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New York Times bestselling author E.M. Gayle presents a decadent and steamy romance series that leads readers from a bondage studio to a playground at midnight and anywhere in between.

No fantasy is taboo at the Pleasure Playground. Where will your darkest desires take you next?

Eve's desperate denial only means one thing...she has a lot to learn.

As the receptionist at Altered Ego, the hottest fetish photography studio in the country, Eve Blake has seen what goes on behind closed doors. And she wants in, no matter what it takes. When a custom order comes up for a plus-sized red head, she volunteers for the job. Maybe pretending to be a sexual slave for Chase's camera will finally get her noticed by the two men she thinks will understand even her darkest cravings.

Chase can't believe he and Murphy agreed to this deal. Eve is their employee and they learned the hard way not to mix business with pleasure, no matter how sexy she is. Now Eve wants to play in a game she thinks is pretend and he can't stop thinking of their rope against her creamy flesh. But once they start, there's no turning back. They'll have to have her.

228 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2010

296 people are currently reading
2551 people want to read

About the author

Eliza Gayle

121 books1,335 followers


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Eliza Gayle writes dragon romance and fantasy romance with unforgettable characters, fiery passion, and magical twists. A New York Times bestselling author, she’s created series like Dragon Lords and Southern Shifters that keep readers hooked from page one. (She also writes dark contemporary romance under E.M. Gayle) She currently lives on a small island in the Pacific Northwest (but was born and raised in Florida and then spent 10+ years in NC) and spends her days writing romance, wandering the beach, kayaking or defending her keyboard from her cat Salem.

Before her writing career began, she served in the Marine Corps and lived a crazy life of adventure. Then she read her first spicy romance novel and everything changed. So after years of thinking about writing she finally grabbed her laptop and wrote.

Latest Release: THE HEART OF THE DRAGON
Coming next: THE FATE OF THE DRAGON

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5 stars
624 (28%)
4 stars
792 (35%)
3 stars
566 (25%)
2 stars
163 (7%)
1 star
57 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for Jo * Smut-Dickted *.
2,038 reviews517 followers
December 22, 2010
Absolutely loved it. Ms. Gayle has added several elements to this story that are more boundary BDSM - some knife play, breath play, and very creative roping. I loved it - it was HOT AS HELL and if you are looking for something to heat up your night this is a guaranteed. There is a plot - but the characters and the interactions amongst the three of them are what propel this to a top notch read. I found myself catching my breath just as Eve did and squirming nearly as much - and that's what it is about isn't it? *wink* I am quite sure had my man been available - well let's just say I found this positively inspiring LOL
Profile Image for Emily.
5,866 reviews546 followers
April 21, 2011
When Eve Blake started working at Altered Ego, a fetish photography studio, she never expected her inner most desires to be unleashed. When a new order comes in for a plus sized redhead, she offers to be the model. Her boss Chase reluctantly agrees thanks to his partner Murphy who knows Chase has been keeping Eve at a distance. What Murphy and Chase uncover with Eve is a woman who wants her limits pushed, causing Chase to rethink his opinions on menage'.

If I had to describe this book with one word it would be haunting. A definite page turner, you are so wrapped up in the story you don't even realize you are almost done with the book. Deliciously sinful.
Profile Image for Deborah.
971 reviews4 followers
February 23, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book by Eliza Gayle! This is book one in her Pleasure Playground series and I am in love with it!

Eve is a office assistant at Altered Ego-a fetish photography studio. Eve is very much interested in the two men, Chase and Murphy, who run the business, after she's viewed some of their photography sessions from the shadows. When an order comes in that requests a plus-size woman with red hair, Eve knows this is her chance to be noticed by the two men who she believes could bring her to sexual heights she's only dreamed of.

