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Leighton U #4
Playing Dirty
Our rivalry formed long before we became siblings.
Madden Hastings has been my nemesis since the day we met.
A divide was born from the age-old rivalry between our universities,
but this year, another layer developed. It became personal.
Because the captain of Blackmore’s baseball team?
He’s also my new step brother.
My disdain for the sudden blending of our families leads to more conflict,
and despite their efforts to force us together, coexisting proves impossible.
But something else starts burning beneath my bitterness and resentment;
an attraction as unexpected as it is potent.
And when the chemistry becomes too powerful to deny,
our already complicated relationship gets even messier.
Because a forbidden fling is one thing, but falling for the enemy?
It forces me into a choice I never wanted to make.
One between loyalty to my team, or the love of my life.
*Playing Dirty is the fourth in a five book standalone college sports romance series featuring two rivalry-fueled step brothers, a cut-throat game of capture the flag, and sexual tension that oozes off the page. Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.*
Madden Hastings has been my nemesis since the day we met.
A divide was born from the age-old rivalry between our universities,
but this year, another layer developed. It became personal.
Because the captain of Blackmore’s baseball team?
He’s also my new step brother.
My disdain for the sudden blending of our families leads to more conflict,
and despite their efforts to force us together, coexisting proves impossible.
But something else starts burning beneath my bitterness and resentment;
an attraction as unexpected as it is potent.
And when the chemistry becomes too powerful to deny,
our already complicated relationship gets even messier.
Because a forbidden fling is one thing, but falling for the enemy?
It forces me into a choice I never wanted to make.
One between loyalty to my team, or the love of my life.
*Playing Dirty is the fourth in a five book standalone college sports romance series featuring two rivalry-fueled step brothers, a cut-throat game of capture the flag, and sexual tension that oozes off the page. Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.*
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2025
661 people are currently reading
7092 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Ricci
15 books4,617 followersCE Ricci is a USA Today and international best-selling author who enjoys plenty of things in her free time, but writing about herself in the third person isn’t one of them. She believes home isn’t a place, but a feeling, and it’s one she gets when she’s chilling lakeside or on hiking trails with her dogs, camera in hand. She’s addicted to all things photography, plants, peaks, puppies, and paperbacks, though not necessarily in that order. Music is her love language, and traveling the country (and world) is the way she chooses to find most of her inspiration for whatever epic love story she will tell next!
CE Ricci is represented by Two Daisy Media.
For all subsidiary rights, please contact Savannah Greenwell: info@twodaisy.com
Join CE Ricci's reader group here!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wreck...
CE Ricci is represented by Two Daisy Media.
For all subsidiary rights, please contact Savannah Greenwell: info@twodaisy.com
Join CE Ricci's reader group here!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wreck...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 694 reviews
August 12, 2023
Giving this a 5 star to counteract the person who gave it a 1 star before the book is even out
December 28, 2025
CE Ricci writing stepbrothers is one of my favourite things 😂 I really liked Madden and Theo but Cannon and Easton will forever be the top tier stepbrother pairing for me!
I adored Madden so much!! His whole personality, outlook on life, and the way he treats people just made him easy to love. It hurt my heart whenever he felt sad or defeated, and when he was trying so hard to form some kind of relationship with Theo in the beginning I just wanted to hug him! I also loved the way he wanted to look out for Theo and protect him.
Theo was a prickly little cactus for a good while, but I do think his behaviour was totally understandable too. I enjoyed the way he was trying so hard to fight his attraction but I wanted to shake him for being so blind sometimes 😂 The way he learns more about himself from being with Madden was so fun to read.
Q and Oakley's pep talks were just pure gold - I need Q to have some kind of advice podcast please because I would love to see his thirst for gossip sated, as well as the gems he comes up with.
I did really enjoy the whole baseball team rivalry in this book, and even though it's a big part of the plot it didn't overshadow the relationship. It was a really good balance between the relationship and both MCs having their own individual lives also.
Now that this book is over though, I am impatiently waiting for Camden and Logan's story 😂 I have wanted their book since it was first announced at the end of Iced Out and honestly I feel like they're going to be my favourite couple!! It's definitely in my top 5 most anticipated releases and I loved how we got to see more of Cam through Theo's story, but also that we got more of Logan too. I'm just so excited to see how they're going to end up together!
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HRCYED2: New Releases / Challenge Yourself
I adored Madden so much!! His whole personality, outlook on life, and the way he treats people just made him easy to love. It hurt my heart whenever he felt sad or defeated, and when he was trying so hard to form some kind of relationship with Theo in the beginning I just wanted to hug him! I also loved the way he wanted to look out for Theo and protect him.
Theo was a prickly little cactus for a good while, but I do think his behaviour was totally understandable too. I enjoyed the way he was trying so hard to fight his attraction but I wanted to shake him for being so blind sometimes 😂 The way he learns more about himself from being with Madden was so fun to read.
Q and Oakley's pep talks were just pure gold - I need Q to have some kind of advice podcast please because I would love to see his thirst for gossip sated, as well as the gems he comes up with.
I did really enjoy the whole baseball team rivalry in this book, and even though it's a big part of the plot it didn't overshadow the relationship. It was a really good balance between the relationship and both MCs having their own individual lives also.
Now that this book is over though, I am impatiently waiting for Camden and Logan's story 😂 I have wanted their book since it was first announced at the end of Iced Out and honestly I feel like they're going to be my favourite couple!! It's definitely in my top 5 most anticipated releases and I loved how we got to see more of Cam through Theo's story, but also that we got more of Logan too. I'm just so excited to see how they're going to end up together!
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HRCYED2: New Releases / Challenge Yourself
August 2, 2025
Playing Dirty is both exhilarating and an addictive story about stepbrothers and rivals Madden and Theo. These two share incredible chemistry, and watching them gradually pick apart each other's flaws, insecurities, and doubts while their mutual attraction simmers in the background creates a fantastic foundation for this story.
I love how both Madden and Theo are equally stubborn and attracted to each other, but their rival status and the forbidden nature of their relationship generate a lot of tension throughout. I also enjoy the added forced proximity and sharing of one bed as their parents declare a family holiday, which only intensifies their tension. The tension in this story is so much fun as these two navigate their confusing feelings, but it truly shines when Madden and Theo acknowledge that their feelings are more than just annoyance and inconvenience.
The transition from rivals to lovers feels natural, sweet, and completely surprising to both, as their feelings quickly venture into uncharted territory. This part of the story is a favorite of mine and makes this couple stand out in the series. Madden and Theo's ability to show their genuine affection for each other is one of my favorite aspects. Both of them have huge hearts and care so deeply that, even though they are risking a lot, they know it’s fully worth it.
Madden and Theo's story ranks highly in the series. I was very eager to see how this author would portray a stepbrother pairing, and I wasn’t disappointed. This is another winning entry that hits all the right notes. I couldn’t get enough of these two and am already looking forward to the finale.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
I love how both Madden and Theo are equally stubborn and attracted to each other, but their rival status and the forbidden nature of their relationship generate a lot of tension throughout. I also enjoy the added forced proximity and sharing of one bed as their parents declare a family holiday, which only intensifies their tension. The tension in this story is so much fun as these two navigate their confusing feelings, but it truly shines when Madden and Theo acknowledge that their feelings are more than just annoyance and inconvenience.
