Bitter Play: Ripicca (Falsa Partenza Vol. 3)

False Start #3

by Alison Rhymes, Andrea Serafini (Editor), Daniela Rossetti (Translator)

Reed Turner ama Leighton Ward, la migliore amica di sua sorella, da quasi dieci anni, ma non è mai stato il momento giusto per farsi avanti.
Finora.
Deciso a rivendicare la donna che ha sempre considerato sua, ha pensato a tutto: casa, lavoro, Leighton non potrà ignorarlo.
Peccato che l’universo abbia deciso di mettergli i bastoni tra le ruote.

Lui e Leighton sono fatti l’uno per l’altra, di questo Reed è certo. Forse, però, ha aspettato troppo. Forse, lui che è abituato a ottenere tutto quello che vuole, ha sbagliato i tempi nell’unica cosa che davvero contava.

Lui è pronto a conquistarla.
Lei è più confusa che mai.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Family, Enemies To Lovers, Surprise Pregnancy, Drama

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2025

About the author

Alison lives somewhere in the shadow of a Pacific Northwest Mountain, bordered by the Puget Sound, and not too far from the country roads she grew up on.

When she’s not reading, she can be found avidly reading, traveling with youthful wanderlust, or slowly turning the inside of her home into her own personal houseplant jungle.

Reviews

[Esther]

I must say I think the family of the heroine of book 1 is the punching bag of this author.
The hero of this book is the brother of heroine of book 1 and bff of Hero book 1. I didn’t like him that much bc he wasn’t as furious as I wanted him to be with H of book 1 after he knew about the cheating.

The author found a way of having all of the main character become a big family.
You see bff of h 1 is the heroine of this book. h’s brother of book 1 is the Hero. But this is a triangle kinda love. This h and H has known each other for years but nothing happened bc of H. He was not the most alpha. Anyway, h started a relationship with the brother of H book 2. The H of book 2 had kinda of a threesome with h and H in book 1. And is now married with the mistress of H of book 1. The same woman that said that he abused her and went running to the arms of H of book 1 before H and h of book 1 started dating.
The funny thing is this heroine is pregnant now with the kid of not her H but the brother of H of book 2. So, the family of h of book 1 and H of book 3 have suffered the death of their dad, the cheating/betrayal of H of book 1, the pregnancy of a kid that is not related to them in blood and now have to raised, the kid’s dad is the brother in law of the mistress of H of book 1. This kid will be raised with their cousin.
I mean the h of book 1 didn’t know if going to the wedding of the mistress and H of book 2 (the one of the threesome) bc didn’t know if she was going to be comfortable. Well, she now has to go to all the birthdays, celebrations, family gatherings of her niece/nephew with the ex mistress of her husband. While she can’t have kids on their own. In fact, she doesn’t even have a niece/ nephew of her own blood bc her wonderful bff decided to have sex with the brother in law of the ex mistress of his husband. Let’s not even start on the stds that these people could have. PUT PROTECTION YOU PEOPLE. H of book 1 didn’t use protection with his mistress.
Obviously the main problem is that the husband cheated in book 1 but that poor family is still suffering. If you want to know more about my thoughts of the first book you can see my LONG review. More details about why this family deserved way more that this. And now I will have to add to that long list all the wrong things that H has to go through.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This whole series just wasn't it.
I'm pretty sure the author hates June, the book 1 FMC. That's the only reason I can see for her keeping Lorelai around and giving her everything she doesn't deserve and that June wants. A baby, a loyal husband, a blood nephew. Like wtf is wrong with this author?

Reed was way too obsessed with Leighton. And not in a good way.
Leighton was better in the first book than in her own.
And the only reason her baby is Conner's is because the author hates June and wants to make sure she suffers by having to forever see Lorelai since she's the actual blood aunt. Ugh.

I'm so glad this series is over because I don't think I could stomach any more of the awful shit this author does.

[Jenny Lovez Bookz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok I loved Reed, but let's be real here...there is no man that exists on this planet that would be as understanding as he was. What I wouldn't give to have one obsessed with me as much as he was with Leighton!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Read but still love Brutal play the most

I enjoyed this book even though it was slow. My favorite though will remain Brutal play as it had the most drama that brought a lot of emotions out of me.

Reed has loved Love for a long time. Almost lost her because he almost gave her two much time. This book was ok but I wanted more action it sort of fell flat for me.

[Alayna Angel]

🚨CHEATING🚨

[Serial Romance Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure a man like Reed exists IRL. He basically waited too late to finally go after his girl. She’s knocked up by another man. Reed is surprisingly mostly okay with it though. Luckily for Reed the OM had already mostly removed himself from the picture by relocating to Thailand. I haven’t been a fan of Leighton for most of the series, but she sure got lucky with Reed.

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Bitter Play was slightly different from the other False Start novels, because there was more humour here, and it worked really well for me. Also, the 'forbidden' romance between the sister and the brother's best friend has always worked really well for me, so the fact that Rhymes tackled this so well just pushed all my happy reader buttons.

Hotness galore, lots of humor, and some friendship as well.