I really liked Eve and felt her sorrow from her past that rears it's head time and time again. She knew what she wanted and I give her credit for pulling up those panties and going for it. It is apparent both Chase and Murphy have feelings for Eve that they have kept to themselves. When she suggested she do the photo shoot, Murphy jumped at the chance. Chase was a harder sell. It was because he was still screwed up in the head over his last menage relationship not panning out. I loved the dynamic of Murphy doing the scene and Chase setting it up and photographing it. He really felt for Eve and didn't want to ultimately hurt her in any way. What happens when the intense intimacy leaves lasting feelings for the threesome? Can they come to terms with the chemistry they have never felt with anyone else before?

I listened to this audiobook and loved the narrator Gregory Salinas. He was very expressive and captured all three characters perfectly. I never felt like it was rushed or didn't know who was speaking. He was very captivating to listen to!

This was such an attention getter from the beginning and it is a perfect intro to the new Pleasure Playground series. I definitely will be checking out future books!

5 stars/5 Flames
Profile Image for JoLee (Cozy.Sunday.Reads).
876 reviews72 followers
April 26, 2013
Rating: 4 stars - Loved It

Huge Thank You to Eliza Gayle for having a plus size heroine. It is nice to have a novel where the heroine has beautiful curves. Loved it more that Chase and Murphy loved her curves.

Chase and Murphy sure know how to tease with their dirty talking mouths. The sexual tension was hot right from the beginning with Chase and Eve just talking. Wow, having them both in the studio and the Playground doing naughty things to Eve is a scorcher. Loved how they wanted her to realize how beautiful she is. Chase taking photos while Murphy did some amazing things with Eve containing a rope really got my girly bits tingly. The Playground scene is the best. Different and loved every moment of it. Loved both heroes. Chase was more of the off Standish one, at first does not want another ménage relationship as the last one ended bad. Murphy the sexy, smoothing talking, tattoo hero knows she is perfect for them. Loved when he caresses her and sweet talks her when she was not sure about some things.

The only problem I had was the whole inner slut scene. I am getting use to a lot of erotic novels thinking it is sexy to use the word “Slut” by the hero. I personally do not find it sexy. I was a little turned off in this scene but of course got over it quickly.

Loved Midnight Playground and look forward to reading Power Play (Pleasure Playground #2)

Originally posted at Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
October 20, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (10/19/2021)! 🎁
Profile Image for Mummy's Naughty Corner.
1,513 reviews88 followers
April 9, 2020
Well this flowed really well. I liked the fact that Eve wasn't your typical beauty but a more normal woman. I didn't really like Chase even after we knew what his problem was. He was too cold and at times mean rather then being dominant. I felt that they moved a little fast but as it was a shortish book it didn't really matter too much.
Profile Image for Amanda.
619 reviews13 followers
February 24, 2020
This is my first book by this author. This book hot. It's well written and I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for ☾ Dαɴιyα ☽.
460 reviews74 followers
November 30, 2014
I've only read one other book by Eliza Gayle. It was the first part in the Purgatory series Roped, and this one reminded me of it quite a bit. Maybe it was because I've read Roped relatively recently, so it's still fresh in my mind, but when I started reading Play With Me, I thought that perhaps I was reading about the same characters from Roped, so much so that I went back to it to check the characters' names to see if they were the same. And, no, these were new characters in a new setting that just appeared a lot like the one in Roped. Still, to me this is like a extended version of Roped, which is perfectly fine with me, since I liked it as well.

Eve, the heroine, had the same appearance as Katie, and just like Katie she was very interested in the works of two Dominants that have a way with rope, because both Katie and Eve are very much into bondage. You could say the rope calls to them on a very deep level. But, both those women were rather hesitant in their pursuit of the Doms in their lives that could give them what they crave. Katie's history was left untold in Roped, since it was very short, but Eve's complicated life was revealed, and we got to see why it was so hard for her to let go of control, and why she needed to be restrained as much as she did.

