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Playing #2
Playing In Shadow
After surviving a devastating car crash, Bryce Donovan is plagued by crippling nightmares that leave her terrified to close her eyes. She still bears the scars from that night, both emotionally and physically. Her job at Tweedy Contractors brings the diversion she is desperate for, and the new apprentice painter is a welcome distraction.
As a gifted artist, Scarlet Tweedy creates beauty in every medium she employs. But she’s always been expected to take over her father’s business. The problem is she doesn’t want to follow in his footsteps while she has dreams of her own to pursue. But can she choose her own path over what has always been expected of her?
As a gifted artist, Scarlet Tweedy creates beauty in every medium she employs. But she’s always been expected to take over her father’s business. The problem is she doesn’t want to follow in his footsteps while she has dreams of her own to pursue. But can she choose her own path over what has always been expected of her?
264 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2015
7 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Davis
20 books82 followersLesley Davis lives in the West Midlands of England. She is a die-hard sci-fi/fantasy fan in all its forms and an extremely passionate gamer.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 26, 2019
3.75 Stars. This was another enjoyable book by Davis. This is the second book in her Playing series and while it is not as good as the first, I still liked it quite a bit. This is a book you could just pick up and read but I personally would recommend reading book 1 first. While there are two new characters who are the stars of this book, Trent and Juliet from book 1, play a major role in this. I fell for their characters in the first book, so it was a lot of fun to see them get even more of their HEA. And I hate to say this but they almost stole the show away for the two new mains in this book.
Like book 1, this is another butch-femme romance. Bryce is the survivor of a horrible accident that leaves her with almost debilitating PTSD and nightmares. Scarlet is a free spirted artist who might just be what Bryce needs to help her with her grief and guilt. While this book does deal with some tougher subjects, for the most part this is another feel good romance. There is some internal conflict the characters have, but again like the first book in this series, there is almost no angst at all.
I mentioned that Trent and Juliet stole a little of the book from Bryce and Scarlet, but I did enjoy this new romance too. Once again Davis gave her characters some good chemistry and wrote sex scenes that are quite a bit above average. While I have read a handful of Davis’ other books, I didn’t realize or remember that she writes some good and steamy intimate scenes.
This series has been much more enjoyable than I expected. I like this group of characters and am happy there is a third book to read. If you want a series that is sweet and romantic, with almost no angst, this is a good choice. I think starting at book one would give you the most enjoyment from the series.
Like book 1, this is another butch-femme romance. Bryce is the survivor of a horrible accident that leaves her with almost debilitating PTSD and nightmares. Scarlet is a free spirted artist who might just be what Bryce needs to help her with her grief and guilt. While this book does deal with some tougher subjects, for the most part this is another feel good romance. There is some internal conflict the characters have, but again like the first book in this series, there is almost no angst at all.
I mentioned that Trent and Juliet stole a little of the book from Bryce and Scarlet, but I did enjoy this new romance too. Once again Davis gave her characters some good chemistry and wrote sex scenes that are quite a bit above average. While I have read a handful of Davis’ other books, I didn’t realize or remember that she writes some good and steamy intimate scenes.
This series has been much more enjoyable than I expected. I like this group of characters and am happy there is a third book to read. If you want a series that is sweet and romantic, with almost no angst, this is a good choice. I think starting at book one would give you the most enjoyment from the series.
July 3, 2017
An Ok read! honest: (did not read the 1st series)now to this story-PTSD victim/lead crushing on the boss's daughter then there is the nasty ex who up and left her while she was in the hospital did i get my story and plot correct because it's the same lesbian story all over again cliche..then the author adds another part to this saga of a story when she pulls Trent and Julie into this by having a baby and by the way this couple are more lovable in this story than the main characters...don't know what to make of these other characters Monica and Elton... but i do love the relationship that Scarlet has with her father and grandmother.. it was an emotional ride through and through with this series just to get to the end...
September 6, 2024
3,5 stars
I quite liked this one.
It was nice reading about Trent and Juliet again.
I'd appreciated it more if it focused more on just Bryce and Scarlett or just Trent and Juliet, but I can understand why it had to be switched throughout like this.