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

At the beginning of Bitter Play by Alison Rhymes, I wanted to knock some sense into Reed Turner. Because this man is completely infuriating and c0cky and was pushing all my buttons and I didn't know if I hate him or love him. But then the tides turned and I ended up feeling sad for this impossibly bossy man. Leighton and Reed were thrown into an emotional whirlwind for sure.

Reed Turner has decided that it's time to claim his soulmate finally. And that is his sisters best friend Leighton Ward. He has moved into the duplex in New Orleans co-owned by her sister and Leighton. Leighton doesn't know that they will be coworker too as they are both starting new job at a new magazine. Reed would make sure to claim her but just when they feel everything is settling down..tragedy strikes. How will they go on?

I loved Reed's over possessive and dominating personality with dirty arrogance. He really knows no limits. He pushed Leighton shamelessly as he has decided that the time has finally come for them to be together. His strategy was unique. I have to give it to him. Letting her date and waiting at home so that he can show what she is missing through his body and words? Evil genius! But Leighton is no wallflower. This girl knows what she wants too. She didn't just let him to bulldoze his way in her heart. All these years Reed kept her at a distance when she wanted him too.She has been abandoned by others so it made her vulnerable and Reed had to work on it.Their passion was filthy hot. Sparks were flying.

Now the harder part. The whole concept of Reed staying away.. Honestly it seemed a bit ridiculous and far fetched to me. And I am not sure how I feel about the plot twist. I do not want to give any spoiler. But the pacing was a bit problematic. We spent most of time Reed enticing and seducing Leighton and then bam..that twist came. Everything felt hurried and I didn't feel as invested in it as I thought I would be. It brought the element of heartbreak. But I am still not excited about how everything was executed.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[Beeg Panda]

Because I might get to see that the Hxhs from the previous books have now become besties

[Juli · Rating 3 out of 5]

KU*

3.5/3.75 stars

This is Reed and Leighton’s story.

There is no cheating in this book.

Okay… so it seems that the running theme in this series is that the men keep making decisions for the women in terms of their relationships and then the men being confused when the women don’t fall at their feet with understanding.

Reed loved Leighton for 10 years, but HE decided she wasn’t ready for the relationship he wanted the one they were “destined” for, so he kept her at arms length until he decided she was ready. Thankfully, Leighton wasn’t waiting around for him and she was dating, but unfortunately for Reed, she started seriously dating Connor (Noah’s younger brother) and that became a relationship that Reed never anticipated. Naturally when Leighton and Connor break up, Reed decides she ready for the “destined” relationship and goes full on you’re mine and I’m yours mode which confused Leighton and she wasn’t completely on board with.

Reed honestly thought once he decided to come for his woman she would be on the same page…spoiler… she was not. But another recurring theme in this series is: if you bang the woman enough she will ignore all the shitty things you’ve done and be open to your love.

Honestly, I loved, loved, loved the plot twist of Leighton being pregnant after deciding to give into Reed because the baby was Connor’s and not Reed’s. Reed had to deal with a very real consequence of his actions of trying to control their destiny. Did Reed love Leighton? Yes, very much. Did he have the best intentions? Yes he did. Did he go about any of it the right way? Nope, not one time and now some people were being hurt because of it.

I won’t lie and say Leighton was perfect, the woman was getting on my nerves! She has abandonment issues and she is fully aware of it because her mother abandoned their family for drugs and her drug dealer; but she doesn’t get any help, they talk about how therapy has helped June and Drew and how it good it is, but she never makes any strides to help herself, so the book is basically her waffling back and forth with her feelings that Reed will abandon her.

I actually liked Connor and I hope he gets his HEA.

I wanted to like this book, but it fell flat for me. It was nice to see the group finally heal from the Drew/Lorelai debacle and become an oddball family with respectful boundaries. Also, Leighton learns of her long lost younger brother after her mother’s death.

Also June and Drew go to Noah and Lorelai’s wedding and Noah and Lorelai have a baby.

[Jen • jenteereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my third book by Alison and so far she has torn out my heart, stomped on it, and then gently healed it twice. I knew I would be in store for some DRAMA with this one. I was right. 

Let me preface this entire thing by saying Alison's books aren’t for everyone. If you've read either of the previous two, you know that. If you hate the miscommunication trope, this might not be for you. I found myself annoyed at many parts. You’ll want to bang their heads together and scream GROW UP YOU FOOLS. 

But damn, girl can write.

She writes seriously flawed characters. Sometimes I hated them with a fiery passion, but I couldn't put it down. Her men are punchable, even as you slowly fall in love with them. Her women are vulnerable and fierce in the same breath. Their relationships are complicated and fraught with dramas. 

Initially our MMC was too OTT for me (and as someone who loves a jealous/possessive fictional man that’s saying something). I mean at one point before they are together he tells her to “calm down.” [pause for dramatic effect]

I kid you not. I wanted to punch him in his beautiful face at many points. 