Eve had been working for Chase and Murphy in their studio for a while, and all that time she admired their work fantasizing about being their model, so when the opportunity presented itself to be just that, she jumped at it. Thus began her journey of discovering her submissive side through very special and titillating photo sessions. Oh, and did I mention she also had the hots for both Chase and Murphy? 'Cause she did, which made the sessions much more enjoyable, especially when they made her feel beautiful and desired when she had doubts about them finding her body attractive. Kind of makes you wish for two lovely Doms of your own.

Like Leo and Quinn in Roped, Chase and Murphy worked together, lived together, and often played with subs together. There were parts from their point of views, too (although, mostly Chase's), so we got to see what was in their hearts and minds, and that no matter what Eve thought about their opinion about her, they were far from indifferent towards her. The problem was that the last time they took on a submissive together, they had some serious problems, which Chase was trying to avoid repeating at all cost.
You might say that while they were trying to get Eve to embrace her wants and needs, she did the same for them.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read. Although I usually prefer my books a bit darker and heavier on the kink, I still liked it, and I'm sure anyone who likes their books with light BDSM, will like it, too.
Profile Image for Tabatha.
688 reviews79 followers
August 10, 2016
Play With Me was a really enjoyable read, and I just loved the dynamics between the three characters Eve, Murphy, and Chase. The two guys are suffering from the once bitten twice shy syndrome when it comes to submissives after a failed three-way relationship. Eve has refreshingly real issues that thankfully don't stem from any sort of abuse, but rather family obligations that have just worn her down over the years. Chase knew he wanted Eve as soon as Murphy hired her, but it wasn't until a special request comes in from a client that they all cave their desires.

The photo shoots with these three were so intense, and the heat between them made each scene so very sexy. I can't pick a favorite, but the playground scene was oh sooo very hot. Eliza Gayle pushed into some of the darker aspects of BDSM just a bit (shibari, breath and knife play, and orgasm denial), but I don't think it was enough that the average BDSM reader would be uncomfortable with. I loved that each scene wasn't sex for the sake of sex (which honestly happens a lot in this type of erotic romance), and that they pushed each others boundaries into a relationship between the three of them.

So with all that said, I think this was one hot as hell book with a great cast of characters. I have to say that Eve was the stand out for me though, because I felt like she was the most relateable. She isn't your average stick thin heroine, and that made her more special to me. Chase was a bit of a bear, but I could definitely see the reason behind him keeping himself at a distance. Once he caves though...whew are you in for a treat! Murphy was adorably sensitive and sweet, so I think he balanced Chase exceedingly well. Overall, I think that Eliza Gayle did a fantastic job with this one and you guys will definitely enjoy it too.

Profile Image for Carol.
11 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2014
"Whew, is it me, or is it HOT in here?" What can I say… This book caused serious heart palpitations and uncontrollable urges. The graphic use of adjectives really intensified my visual reading! Thank you from the bottom of my rapidly beating heart! I also appreciate that the heroine is not a Barbie size bimbo. I can relate to Eve's insecurities as a plus-sized lady. This makes the story real to me. Then there are her men. They are such "masters" at what they do! And oh so yummy! Who wouldn’t fantasize about being part of that sandwich? I could feel the lust sizzle between the pages. I will honestly tell you that this book is Not Safe For Work! I tried to read it during lunch, but didn't want to moan out loud!! I had to finish reading it at home. Thank you Ms. Gayle for another look at the Dom/Sub world. I anticipate reading more of your lusty literary works!
Profile Image for Michelle.
621 reviews9 followers
July 31, 2016
I'm not a big ménage relationship fan. I just can't imagine 2 men who want to share or a woman being able to care equally for 2 men. That being said...I did like this book. It was steamy hot! Great scenes. However, the story started out pretty strong, but then the interest fizzled. Instead of sexual tension, I was just ready for them to all live happily ever after. I could feel Eve's attraction to Murphy, Murphy's attraction to Eve and Chase's attraction to Eve but the feeling I wanted to feel was Eve's attraction to Chase and it just wasn't there for me. And I wanted them to get together from the beginning. I was hoping the two would leave Murphy behind and start their own thing. But nope. The writing was good and again sex scenes hot.