Overall above average
Edit September 2024: rating remains unchanged, review too, I stand behind my previous opinions
I quite liked this one.
It was nice reading about Trent and Juliet again.
I'd appreciated it more if it focused more on just Bryce and Scarlett or just Trent and Juliet, but I can understand why it had to be switched throughout like this.
Overall above average
Edit September 2024: rating remains unchanged, review too, I stand behind my previous opinions
June 17, 2022
“Welcome to the gamers, gardeners, and Goths gang, Bryce. You’re going to fit right in.”
A sequel to Playing Passion's Game, with a new couple front and center, but still a fair amount of attention to our previous couple; Trent and Juliet - who are expecting!
We meet strong, stoic and butch, Bryce, having survived a horrific car accident where she was the sole surviving passenger. She is a plasterer for the same construction firm Juliet and her bestie goth friend Monica joined up with in the previous story. There's still lots of great found family and friendship community that I appreciate in these stories. A fair few goth characters, gamers, and construction/gardening workers. Good blue collar representation, which is far more realistic for most of us.
In this case our love interest Scarlet a Red haired painter, artist and photographer has come to work with her dads construction firm, but he is hassling her to take the reigns on the whole business - when her more free spirited, creative spark, nature wants anything but! Scarlet the slightly goth, sassy Femme is drawn to the haunted Bryce, and both become enamored while trying to deal with their respective issues.
These stories aren't necessarily breaking the mold, but I WILL say there is no black moment, or frustrating miscommunication tropes. I REALLY appreciate that both stories so far have excellent drama without 'angst' in the sense of bad feelings and miscommunication or hurt. These are all adults, dealing with their traumas, and finding empathy and acceptance. All the traumas are respectfully portrayed, and admirably dealt with by the characters in supportive and loving ways, which is something I truly appreciate in adult romance novels, and wish desperately to see more of!
There is a particularly steamy strap-on sex scene for the new couple, plus other scenes with our first couple. So these books have definitely impressed me, despite being slightly older works. So I would highly recommend them if you're like me, and you enjoy adults dealing with their shit, and taking control of their own lives, while supporting their friends and found family.
Off to read book 3, next!
A sequel to Playing Passion's Game, with a new couple front and center, but still a fair amount of attention to our previous couple; Trent and Juliet - who are expecting!
We meet strong, stoic and butch, Bryce, having survived a horrific car accident where she was the sole surviving passenger. She is a plasterer for the same construction firm Juliet and her bestie goth friend Monica joined up with in the previous story. There's still lots of great found family and friendship community that I appreciate in these stories. A fair few goth characters, gamers, and construction/gardening workers. Good blue collar representation, which is far more realistic for most of us.
In this case our love interest Scarlet a Red haired painter, artist and photographer has come to work with her dads construction firm, but he is hassling her to take the reigns on the whole business - when her more free spirited, creative spark, nature wants anything but! Scarlet the slightly goth, sassy Femme is drawn to the haunted Bryce, and both become enamored while trying to deal with their respective issues.
These stories aren't necessarily breaking the mold, but I WILL say there is no black moment, or frustrating miscommunication tropes. I REALLY appreciate that both stories so far have excellent drama without 'angst' in the sense of bad feelings and miscommunication or hurt. These are all adults, dealing with their traumas, and finding empathy and acceptance. All the traumas are respectfully portrayed, and admirably dealt with by the characters in supportive and loving ways, which is something I truly appreciate in adult romance novels, and wish desperately to see more of!
There is a particularly steamy strap-on sex scene for the new couple, plus other scenes with our first couple. So these books have definitely impressed me, despite being slightly older works. So I would highly recommend them if you're like me, and you enjoy adults dealing with their shit, and taking control of their own lives, while supporting their friends and found family.
Off to read book 3, next!
February 10, 2022
3.8 stars
Enjoyable book in this series. Nice enough romance but I especially liked reading about Brent and Juliet and their friends and family from book one again.
Enjoyable book in this series. Nice enough romance but I especially liked reading about Brent and Juliet and their friends and family from book one again.
June 10, 2019
This series is fast becoming a favourite of mine.