The most compelling thing for me was in the way that AR wrote these characters to be as self-aware as they were. They knew they were being ridiculous (and we knew it) and yet they kept standing in their own damn way. And if that isn’t relatable as hell. Who of us hasn’t known we needed to make a change and yet our own insecurities keep us from making the leap? Misguided as they may be. As Alison writes, if only they’d been “less ridiculous and more communicative.”

It was an intriguing book. I didn't love it as much as I did Brutal Play (which remains one of my TOP READS), but it was so well-written that I know I'll read the next one too. 


Side note: Let’s stop rewarding incompetent behavior. This book really made me hate June. She's annoyed me in the previous two, but man this one really pushed it over the edge for me. I HATE her BROTHER calling her “Baby Girl” (SHE'S A GROWN-ASS WOMAN AND YOU AREN'T HER LOVER), and didn’t find it at all cute how they thought it was adorable she couldn’t cook. It was like a THING. “Oh look at June, she burned ramen, isn’t that sweet?!” No, it’s a fucking waste of ramen.


𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮���𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.

[The Paperbook Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ill come back and do the review but man GET THIS BOOK NOW! Best of 2023 Reed and Love are fire!

[Rossella La DivoraLibri · Rating 5 out of 5]

[dal blog IG/TT Rossella La DivoraLibri]
Questa serie è definitivamente entrata nell'olimpo delle mie preferite. Stavolta il tono è diverso, ci sono meno drammi e meno dolore, ma non meno emozioni e sentimenti.
Reed ama Leighton da anni ma le lascia spazio per farle vivere la propria vita finchè lei non sarà pronta a impegnarsi davvero. Ovviamente se ne pente, e nel momento in cui inizia la sua operazione di riconquista, non ha vita facile all'inizio, perchè Leighton è cambiata, ha tentato molte volte di avvicinarsi a lui venendo respinta, e ha perso la fiducia. Ma la volontà di Reed è incrollabile e fa di tutto per riportare la sua bella a fidarsi di lui, ad apprezzarlo, ad amarlo in modo totalizzante così come la ama lui. Da un incipit tra i meno originali, l'amore per la migliore amica della sorella, viene fuori l'ennesimo capolavoro della Rhymes; in un certo senso è come se tutto il dolore che abbiamo letto nei precedenti capitoli ci abbia portato qui, a questo terzo libro talmente pieno d'amore, passione, dedizione, da farci capitolare inesorabilmente ai piedi di un uomo destinato a diventare l'ennesima bookcrush. Come sempre lo spicy abbonda, abbiamo due personaggi molto affiatati, due persone adulte che sanno quello che vogliono e ne godono insieme con consapevolezza e coinvolgimento assoluto; ho trovato persino i momenti di gelosia passionali e maturi, perchè per quanto Reed desideri più di ogni cosa di avere Leighton come compagna, in mille occasioni fa un passo indietro, la lascia sempre libera anche quando deve vederla uscire con l'uomo di turno... e si presenta puntualmente dopo per dimostrare quanto sia diversa l'affinità con lui, e che affinità!🧯 E stavolta troviamo persino dei tocchi di humor!
Il libro contiene qualche trope che di solito non è nelle mie corde, e di nuovo sono stata costretta a dire "però, qua non è per niente male!", espressione che a quanto pare è diventata il mio mantra con i libri di Falsa Partenza. Quindi che vi devo dire? Se avete letto i precedenti, con questo farete un piccolo sospiro di sollievo, se invece lo leggerete come stand-alone, sarete catapultati in un amore da sogno.

[Jess L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stelline: 4,5

Con emozione, sono qui a dire che con Bitter Play, Alison Rhymes, si è ridimensionata… nel senso che finalmente ha scritto un libro senza troppi traumi e che per i più, può essere definito “normale”. A parte fare la simpatica, che mi riesce poco e male, devo ammettere che questo è sicuramente il libro più tranquillo e dentro le righe che abbia scritto; c’è comunque da riconoscere che nonostante questo, ci sono dei bei messaggi non scontati e che sia Reed che Leighton hanno dei bei caratterini non facili ma che per quanto s’incastrino, hanno fatto inizialmente un po’ penare il lettore, ma personalmente me lo aspettavo. Avevo bisogno di sentire le loro voci, d’immergermi nei loro pensieri, avevo bisogno di chiudere un cerchio e con questo romanzo l’ho fatto. Con questo libro non rimangono domande e lo dico perché tutto diventa chiaro e si vede anche il dopo delle altre coppie ma ancor di più, si ha modo di vedere perché si è dovuto aspettare tanto per far sì che questa coppia diventasse tale. Preciso che è possibile leggere solo questo senza gli altri volumi della serie, come mi sembra giusto dire che per “tranquillo”, intendo che non ci sono drammi e scene/scelte che possono far storcere il naso, perché per il resto c’è dinamicità, curiosità, passione e c’è anche la presenza di quell’amore che lega veramente due persone, soprattutto mentalmente. Reed non è perfetto, ma credo che dalla dedica della storia già si capisce che lui è stato creato per far sospirare in maniera sognante le lettrici, ma se lui mi ha fatto perdere la testa, Leighton l’ho apprezzata ma non mi ci sono trovata sulla stessa lunghezza d’onda, anche se mi è piaciuta. Ho aspettato tanto questo libro e sono contenta di poter dire che non sono per niente rimasta delusa e che spero di non dover attendere tantissimo per potermi immergere nuovamente nelle storie di questa autrice – che per quanto riguarda la caratterizzazione e la psicologia dei personaggi, ben poche la superano. Anche se è innegabile che con questa storia è rimasta più in superficie del solito.

https://www.instagram.com/jesslibri/p...