Read this in Make Me
Profile Image for Honest Mabel.
1,252 reviews40 followers
October 21, 2021
More like 2.5

The writing was good. The scenes were hot. It was a bit rushed but the biggest problem with the entire book was Eve. She cried over everything. That isn’t a lead character I like and actually took me
Much longer to finish this short book bc I HATED her
1,676 reviews5 followers
October 23, 2021
Gripping

Absolutely brilliant book gripped from the start I couldn't put it down well written and a great cast of characters and story line loved it
Profile Image for Book Girl.
154 reviews
April 7, 2014
I read this book through the Make Me: Twelve Tales of Dark Desire. With that series, I got 12 books from some of the darkest authors I know for 99 cents! Squeal! Play with me is the 4th book I have read on this collection.

AND WOW! I am a new fan of Eliza Gayle and her magical writing skills. I didn’t devour this book like I should/could have over the weekend (life got in the way). It is a short quick read that has you jumping to the next chapter just to see the next scene! To say I enjoyed this book would be an understatement. It was fun, sexy as hell, alluring, kinky and OH SO HOT!! This was my first read of a ménage relationship (well kinda, I read Big Sky , by Kitty Thomas) and uh, W.O.W. The dynamic between Chase and Murphy and then Eve was electric! At first I thought Eve was solely interested in Chase, but then I realized where the book was going and I was ALL FOR I.T.

Both men are strong dominants and she is a young woman who's extremely interested in the BDSM lifestyle but refuses to relinquish her control to accept the submissive in her. But when an opportunity arises that allows Eve to leave her receptionist desk and model for Chase and Murphy in a client-requested bondage photo shoot, the camera lens captures her inner submissive beautifully and opens the door to the beginning of pleasures Eve has only fantasized about.
Great read and I’m sure will not be the last in my adventure down the rabbit hole that is Eliza Gayle books!

For me this was Eve:
Eve - Play with me photo Eve-Playwithme_zpsc484c77f.jpg
Eve - Play with me photo eve_zpsed88fef7.gif
Profile Image for Erica.
713 reviews44 followers
April 15, 2013
Meh. I think this idea of this book was a good one, and the sex scenes were definitely hot, but I did not feel connected to any of the three characters in any way, shape or form, nor did I feel that they were connected to each other. Very, very emotionless. It just felt like Chase was really turned on by Eve, Eve was dying to branch out and do something wild (for reasons not clearly explained or explored), and Murphy went along with it because Eve was so submissive and responsive. And more information on what happened with their prior menage relationship would have been helpful. Not the whole reference book, just a little bit of a detail on what happened. The scenes were a little chilly and forced. I didn't really like the humiliation, degradation or name calling...and putting "slut" on one of her pictures? Really? Nope, it just didn't make me like this book or the characters at all. I thought the idea of hiring out a playground for the night to do a photo shoot was really original, but there wasn't enough imagery for me to get a clear picture of what was going on (except for the knife at the throat, that I got loud and clear) and the whole confrontation at Eve's apartment afterwards was just...off. This book just didn't do it for me.
Profile Image for Riane.
48 reviews42 followers
November 28, 2011
As reviewed on kinkybookreviews.com

I LOVE this story. It kept me on simmer the entire time... every time I've read it, which was more than just a couple. :) I mean, what's not to love? The characters are wonderful. Eve is someone I felt like I already knew. She could be you, me, or the girl next door. The things she experiences at the hands of Chase and Murphy came straight out of my fantasies. The scenes and the sex are smokin' hot. I loved reading about them pushing Eve's boundaries and the joy she finds in experiencing things for the first time.

