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Bedroom Games #1
Play with Me
Playing for a night...or for keeps? Jewelry designer Tatiana Belikov may have matured enough to curb her impulsive nature, but wickedness is still her best accessory. When family troubles bring her to Las Vegas and face-to-face with the man who knows all her darkest desires, resisting temptation is futile. A night of no-holds-barred sin? Jackpot. Once Wyatt Caine had nothing to offer Tatiana except his heart, but time has changed his fortunes. Now he's the king of vice, and the king always gets what he wants. Especially when all he wants is her, all grown up and ready to play every dirty game he can devise. They ignite like fireworks on the Strip, blazing hot enough to melt the best intentions. But their roll in the sheets turns into a roll of the dice, and when morning comes, Wyatt and Tatiana are left wondering whether to walk away...or go all in. Game on.
154 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2013
109 people are currently reading
1549 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
March 21, 2016
Feels like pretty much everything I am reading these days is either erotica, feminist stuff, manga or an amalgamation of the former two. I generally tend to skim most of the erotica because sex (the way it's written) bores me but holy fucking Beelzebub in a bra, this one got me all
April 23, 2013
This scene summarizes the romance quite well in this book:
Before she could marshal her thoughts to answer, he slapped her nipple again.
She cried out, and he paused. “Hurt?”
“Yes.”
Wyatt returned to working the nipples with his fingers, both soothing and inflaming the sting. “Too much?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Shut up and spank my tits, Caine.”
Ha! I love this heroine. Tatiana and Wyatt were high school sweethearts. Well, sweetheart might be too tame a term. These two dated for years, and experimented with many sexual games. They found out they loved it hard and dirty, role play and BDSM too. But their relationship turned rocky and ended and they haven’t seen or spoken to each other for ten years. Tatiana was adopted as an infant, and has just recently met her biological half-brother. When she learns that her brother made a mistake in the past, and stole money from his employer, she decides to try to help him out. She is stunned to find out his employer is Wyatt, who now owns a casino in Las Vegas. She nervously flies out to meet with Wyatt and try to work out a deal. Of course as soon as they see each other, sparks fly, the old attraction builds again and she finds herself doing something naughty in his office. Which then filters over to his penthouse.
This novella is very sexy and dirty. It’s basically just the one night of them having sex and relearning each other, although there will be at least one more novella featuring these two. This one surprised me because at the start, it has the basic set-up of big, rich, alpha hero who commands everyone to bow down to him. And the anxious heroine who doesn’t know how if she will be accepted by him. But what I really liked about how this story unfolds is that the heroine has a quick wit and once she gets over the initial nervousness of seeing Wyatt again, she is ready to play and she has a ton of confidence. Like after she gives Wyatt a blow job:
“Not bad. Your technique has improved over the years.”
Bitch, please.
Although this book is basically one day/night of just sex, it’s very dirty sex. Wyatt and Tatiana like it rough and daring.
“There. No one will even know you took a bath in my come.” He dropped his voice. “Though that might be fun, too. For people to see what a dirty little slut you are?”
That would be fun. She imagined what his employees, his guests, might think if they saw her all messed up, clearly heading up to his bed.
“You like that,” It was a statement, not a question.
“Maybe.”
He smirked. “Duly noted.
Man, I love a good smirk. I like that we get Wyatt’s point of view in this book because while he is all bossy and alpha, he is a bit vulnerable and we get to see that while inside his head. He may be all in control in the bedroom, but internally he is being swept away just as Tatiana is. We get some backstory when they were teenagers exploring their sexuality, but I’m not sure we get a good enough explanation as to why they broke up or just how they were as young adults. We are told Wyatt had to work for money, wasn’t a focused student etc. I kind of wanted to understand them better in their earlier years. It was hard to reconcile that Wyatt to adult Wyatt.
But maybe things will flesh out more in the second book. This one doesn’t end with an I love you, but it does end with them wanting to date each other which I liked. I love a non-rushed I love you. Will definitely be picking up the second book. This novella is really fun and super sexy.
Rating: B
Before she could marshal her thoughts to answer, he slapped her nipple again.
She cried out, and he paused. “Hurt?”
“Yes.”