[Cheryl O'Harney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed Turner has waited years to claim his soulmate Leighton Ward who just so happens to be his sister's best friend, he wanted to make sure things were right between them before staking his claim. He knew Leighton needed to feel safe and secure if there were to be any type of relationship between them, he almost missed out on his chance of ever having a relationship with her once before, this time round there is no way he’s letting her slip through his fingers.

Reed’s packed up his belongings and permanently moved to New Orleans, into the duplex right next door to Leighton, he’s about to start a new job within a company producing a new magazine, the very same company where Leighton’s just accepted a position. Reed knows they’re going to be working alongside one another however Leighton’s in for a surprise when she finds out, she’s even more surprised when Reed makes his intentions towards her known. She’s always felt something towards Reed and there was a time when she thought those feelings may have been reciprocated, however nothing happened between them, so why now? Past issues have left Leighton with insecurities of her own, she wants to love and trust as well as be loved and trusted in return, will she let Reed in or has he left it too long in finally revealing his true feelings?

I loved the journey Reed and Leighton’s story took, proving to all that family is what you make it, not always conventional and certainly never easy however the effort you put in is worth it in the end.

Bitter Play is a fantastic addition to the series, great characters old and new, captivating storyline with a doozy of a plot twist, all’s good in the end though, I’m so excited to see what next to come from this super talented author who’s quickly become a firm favourite of mine.

𝔸𝕣𝕔 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third book I’ve read by this author and she definitely has a knack for writing complex characters that piss you off and has you loving them by the end of the story. I’ve been dying for Reed and Leighton’s book since Broken Play and Alison Rhymes didn’t disappoint! I loved it although there were times I wanted to knock some heads together or choke them lol but I loved seeing the whole family together the past character’s I loved the banter and the sexy times were super hot ! This author is fast becoming a must read automatic one click for me! Fantastic read!

[Amee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a good 3 book series about broken people & the mistakes that ultimately hurt the people they love most. Redemption and forgiveness were hard won in the end. Cheating involved.

[Mojo_Mama]

Cannot. Wait.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I scoffed at some of the games Reed played, they made sense. He knows Leighton needs to truly feel at ease. Safe. Loved. Trusted. And able to trust and love in return. But has he waited too long to finally let his heart be seen by her?

This manages to be low on drama, even with all that swirls around this couple and their families and friends. Not only do Reed and Leighton communicate, but outside of a couple of hiccups, they learn as they go. He learns not to waste more time. She learns to let someone care for her heart. And they both learn that family isn’t always conventional or easy, but the family you build is always worth the work.

I still don’t like Drew much. And I likely never will. But he has some sage advice a few times in these pages. And Noah’s wife continues to prove that she’s worth knowing, just as June proves that she’s able to grow and move forward. But Leighton? Yeah, I like her. A lot. And the more we know of her life and her background, the more I like her. Reed? Well, once he decides which game he’s playing and just how badly he wants to win, I have to like him also. Especially because he’s not a petty man, bent on some quest to humiliate or confuse. He’s here to try to make things as they should’ve always been with him and Leighton, so if his tactics are sometimes a tad unconventional, at least they make sense. Because he proves time and again that he really does know Leighton, her heart, her head, and he’s willing to wait as long as it takes for her to catch up this time around.

I especially love the end. The family. New and old. The bonding. And honestly, the partnership. All of this reminds me why we stuck it out with Drew and Noah when they were dumb and why we still have to sort of like and tolerate them now. It’s all about family and love in the end, folks.

[Dre]

So I guess it’s safe to say this author is not for me. I read book 1, and while I didn’t love it, I did like Reed and Leighton and wondered about their story. I loved how caring and understanding Reed was, even if he did wait too long to go after Leighton. But seriously, she’s pregnant by Connor, and he’s totally fine with it as soon as he finds out?! And she’s obviously been in love with him forever but then says she need space cuz she needs to see what happens with the baby daddy who didn’t tell her he was interviewing for a job across the freaking globe and then left without any kind of fight or anything when she said she wouldn’t move with him?! I mean are you f’ing kidding me??? Honestly, the only two ppl who deserved happiness in this series are June, Noah, and Reed. June should’ve ended up with Noah. Beyond love him and will never read his book because Lorelai is trash. I don’t care what her terrible past is, the crap she pulled with Noah and also Drew and then even when Drew and June were reconciling?! She didn’t deserve to get a HEA. Now Reed gets a woman who is having someone else’s baby, tells him she needs space, then gets mad that he leaves cuz her baby daddy kissed her and he saw the whole thing? Nope, I almost stopped reading when she pulled that BS when she told Reed she was pregnant with Connor’s baby. I should’ve just given up then and not tortured myself with the rest. Seriously so disgusted and disappointed with Leighton.

