarters without worry that the mole could be watching/listening from all this activity they’re stirring up with the cartel.

With their mission to get into the cartel and figure out who the mole is, I was confused when they invited the enemy contact who lived 2 houses down (and suspicious of them already) to attend a house party and they didn’t even think to search the house for bugs or listening devices after they had all these people wandering around their home but they remembered to set the alarm each time they were in and out of the house.

It was little things like these that stopped me from giving it 5 stars. I did enjoy the overall story and the teamwork between Seth and Hope.

I received an ARC from BookSirens and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

THERES A MOLE

Seth and Hope. He was Cerberus. He was boared. He need to get back out in the field. She was based in London and played at the Baker Street Club. Cerberus headquarters. Although this is a spine tingling suspensful thrilling romance read this Cerberus opprative starts out at the club and OMG what a scene until it wasnt. She goes all bat sh-- crazy on him. These two are going to tear each open and make promises not spoken. Her job isnt what she expected. Shes been betrayed and used just like in Chicago. Just like now. They both crave the thrill of the hunt and the adrenaline rush. Months later back at FBI. New assignment. Suited to her skills. Whatever that meant. It meant they were to work together as man and wife. It will take all their trust to do this.

What a rollercoaster of emotions, clues, suspense, edge of your seat, mystery, thrilling and passionate ride. Watching these two fight their attraction and the journey of giving in, well lets says it takes your breath away. Couldnt put it down just like all the other books. No need to read them for this but let me tell you, you are missing out.

It was nice seeing the charecters from the other Cerberus books.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anika · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Player" by Delta James is an exhilarating blend of suspense, romance, and high-stakes intrigue that pulls readers into a world where trust is as elusive as the criminals Hope and Seth are hunting. The story follows Hope, a sharp and fearless FBI codebreaker, as she partners with the irresistibly charming Cerberus operative Seth. Posing as husband and wife, their mission is as thrilling as it is complicated, with their shared past and undeniable chemistry adding another layer to the tension.

Delta James masterfully crafts a story that’s both heart-racing and seductive, as Hope and Seth navigate a labyrinth of lies and betrayal. The chemistry between them sizzles, making the lines between fake and real emotions deliciously blurred. Fans of romantic suspense will appreciate the balance between fast-paced action and steamy, emotional moments.

An intense and satisfying addition to the Club Southside series, "The Player" keeps readers hooked from start to finish. It’s a must-read for those who love undercover romances with complex characters and plot twists that keep you guessing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shelly Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Hope and Seth's story from Club Southside. We're introduced to a new baddie which brings in evil. Hope use to be involved with Royce but that ended. Fritz brought Seth in to help Hope at Baker Street, but Hope realized and went off on him and Fritz. She retained her issues with Fritz. It's about time someone held a grudge against Fritz for his machinations.

The story is action pack. You understand Hope's issues. You also don't like Royce any better. I didn't like Royce overly much at his book and now I like him even less. I really hope that either Hope or Seth has a "discussion" with him. Hope holds her own. Seth has an understands Hope's concerns and knows they need to go slow to build a strong relationship. While the action takes center stage, the romance and the spice are just as high. This book pulls Cerberus in a new direction against a new enemy as well as two strong characters slowly building their lives together. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I spent a lot of time very confused.
Why is a Black Ops agency using a BDSM club as a front for their black Ops business?
Where is the pivotal back story to help readers who haven't read the previous 6 books?
These guys are terrible at undercover work. They openly talk in a room at the heart of the bad guy's operation, badly fake a reason to leave when the alarms go off, and Hope's physical reaction to Seth is too tense for a madly in love couple.
Also, what is their back story? Even before the very first chapter, they apparently had a history. One we only get lip service for, not the tea.
And, they had to resort to undercover agents because this group was so hard to infiltrate, but everything seemed to get wrapped up in a matter of days.

I enjoyed that not all the bedroom activities were club-related, but I was really confused by the rest.
Seth wasn't too macho to admit his feelings and worries, so bonus points there.
I really did want to like this more.