Wyatt returned to working the nipples with his fingers, both soothing and inflaming the sting. “Too much?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Shut up and spank my tits, Caine.”
Ha! I love this heroine. Tatiana and Wyatt were high school sweethearts. Well, sweetheart might be too tame a term. These two dated for years, and experimented with many sexual games. They found out they loved it hard and dirty, role play and BDSM too. But their relationship turned rocky and ended and they haven’t seen or spoken to each other for ten years. Tatiana was adopted as an infant, and has just recently met her biological half-brother. When she learns that her brother made a mistake in the past, and stole money from his employer, she decides to try to help him out. She is stunned to find out his employer is Wyatt, who now owns a casino in Las Vegas. She nervously flies out to meet with Wyatt and try to work out a deal. Of course as soon as they see each other, sparks fly, the old attraction builds again and she finds herself doing something naughty in his office. Which then filters over to his penthouse.
This novella is very sexy and dirty. It’s basically just the one night of them having sex and relearning each other, although there will be at least one more novella featuring these two. This one surprised me because at the start, it has the basic set-up of big, rich, alpha hero who commands everyone to bow down to him. And the anxious heroine who doesn’t know how if she will be accepted by him. But what I really liked about how this story unfolds is that the heroine has a quick wit and once she gets over the initial nervousness of seeing Wyatt again, she is ready to play and she has a ton of confidence. Like after she gives Wyatt a blow job:
“Not bad. Your technique has improved over the years.”
Bitch, please.
Although this book is basically one day/night of just sex, it’s very dirty sex. Wyatt and Tatiana like it rough and daring.
“There. No one will even know you took a bath in my come.” He dropped his voice. “Though that might be fun, too. For people to see what a dirty little slut you are?”
That would be fun. She imagined what his employees, his guests, might think if they saw her all messed up, clearly heading up to his bed.
“You like that,” It was a statement, not a question.
“Maybe.”
He smirked. “Duly noted.
Man, I love a good smirk. I like that we get Wyatt’s point of view in this book because while he is all bossy and alpha, he is a bit vulnerable and we get to see that while inside his head. He may be all in control in the bedroom, but internally he is being swept away just as Tatiana is. We get some backstory when they were teenagers exploring their sexuality, but I’m not sure we get a good enough explanation as to why they broke up or just how they were as young adults. We are told Wyatt had to work for money, wasn’t a focused student etc. I kind of wanted to understand them better in their earlier years. It was hard to reconcile that Wyatt to adult Wyatt.
But maybe things will flesh out more in the second book. This one doesn’t end with an I love you, but it does end with them wanting to date each other which I liked. I love a non-rushed I love you. Will definitely be picking up the second book. This novella is really fun and super sexy.
Rating: B
February 9, 2016
HOT! Rai writes the heroes I like. It is completely possible to write a dominant Alpha male who isnt a crazed psycho and Rai does just that. Gimme more!
May 19, 2020
"Even though he’d been half-waiting for her to come back into his life for what seemed like forever, seeing her again had been a punch to the gut. The gray and boring real world had disappeared, leaving only the two of them and all the things they knew they could do to each other. A buffet of Technicolor fantasy."
Second Chance
Tatiana Needs A Favor
Wyatt Has The Power To Grant The Favor
Dirty Talk
Dual POV
FREE
https://www.amazon.com/Play-Me-Billio...
Second Chance
Tatiana Needs A Favor
Wyatt Has The Power To Grant The Favor
Dirty Talk
Dual POV
FREE
https://www.amazon.com/Play-Me-Billio...
August 17, 2013
Ooh, baby. Alisha Rai writes some sexy stuff, man. SEX-AY STUFF! Complete with cheesecake. And domination games. And former lovers reunited. WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?
*ahem* Right. So, Tatiana and Wyatt have a history. A long, tangled history where they went their separate ways but never forgot one another. Tatiana's reappearance in Wyatt's life is ... complicated. She's there for a reason. He *might* have a secret or two that could jeopardize the potential for more of a relationship.
Oh, and they have sex. Lots of sex. Nicely naughty sex. The type of sex that requires Tatiana to say Sir and Please more often than not. It works for them, I must say.