[RCK *don’t be all, like, uncool*]

Heroine in this book is pregnant with Hero from book 2’s brother.

Hero in this book is brother of heroine from book 1 whose husband from book 1 cheated with heroine from book 2.

Does author date book 1’s family? 😄

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon



Reed has decided the time has finally come for him to claim his one and only. He realizes he may have waited too long, though, when it becomes clear that Leighton is not only unsure about him trying to boss his way back into her life, but that she's already dating other people. What's a possessive, obsessed man to do when his soulmate insists on driving him crazy by dating other men? Why, prove to her that he's the only one for her.



I love how much Leighton made Reed work for her heart. She definitely was not down with his bossy ass suddenly claiming she was his at first. But ultimately what she thought were unrequited feelings were not only very much reciprocated, she and Reed were simply meant to be. Reed, bossiness aside, is actually quite a swoony bastard as he's wooing the woman he has loved forever. He and Leighton are a great couple once they finally get together. I haven't read the other stories in this series, but I am definitely planning to read them all now.



ARC provided by Wordsmith Publicity for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Reed and Leighton's story doesn't disappoint 😍❤️✨️


"The first time I kissed you; you were the only light in the darkest time of my life... But I did promise myself that the next time I kissed you, it would be because I knew that I'd be the last man you kiss."

Alison Rhymes has done it again and delivered a fantastic book filled with romance and emotion.

I've been looking forward to Leighton and Reed's story since meeting them both in Broken Play and Brutal Play.

These two seemed to have such great chemistry, and there appeared to be history between them, so why was Reed rude to her? And why wouldn't he kiss her when she asked him to?

In Bitter Play, we get our answers.

Reed Turner isn't as oblivious towards Leighton Ward as he may appear; he is very much aware of her. She is and has long been his endgame. But has he waited too long?

"She's my light, my heart. I've been an idiot about it for too long... But I'd burn the world to keep her safe."

"I've been heavy-handed, rude, standoffish. That doesn't mean I am not head over heels for her. I think it just makes me a dumbass"

Understandably, Leighton isn't so sure when Reed bursts back into her life and actively pursues her. And it's quite hilarious watching her continuing to date and Reed introducing himself to her dates or meeting her to take her home afterwards!

I could understand Reed's point of view that they both needed to grow up, however, I wish he hadn't made her think he disliked her or left it so long, it didn't sit quite right (and I could have done without his holiday shenanigans!).

That being said, romantic Reed is super swoon-worthy 😍❤️ This man and some of the things he said were just so sweet.

"Leighton and I were written in the stars a millennia ago. Every life, finding each other time and time again." 🥵😍🥵

But things were going along so well that I knew there would be some drama on the way and oh boy, was there drama!

I had a feeling at one point during the happy times, and then another feeling came a little later and I'm thinking, 'It's not going there, is it?' And then there it is... yes, it is; it's really happening 🥺

I was very disappointed by the turn of events and I admit, began to be frustrated with Leighton as she became a bit wishy-washy in her behaviour. It was a messy, convoluted and confusing time for her, particularly with her history and her inner demons from that, and whilst I felt for her, she started to slightly annoy me. She should have at least known who she wanted... But then, hallelujah! She saw sense! And all was well in the world 🙌🤣

This book is a worthy addition to a fantastic series and it lived up to all of my hopes for it and surpassed them. Alison Rhymes has created a book filled with romance, family and found family, true soul mates and friends that are there for each other, regardless of what is going on in their lives or the tangled web that ties them together.

I think only Alison Rhymes could tie all these people together, people who have had difficult, twisted relationships with each other, and make them connected irrevocably. And she makes it work and leaves you with such a warm, loving feeling. That with maturity, understanding, love and forgiveness anything is possible.

These books all have similar themes running through them, but they are all unique in their own way. And there are still many characters I'd love to see more from; Connor, Lorelai's cousin, a new character connected to Leighton (I won't mention who so there are no spoilers), not forgetting the actor in book 2... I hope Alison Rhymes releases many more books around these fabulous characters.

Bitter Play is a wonderful book, which I highly recommend. 4.5 stars!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️

Alison Rhymes had me all up in my feels in every which way when reading Bitter Play. And this was not only from the many emotions and feelings explored within the story of Reed Chandler Turner and Leighton ‘Love’ Marie Ward.
All of which seeped through the pages and poured right off, hitting you on the inside from the impact. Considering the many waves from the ups and downs the journey had you riding upon.
Particularly when you took into account the events and situations faced, alongside some shocking surprise twists thrown in. Which was definitely unexpected to say the least.

When it came to the development of Reed and Leighton, Alison had us diving right in allowing us to see the two up close and personal with the storytelling being told through their dual POVs.
This gave an even more in-depth look into who they were, what made them tick and everything else that made them them, with all that was going on in their lives too.
Through their inner monologue, we were able to get a real feel for their thoughts, opinions and the sentiments they were dealing with, seeing as it was laid out clear as day for us to see.
Ultimately bringing their characters even more to life, especially with seeing the struggles they were facing courtesy of the situations and events they stumbled upon.