The transition from rivals to lovers feels natural, sweet, and completely surprising to both, as their feelings quickly venture into uncharted territory. This part of the story is a favorite of mine and makes this couple stand out in the series. Madden and Theo's ability to show their genuine affection for each other is one of my favorite aspects. Both of them have huge hearts and care so deeply that, even though they are risking a lot, they know it’s fully worth it.
Madden and Theo's story ranks highly in the series. I was very eager to see how this author would portray a stepbrother pairing, and I wasn’t disappointed. This is another winning entry that hits all the right notes. I couldn’t get enough of these two and am already looking forward to the finale.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
August 22, 2025
3.5 ⭐ I've read a lot of college romances over the last few years but something about Playing Dirty just made me feel... old. They're step brothers, but the primary issue with them being together throughout like 90% of this book is the fact that they're from rival schools. It all felt so..? Childish? Grown ass adults acting like it was the end of the world that they want to fuck someone from the "enemy" team. I dunno. Couldn't be me, I got taxes to pay.
Also what kind of fucking nicknames are MadDog and Teddy Bear?
Also what kind of fucking nicknames are MadDog and Teddy Bear?
dnf
October 11, 2025Done with this book at 51%. I’m just so bored and can’t feel any chemistry between the characters at all.
August 14, 2025
I HAVE A NEW FAVORITE @authorcericci BOOK! Omg y'all, Playing Dirty was SO good, definitely my favorite in the series so far. I mean, rivals to lovers baseball romance with stepbrothers is a pretty good start, but add in the "I can't stay away even though I want to" vibes, the incredible friend group, the sneaking around, and OMG THE ORPHEUS/HADESTOWN REFERENCES (which I'm now seeing all over the place and FREAKING OUT over) and you have a recipe for an incredible read. One of my most highly anticipated reads of the year and it DOES NOT disappoint, get excited my friends!
I remember loving Theo in previous Leighton U books, but I'm gonna be honest, Madden stole my heart in this one. Theo understandably has a ton of animosity towards Madden's mom as the mistress who broke up his parent's marriage, and he takes a lot of that out on Madden, who just wants to see his mom happy. The guys were already on rival baseball teams, and being forced to spend time together really has emotions running high. But it's only after Madden and Theo are forced to share a room (and a bed) during a ski trip that those tensions get much more charged. And when it breaks, omg, they cannot keep their hands off of each other, and I love it. Despite trying to keep things secret, I love that they go out of their way to spend as much time together as possible. The batting cages, Madden inviting Theo over for game night, the theater date (OBSESSED WITH THE HADESTOWN REFERENCES OMG)! Gah, for two guys who started out hating each other, their relationship ends up being really sweet. While the specter of the Penny Play rivalry competition does loom over them for much of the book, I was incredibly relieved when they both realized that their relationship meant more to them than anything else.
I really think CE Ricci is at her best when writing hate to love, and Playing Dirty is an excellent example of that. There is SO much passion, SO much tension, and so many *moments* that stand out and gave me ALL the feels. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read this one early, and I genuinely cannot wait for release so everyone can fall in love with Theo and Madden too!
I remember loving Theo in previous Leighton U books, but I'm gonna be honest, Madden stole my heart in this one. Theo understandably has a ton of animosity towards Madden's mom as the mistress who broke up his parent's marriage, and he takes a lot of that out on Madden, who just wants to see his mom happy. The guys were already on rival baseball teams, and being forced to spend time together really has emotions running high. But it's only after Madden and Theo are forced to share a room (and a bed) during a ski trip that those tensions get much more charged. And when it breaks, omg, they cannot keep their hands off of each other, and I love it. Despite trying to keep things secret, I love that they go out of their way to spend as much time together as possible. The batting cages, Madden inviting Theo over for game night, the theater date (OBSESSED WITH THE HADESTOWN REFERENCES OMG)! Gah, for two guys who started out hating each other, their relationship ends up being really sweet. While the specter of the Penny Play rivalry competition does loom over them for much of the book, I was incredibly relieved when they both realized that their relationship meant more to them than anything else.
I really think CE Ricci is at her best when writing hate to love, and Playing Dirty is an excellent example of that. There is SO much passion, SO much tension, and so many *moments* that stand out and gave me ALL the feels. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read this one early, and I genuinely cannot wait for release so everyone can fall in love with Theo and Madden too!
August 21, 2025
5⭐️
Stepbrother romance (my absolute favorite trope) by one of my favorite authors? Yes please! CE Ricci did not disappoint with this one. I loved everything about Theo and Madden’s journey; from their sharp rivalry and hilarious banter to the slow unraveling of their walls as stepbrothers and then as something so much more. The push-and-pull between them felt so real, and watching that tension shift into love was honestly beautiful.
What really got me was how their dynamic flipped the usual script; Madden, with his so-called bad-boy persona, was actually the more vulnerable one, while Theo carried that sharp, prickly edge.
Physically, their chemistry was explosive right away, but the true slow burn was in watching them open their hearts to each other. I loved being part of their journey. By the end, I was completely undone (yes, I cried, and it was so worth it).
I also loved Madden’s “core four” and how easily they accepted Theo into the fold...it gave the story an extra layer of warmth and belonging that made the romance hit even harder.
The baseball rivalry added such a fun layer to the story, giving us those high-stakes moments right alongside the emotional ones. This book had me grinning, swooning, and fully invested from start to finish. Easily one of my favorites in the series.
Stepbrother romance (my absolute favorite trope) by one of my favorite authors? Yes please! CE Ricci did not disappoint with this one. I loved everything about Theo and Madden’s journey; from their sharp rivalry and hilarious banter to the slow unraveling of their walls as stepbrothers and then as something so much more. The push-and-pull between them felt so real, and watching that tension shift into love was honestly beautiful.
What really got me was how their dynamic flipped the usual script; Madden, with his so-called bad-boy persona, was actually the more vulnerable one, while Theo carried that sharp, prickly edge.
Physically, their chemistry was explosive right away, but the true slow burn was in watching them open their hearts to each other. I loved being part of their journey. By the end, I was completely undone (yes, I cried, and it was so worth it).
I also loved Madden’s “core four” and how easily they accepted Theo into the fold...it gave the story an extra layer of warmth and belonging that made the romance hit even harder.
The baseball rivalry added such a fun layer to the story, giving us those high-stakes moments right alongside the emotional ones. This book had me grinning, swooning, and fully invested from start to finish. Easily one of my favorites in the series.
August 22, 2025
"We move together like that; a volatile explosion and innocent caresses all in one. A collision of two things that don’t belong together yet somehow fit perfectly. As if they were the only piece capable of filling the space the other was missing."
Ok, so one thing about me is i do not like mm stepbrothers romances as a rule, but I will let Chelsea write them for me to consume until I die.
THEOMADDEN BABY ANGELSSSSS
I'll admit it took me a minute to settle into this one just bc I haven't been in my romance bag as of late, but these 2 snuck up on me.
🧡COMMUNICATION KINGSSSSSS.
🧡ALL THE ORPHEUS EURYDICE REFERENCES.
🧡"I'LL ALWAYS TURN AROUND FOR YOU"
YEAH MAD GONNA GO CRY NOW.
I also thought I made it out of this without my eyes leaking, carpark scene and all, but it got me.
Go read it. You'll love Madden FRFR.
Alright, wrapping it up, I AM SO LOCKED IN FOR CAM AND LOGAN.