Bryce has had a terrible car accident on the way home from a party. She is the only survivor and is scarred emotionally and physically by the ordeal and feels she may never be the same again. That is until she meets Scarlet. Scarlet is working for her dad as a painter and decorator alongside Bryce. She is instantly attracted to her and wants to get to know her. Both Scarlett and Bryce are navigating personal issues. Scarlett is steering her career as an artist and not wanting to be the next air to the construction dynasty. While Bryce still has her internal turmoil and nightmares from the crash. Together they help each other realise their potential, and they begin to fall in love.
I adore this series. How did I not read this before? This book is the sequel to Playing Passions Game. Juliette and Trent from book one are still heavily cast in this book and we even get to read things from their point of view which I was super excited about. I would highly recommend reading Playing Passions Game before reading this book for continuity. This story doesn't have any drag time, and in fact, the pace was pretty perfect. This book also doesn't have a heap of angst, which is a mirrored style throughout the series so far. It's one of the main reasons I love this book so much and the whole series.
I loved Bryce. What a sweetheart she was and honestly, Scarlett and Bryce were soul mates from their first interaction. Watching them begin to trust one another to then supporting each other’s needs when life got tough was so beautiful, I enjoyed watching them fall in love. Also, the sex scenes blew me away. I think the build-up to the sex scenes was probably the best part, they were HOT!
I also loved that Bryce had visible scars and not just emotional ones. I think physical scars made this book more real and it made the story feel more intense. And even with her injuries, she was such a sexy character to read.
I'm about to start the third book in the series Playing with Fire. So look out for that review coming soon.
5 stars
Bryce has had a terrible car accident on the way home from a party. She is the only survivor and is scarred emotionally and physically by the ordeal and feels she may never be the same again. That is until she meets Scarlet. Scarlet is working for her dad as a painter and decorator alongside Bryce. She is instantly attracted to her and wants to get to know her. Both Scarlett and Bryce are navigating personal issues. Scarlett is steering her career as an artist and not wanting to be the next air to the construction dynasty. While Bryce still has her internal turmoil and nightmares from the crash. Together they help each other realise their potential, and they begin to fall in love.
I adore this series. How did I not read this before? This book is the sequel to Playing Passions Game. Juliette and Trent from book one are still heavily cast in this book and we even get to read things from their point of view which I was super excited about. I would highly recommend reading Playing Passions Game before reading this book for continuity. This story doesn't have any drag time, and in fact, the pace was pretty perfect. This book also doesn't have a heap of angst, which is a mirrored style throughout the series so far. It's one of the main reasons I love this book so much and the whole series.
I loved Bryce. What a sweetheart she was and honestly, Scarlett and Bryce were soul mates from their first interaction. Watching them begin to trust one another to then supporting each other’s needs when life got tough was so beautiful, I enjoyed watching them fall in love. Also, the sex scenes blew me away. I think the build-up to the sex scenes was probably the best part, they were HOT!
I also loved that Bryce had visible scars and not just emotional ones. I think physical scars made this book more real and it made the story feel more intense. And even with her injuries, she was such a sexy character to read.
I'm about to start the third book in the series Playing with Fire. So look out for that review coming soon.
5 stars
January 4, 2016
Playing Passion's Game is one of my favourites, so it was great to come back to that world. Loved seeing how Trent and Juliet were doing and how they're growing their family. I also really liked the romance between the main couple. I guess you could read it as a standalone, but I wouldn't recommend it. Very sweet romance that I'll come back to.
April 18, 2018
I do not remember now what caused me the double desire to read this book and . . . reluctance to start this book. I messed up, I did, though. I should have read this a lot closer to the end of the previous book in the series. Not because the previous book was incomplete or anything. No, both books are self-contained entities. No, I mention what I mention because this really is a book following two couples, not a book wherein the couple from the first book just make cameos or are important side characters. No, a lot of the story follows the couple from the first book (Trent and Juliet), and it is almost, but not quite, as if Bryce and Scarlet are the side couple in this story instead of the budding romance couple.