I love the setup for the future and that Tatiana and Wyatt's story isn't over yet. *slow thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Play With Me was a free book I downloaded from Tomely on 08/12/13 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
*ahem* Right. So, Tatiana and Wyatt have a history. A long, tangled history where they went their separate ways but never forgot one another. Tatiana's reappearance in Wyatt's life is ... complicated. She's there for a reason. He *might* have a secret or two that could jeopardize the potential for more of a relationship.
Oh, and they have sex. Lots of sex. Nicely naughty sex. The type of sex that requires Tatiana to say Sir and Please more often than not. It works for them, I must say.
I love the setup for the future and that Tatiana and Wyatt's story isn't over yet. *slow thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Play With Me was a free book I downloaded from Tomely on 08/12/13 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
Read
December 13, 2016DNF at 15%. (Attempted to read Nov 2016)
I never warmed up to Wyatt and couldn't stop eyerolling at Tatiana's self-doubt. Even the fact that it's only 118 pages long wasn't enough to continue reading it. :|
First time reading this author (whose name has popped up plenty on bookish Twitter.) I'm not impressed with her prose. That said, I'm looking forward to reading Be My Fantasy at some point in the future.
I never warmed up to Wyatt and couldn't stop eyerolling at Tatiana's self-doubt. Even the fact that it's only 118 pages long wasn't enough to continue reading it. :|
First time reading this author (whose name has popped up plenty on bookish Twitter.) I'm not impressed with her prose. That said, I'm looking forward to reading Be My Fantasy at some point in the future.
December 30, 2022
3.5 stars
I really liked this one 🥵
I really liked this one 🥵
April 26, 2019
uma novela sobre ex's que se reencontram e têm uma segunda chance. a alisha consegue desenvolver as relações, as cenas de sexo, e o bdsm de maneira incrível, sem cair em estereótipos ou tornar os personagens menos humanos e menos envolvidos um com o outro.
pode não fazer sentido, mas gostei tanto que tô com medo de ler o segundo e não gostar, rs.
pode não fazer sentido, mas gostei tanto que tô com medo de ler o segundo e não gostar, rs.
February 18, 2016
Well, that was fun.
January 13, 2016
and I think I'm dehydrated now...
November 19, 2018
Pretty good read, might consider reading the rest in the series.
Tatiana heads to Vegas to meet with Wyatt in hopes of convincing him to drop the charges against her brother. Wyatt doesn't know that she's on her way there to try to convince him so she's hoping that she'll get the upper hand. Armed with proof of their previous relationship/love, she's hoping that he'll have gone 'soft' or not be as delish as he once was.
Wyatt knows that the kid he just busted for embezzling money from him is Tatiana's half brother. He also knows that she doesn't have any idea that he knows...or that he's taken an interest in finding anything out about her since they broke up 10 yrs ago.
Not your standard situation to put a rekindling on an old flame, and the flame between these two definitely sets off a ton of sparks.
Tatiana heads to Vegas to meet with Wyatt in hopes of convincing him to drop the charges against her brother. Wyatt doesn't know that she's on her way there to try to convince him so she's hoping that she'll get the upper hand. Armed with proof of their previous relationship/love, she's hoping that he'll have gone 'soft' or not be as delish as he once was.
Wyatt knows that the kid he just busted for embezzling money from him is Tatiana's half brother. He also knows that she doesn't have any idea that he knows...or that he's taken an interest in finding anything out about her since they broke up 10 yrs ago.
Not your standard situation to put a rekindling on an old flame, and the flame between these two definitely sets off a ton of sparks.
August 10, 2018
3.5 Stars
August 3, 2022
alisha rai does NOT disappoint!!
May 3, 2022
Way too much usage of "male" and "female" for me to rate it the full 5 stars, but holy mother of God, the sex was chef's kiss.
March 4, 2014
Tatiana and Wyatt were crazy about each other as teenagers, they were perfect for each other and loved to experiment together in the bedroom but they came from very different backgrounds and that eventually pulled them apart. Ten years later a chance encounter throws them back together, they've both changed a lot since they last saw each other but neither of them ever forgot their first love and the attraction they feel towards each other hasn't dulled. What is supposed to be a night of hot sex as a way to let go of the past quickly becomes so much more but will either of them be willing to risk their hearts again?