Ok, so one thing about me is i do not like mm stepbrothers romances as a rule, but I will let Chelsea write them for me to consume until I die.
THEOMADDEN BABY ANGELSSSSS
I'll admit it took me a minute to settle into this one just bc I haven't been in my romance bag as of late, but these 2 snuck up on me.
🧡COMMUNICATION KINGSSSSSS.
🧡ALL THE ORPHEUS EURYDICE REFERENCES.
🧡"I'LL ALWAYS TURN AROUND FOR YOU"
YEAH MAD GONNA GO CRY NOW.
I also thought I made it out of this without my eyes leaking, carpark scene and all, but it got me.
Go read it. You'll love Madden FRFR.
Alright, wrapping it up, I AM SO LOCKED IN FOR CAM AND LOGAN.
November 14, 2025
┈ Read this if you like ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
✦ College Sports | Baseball
✦ Stepbrothers
✦ Rivals-to-Lovers
✦ Forbidden Love
✦ Secret Relationship
✦ Forced Proximity
✦ MM Romance
✦ Family Drama
┈ MY THOUGHTS ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
- The enemies-to-lovers was off the charts with this one! Especially because of the forbidden aspect and insane chemistry between them!
- I really hated Theo's dad and Madden's mom. It wasn't until the VERY end that I stopped hating them so much, but they still did a really shitty thing. If you're not in love with your spouse, divorce, don't cheat.
- When Theo chose Madden over the rivalry/competition 🫠🥰
- Ok, I know the accident sucked, but I was so happy during the hospital scenes!! They were all lovey-dovey and stopped giving two fucks about hiding their relationship anymore. I mean, the cat was already out of the bag anyway at that point, but I loved how they full-on embraced it at that point.
- Ugh, the ending was so sweet! These two make me so happy!
- Overall: I loved this story! Another win for this series
┈ OVERVIEW ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
⛔️ Warning - possible spoilers below ⛔️
Pacing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Overall:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Cover Art: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Format: eBook
POV: Dual 👥
Would I Recommend? 👍
Read Again? 👎
Setting / Location: Chicago / Vermont
Hero/MMC #1: Theo Greyson
〰️Characteristics: Light seafoam green eyes, 6’1”, sharp nose, defined cheekbones, long lean muscles, sculpted ass, wavy golden brown hair, smooth ink-free skin, carved muscles, rippling abs
〰️Occupation: Student Athlete: Baseball
〰️Age: N/A
〰️Nickname(s): Teddy Bear, baby
Hero/MMC #2: Madden Hastings
〰️Characteristics: Hazel eyes, perfect white teeth, ink-covered arm, dark near-black hair is cropped short on the sides and long on top, 6’2”
〰️Occupation: Student Athlete: Baseball, Catcher
〰️Age: N/A
〰️Nickname(s): Maddog, Mads, baby
H/h virgin? No
First kiss💋: 24%
First time they have sex: T Tops: 66% / M Tops: 85%
First time they say "I Love You": M: 87%, T: 90%
Noteworthy Chapters🔥: 10, 14, 15, 17-20, 21🥵, 24, 28, 29, 31🥵, 32, epilogue
✔️Smut List: Praise, dirty talk, edging/orgasm denial, no condom, 🍑 play, spanking/impact play, biting/marking, cum jammer, exhibitionism/public sex, hand necklace, hair-pulling
OW/OM Drama? Yes
H/h cheat? No
Time apart? No
Did I cry? No
Ending: HEA 🥰
Standalone/Series? Yes to both
Epilogue? Yes
Pre-Read Comments:
Please please please be Theo and Maddens book!!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Although I suppose I wouldn’t be too upset if it was Noah and Luca instead.
(Update: This is definitely Theo and Madden's book!! I really do hope Noah and Luca get their own book though because they would have the best enemies-to-lovers / bi-awakening romance!)
✦ College Sports | Baseball
✦ Stepbrothers
✦ Rivals-to-Lovers
✦ Forbidden Love
✦ Secret Relationship
✦ Forced Proximity
✦ MM Romance
✦ Family Drama
┈ MY THOUGHTS ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
- The enemies-to-lovers was off the charts with this one! Especially because of the forbidden aspect and insane chemistry between them!
- I really hated Theo's dad and Madden's mom. It wasn't until the VERY end that I stopped hating them so much, but they still did a really shitty thing. If you're not in love with your spouse, divorce, don't cheat.
- When Theo chose Madden over the rivalry/competition 🫠🥰
- Ok, I know the accident sucked, but I was so happy during the hospital scenes!! They were all lovey-dovey and stopped giving two fucks about hiding their relationship anymore. I mean, the cat was already out of the bag anyway at that point, but I loved how they full-on embraced it at that point.
- Ugh, the ending was so sweet! These two make me so happy!
- Overall: I loved this story! Another win for this series
┈ OVERVIEW ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
⛔️ Warning - possible spoilers below ⛔️
Pacing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Overall:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Cover Art: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Format: eBook
POV: Dual 👥
Would I Recommend? 👍
Read Again? 👎
Setting / Location: Chicago / Vermont
Hero/MMC #1: Theo Greyson
〰️Characteristics: Light seafoam green eyes, 6’1”, sharp nose, defined cheekbones, long lean muscles, sculpted ass, wavy golden brown hair, smooth ink-free skin, carved muscles, rippling abs
〰️Occupation: Student Athlete: Baseball
〰️Age: N/A
〰️Nickname(s): Teddy Bear, baby
Hero/MMC #2: Madden Hastings
〰️Characteristics: Hazel eyes, perfect white teeth, ink-covered arm, dark near-black hair is cropped short on the sides and long on top, 6’2”
〰️Occupation: Student Athlete: Baseball, Catcher
〰️Age: N/A
〰️Nickname(s): Maddog, Mads, baby
H/h virgin? No
First kiss💋: 24%
First time they have sex: T Tops: 66% / M Tops: 85%
First time they say "I Love You": M: 87%, T: 90%
Noteworthy Chapters🔥: 10, 14, 15, 17-20, 21🥵, 24, 28, 29, 31🥵, 32, epilogue
✔️Smut List: Praise, dirty talk, edging/orgasm denial, no condom, 🍑 play, spanking/impact play, biting/marking, cum jammer, exhibitionism/public sex, hand necklace, hair-pulling
OW/OM Drama? Yes
H/h cheat? No
Time apart? No
Did I cry? No
Ending: HEA 🥰
Standalone/Series? Yes to both
Epilogue? Yes
Pre-Read Comments:
Please please please be Theo and Maddens book!!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Although I suppose I wouldn’t be too upset if it was Noah and Luca instead.
(Update: This is definitely Theo and Madden's book!! I really do hope Noah and Luca get their own book though because they would have the best enemies-to-lovers / bi-awakening romance!)
December 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
▸“I hate that I want you,” I whisper, the words coming out in a snarl.
His dark chuckle floats over my skin like satin. “About time we agreed on something.”
Tropes:
✨MM
✨Baskterball players
✨Rivals to lovers
✨Stepbrothers
✨Secret relationship
✨Bi-Awakening
✨Forced proximity
✨Only one bed
🔞
✨Edging
✨Spanking
✨Rimming
✨Cum play
✨Frotting
✨Docking
✨First times with a man
✨Risky, outdoors time (they get caught!)
✨Messy blowjobs
My review:
▸“And da-nile isn’t just a river in Egypt, my friend,” Phoenix shoots back immediately.