Right, so. This book follows the further adventures of Trent and Juliet about . . . if I recall correctly, 2 years after the end of the previous book. Plus the coming together of Bryce and Scarlet. A bank executive tired of her career in the first book (will at the start of the first book at least), Juliet now works in landscaping for Tweedy Contractors – and is ‘heavily pregnant’. Trent still works at the gaming story she was at in the previous book. Monica and her boyfriend Elton continue to be involved and continue to be important side characters. And I mention them before the other main point of view characters to round out the characters from the previous book.
Monica and Juliet were roommates in the first book. Now it’s Monica and Scarlet Tweedy who are roommates. And as the last name indicates, Scarlet is connected to Tweedy Contractors – as both the daughter of the owner, and worker at the company (though she’d just recently moved back home from Chicago working in a completely different field (which she continues on the weekends) involving being a painter and photographer – for Tweedy Contractors she works as a house painter (there’s a different skill set between a house painter and an artist painter – though one of the paintings at the Whitney that I liked the most involved an artist ‘making a statement’ about abstract art by following his house painting skills to slap some lines on an unprimed canvas and . . . well, basically I’m saying there’s different skill sets involved). Two important things to know about Scarlet (well beyond being short-ish, pale, and having flaming red hair): 1) her father wants her to take over the company – she has no desire for that; 2) she develops a fascination towards a coworker – the only other woman who works for the company (that’s not right, there’s at least one more, um, the only other woman who goes to job sites?) but that wasn’t what I was going to mention – no, I was going to mention that is that Scarlet is bold and not afraid to take the steps needed to get what she wants. This helps here because the other main character, the coworker, is Bryce Donovan. Who is a fragile fragile woman.
As the book opens, Bryce is being examined by a doctor. Bryce wants to get back to work as soon as possible. The doctor agrees, but only limited duty. Bryce works as a . . . um, I forget the words used, she prepares walls to be painted. Bryce is still in pain, but she needs to get away from her empty apartment. And her bed. Where she doesn’t spend much time anyway – not for reasons some might leap to expect, but because she can’t sleep. Every time she does she’s back in the car – the one she was in – the one where everyone but her died in.
Right, so, Trent and Juliet continue their happy lives, awaiting the birth of Newt, while Scarlet and Bryce work through issues to get to couple hood.
There is also a ton of sex.
Rating: … I didn’t realize until I came to write this review, but I apparently rated this book higher than the previous book. Who-would-have-thought, eh? 4.45
ETA: odd, took 4 days to write review for first book in series; and took 4 days to write review for this book here.
April 18 2018
Right, so. This book follows the further adventures of Trent and Juliet about . . . if I recall correctly, 2 years after the end of the previous book. Plus the coming together of Bryce and Scarlet. A bank executive tired of her career in the first book (will at the start of the first book at least), Juliet now works in landscaping for Tweedy Contractors – and is ‘heavily pregnant’. Trent still works at the gaming story she was at in the previous book. Monica and her boyfriend Elton continue to be involved and continue to be important side characters. And I mention them before the other main point of view characters to round out the characters from the previous book.
Monica and Juliet were roommates in the first book. Now it’s Monica and Scarlet Tweedy who are roommates. And as the last name indicates, Scarlet is connected to Tweedy Contractors – as both the daughter of the owner, and worker at the company (though she’d just recently moved back home from Chicago working in a completely different field (which she continues on the weekends) involving being a painter and photographer – for Tweedy Contractors she works as a house painter (there’s a different skill set between a house painter and an artist painter – though one of the paintings at the Whitney that I liked the most involved an artist ‘making a statement’ about abstract art by following his house painting skills to slap some lines on an unprimed canvas and . . . well, basically I’m saying there’s different skill sets involved). Two important things to know about Scarlet (well beyond being short-ish, pale, and having flaming red hair): 1) her father wants her to take over the company – she has no desire for that; 2) she develops a fascination towards a coworker – the only other woman who works for the company (that’s not right, there’s at least one more, um, the only other woman who goes to job sites?) but that wasn’t what I was going to mention – no, I was going to mention that is that Scarlet is bold and not afraid to take the steps needed to get what she wants. This helps here because the other main character, the coworker, is Bryce Donovan. Who is a fragile fragile woman.