I love a reunited lovers story so it was no surprise that I really enjoyed Play With Me. Tatiana and Wyatt are off the charts hot together, although they haven't seen each other for a long time they know each others desires inside out and they jump straight back into things as if they were never apart. I love that they're both so confident in their sexuality and aren't ashamed by their needs, they're both happy to take what they want and they know how to bring each other to the height of desire.
This is the first instalment in a three part series so don't expect them to have found their happy ever after by the end of the book. They still have issues that they need to work through but knowing what we do about their history left me feeling confident they can find a way to resolve things. I'm looking forward to spending more time with them both as the series continues.
I love a reunited lovers story so it was no surprise that I really enjoyed Play With Me. Tatiana and Wyatt are off the charts hot together, although they haven't seen each other for a long time they know each others desires inside out and they jump straight back into things as if they were never apart. I love that they're both so confident in their sexuality and aren't ashamed by their needs, they're both happy to take what they want and they know how to bring each other to the height of desire.
This is the first instalment in a three part series so don't expect them to have found their happy ever after by the end of the book. They still have issues that they need to work through but knowing what we do about their history left me feeling confident they can find a way to resolve things. I'm looking forward to spending more time with them both as the series continues.
April 20, 2013
3.5 for me. Whole story takes place in two days, but I felt like I knew Tatiana and Wyatte. Tatiana's newly discovered brother, embezzeled money from her ex-boyfriend, Wyatte, and she came to Las Vegas to fix the problem. Tatiana and Wyatte had a relatioship 7 years ago, and they never got over each other so the chemistry was palpable from the get go. Deeper feelings develop as they have sex through the book. I wanted more communication between Tatiana and Wyatte, there was a lot of internal monologue and self doubt. This is book one so I expect more from the relationship later.
February 2, 2017
3.5/5
I heard of Alisha Rai before, and this was free on kindle, which meant it was a safe way to try a new author for me. Straight away I noticed strong writing. A delicious backstory, complex characters, and hot intimate scenes. Absolutely will be reading more of her!
* * *
Я слышала об Алише Рэй до этого и наконец решила попробовать этого автора, благо книга была бесплатной на киндле. Сразу видно: сильный автор. Сложные герои, глубокая, неоднозначная история с весьма любопытным и жгучим прошлым, между ними разделённым. Рекомендую и буду читать мисс Рэй дальше.
I heard of Alisha Rai before, and this was free on kindle, which meant it was a safe way to try a new author for me. Straight away I noticed strong writing. A delicious backstory, complex characters, and hot intimate scenes. Absolutely will be reading more of her!
* * *
Я слышала об Алише Рэй до этого и наконец решила попробовать этого автора, благо книга была бесплатной на киндле. Сразу видно: сильный автор. Сложные герои, глубокая, неоднозначная история с весьма любопытным и жгучим прошлым, между ними разделённым. Рекомендую и буду читать мисс Рэй дальше.
March 3, 2015
Sex scenes are hot! From the moment Wyatt and Tatiana reconnected they've had that explosive chemistry and hot office sex to start the book. Not a lot of drama/plot to this story, just old flames reconnecting and learning more about each other now that they're adults. Lots of hot dirty sex! I do wonder if the bdsm aspect of their lives will get more intense as to what's been done so far in the first book. Looking forward to reading more about them.
September 4, 2022
Maybe I haven’t read enough erotica to compare. But I was expecting more from this book. It was definitely…sexy. But the plot was lacking. I didn’t feel invested in the characters’ lives or their relationship outcome.
Is this erotica? Are my plot standards too high? Is it like watching a porn and wanting Oscar performances? Am I expecting too much?
Is this erotica? Are my plot standards too high? Is it like watching a porn and wanting Oscar performances? Am I expecting too much?
December 1, 2015
If I had reviewed this closer to when I finished it, I would have more to say than I thought it was hot, but I didn't and I don't. But it was hot.
May 7, 2016
Serials are going to be the death of me, but this was ridiculously hot. Alisha Rai is a master. I will read anything she writes.
July 12, 2016
I love Alisha Rai. Read with wine, preferably on a Friday night.