I had such a good time with this book, even if it also managed to frustrate the hell out of me in very specific ways.
▸“What do you want, Theo?” he asks, as if reading my mind.
What I can’t have… The thought is instant, and I realize he was right when he said I’m messy. I’m a tangled ball of chaos and confusion, and the more I try to untangle it, the more jumbled it becomes. All I’m doing now is dragging him into the web too.
“What do you—”
“You!” I shout instantly. “Jesus fuck. It’s you, okay? I want you.”
First of all, Madden completely stole my heart. He is genuinely one of those characters who is impossible not to love. His optimism, his kindness, the way he cares so deeply about the people around him, especially Theo, made me soft from page one. Every time he felt shut down or discouraged, it honestly hurt to read. Watching him try to build some kind of connection with Theo at the start, while clearly wanting to protect him and look out for him, made me want to wrap him in a blanket and never let anyone be mea. n to him again.
Theo, on the other hand, took some time. He’s sharp, guarded, and honestly kind of a major asshole for a while, but I did understand where it was coming from. His resistance felt rooted in fear and confusion rather than cruelty. I really enjoyed watching him wrestle with his attraction and slowly figure himself out through his relationship with Madden, even if there were moments where I wanted to grab him by the shoulders and yell at him for being so oblivious and a jerk.
The rivals-to-lovers setup worked really well for me (well not fully but I'll explain why a bit later). The chemistry between them was undeniable though, and the forced proximity during the family holiday was exactly the kind of tension I eat up. Sharing space, sharing a bed, trying to pretend nothing is happening while everything is happening… The way hate and animosity slowly shifts into lust and desire.... it was fun, charged, and satisfying. When they finally stop pretending their feelings are just irritation, the shift into something real felt natural and surprisingly tender. What really made them stand out as a couple was how openly affectionate they became once they crossed that line. There was so much heart there, and it made the risk feel worth it.
▸If I’ve ruined him, he’s decimated me. He’s taken me apart, piece by piece, and left me in shambles at his feet. Clawed his way into my very essence, lay claim to the organ beating inside my chest. Plucked every ounce of sanity straight from my being and tossed it aside as if it were never there in the first place.
Now for the parts that knocked this down from a higher rating.
The parents.... Oh my GOD, the parents!!!
▸“Because if it isn’t something he loves, he won’t notice it’s missing,” I reply immediately. Apparently that applies to both food and people.
I don’t think I’ve been this annoyed at a secondary plot in a while. The story spends way too much time trying to soften or justify cheating between the adults, and for me it completely overshadowed the main romance at times. Theo’s dad is awful, full stop. Madden’s mom isn’t much better. Theo’s reaction to being thrown back into that situation honestly felt restrained considering what he was dealing with.
And then there’s the attempt to reframe everything as understandable or forgivable because of past hardships or emotional neglect. That just did not work for me at all. Especially when Theo’s mother shows up and the narrative suddenly leans into the idea that the cheating wasn’t really that bad because the marriage was already broken. No. Absolutely not. None of that excuses the damage done, and I hated how casually it was brushed aside. We don't hear or see his mom at all and the only time we do is to justify Theo's father cheating so that Theo can forgive him?? I'm sorry but that is stupid and disgusting.
On top of that, there were moments where the conflict between Madden and Theo felt… underwhelming. At times, it genuinely felt like the biggest obstacle in their relationship was their baseball rivalry, which just didn’t hold enough weight to justify the level of angst being presented. A few dramatic scenes felt like they were thrown in to compensate for that lack of tension, and they didn’t fully land for me. I am sorry, but when you love so much, a stupid college basketball rivalry cannot be the main reason you need to sneak around and hide your relationship.
That said, I kept reading because I cared. I cared about Madden. I cared about Theo. I cared about them together. I cared for the secondary characters too, their friends and teammates... Even if there were some thing I hated C.E. Ricci managed to make all the rest so fucking good I can't rate this under 4 stars.
▸“Please don’t suggest I use sex as a means for extortion and then immediately call him my brother.” My lips pull back in a grimace, and I shake my head. “That’s just wrong on too many levels.”
▸I crave him down to the marrow of my bones, the ends of the earth. To the edge of my fucking sanity.
So this is what addiction feels like.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
▸“I hate that I want you,” I whisper, the words coming out in a snarl.
His dark chuckle floats over my skin like satin. “About time we agreed on something.”
Tropes:
✨MM
✨Baskterball players
✨Rivals to lovers
✨Stepbrothers
✨Secret relationship
✨Bi-Awakening
✨Forced proximity
✨Only one bed
🔞
✨Edging
✨Spanking
✨Rimming
✨Cum play
✨Frotting
✨Docking
✨First times with a man
✨Risky, outdoors time (they get caught!)
✨Messy blowjobs
My review:
▸“And da-nile isn’t just a river in Egypt, my friend,” Phoenix shoots back immediately.
I had such a good time with this book, even if it also managed to frustrate the hell out of me in very specific ways.
▸“What do you want, Theo?” he asks, as if reading my mind.
What I can’t have… The thought is instant, and I realize he was right when he said I’m messy. I’m a tangled ball of chaos and confusion, and the more I try to untangle it, the more jumbled it becomes. All I’m doing now is dragging him into the web too.
“What do you—”
“You!” I shout instantly. “Jesus fuck. It’s you, okay? I want you.”
First of all, Madden completely stole my heart. He is genuinely one of those characters who is impossible not to love. His optimism, his kindness, the way he cares so deeply about the people around him, especially Theo, made me soft from page one. Every time he felt shut down or discouraged, it honestly hurt to read. Watching him try to build some kind of connection with Theo at the start, while clearly wanting to protect him and look out for him, made me want to wrap him in a blanket and never let anyone be mea. n to him again.
Theo, on the other hand, took some time. He’s sharp, guarded, and honestly kind of a major asshole for a while, but I did understand where it was coming from. His resistance felt rooted in fear and confusion rather than cruelty. I really enjoyed watching him wrestle with his attraction and slowly figure himself out through his relationship with Madden, even if there were moments where I wanted to grab him by the shoulders and yell at him for being so oblivious and a jerk.
The rivals-to-lovers setup worked really well for me (well not fully but I'll explain why a bit later). The chemistry between them was undeniable though, and the forced proximity during the family holiday was exactly the kind of tension I eat up. Sharing space, sharing a bed, trying to pretend nothing is happening while everything is happening… The way hate and animosity slowly shifts into lust and desire.... it was fun, charged, and satisfying. When they finally stop pretending their feelings are just irritation, the shift into something real felt natural and surprisingly tender. What really made them stand out as a couple was how openly affectionate they became once they crossed that line. There was so much heart there, and it made the risk feel worth it.
▸If I’ve ruined him, he’s decimated me. He’s taken me apart, piece by piece, and left me in shambles at his feet. Clawed his way into my very essence, lay claim to the organ beating inside my chest. Plucked every ounce of sanity straight from my being and tossed it aside as if it were never there in the first place.
Now for the parts that knocked this down from a higher rating.
The parents.... Oh my GOD, the parents!!!
▸“Because if it isn’t something he loves, he won’t notice it’s missing,” I reply immediately. Apparently that applies to both food and people.