As the book opens, Bryce is being examined by a doctor. Bryce wants to get back to work as soon as possible. The doctor agrees, but only limited duty. Bryce works as a . . . um, I forget the words used, she prepares walls to be painted. Bryce is still in pain, but she needs to get away from her empty apartment. And her bed. Where she doesn’t spend much time anyway – not for reasons some might leap to expect, but because she can’t sleep. Every time she does she’s back in the car – the one she was in – the one where everyone but her died in.
Right, so, Trent and Juliet continue their happy lives, awaiting the birth of Newt, while Scarlet and Bryce work through issues to get to couple hood.
There is also a ton of sex.
Rating: … I didn’t realize until I came to write this review, but I apparently rated this book higher than the previous book. Who-would-have-thought, eh? 4.45
ETA: odd, took 4 days to write review for first book in series; and took 4 days to write review for this book here.
April 18 2018
January 19, 2020
Really enjoyed this one - a follow up to Playing Passion's Game - says can read as 1 off but not recommended. The flow between the two books is very much part of the joy.
April 5, 2015
Bryce Donovan is a well respected plasterer working for a local building firm when she is a passenger in a fatal car accident. The trauma of having her friends dying in the car stays with her, long after she returns to work, fighting through the pain as her body recovers from the damage of the crash.
Struggling to get through the day, and avoiding sleep at night to escape the continual nightmares, Bryce is quietly seduced by the new apprentice painter, Scarlet Tweedy. Scarlet may be gorgeous, but she is also the daughter of the boss.
Scarlet has her own set of problems. While she loves coming home after art school to keep working for her father and his team, her love of photography and creating beautiful photoreal paintings is going to lead her away from the family business, no matter how hard her father pushes.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pace of the book, and the conflicts the two main characters had in their lives. Whilst very different characters, the love story was charming, and matched by the more mature relationship of Scarlet's friends who are in the midst of having their first baby.
The secondary characters were also really well written, and had a charm of their own. I have to admit, it was lovely to see lesbian parents being included in the love story, and to have one of them a total geek.
This book improved as it progressed, as more depth was added to the characters and their worlds become more socially complex. I really enjoyed this book.
Struggling to get through the day, and avoiding sleep at night to escape the continual nightmares, Bryce is quietly seduced by the new apprentice painter, Scarlet Tweedy. Scarlet may be gorgeous, but she is also the daughter of the boss.
Scarlet has her own set of problems. While she loves coming home after art school to keep working for her father and his team, her love of photography and creating beautiful photoreal paintings is going to lead her away from the family business, no matter how hard her father pushes.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pace of the book, and the conflicts the two main characters had in their lives. Whilst very different characters, the love story was charming, and matched by the more mature relationship of Scarlet's friends who are in the midst of having their first baby.
The secondary characters were also really well written, and had a charm of their own. I have to admit, it was lovely to see lesbian parents being included in the love story, and to have one of them a total geek.
This book improved as it progressed, as more depth was added to the characters and their worlds become more socially complex. I really enjoyed this book.
April 22, 2015
I really enjoyed the book, not only for getting to meet new characters but for sharing again with old ones. I thought the chemistry between Scarlet and Bryce was sweet and the interactions between her and her dad was a nice touch.
September 30, 2019
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢🧛♀️🧢🎮👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
I’ve discovered the « Playing Universe » a few months ago when I’ve read the ARC of « Playing with fire » by Lesley Davis, and, back then I wasn’t aware it was part of the « Playing series » (it wasn’t presented like this on NG ..) … While reading about the « adventures » of Takira and Dante, I’ve « met » plenty of other interesting characters and it gave me the desire to know more about them … So … I’ve read « Playing Passion’s Game » that I liked a lot (not my favorite since it was a total immersion in the gamers’ world … and guys, that’s not even that fictional … I’ve known some gamers in real life and it was really like this … I confess that that’s a lil bit too weird for me sometimes but who am I to judge ???)