May 3, 2018
4 stars
February 5, 2017
Play With Me was a quick, sexy, and surprisingly sweet read. Tatiana and Wyatt dated for several years as teens and young adults. Now, they're being reunited after ten years. Tatiana's brother stole from Wyatt, and she's there to plead his case and pay off his debts. But Wyatt doesn't want her money. He wants her. For one night. The chemistry is still there from when they were younger, and it seems to be even stronger now. It also becomes quickly apparent that those two don't do vanilla. Their one night is going to be filled with games and pushing each other to their limits.
While I did really enjoy Play With Me, it never got as kinky as I thought it was going to. It seemed like fairly standard, tame, introduction to light BDSM. Tatiana and Wyatt reminisce about bondage and role-playing with dubious consent, but they don't actually do those things to my disappointment. Sure, he binds her hands with his tie, but that's safe. It felt like such a tease to have them remember doing kinkier things, and then not have them do it in the present.
However, for what it was, Play With Me was enjoyable. There's plenty of sex in these few pages, and there's some sparks of feelings, since Tatiana and Wyatt are clearly not over each other. There is a bit of plot as Tatiana is trying to help her brother, but that's dealt with very early on and more just served as a way to get our lovers in the same room. I do hope the following books delve deeper into their sexual chemistry.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
While I did really enjoy Play With Me, it never got as kinky as I thought it was going to. It seemed like fairly standard, tame, introduction to light BDSM. Tatiana and Wyatt reminisce about bondage and role-playing with dubious consent, but they don't actually do those things to my disappointment. Sure, he binds her hands with his tie, but that's safe. It felt like such a tease to have them remember doing kinkier things, and then not have them do it in the present.
However, for what it was, Play With Me was enjoyable. There's plenty of sex in these few pages, and there's some sparks of feelings, since Tatiana and Wyatt are clearly not over each other. There is a bit of plot as Tatiana is trying to help her brother, but that's dealt with very early on and more just served as a way to get our lovers in the same room. I do hope the following books delve deeper into their sexual chemistry.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
February 14, 2017
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/04/23/...
Publisher: Self
Publish Date: Out Now
How we got this book: eARC from author
Playing for a night…or for keeps?
Jewelry designer Tatiana Belikov may have matured enough to curb her impulsive nature, but wickedness is still her best accessory. When family troubles bring her to Las Vegas and face-to-face with the man who knows all her darkest desires, resisting temptation is futile. A night of no-holds-barred sin? Jackpot.
Once Wyatt Caine had nothing to offer Tatiana except his heart, but time has changed his fortunes. Now he’s the king of vice, and the king always gets what he wants. Especially when all he wants is her, all grown up and ready to play every dirty game he can devise.
They ignite like fireworks on the Strip, blazing hot enough to melt the best intentions. But their roll in the sheets turns into a roll of the dice, and when morning comes, Wyatt and Tatiana are left wondering whether to walk away…or go all in.
Game on.
*Blurb from Goodreads*
MinnChica: I adore Alisha Rai’s writing style, so when I saw the blurb and read an excerpt from this book, I was super excited. I love my BDSM-esque books, and Tatiana and Wyatt have some super hot and kinky love scenes. Rai did everything so wonderfully in this book, my only negative reaction was the length, especially given the fact this is going to be a trilogy. I am not a big fan of the new trend in romance where a single couple’s romance is stretched out over the course of three books, but I’m anxious to see more of Wyatt and Tatiana.
E: When I heard that Rai was coming out with a self-published book I was curious. When I was able to get an idea of what Play with Me was about I was even more excited. After reading the excerpt I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this. Like MinnChica said Rai provided everything I was looking for. The past history and angst it caused. The still smoldering attraction. The intense love scenes. And a good argument or two. While I prefer reading the complete arc for a couple if the central theme is romance in one book, Rai did complete this novella without leaving a cliffhanger. I am certainly anticipating the next two installments but without the intense frustration that this technique can sometimes cause.
MinnChica: I always love second chance love stories, and I think this one might be on my list of top five favorites. Not only did Tatiana and Wyatt get a second chance at love, they were also first loves with each other, so it was wonderful to see how they both approached their relationship different from the past. I loved that they both realized how good they had it, how much the valued one another’s company (and kinks!). I wasn’t a huge fan of the sub-plot with Tatiana’s long lost half brother, but I hope that we do get to see them develop that relationship more as the series progresses.