I don’t think I’ve been this annoyed at a secondary plot in a while. The story spends way too much time trying to soften or justify cheating between the adults, and for me it completely overshadowed the main romance at times. Theo’s dad is awful, full stop. Madden’s mom isn’t much better. Theo’s reaction to being thrown back into that situation honestly felt restrained considering what he was dealing with.
And then there’s the attempt to reframe everything as understandable or forgivable because of past hardships or emotional neglect. That just did not work for me at all. Especially when Theo’s mother shows up and the narrative suddenly leans into the idea that the cheating wasn’t really that bad because the marriage was already broken. No. Absolutely not. None of that excuses the damage done, and I hated how casually it was brushed aside. We don't hear or see his mom at all and the only time we do is to justify Theo's father cheating so that Theo can forgive him?? I'm sorry but that is stupid and disgusting.
On top of that, there were moments where the conflict between Madden and Theo felt… underwhelming. At times, it genuinely felt like the biggest obstacle in their relationship was their baseball rivalry, which just didn’t hold enough weight to justify the level of angst being presented. A few dramatic scenes felt like they were thrown in to compensate for that lack of tension, and they didn’t fully land for me. I am sorry, but when you love so much, a stupid college basketball rivalry cannot be the main reason you need to sneak around and hide your relationship.
That said, I kept reading because I cared. I cared about Madden. I cared about Theo. I cared about them together. I cared for the secondary characters too, their friends and teammates... Even if there were some thing I hated C.E. Ricci managed to make all the rest so fucking good I can't rate this under 4 stars.
▸“Please don’t suggest I use sex as a means for extortion and then immediately call him my brother.” My lips pull back in a grimace, and I shake my head. “That’s just wrong on too many levels.”
▸I crave him down to the marrow of my bones, the ends of the earth. To the edge of my fucking sanity.
So this is what addiction feels like.
September 6, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Madden Hastings.
That’s it. That’s the review.
This man is everything I didn’t know I needed with a cherry on top and he may be my favorite CE Ricci man to date (hush, don’t tell Oakley)
There is just such a specific feeling that I get when I read a CE Ricci book… it’s like I know my soul needs it… wasn’t he. I don’t want to rush it but I also can’t wait to finish it. Just know this was an infinity star read, and I wish I could re-read it immediately.
✨ College Baseball Romance
✨ Rivals to Lovers
✨ Step- Brothers
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ One Bed
✨ Bi- Awakening
rival step-brothers + angst… that’s all I needed to know to know I was going to love this. I just fully expected it to be Theo to steal my heart first (and he did) but Madden just swooped in and made me love him.
CE does the best ansty boys, and longing and pining and just a touch of forbiddeness that’s makes you never want to put her books down. I lived the tension between these two, Theo’s stubbornness, Madden’s patience and of course all the friends and their opinions.
This was the perfect r college baseball read and as always I am ready and wanting more while not wanting to ever say goodbye to these boys.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Madden Hastings.
That’s it. That’s the review.
This man is everything I didn’t know I needed with a cherry on top and he may be my favorite CE Ricci man to date (hush, don’t tell Oakley)
There is just such a specific feeling that I get when I read a CE Ricci book… it’s like I know my soul needs it… wasn’t he. I don’t want to rush it but I also can’t wait to finish it. Just know this was an infinity star read, and I wish I could re-read it immediately.
✨ College Baseball Romance
✨ Rivals to Lovers
✨ Step- Brothers
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ One Bed
✨ Bi- Awakening
rival step-brothers + angst… that’s all I needed to know to know I was going to love this. I just fully expected it to be Theo to steal my heart first (and he did) but Madden just swooped in and made me love him.
CE does the best ansty boys, and longing and pining and just a touch of forbiddeness that’s makes you never want to put her books down. I lived the tension between these two, Theo’s stubbornness, Madden’s patience and of course all the friends and their opinions.
This was the perfect r college baseball read and as always I am ready and wanting more while not wanting to ever say goodbye to these boys.
August 16, 2025
"He drags me under with hatred, holds me captive with wrath. And it’s a taste too fucking addictive to fight."
Playing Dirty is book 4 in C.E. Ricci's Leighton U series based around the hockey players at the college and their various love interests. This is Theo and Madden's story and I have been waiting for this one with bated breath, because it's my fave tropes - stepbrother/rivals to lovers - and Chelsea didn't disappoint!
What To Expect:
🤎MM stepbrother romance
🤎College sports (hockey)
🤎Rivals to lovers
🤎Forbidden
🤎First times
🤎Bi-awakening
🤎"I hate that I want you"
🤎All the steam
🤎HEA
Loved it!
5 stars
"So this is what addiction feels like."
Playing Dirty is book 4 in C.E. Ricci's Leighton U series based around the hockey players at the college and their various love interests. This is Theo and Madden's story and I have been waiting for this one with bated breath, because it's my fave tropes - stepbrother/rivals to lovers - and Chelsea didn't disappoint!
What To Expect:
🤎MM stepbrother romance
🤎College sports (hockey)
🤎Rivals to lovers
🤎Forbidden
🤎First times
🤎Bi-awakening
🤎"I hate that I want you"
🤎All the steam
🤎HEA
Loved it!
5 stars
"So this is what addiction feels like."
August 25, 2025
Absolutely loved this couple. Their transition from stepbrothers who are enemies to sweet lovers is one I can read again and again. This has been the best couple in the Leighton U series.
July 25, 2025
Theo and Madden are beautiful and perfect and the blend of angst and swoon is everything that a stepbrothers book should be. And I hate a stepbrothers book.
All the stars
All the stars
August 20, 2025
"I'll always turn around for you."
I love them 😭😭😭💙
I love them 😭😭😭💙
August 22, 2025
2.5 Worst book in the series
Cheating isn’t the trigger here, it’s the continued justification of it that’s the issue. (Not main characters)
And I might be the lone wolf about this one, but this book made me angry with the extent it took in trying to justify cheating. The cheating wasn’t between the main characters, but the parents, and they completely overshadowed the entire relationship between the main characters (obviously for me).
Theo’s dad is a POS.
Madden’s mom is a POS.
Theo was exceptionally hostile towards the both of them, after he comes to his childhood home for thanksgiving that his dad lives with his affair partner, and her child (his rival) and mom is god only knows where. Frankly I thought he wasn’t hostile enough.
Then we’re supposed to feel bad for Carla (affair partner/new wife) because she got pregnant in high school, married a drug addict, then knowingly engaged in an affair with her married boss (maybe?) whose 15 years her senior. I don’t feel bad for Carla. There’s nothing in this book or world that would make me feel bad for Carla. But she did make an (apparently world’s best) apple pie so I guess all is forgiven.
No one talks about Theo’s mother. Until she shows up at a game and is chit chatty with Carla, then the big reveal of “The cheating is okay, because I didn’t do enough in the marriage to keep it together. We didn’t divorce earlier because of you.” This does not, under any circumstances absolve Theo’s dad from being garbage.
I felt Theo and Madden were background characters in this book because I was so mad about this.
Cheating isn’t the trigger here, it’s the continued justification of it that’s the issue. (Not main characters)
And I might be the lone wolf about this one, but this book made me angry with the extent it took in trying to justify cheating. The cheating wasn’t between the main characters, but the parents, and they completely overshadowed the entire relationship between the main characters (obviously for me).
Theo’s dad is a POS.
Madden’s mom is a POS.