Then, I’ve read « Playing In Shadow » … I was great to discover a new couple of lovebirds, Bryce and Scarlet are beautiful, funny and very touching … it was also cool to know how Trent and Juliet were doing (they are a lovely couple) … The giant gamer and the very pregnant Juliet were some very strong secondary characters who helped the the MCs to build their sweet romance. The way Bryce struggled against her PTSD was an emotional ride but I’m glad she made it with Scarlet’s help, those two have a wonderful chemistery.
Not a habit of mine but I’ll re-read « Playing With Fire » sooner rather than later I guess and I really hope we’ll be able to read more about all this extented/heart family very soon … I’m definitely a fan of this series …
I’ll also read the « Wings series » ASAP. I should also give a try to a few other of this author’s books, I love her writing style and her humor.
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢🧛♀️🧢🎮👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
I’ve discovered the « Playing Universe » a few months ago when I’ve read the ARC of « Playing with fire » by Lesley Davis, and, back then I wasn’t aware it was part of the « Playing series » (it wasn’t presented like this on NG ..) … While reading about the « adventures » of Takira and Dante, I’ve « met » plenty of other interesting characters and it gave me the desire to know more about them … So … I’ve read « Playing Passion’s Game » that I liked a lot (not my favorite since it was a total immersion in the gamers’ world … and guys, that’s not even that fictional … I’ve known some gamers in real life and it was really like this … I confess that that’s a lil bit too weird for me sometimes but who am I to judge ???)
Then, I’ve read « Playing In Shadow » … I was great to discover a new couple of lovebirds, Bryce and Scarlet are beautiful, funny and very touching … it was also cool to know how Trent and Juliet were doing (they are a lovely couple) … The giant gamer and the very pregnant Juliet were some very strong secondary characters who helped the the MCs to build their sweet romance. The way Bryce struggled against her PTSD was an emotional ride but I’m glad she made it with Scarlet’s help, those two have a wonderful chemistery.
Not a habit of mine but I’ll re-read « Playing With Fire » sooner rather than later I guess and I really hope we’ll be able to read more about all this extented/heart family very soon … I’m definitely a fan of this series …
I’ll also read the « Wings series » ASAP. I should also give a try to a few other of this author’s books, I love her writing style and her humor.
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢🧛♀️🧢🎮👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
September 14, 2017
Lovely story, characters....a book you cannot put down....my only wish (happens with all the good books) that it was bit longer 😀
May 10, 2018
It's weird that I vaguely want to be reborn as the baby in this book, yes? Ah, it's probably the name the baby got. I can't really imagine these specific individuals being my main people growing up. Though the secondary couple's sister (though sometimes it seemed they were the main couple, though they were the main in previous book) might be an interesting aunt, yes, sister of mother, yes. Had to think there.
First book was about the main couple in book 1, Trent and Juliet - who first got introduced to each other through that previously mentioned sister (sister of Juliet). Book two continues Trent and Juliet's relationship, now with Juliet heavily pregnant.
Oh, and there is another couple in this book. Cannot forget them. They are supposed to be the mains, of course, so cannot forget them. That would be; I cannot remember their names. I kid, the main couple in this book is Scarlet, daughter of the construction/landscaping firm, and Bryce, one of the few women who work for the construction company as a wall person. Making walls good for paint.
Both story lines are good. Better than expected, actually. I enjoy book.
First book was about the main couple in book 1, Trent and Juliet - who first got introduced to each other through that previously mentioned sister (sister of Juliet). Book two continues Trent and Juliet's relationship, now with Juliet heavily pregnant.
Oh, and there is another couple in this book. Cannot forget them. They are supposed to be the mains, of course, so cannot forget them. That would be; I cannot remember their names. I kid, the main couple in this book is Scarlet, daughter of the construction/landscaping firm, and Bryce, one of the few women who work for the construction company as a wall person. Making walls good for paint.
Both story lines are good. Better than expected, actually. I enjoy book.
November 3, 2023
2.75 Stars
February 4, 2019
I didn’t read book 1 in this series, but I don’t feel I missed something. Liked the interactions with all the characters.
June 10, 2019
This was another great read in the series by this author. I loved Scarlet and Bryce and there story but I enjoyed the book all the more because Trent and Juliet from book 1 was in this book. I have a major crush on Trent lol.