It was definitely nice to see the inclusion of the secondary characters.
Particularly June and Drew (yes they're my favourite), considering all that they had been through.
Yet it was all done so in a subtle way, so that the spotlight still remained on Reed and Leighton, seeing as it was their story.

Honestly Reed and Leighton’s story Bitter Play was truly a wonderful read.
There was many factors that made up the narrative, all of which kept me reading on to the very end.
If it wasn’t the playful banter between Reed and Leighton, it was their constant battles that had them going back and forth whilst pushing and pulling.
Then there was the many emotions they invoked within you from the highs and lows they ventured through, whether it be happiness, laughter, joy in seeing the entertainment that came from Reed’s overbearing, overprotective possessiveness over Leighton. Making for some gooey gooey and swoony feels with the love and adoration he showed to her in the journey that led to their blossoming relationship.
And with the drama and mystery that was surrounded by tension from the suspenseful build, it made the plot even more enticing, keeping you gripped on tight.

All in all, Bitter Play by Alison Rhymes was truly a great book with being a very enjoyable read.
So if you have read Broken Play and Brutal Play from False Start series, then it’s definitely worth checking out Reed and Leighton’s story.
And if you’re completely new to Alison Rhymes with never having read any of her books, you should definitely read this book along with the other two from the series.




*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[elaraslibrary]

Bitter Play è un romanzo che arriva dopo una lunga attesa emotiva. Reed Turner e Leighton Ward non sono personaggi nuovi: li abbiamo osservati muoversi ai margini della storia per due libri interi, intrappolati in un non detto fatto di sguardi, tensione, silenzi e parole sbagliate. Questo volume è finalmente la loro storia, e non è una storia semplice né accomodante.

Alison Rhymes costruisce un romance forbidden e slow burn che lavora più sulle crepe che sulle certezze. I suoi personaggi sono profondamente imperfetti, consapevoli dei propri errori ma incapaci di smettere di ripeterli. Reed è uno di quei protagonisti che dividono: ossessivo, protettivo, spesso fuori misura, convinto di sapere cosa sia meglio per Leighton. Nel tentativo di darle spazio, finisce per creare distanza, e quando decide di agire potrebbe essere ormai troppo tardi. È un personaggio intenso, a tratti frustrante, ma coerente fino in fondo.

Leighton, dal canto suo, è fragile, confusa, estremamente reale. Non è un’eroina idealizzata: sbaglia, tentenna, prende decisioni discutibili. Ma è anche una donna che sta cercando di capire chi è diventata, cosa desidera davvero e se è capace di scegliere l’amore senza lasciarsi paralizzare dalla paura. La forza del romanzo sta proprio in questo equilibrio instabile: due persone che si amano da anni, che sanno di amarsi, e che continuano a ferirsi perché comunicare davvero è più difficile che desiderarsi.

La trama prende a un certo punto una direzione netta, destinata a dividere i lettori. È una scelta narrativa che ribadisce un messaggio preciso: il sangue non definisce l’amore, la presenza sì. Può generare frustrazione, e non tutti la apprezzeranno, ma è una decisione coerente con il senso profondo del libro e con il percorso dei personaggi.

Sul piano emotivo e sensuale, Bitter Play non si trattiene. Le scene intime sono numerose, intense e cariche di tensione, sostenute da un dirty talk incisivo che diventa uno degli elementi più riusciti del romanzo. La componente erotica non è mai fine a sé stessa, ma amplifica il conflitto emotivo tra Reed e Leighton.

Un altro aspetto centrale è la found family: una famiglia allargata, disordinata, fatta di amicizie, ex, legami complessi che non vengono cancellati ma trasformati. È imperfetta, a volte scomoda, ma profondamente reale.

Bitter Play non è necessariamente il volume più “confortevole” della trilogia, ma è quello che fa più discutere. È un romanzo che chiede al lettore di accettare che l’amore, a volte, assume forme diverse da quelle che avevamo immaginato. Frustra, coinvolge, scuote e resta addosso. Alison Rhymes dimostra ancora una volta di saper scrivere personaggi che non si dimenticano facilmente. Per chi ha seguito la serie fin dall’inizio, questo libro è imprescindibile; per chi ama storie complicate, imperfette e cariche di desiderio e scelte difficili, è una lettura che vale la pena affrontare.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m ready for the beginning of us. Whatever that looks like to you.”

Bitter Play was a compelling read that was pure FIRE!! It was gripping and emotional and so incredibly angsty and steamy. I couldn’t get enough of Leighton and Reed. Their story is absolutely mesmerizing and I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down.

“Leighton and I were written in the stars a millennia ago. Every life, finding each other time and time again.”

Leighton is full of sass and so feisty. Her fear of loss and abandonment has made her afraid to give into the love she undeniably feels for Reed. She’s a fighter, but inside, she��s so vulnerable due to a painful past. Reed has been so hot and cold with her that she’s never sure what is going on in his heart and mind. The push and pull relationship she has with Reed is absolute magic, but she’s afraid to trust that it’s real.