Theo was exceptionally hostile towards the both of them, after he comes to his childhood home for thanksgiving that his dad lives with his affair partner, and her child (his rival) and mom is god only knows where. Frankly I thought he wasn’t hostile enough.
Then we’re supposed to feel bad for Carla (affair partner/new wife) because she got pregnant in high school, married a drug addict, then knowingly engaged in an affair with her married boss (maybe?) whose 15 years her senior. I don’t feel bad for Carla. There’s nothing in this book or world that would make me feel bad for Carla. But she did make an (apparently world’s best) apple pie so I guess all is forgiven.
No one talks about Theo’s mother. Until she shows up at a game and is chit chatty with Carla, then the big reveal of “The cheating is okay, because I didn’t do enough in the marriage to keep it together. We didn’t divorce earlier because of you.” This does not, under any circumstances absolve Theo’s dad from being garbage.
I felt Theo and Madden were background characters in this book because I was so mad about this.
September 1, 2025
Tropes: step brothers, Rivals to lovers, secret relationship, forbidden relationship, Forced proximity
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: toys, sex in risky places, spanking, edging
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: reference to father dying in the past of an overdose, addict parent
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: yes, Theo's dad cheated on Theo's mom with Madden's mom
Other person drama: once they start hooking up, neither of them are with anyone else. There's one scene where Theo thinks that Madden is on a date but it's his cousin
4.5 stars
Theo and Madden are both college baseball players, they are on different teams and there is a rivalry between the teams because they're in the same town. Madden is almost certainly going to make it to the MLB, but Theo doesn't have the talent or the ambition to go that far. Last year, Theo's dad cheated on his wife with Madden's mom, who works for him, and he left his wife for Madden's mom. A couple months after the divorce was final, the affair partners got married. Theo is really upset with his dad, because he broke up their family, hurt his mom, and showed Theo that he wasn't the man that Theo thought he was and lost his respect. The dad and stepmom have been trying to have family time, and Theo has been resisting this new family dynamic. Theo is less than pleased to have Madden as his step brother in addition to everything else between their baseball teams. As they spend more time together though, Theo who previously identified us straight, starts having feelings about Madden. It's mutual, and they start hooking up, but Theo makes sure it's a secret.
They hook up in secret the entire school year and it's not just hooking up. There are dates and real feelings are developing. But Madden is afraid that Theo won't let this be anything more, because time and time again he keeps choosing to keep their relationship a secret. And that hurts madden. But they get there!
This was a great story. There was so much tension between the characters. Theo had a lot of resentment at first, but it wasn't really about Madden. And on Madden's side, he was feeling things pretty early, and he was a bit of a simp which is always fun to see, he didn't make it easy on Theo - he was making jibes and teasing - but he would do whatever to spend more time with him. Sneaking in and out through a window all the time? Done. I liked that they spent time together and knew each other pretty well, it wasn't just sex, though there was loads of that. The interactions with their friends and roommates were funny.
Some notable moments:
"“Too embarrassed to be seen on campus with me, huh?” I tease the second Theo climbs in my passenger seat the following afternoon. “Had to make me park down the street?” There’s a glint of mischief in his eyes when he reaches for the door handle. “I can get out right now if you’re—” The sound of the lock clicking into place has him pausing, and he immediately starts laughing. It might be the first time I’ve heard it in its purest form; the rich sound filling my car like a melody that makes my stomach swirl. “Smooth,” he muses. “I wasn’t expecting to be kidnapped today.”"
Quinton needing the gossip was hilarious!! "“Well, it’s not like I can just drop the bi-bomb on them and start parading my stepbrother around the house after we just screwed eight ways to Sunday,” I retort in frustration. “The entire house would think I lost my damn mind.” I realize my mistake as soon as I look back at the screen, finding both of them gaping at me like I’d just been speaking in tongues. “I’m so fucking sorry. You just said stepbrother,” Quinton nearly screeches. Shit."
Poor Jeremy is traumatized. "“Hello, welcome to Snowline Reso— Oh, God.” “Hey there, Jeremy. Good to see you again.” Theo drops his ID and credit card on the counter before aiming a winning smile at the receptionist. Meanwhile, the poor guy looks like he wants to crawl into a hole and die right now as he stares at my boyfriend. “H-how can I help you?”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: toys, sex in risky places, spanking, edging
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: reference to father dying in the past of an overdose, addict parent
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: yes, Theo's dad cheated on Theo's mom with Madden's mom
Other person drama: once they start hooking up, neither of them are with anyone else. There's one scene where Theo thinks that Madden is on a date but it's his cousin
4.5 stars
Theo and Madden are both college baseball players, they are on different teams and there is a rivalry between the teams because they're in the same town. Madden is almost certainly going to make it to the MLB, but Theo doesn't have the talent or the ambition to go that far. Last year, Theo's dad cheated on his wife with Madden's mom, who works for him, and he left his wife for Madden's mom. A couple months after the divorce was final, the affair partners got married. Theo is really upset with his dad, because he broke up their family, hurt his mom, and showed Theo that he wasn't the man that Theo thought he was and lost his respect. The dad and stepmom have been trying to have family time, and Theo has been resisting this new family dynamic. Theo is less than pleased to have Madden as his step brother in addition to everything else between their baseball teams. As they spend more time together though, Theo who previously identified us straight, starts having feelings about Madden. It's mutual, and they start hooking up, but Theo makes sure it's a secret.
They hook up in secret the entire school year and it's not just hooking up. There are dates and real feelings are developing. But Madden is afraid that Theo won't let this be anything more, because time and time again he keeps choosing to keep their relationship a secret. And that hurts madden. But they get there!
This was a great story. There was so much tension between the characters. Theo had a lot of resentment at first, but it wasn't really about Madden. And on Madden's side, he was feeling things pretty early, and he was a bit of a simp which is always fun to see, he didn't make it easy on Theo - he was making jibes and teasing - but he would do whatever to spend more time with him. Sneaking in and out through a window all the time? Done. I liked that they spent time together and knew each other pretty well, it wasn't just sex, though there was loads of that. The interactions with their friends and roommates were funny.
Some notable moments:
"“Too embarrassed to be seen on campus with me, huh?” I tease the second Theo climbs in my passenger seat the following afternoon. “Had to make me park down the street?” There’s a glint of mischief in his eyes when he reaches for the door handle. “I can get out right now if you’re—” The sound of the lock clicking into place has him pausing, and he immediately starts laughing. It might be the first time I’ve heard it in its purest form; the rich sound filling my car like a melody that makes my stomach swirl. “Smooth,” he muses. “I wasn’t expecting to be kidnapped today.”"
Quinton needing the gossip was hilarious!! "“Well, it’s not like I can just drop the bi-bomb on them and start parading my stepbrother around the house after we just screwed eight ways to Sunday,” I retort in frustration. “The entire house would think I lost my damn mind.” I realize my mistake as soon as I look back at the screen, finding both of them gaping at me like I’d just been speaking in tongues. “I’m so fucking sorry. You just said stepbrother,” Quinton nearly screeches. Shit."
Poor Jeremy is traumatized. "“Hello, welcome to Snowline Reso— Oh, God.” “Hey there, Jeremy. Good to see you again.” Theo drops his ID and credit card on the counter before aiming a winning smile at the receptionist. Meanwhile, the poor guy looks like he wants to crawl into a hole and die right now as he stares at my boyfriend. “H-how can I help you?”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
Somewhere between a 3.25 and 3.5🌟 I’m too indecisive.