E: For me second chance love stories have to be done well. If there was too much bitterness and angst during the break-up I have a hard time believing the reunion. I also need the characters to have grown and matured during their time apart or I have a hard time believing the relationship has any possibility of lasting. But when they are done right, and Rai did it right, they are so very good. Each had grown during the time apart and become successful in their own ways. They had fond memories of each other that weren’t drenched in bitterness. And those memories went beyond smexytimes into everything else that makes a relationship. At first I struggled with Tatiana rushing to her brother’s rescue but then I thought about my bond with my siblings and how I would feel if I had the chance to develop that bond for the first time in my life. After that it didn’t bother me as much, especially when I learned that Tatiana could afford to help him out. Like MinnChica, I would like to see their relationship develop as more than a reason to bring Wyatt and Tatiana together.
MinnChica: All in all I enjoyed Rai first self-published novella. The characters were fun and obviously passionate about the idea of rekindling their romance. The sexy times were super smokin’ hot, and I loved that the overall kinky themes were something that didn’t require a label on their part. My only gripe about the book is that the length seems a little short, especially if this is going to be made into a trilogy with Wyatt and Tatiana as the ongoing main characters.
I give Play with Me a B
E: I also enjoyed Rai’s entry into self-publishing. Her characters were well built and packed a punch. She provided enough backstory for me to grasp who they were but continued to move the plot forward. Both were unashamed of what they enjoyed and their smexytimes seemed even more precious because they had discovered that enjoyment together years earlier. I do agree with MinnChica that having a trilogy centered around Wyatt and Tatiana made me expect a longer read for each installment. I do look forward to seeing what happens next.
I give Play with Me a B
BP Note: Alisha Rai has graciously agreed to let us give away three digital copies of Play with Me. This is open world wide. To enter leave a comment with your favorite second chance at love book or movie. Winners will be announced on the 30th. Good luck!
Publisher: Self
Publish Date: Out Now
How we got this book: eARC from author
Playing for a night…or for keeps?
Jewelry designer Tatiana Belikov may have matured enough to curb her impulsive nature, but wickedness is still her best accessory. When family troubles bring her to Las Vegas and face-to-face with the man who knows all her darkest desires, resisting temptation is futile. A night of no-holds-barred sin? Jackpot.
Once Wyatt Caine had nothing to offer Tatiana except his heart, but time has changed his fortunes. Now he’s the king of vice, and the king always gets what he wants. Especially when all he wants is her, all grown up and ready to play every dirty game he can devise.
They ignite like fireworks on the Strip, blazing hot enough to melt the best intentions. But their roll in the sheets turns into a roll of the dice, and when morning comes, Wyatt and Tatiana are left wondering whether to walk away…or go all in.
Game on.
*Blurb from Goodreads*
MinnChica: I adore Alisha Rai’s writing style, so when I saw the blurb and read an excerpt from this book, I was super excited. I love my BDSM-esque books, and Tatiana and Wyatt have some super hot and kinky love scenes. Rai did everything so wonderfully in this book, my only negative reaction was the length, especially given the fact this is going to be a trilogy. I am not a big fan of the new trend in romance where a single couple’s romance is stretched out over the course of three books, but I’m anxious to see more of Wyatt and Tatiana.
E: When I heard that Rai was coming out with a self-published book I was curious. When I was able to get an idea of what Play with Me was about I was even more excited. After reading the excerpt I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this. Like MinnChica said Rai provided everything I was looking for. The past history and angst it caused. The still smoldering attraction. The intense love scenes. And a good argument or two. While I prefer reading the complete arc for a couple if the central theme is romance in one book, Rai did complete this novella without leaving a cliffhanger. I am certainly anticipating the next two installments but without the intense frustration that this technique can sometimes cause.
MinnChica: I always love second chance love stories, and I think this one might be on my list of top five favorites. Not only did Tatiana and Wyatt get a second chance at love, they were also first loves with each other, so it was wonderful to see how they both approached their relationship different from the past. I loved that they both realized how good they had it, how much the valued one another’s company (and kinks!). I wasn’t a huge fan of the sub-plot with Tatiana’s long lost half brother, but I hope that we do get to see them develop that relationship more as the series progresses.