Now, on my site, I did a series of reviews on Halloween stories. I included this one even tho it's not Halloween themed. Why did I want so badly to include this story? Well, as we all know, Halloween, in its current incarnation, is about who can scare who the most, right? Fear is not always created by things suddenly popping out at you or scary monsters... Sometimes it's created in the mind alone by reaching boundaries and being pushed past them. If you asked me to explain my "fantasy scare," I would simply point you to Midnight Playground for the actual playground scene. I cannot explain it beyond that. Want to know more, READ IT.
Profile Image for Barbara.
424 reviews29 followers
March 16, 2011
I completely enjoyed this book! It was hot, intense, sexy, and did I mention HOT! The dynamic between best-friends and partners, Chase and Murphy; and Eve, is captivating as both men are strong dominants and she is a young woman who's extremely interested in the BDSM lifestyle but refuses to relinquish her control to accept the submissive in her. But when an opportunity arises that allows Eve to leave her receptionist desk and model for Chase and Murphy in a client-requested bondage photo shoot, the camera lens captures her inner submissive beautifully and opens the door to the beginning of pleasures Eve has only fantasized about.

Eliza Gayle takes us on this journey with Eve as she discovers that through her complete submission to Chase and Murphy, she is able to achieve the true passion and inner peace she seeks. Chase and Murphy fight their own internal battles when they both realize that Eve is the woman they desperately want to share.

I was hooked on this book from the beginning! Highly recommended; great read!
Profile Image for Kaycee.
88 reviews
June 17, 2014
I love this book! Ms. Gayle addresses sensitive issues, like being overweight, as if they are a part of normal life. They are not overplayed. The Hunky guys’ reactions don't hurt either. I like that no one is treated as an inferior person. One of the focuses of the story is definitely the Dom – Sub exchange for the relationship. But the all characters are kind, caring, and …. . (I don’t believe in spoilers so if you want to know what … is you have to read the book. ) Ms. Gayle is a talented writer. I enjoy her stories. Her ability to write successfully across several genres amazes me. I eagerly look forward to all her new releases. ( I am not sure when I read this book. But I clearly remember the story. I have re - read this more than once. I originally read this book when titled as Midnight Playground and purchased from B&N)
Profile Image for Viki Braswell.
8 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2013
Midnight Playground is a sizzling read! The author was able to create an emotional but sensual story. The characters were believable, maybe too much so considering I have read this book multiple times. I mean, what woman hasn’t fantasized about being with two men at the same time. She painted a picture with her words that had me wanting to jump right in. You have characters that you can relate to, memorable sex scenes, and the chemistry of the three main characters that will set you on fire. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Leslee Anderson.
219 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2015
Ms. Gayle never disappoints. Chase, Eve, And Murphy are perfect together. While Chase and Eve are both broken Murphy is the glue that will bind them together. Eve is strong and independent but her need for inner peace is overwhelming. At times I would tell her to stop thinking and just feel. Amazing!!! I'm a huge Gayle fan and would recommend all of her books. Her Purgatory Series and Were series are fun, erotic, and you will find yourself laughing and crying. Just an amazing author.
Profile Image for Tammy P.
11 reviews
September 2, 2016
So this book ...I loved it ...I agree with some of the critics about the story needing more and blah blah blah but ...I have to say it didn't effect my rating. It was hot and I loved it ... I wish it were longer and maybe had more of the few days she spent at their place 'training'. It's short and hot. If you are not into menage or M/s probably should stay away. Loved it Eliza!!
149 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2015
A very very good read!

What a book! Just wow!!! This will get you all hot and bothered! This book will also have you rooting for the couple. It's sweet, raw, and real. I also loved the fact that all the characters are someone that you can relate to. The heroine is a really curvy woman, just like everyone else. I can't wait to read Jennifer's story next!
Profile Image for Tammy.
567 reviews24 followers
August 21, 2011
This book was so good. It was hot from the beginning. Its a must read.
Profile Image for Alisa.
244 reviews195 followers
April 18, 2014
Is it just me, or does the cover look like a crime fiction novel? Even the title looks like something a psychopath would say.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
503 reviews10 followers
January 9, 2012
Fabulously sexy read. Powerful story of the emotional side to submission.
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