But I just want to say that I am loving all of C.E. Ricci’s books!!! Can’t wait to continue her catalog
But I just want to say that I am loving all of C.E. Ricci’s books!!! Can’t wait to continue her catalog
September 11, 2025
Playing Dirty is book four in the Leighton U series. This MM college sports romance story is about Theo and Madden.
Theo and Madden are both baseball players but they are on rival teams. They are also newly stepbrothers after Theo’s dad married Madden’s mom. And although I did feel bad for Theo and what he was going through with his dad and this new marriage, it was hard to read how Theo took it out on Madden. What made things worse was how Theo and Madden found themselves attracted to each other. When Theo finally apologizes to Madden and they give into their attraction, these two were incredibly hot together. And it made it so much better seeing them connect outside the bedroom as well.
Unfortunately Theo and Madden had to keep what was happening between them a secret, especially from their parents and friends. Madden wasn’t so caught up in the rivalry, and I loved how he introduced Theo to his group of friends. Theo on the other hand had me losing my patience. I tried not to get frustrated with him for not being truthful to his friends.
Overall I really enjoyed Madden and Theo’s story. I definitely fell for Madden and absolutely loved everything about him. I have to say he is my new favorite in this series.
Theo and Madden are both baseball players but they are on rival teams. They are also newly stepbrothers after Theo’s dad married Madden’s mom. And although I did feel bad for Theo and what he was going through with his dad and this new marriage, it was hard to read how Theo took it out on Madden. What made things worse was how Theo and Madden found themselves attracted to each other. When Theo finally apologizes to Madden and they give into their attraction, these two were incredibly hot together. And it made it so much better seeing them connect outside the bedroom as well.
Unfortunately Theo and Madden had to keep what was happening between them a secret, especially from their parents and friends. Madden wasn’t so caught up in the rivalry, and I loved how he introduced Theo to his group of friends. Theo on the other hand had me losing my patience. I tried not to get frustrated with him for not being truthful to his friends.
Overall I really enjoyed Madden and Theo’s story. I definitely fell for Madden and absolutely loved everything about him. I have to say he is my new favorite in this series.
September 18, 2025
Rating: ♾️/5 🌟
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Theo and Madden
This had all of my favorite tropes - stepbrothers, (one sided) dislike to love, rivals, and secret relationship. I knew I was going to enjoy, but I had no idea I would become so obsessed with it. It honestly might be my new favorite book from the author. Madden was everything. It's been a few days since I finished it and I'm still thinking about it. I'm fighting the urge to reread it again already.
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Theo and Madden
This had all of my favorite tropes - stepbrothers, (one sided) dislike to love, rivals, and secret relationship. I knew I was going to enjoy, but I had no idea I would become so obsessed with it. It honestly might be my new favorite book from the author. Madden was everything. It's been a few days since I finished it and I'm still thinking about it. I'm fighting the urge to reread it again already.
September 14, 2025
3.5 stars
Please forgive my little thought rants if you choose to read on.
I think what went wrong in this book (for me) from the start, is that I genuinely disliked Madden from page one. How he treated and heckled Theo made me dislike him. And then he became 'likeable'(?) and the cool, calm, collected one?! Mixed feelings there.
The unbalance continued when every problem literally crashed on Theo. It all felt one sided creating an unmatching power divide.
The basis of hatred was on the parents acting like teenagers themselves, never taking into consideration the impact their quick wedding had on their kids, granted adult kids. But the lack of communication and not talking things through honestly created the mess in the first place. Respect when respect is earned, demanding obedience does not a good parent make.
After finishing the book and reading my notes above, it felt as if that was all for an entire different story. The whole trust/non trust thing with Theo actually lying to his teammates, hiding Madden, making him climb a tree for months and then the Penny Pennant hide and seek. And then Maddox just giving it up. And then Persephone and Orpheus... The wreck and hospital reveal.
Too many ideas for this medium angst book. And I did not like Theo at all by the end. Like a walking red flag to me. He never came clean to anyone until he was absolutely forced to.
Please forgive my little thought rants if you choose to read on.
I think what went wrong in this book (for me) from the start, is that I genuinely disliked Madden from page one. How he treated and heckled Theo made me dislike him. And then he became 'likeable'(?) and the cool, calm, collected one?! Mixed feelings there.
The unbalance continued when every problem literally crashed on Theo. It all felt one sided creating an unmatching power divide.
The basis of hatred was on the parents acting like teenagers themselves, never taking into consideration the impact their quick wedding had on their kids, granted adult kids. But the lack of communication and not talking things through honestly created the mess in the first place. Respect when respect is earned, demanding obedience does not a good parent make.
After finishing the book and reading my notes above, it felt as if that was all for an entire different story. The whole trust/non trust thing with Theo actually lying to his teammates, hiding Madden, making him climb a tree for months and then the Penny Pennant hide and seek. And then Maddox just giving it up. And then Persephone and Orpheus... The wreck and hospital reveal.
Too many ideas for this medium angst book. And I did not like Theo at all by the end. Like a walking red flag to me. He never came clean to anyone until he was absolutely forced to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2025
HANDS DOWN FAAAAVORITE OF THE SERIES. I should’ve known the rival stepbrothers would get me. 😋 Theo and Madden are rivals to lovers + forced proximity heaven, and when the tension snaps .. it 👏 snaps.👏 I adore CE’s writing and this plot line and tension felt very reminiscent of her earlier stories which was both nostalgic and HOTTTT. I devoured this thiiick story in two days and I cannot wait to experience it again on audio soon.
what you can expect :
• mm
• stepbrothers
• baseball rivals
• forced proximity
• family vacation
• can’t resist you
• sneaking around
my ratings : 9/10 + 🔥🔥🔥
📖 // advanced reader copy
what you can expect :
• mm
• stepbrothers
• baseball rivals
• forced proximity
• family vacation
• can’t resist you
• sneaking around
my ratings : 9/10 + 🔥🔥🔥
📖 // advanced reader copy
December 27, 2025
Playing Dirty by C.E. Ricci is a steamy, contemporary MM college sports romance about Theo Greyson and Madden Hastings, two rival college baseball captains who become stepbrothers when their parents marry, and who must navigate anger, attraction, and identity as their longstanding rivalry mutates into something far more intense, complicated, and intimate. It’s the fourth book in the Leighton U series, filled with rivalry‑fuelled tension, forced proximity, and emotional growth woven into a backdrop of sports competition and family drama.
This story made me feel the combustible mix of resentment and desire that crackles between Theo and Madden: the way their competitive banter in baseball bleeds seamlessly into tension off the field, and how shared moments during a family ski trip and beyond chip away at their walls in ways that feel both tender and charged. Ricci leans deeply into the enemies‑to‑lovers trope, letting attraction grow slowly through proximity and vulnerability even while secrets, jealousy, and the weight of family expectations complicate every step forward.
I found Madden’s emotional steadiness and patience grounding, especially contrasted with Theo’s bristling defenses and gradual unraveling of hurt and resentment toward his father and new family; their chemistry is frequent and passionate, and their emotional journey toward honesty is honest and affecting.
What lingered with me most was how the novel explores identity, rivalry, and self‑acceptance alongside the romance: Theo’s evolution from denial and bitterness to acknowledging his desire and feelings for Madden gave the story heartfelt stakes beyond the romantic heat, and Madden’s quiet confidence and care balanced the emotional tumult beautifully.