I think Trent and Juliet stole the limelight in this book from Bryce and Scarlet but it was a great read nonetheless.
I am now addicted to this author and have already found my next books by her to read.
I think Trent and Juliet stole the limelight in this book from Bryce and Scarlet but it was a great read nonetheless.
I am now addicted to this author and have already found my next books by her to read.
January 23, 2023
Solid
I'm so glad this booked lived up to it's predecessor. I enjoyed how both stories were interwoven without losing their individual threads. The characters were engaging and believable; the storyline was nicely developed and made you want to know what the characters would do next. I like this writing style and will be looking for more works by this author.
I'm so glad this booked lived up to it's predecessor. I enjoyed how both stories were interwoven without losing their individual threads. The characters were engaging and believable; the storyline was nicely developed and made you want to know what the characters would do next. I like this writing style and will be looking for more works by this author.
July 15, 2015
Playing In Shadow is the second book in the Playing series by Lesley Davis. I did not read the first book in the series, and while i was still able to catch up quickly, the couple that comes together in the first book does continue their story in this book, so I do wish I had already read Playing Passion's Game. I will be going back to read it shortly.
After surviving a devastating car crash, Bryce Donovan is plagued by crippling nightmares that leave her terrified to close her eyes. She still bears the scars from that night, both emotionally and physically. Her job at Tweedy Contractors brings the diversion she is desperate for, and the new apprentice painter is a welcome distraction. As a gifted artist, Scarlet Tweedy creates beauty in every medium she employs. But she’s always been expected to take over her father’s business. The problem is she doesn’t want to follow in his footsteps while she has dreams of her own to pursue. But can she choose her own path over what has always been expected of her?
Playing In Shadow is a solid romance, and a satisfying read. Bryce is still recovering physical and emotionally from a deadly car accident. Not even she has acknowledged how deep some of those scars run. Scarlet is glad to be home and with her friends again, but does not want fall into the role her father has lined up for her. She needs to decide on what is best for her in the long run. Bryce and Scarlet come together fairly quickly, and while that bothered me on some level, the way it happens felt very organic and possible in the real world. I also liked that friends and previous main characters have their stories told and are included in the mix as well. So often the focus on the main characters has me wondering if they completely shut out their friends when love comes into the picture, or if other characters that already have found their happy ending go into hiding.
Playing In Shadow is different from my typical romance reading, but at the same time exactly the same. I loved the two main characters and the secondary characters. The issues they all face were realistic and handled really well. My complaint is the same I have with many romance, in that the main couple fell a little too fast, but sometimes that is how real life happens too, and it felt so very real. I do not often read LGBT romance, but thus far every time I have I have been thrilled with how fantastic the writing is. I guess I need to read more!
Playing In Shadow is a sweet romance with dynamic characters. I would recommend it to anyone open to LGBT romance. I enjoyed the characters and the story and will be reading more from this author.
After surviving a devastating car crash, Bryce Donovan is plagued by crippling nightmares that leave her terrified to close her eyes. She still bears the scars from that night, both emotionally and physically. Her job at Tweedy Contractors brings the diversion she is desperate for, and the new apprentice painter is a welcome distraction. As a gifted artist, Scarlet Tweedy creates beauty in every medium she employs. But she’s always been expected to take over her father’s business. The problem is she doesn’t want to follow in his footsteps while she has dreams of her own to pursue. But can she choose her own path over what has always been expected of her?
Playing In Shadow is a solid romance, and a satisfying read. Bryce is still recovering physical and emotionally from a deadly car accident. Not even she has acknowledged how deep some of those scars run. Scarlet is glad to be home and with her friends again, but does not want fall into the role her father has lined up for her. She needs to decide on what is best for her in the long run. Bryce and Scarlet come together fairly quickly, and while that bothered me on some level, the way it happens felt very organic and possible in the real world. I also liked that friends and previous main characters have their stories told and are included in the mix as well. So often the focus on the main characters has me wondering if they completely shut out their friends when love comes into the picture, or if other characters that already have found their happy ending go into hiding.