I received a copy via BookSirens. All opinions are my own.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply wonderful read, Hope and Seth are wonderful characters and storyline will keep you riveted
This was a simply wonderful read and I guarantee that the interaction between Seth and Hope which were extremely tenuous as she had previously been hurt and was not ready to take a chance on anyone else.
Seth is a Master Dom and Hope has always loved the freedom she was able to achieve whilst she was in the safety and escape of the BDSM club. Seth is still working as a member of Cerberus and he now finds himself also working alongside Hope who has become an employee of the same security company.
This has been simply wonderfully written and I have loved the other books in the series and am as always looking forward to future writing.
I cannot recommend this book enough to other readers, you will be captivated and unable to put the book down until you reach the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Player' is the seventh book in Delta James' "Club Southside" series and it's probably the most intense, heart-pounding read of the series. This one kept me on the edge of my seat, but it was so good! Hope Pearson, a brilliant codebreaker and FBI linguist, has been assigned to go undercover to infiltrate the Cartel. She's all in until she finds out she will have Seth Newsome, a Dom and Cerberus Operative, as her partner. There are two caveats to this mission: 1) they are required to present themselves as a married couple who are madly in love and active in the BDSM community, and 2) intel is on a need-to-know basis because a leak within Cerberus' ranks has been uncovered but the mole has yet to be identified. Hope has lost too many people in her life and has put a wall around her heart. Seth has had feelings for Hope for quite some time. Can these two pull together and pull off the mission? It's a hair-raising adventure. What an outstanding storyline.

[Ally A · Rating 4 out of 5]

When FBI linguist Hope Pearson and Cerberus agent Seth Newcomb go undercover as a married couple to infiltrate the Obsidian Cartel, their safety depends on their ability to convince anyone watching that the relationship is indeed real. For Seth, acting as if he has deep feelings for Hope requires no pretense on his part – he has been interested in her for a long time. Now that he’s been officially paired with her, he’s not going to let the opportunity to win her go to waste.

But Hope has issues from the past that make it hard for her to trust in love, especially after Seth has already blown a chance with her. And their assignment will demand every bit of concentration they have, for not only are they trying to bring down the cartel, but they must also expose a mole operating within Cerberus.

The Player is an entertaining page-turner from start to finish that goes by all too quickly.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[PN_booklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - An action packed and suspenseful story which got me reading until the end. However, I almost stopped reading it at the beginning because of the trust and boundaries that was broken due to the actions of Seth and Fitz. To be honest, it was a bit triggering (like seriously, don't go behind someone's back and trick them into a situation that they have expressly said they don't want, even if you think it would be good for them!). This is why I have given it a 3.5 star. I just can't get over it. However, it was interesting to see how Hope was able to overcome her fears and see how Seth tried to repair the broken trust. I guess there's a lesson in that. There are characters and story lines of other books mentioned in this one so it's probably a good idea to read them as well if you really want to get the full back story of the characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two headstrong people, who is in charge though?

After running out after a scene with Seth, Hope (the computer wiz) is tasked with going deep undercover to take down Obsidian Cartel, Seth (military training, hostage rescue) will be her "husband" and they are in the lifestyle. The situation suits Seth but most definitely not Hope (she had been axed by her ex who is Seth's best friend).

Seth allows her the space she needs to lead the mission, to accept herself and ultimately to accept him as her Dom. The two are thrown in the deep end from the night one at Baker Street knowing that there is a mole/traitor in their midst.

The pace is fast, the chemistry is hot from the beginning, the use of technology is cool, the danger just keeps coming, Seth & Hope together are smoking hot and Delta James's words are at their descriptive best, it was if I was watching first hand in a control room.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely an Electrifying Read!

Full of action, Hope and Seth had met before, the sizzling emotions lying dormant in both of them were about to explode. Seth was all in for the assignment and to take their personal feelings further but Hope had been burned in the past and was wary about starting something with him she could never recover from.

As the danger level heats up so does their passion. Seth is a Master Dom and Hope loved to escape within the BSDM club, now working with Seth and Cerberus could they complete their assignment before time ran out?

The suspense and steamy scenes are very welcome and OTT sexy as this author has a way of writing that takes you to another magical world of reading leaving you with a satisfying warm feeling as they fine their HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an emotional and physical rollercoaster ride full of suspense, traitors, BDSM moments, and a terrorist plot. The storyline is intense as Cereberus has to figure out who the traitor is and take down the cartel. There are many threads within this story and the author does an amazing job of keeping them clutter free so the reader can follow them. The characters are well written and even the secondary characters keep the reader on the edge of their seat. This is the seventh book in the series and I was as enthralled as if it was the first. This is Seth and Hope's story and you will be fully enticed by their characters. He is a pure alpha male but we see his soft side and she has many reasons to fear his personality but her inner strength will draw you too her. This author builds a world that I am happy to dive back into with each book.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delta James writes great stories and this is another! Heat, angst, danger, intrigue, fast paced. I was with Hope feeling betrayed by how Seth and Fitz treated her at Baker Street. BDSM is supposed to be about honesty and they didn’t treat her that way. But she goes her own way and stands in her own. Seth had a long road to earn her trust and the two of them being ordered to pretend to be a married couple for an undercover op probably wouldn’t have been his first thought, but as a way to force them to deal with each other and have each others’ backs, it worked. I loved Seth’s patience in helping Hope to open up, supporting her and protecting her while still letting her be her own person. I feel there are still threads to be followed …

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.