"There will be no one after her for me. There will be no one after me for her. That was our first kiss. It means the world, but it’s her last kiss I want most.”

Reed is the ultimate dirty talking, possessive alpha who loves fiercely. He has always been in love with Leighton, but he didn’t ever feel that the time was right for them. He thought they both needed time to grow into their love, but has he waited too long? When he decides to make his move, nothing will stand in his way. His love will take your breath away with how patient, nurturing, understanding and caring he is. He is so swoonworthy.

“When you know, you know. I’ve known for a long time and have been waiting for you to catch up.”

The chemistry between these two is electric and so palpable that you can feel it through the pages. Beneath each snarky comment and biting remark, there’s an undercurrent of love and longing and I felt EVERYTHING right along with them. When complications arise, I loved watching them confront it while also breaking my heart as well as their own. The angst and longing was so painful, but it was also so beautiful. They experience so much growth throughout the story and I loved each and every moment.

“We fight for one another; we fight through whatever comes our way. We fight for love, and in the end, that’s always worth it.”

Full of emotional depth and strong characters who are full of passion, pain, and so much love, Bitter Play is another captivating story by this author. The characters make you feel their pain and heartbreak as well as all the love they have for one another. The journey the author takes you on isn’t easy, but it’s so worth it in the end. I highly recommend this story and each and every one in this series.

[Luisa Rivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was initially confused by this book because it didn’t read like the author who delighted us with Broken Play and Bitter Play. It didn’t have the emotional punch or the thoughtful prose that I had previously enjoyed, it felt somehow flat. I was about to stop reading but decided to trust the author and continued. Someway along the book, the feeling in the writing changed, and I recognized the author again, strongly emotional and angsty. I have no idea what happened here, but I can only say, the second part of the story is worth the reading.

We already knew that Reed has always loved Leighton, but in this book we learn that he had decided to keep away from her. His intention was to let her soar as she lived her life and reached her career goals. He thought he could get her when the timing was right. And then she started dating Connor, Noah’s younger brother. The joke’s on Reed, he thought he had it all planned when he moved to New Orleans to be near her, but a new event threw a monkey wrench into the works and now they all had to deal. And Leighton has some decisions to make!

I loved getting to know Reed, since we don’t get a good reading on him in the previous books, only the immense love he has for his sister and that he loves Drew as a brother. I found him a bossy but very caring lover, very kinky but that was great with Leighton. He observed a lot and took care of Leighton in ways that were unobtrusive but full of love. I loved that he made her feel safe, the way no other man had made her feel, and loved that he gave her space when she was confused and needed to sort her feelings. From a jerk, he blossomed in this book into this very caring and emphatic guy, still bossy but now totally dear.

We also get to know Leighton, apart from the wild child and June’s bestie. She’s talented, driven, generous, and kind. She has abandonment issues, which make her insecure on love and marriage. Even so, the devotion she shows to June and her father, leave no doubt that when she finally settles, she’s going to be an awesome partner, just a little crazy!

Apart from the love story, which was very steamy and angsty, I loved all the other characters and the strong family love that surround Leighton and Reed. New characters, Ivy and Olive Broussard, the exotic and artsy neighbors, are a hoot and provide a lot of caring moments for Reed when he needed them. I’ve been several times to New Orleans and enjoyed the descriptions of the vibe and the culture. It really is all that! And I loved how the book ends, in perfect sync with who Leighton is, with the strong bonds that this family forms, the fun and the weird.

[RaffaellaReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finalmente possiamo conoscere la storia di loro due. Lei è la migliore amica della protagonista del primo libro e lui è suo fratello. I due hanno da sempre avuto, per quello che abbiamo potuto leggere soprattutto nel primo volume, ma ci sono state loro scene anche nel secondo, un rapporto molto particolare fatto di battibecchi di provocazioni continue. Fin dal primo libro abbiamo intuito ci sarebbe stato un libro su di loro e che avessero anche loro qualcosa da raccontare. L’interesse di lei è sempre stato palese, persino la sua migliore amica, mentre quello da parte del nostro protagonista è sempre stato più nascosto, più occultato eppure dal modo in cui si girava intorno e dalle battutine che c’erano tra di loro si era potuto intuire che anche lui nutrisce un interesse nei suoi confronti. Eppure tuttavia, mai avrei pensato a quanto realmente lui fosse interessato a lei e da quanto tempo fosse interessato a lei. Questo libro porta finalmente alla luce la vera storia tra di loro, i sentimenti soprattutto da parte di Reed. Infatti, in questo libro scopriamo ben presto quando il suo interesse nasce per la protagonista, conosciamo anche la loro evoluzione nel corso degli anni. Sappiamo infatti che questo quartetto si conosce da tantissimo tempo, e finalmente ci possiamo fare un’idea su come la loro relazione si sia evoluta e sia nata. Nel secondo volume vediamo un Reed diverso, più scontroso e lo colleghiamo subito al fatto che la protagonista abbia deciso di frequentare in maniera seria l’altro ragazzo . leggendo il secondo volume ci appare chiaro come Reed non accetti questa cosa ma perché? Perché sei sempre stato lui a respingerla? Ebbene, amiche e amici finalmente possiamo scoprire il perché. Adesso i due sono vicini di casa e lui è deciso finalmente a conquistare e prendersi la ragazza che ha sempre voluto, ma non saranno solo vicini di casa in quanto anche il lavoro farà sì che le loro strade si incroceranno. La nostra protagonista sarà estremamente confusa inizialmente dal comportamento di Read e sarà per lei difficile fidarsi. Ma sarà anche impossibile nascondere i sentimenti che sanno riaffiorando, più forti di prima. Con il nuovo Read quella che hai è sempre stata una cotta rischia di diventare qualcosa di più profondo, ma lui resterà?