Playing In Shadow is different from my typical romance reading, but at the same time exactly the same. I loved the two main characters and the secondary characters. The issues they all face were realistic and handled really well. My complaint is the same I have with many romance, in that the main couple fell a little too fast, but sometimes that is how real life happens too, and it felt so very real. I do not often read LGBT romance, but thus far every time I have I have been thrilled with how fantastic the writing is. I guess I need to read more!
Playing In Shadow is a sweet romance with dynamic characters. I would recommend it to anyone open to LGBT romance. I enjoyed the characters and the story and will be reading more from this author.
April 21, 2015
I don’t know if I loved this book as much as I did because I was in the right emotional place or if it just was this good! I’ll let you be the judge of that and I trust you, dear reader, you’ll let me know.
This is the story of Bryce Donovan, a girl that works at Tweedy Contractors who was in a terrible accident and now is dealing with Survivors Guilt, a little PTSD and a lot of self steem issues, and then there’s Scarlet Tweedy, awesome Goth/metal head, an artist and the heiress to the Tweedy Contractors legacy; they meet just at the right time to draw strength from each other to face the choices life is giving them.
I really enjoyed the story, it portrays very realistically the struggles Bryce is facing to live, shows how emotionally draining is to live alone and how healing a good support system can be to a person. On the other hand Scarlet is my perfect Book Girlfriend not only because she’s gorgeous physically but her sense of humor, her hobbies and her music taste is spot on for me so I must say I laughed and rolled on the bed in more than one occasion because of the music and her bluntness, I must say is refreshing.
The secondary characters, god! they were amazing and funny, so engaging! Trent and Juliet really have a relationship to aspire to, full of love and caring for each other; I must say as Scarlet I do too have a crush on them. Monica is the much needed comic relief to tone down a little Bryce’s hardest struggles. That’s an amazing bunch of misfits, or as Scarlet Calls them, “Gamers, gardeners and goths gang”
Overall this was an amazing reading, great and engaging story and as it progresses adding layers to the characters and the complexity of their struggles it starts to consume a little bit of your heart making you wish this was a Saga and not just one story. That’s why I’ll give this book 5 stars surprising even myself because as I said in a previous review, I’m annoying.
This is the story of Bryce Donovan, a girl that works at Tweedy Contractors who was in a terrible accident and now is dealing with Survivors Guilt, a little PTSD and a lot of self steem issues, and then there’s Scarlet Tweedy, awesome Goth/metal head, an artist and the heiress to the Tweedy Contractors legacy; they meet just at the right time to draw strength from each other to face the choices life is giving them.
I really enjoyed the story, it portrays very realistically the struggles Bryce is facing to live, shows how emotionally draining is to live alone and how healing a good support system can be to a person. On the other hand Scarlet is my perfect Book Girlfriend not only because she’s gorgeous physically but her sense of humor, her hobbies and her music taste is spot on for me so I must say I laughed and rolled on the bed in more than one occasion because of the music and her bluntness, I must say is refreshing.
The secondary characters, god! they were amazing and funny, so engaging! Trent and Juliet really have a relationship to aspire to, full of love and caring for each other; I must say as Scarlet I do too have a crush on them. Monica is the much needed comic relief to tone down a little Bryce’s hardest struggles. That’s an amazing bunch of misfits, or as Scarlet Calls them, “Gamers, gardeners and goths gang”
Overall this was an amazing reading, great and engaging story and as it progresses adding layers to the characters and the complexity of their struggles it starts to consume a little bit of your heart making you wish this was a Saga and not just one story. That’s why I’ll give this book 5 stars surprising even myself because as I said in a previous review, I’m annoying.
November 11, 2015
I'm torn. I liked the story, but it needed to be fleshed out a bit more for me; it was fairly linear. I was happy to see characters from a previous book initially, however the story seemed to be a 50/50 split between the two and I felt it didn't leave much room for Bryce and Scarlet.
I much preferred Playing Passion's Game.
I much preferred Playing Passion's Game.
May 27, 2015
This was so so cheesy and syrupy and flowery it was almost unbearable. I don't think there was even a plot. It was just too much to be entertaining and enjoyable.
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