I would rate Playing Dirty 4 out of 5 stars because it delivers ferocious tension, authentic emotional arcs, and satisfying chemistry, even if some readers find the angst and pacing uneven at times. It’s a bold, passionate college romance that made me feel both exhilarated and deeply invested in how these two complicated characters finally come together.
This story made me feel the combustible mix of resentment and desire that crackles between Theo and Madden: the way their competitive banter in baseball bleeds seamlessly into tension off the field, and how shared moments during a family ski trip and beyond chip away at their walls in ways that feel both tender and charged. Ricci leans deeply into the enemies‑to‑lovers trope, letting attraction grow slowly through proximity and vulnerability even while secrets, jealousy, and the weight of family expectations complicate every step forward.
I found Madden’s emotional steadiness and patience grounding, especially contrasted with Theo’s bristling defenses and gradual unraveling of hurt and resentment toward his father and new family; their chemistry is frequent and passionate, and their emotional journey toward honesty is honest and affecting.
What lingered with me most was how the novel explores identity, rivalry, and self‑acceptance alongside the romance: Theo’s evolution from denial and bitterness to acknowledging his desire and feelings for Madden gave the story heartfelt stakes beyond the romantic heat, and Madden’s quiet confidence and care balanced the emotional tumult beautifully.
I would rate Playing Dirty 4 out of 5 stars because it delivers ferocious tension, authentic emotional arcs, and satisfying chemistry, even if some readers find the angst and pacing uneven at times. It’s a bold, passionate college romance that made me feel both exhilarated and deeply invested in how these two complicated characters finally come together.
October 28, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
Ughhhh soooo borinnngggg. Like seriously, Theos main concern regarding the two of them being together was the rivalry between their baseball teams. **YAWN**!! Like this was for real the main obstacle they were facing in their relationship??? Even that car scene felt added just to compensate for how *boring* the rest of the plot had been, so it didn’t even really do much for me.
The only reason I kept reading was because I really liked Madden and Theo, but other than that I was very severely disappointed :(
Ughhhh soooo borinnngggg. Like seriously, Theos main concern regarding the two of them being together was the rivalry between their baseball teams. **YAWN**!! Like this was for real the main obstacle they were facing in their relationship??? Even that car scene felt added just to compensate for how *boring* the rest of the plot had been, so it didn’t even really do much for me.
The only reason I kept reading was because I really liked Madden and Theo, but other than that I was very severely disappointed :(
December 22, 2025
I laughed, i cried, I giggled. This was prolly the best book in the series and I want more.
5/5⭐️
5/5⭐️
September 3, 2025
Theo and Madden were cute!!
First, I’d like to say that my disappointment in PLAYING DIRTY has nothing to do with Ricci’s writing. She is still a fantastic author.
I think my biggest issue is that PLAYING DIRTY just isn’t anything new. It’s not mind-breaking. It’s very middle of the pack, which really surprised me. All the books in this series are starting to sound the same.
The stakes weren’t high enough for me, either. I can’t relate to petty school rivalries. And that felt like the biggest issue between Madden and Theo—they couldn’t be together because of their school rivalry. The parents played a VERY small part in it, especially as the book progressed, their part got smaller.
Theo and Madden were so precious, though. Even if their banter would frustrate me at times, they had some serious chemistry. All of the fun smutty times were so great.
Last thing… I was once roasted in a creative writing class for having a car crash in the last 20%. My professor had told me that it feels cheap and an easy way to get reactions at the end of a story. So, I’m traumatized by that and was disappointed when it happened in this book.
First, I’d like to say that my disappointment in PLAYING DIRTY has nothing to do with Ricci’s writing. She is still a fantastic author.
I think my biggest issue is that PLAYING DIRTY just isn’t anything new. It’s not mind-breaking. It’s very middle of the pack, which really surprised me. All the books in this series are starting to sound the same.
The stakes weren’t high enough for me, either. I can’t relate to petty school rivalries. And that felt like the biggest issue between Madden and Theo—they couldn’t be together because of their school rivalry. The parents played a VERY small part in it, especially as the book progressed, their part got smaller.
Theo and Madden were so precious, though. Even if their banter would frustrate me at times, they had some serious chemistry. All of the fun smutty times were so great.
Last thing… I was once roasted in a creative writing class for having a car crash in the last 20%. My professor had told me that it feels cheap and an easy way to get reactions at the end of a story. So, I’m traumatized by that and was disappointed when it happened in this book.
August 29, 2025
it was good, but i expected more.. i just couldn’t connect to the characters 😪
August 31, 2025
So… where do I even start? ✨ I absolutely loved this read. I was super hyped about this book, and I’m so glad it didn’t disappoint in the slightest. The stepbrother trope is hands-down my favorite 💕, and this one delivered big time.
What I loved the most is that, even though they’re teenagers, they didn’t act immature at all—they actually handled their relationship with a lot of maturity, and most importantly, they communicated. That honesty and trust between them really stood out to me. 🌟
Of course, I also adored all the hilarious chaos that came with their school rivalry 😂, but what really melted me were those moments when they showed genuine care and affection for each other. 🫶
Madden and Theo completely stole my heart ❤️—they’ve officially earned a spot as my favorite characters, and this book is now easily one of my top picks in the series. 📚
What I loved the most is that, even though they’re teenagers, they didn’t act immature at all—they actually handled their relationship with a lot of maturity, and most importantly, they communicated. That honesty and trust between them really stood out to me. 🌟
Of course, I also adored all the hilarious chaos that came with their school rivalry 😂, but what really melted me were those moments when they showed genuine care and affection for each other. 🫶
Madden and Theo completely stole my heart ❤️—they’ve officially earned a spot as my favorite characters, and this book is now easily one of my top picks in the series. 📚
August 22, 2025
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO FUCKING MUCH AHH!!
There is something so satisfying about rivals to lovers that does everything for me but then making them stepbrothers. BITCH I’M OBSESSED!! Theo and Madden’s chemistry is incredible and their story had me wanting more. They were both equally funny and stubborn and adorable and I just loved them so much lol also, Madden has been added to my book boyfriend list and he’s HIGH up there. I’d risk it all for that man 🥹💜
There is something so satisfying about rivals to lovers that does everything for me but then making them stepbrothers. BITCH I’M OBSESSED!! Theo and Madden’s chemistry is incredible and their story had me wanting more. They were both equally funny and stubborn and adorable and I just loved them so much lol also, Madden has been added to my book boyfriend list and he’s HIGH up there. I’d risk it all for that man 🥹💜
August 20, 2025
⚾️Theo & Madden⚾️
CE Ricci knocked it out of the park with their story. It literally had me hooked from the start.
Madden and Theo are rivals and stepbrothers, and they share a 🔥 chemistry from the start, I could actually feel their tension and passion coming off the pages lol.
I loved to watch their growth and love form over these pages that I didn't want it to end. They are definitely fighting for the number one spot on my list with Quinton and Oakley.
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶
CE Ricci knocked it out of the park with their story. It literally had me hooked from the start.
Madden and Theo are rivals and stepbrothers, and they share a 🔥 chemistry from the start, I could actually feel their tension and passion coming off the pages lol.
I loved to watch their growth and love form over these pages that I didn't want it to end. They are definitely fighting for the number one spot on my list with Quinton and Oakley.
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶
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