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Intanto inizio ringraziando l’autrice per aver scritto questa storia e la Hope Edizioni per averlo pubblicato e quindi abbiamo l’opportunità di leggerlo. Grazie 😘 ”

Recensione

Buongiorno lettori,

Eccomi oggi con la recensione del libro BITTER PLAY: RIPICCA della serie FALSA PARTENZA #3 di Alison Rhymes. Eccoci arrivati all’ultimo libro che chiude questa bellissima serie, questa storia è intensa ma anche molto dolce, però dal mio punto di vista anche un po’ sofferta, perché io non riuscirei mai a vedere là persone che amo follemente uscire con altri, ma questo al nostro Reed è servito molto per far crescere totalmente sia caratterialmente che lavorativamente la nostra Leighton, ma soprattutto perché lui si è reso conto sempre di più che il loro amore quando sarebbe stato maturo sarebbe stato per sempre. L’amore fa fare tante scelte sia giuste che sbagliate ma quando è quello vero non c’è nulla che possa ostacolarlo, infatti l’abbiamo visto in questa storia. Ho amato molto questa grande famiglia anche il loro supportarsi e mai giudicarsi. 5⭐️

Alison con le sue storie riesce a coinvolgere il lettore dalla prima all’ultima pagina, ma soprattutto mi piace molto come ha strutturato sia la storia che i suoi personaggi, in poche parole la sua scrittura la si ama sicuramente. Spero di leggere al più presto altre sue storie.

Trama

Reed Turner ama Leighton Ward, la migliore amica di sua sorella, da quasi dieci anni, ma non è mai stato il momento giusto per farsi avanti.

Finora.

Deciso a rivendicare la donna che ha sempre considerato sua, ha pensato a tutto: casa, lavoro, Leighton non potrà ignorarlo.

Peccato che l’universo abbia deciso di mettergli i bastoni tra le ruote.

Lui e Leighton sono fatti l’uno per l’altra, di questo Reed è certo. Forse, però, ha aspettato troppo. Forse, lui che è abituato a ottenere tutto quello che vuole, ha sbagliato i tempi nell’unica cosa che davvero contava.

Lui è pronto a conquistarla.

Lei è più confusa che mai.

[lalettricesilenziosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bitter Play è il terzo ed ultimo volume della serie Falsa Partenza, scritto da Alison Rhymes ed edito hope edizioni!

Questo terzo volume è totalmente incentrato su Leighton e Reed, rispettivamente, la migliore amica di June, protagonista del primo volume, e suo fratello.
Reed ama Leighton da tutta una vita, eppure è rimasto sempre nell’ombra, in silenzio, da buon amico, guardandola innamorarsi diverse volte, lasciandole gli spazi ed il tempo per fare esperienze, vivere la sua vita, temendo anche di perderla quando, per un attimo, c’è stato il rischio che lei si trasferisse dall’altro lato del mondo.
Leighton è attratta da Reed ma non ha mai riposto le speranze in un qualcosa con lui, perchè spesso, il fratello della sua migliore amica, l’ha respinta.

Poi qualcosa cambia, la passione più sfrenata prende il sopravvento e tutto crolla.

In questo volume troviamo una Leighton insicura, segnata dall’abbandono, diffidente, continua a cercare negli uomini che incontra, qualcosa che neanche lei sa di preciso.
E poi c’è Reed, che con lei non ha mai scherzato, che accetterebbe di tutto, anche un figlio non suo, pur di stare con lei. Forse lui l’ho trovato un pò troppo accondiscendente in alcune situazioni.

La loro è una storia complessa, a tratti difficile da digerire ma che conferma quanto l’autrice abbia voluto separare tutte e tre le coppie ed i loro tipi di relazione. Tre storie intense.

Bitter Play è stata una lettura un pò dolce amara. Ho apprezzato il fatto di aver conosciuto tutti i personaggi all’inizio ed averli visti fino alla fine, come se questo terzo volume servisse a chiudere il cerchio. E’ stata una lettura veloce, complice lo stile dell’autrice sempre coinvolgente, meno carica di tensione e drammi rispetto ai primi due.
Adesso che ho finito tutta la serie posso dire che, nonostante mi siano piaciuti tutti, ho un soft spot per il secondo volume, la storia di Noah e Lorelai.