E: For me second chance love stories have to be done well. If there was too much bitterness and angst during the break-up I have a hard time believing the reunion. I also need the characters to have grown and matured during their time apart or I have a hard time believing the relationship has any possibility of lasting. But when they are done right, and Rai did it right, they are so very good. Each had grown during the time apart and become successful in their own ways. They had fond memories of each other that weren’t drenched in bitterness. And those memories went beyond smexytimes into everything else that makes a relationship. At first I struggled with Tatiana rushing to her brother’s rescue but then I thought about my bond with my siblings and how I would feel if I had the chance to develop that bond for the first time in my life. After that it didn’t bother me as much, especially when I learned that Tatiana could afford to help him out. Like MinnChica, I would like to see their relationship develop as more than a reason to bring Wyatt and Tatiana together.
MinnChica: All in all I enjoyed Rai first self-published novella. The characters were fun and obviously passionate about the idea of rekindling their romance. The sexy times were super smokin’ hot, and I loved that the overall kinky themes were something that didn’t require a label on their part. My only gripe about the book is that the length seems a little short, especially if this is going to be made into a trilogy with Wyatt and Tatiana as the ongoing main characters.
I give Play with Me a B
E: I also enjoyed Rai’s entry into self-publishing. Her characters were well built and packed a punch. She provided enough backstory for me to grasp who they were but continued to move the plot forward. Both were unashamed of what they enjoyed and their smexytimes seemed even more precious because they had discovered that enjoyment together years earlier. I do agree with MinnChica that having a trilogy centered around Wyatt and Tatiana made me expect a longer read for each installment. I do look forward to seeing what happens next.
I give Play with Me a B
BP Note: Alisha Rai has graciously agreed to let us give away three digital copies of Play with Me. This is open world wide. To enter leave a comment with your favorite second chance at love book or movie. Winners will be announced on the 30th. Good luck!
March 30, 2017
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this short romance novel! While I'm not really into this particular kink (that's totally on me), I liked the way it was written - there was clear consent and a great back and forth between the hero/heroine. Their past relationship (they had dated in high school/college and were each other's firsts) really helped the heightened and deep emotions feel authentic. I will definitely read the other books in this series!
I enjoyed this short romance novel! While I'm not really into this particular kink (that's totally on me), I liked the way it was written - there was clear consent and a great back and forth between the hero/heroine. Their past relationship (they had dated in high school/college and were each other's firsts) really helped the heightened and deep emotions feel authentic. I will definitely read the other books in this series!
January 1, 2023
⭐️ 2 stars.
nothing much i fear.
nothing much i fear.
October 24, 2023
Finished in one sitting lol. Pretty much no storyline but I liked the 🌶️
April 29, 2013
Joint review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/04/23/...
MinnChica: I adore Alisha Rai’s writing style, so when I saw the blurb and read an excerpt from this book, I was super excited. I love my BDSM-esque books, and Tatiana and Wyatt have some super hot and kinky love scenes. Rai did everything so wonderfully in this book, my only negative reaction was the length, especially given the fact this is going to be a trilogy. I am not a big fan of the new trend in romance where a single couple’s romance is stretched out over the course of three books, but I’m anxious to see more of Wyatt and Tatiana.
E: When I heard that Rai was coming out with a self-published book I was curious. When I was able to get an idea of what Play with Me was about I was even more excited. After reading the excerpt I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this. Like MinnChica said Rai provided everything I was looking for. The past history and angst it caused. The still smoldering attraction. The intense love scenes. And a good argument or two. While I prefer reading the complete arc for a couple if the central theme is romance in one book, Rai did complete this novella without leaving a cliffhanger. I am certainly anticipating the next two installments but without the intense frustration that this technique can sometimes cause.
MinnChica: I always love second chance love stories, and I think this one might be on my list of top five favorites. Not only did Tatiana and Wyatt get a second chance at love, they were also first loves with each other, so it was wonderful to see how they both approached their relationship different from the past. I loved that they both realized how good they had it, how much the valued one another’s company (and kinks!). I wasn’t a huge fan of the sub-plot with Tatiana’s long lost half brother, but I hope that we do get to see them develop that relationship more as the series progresses.
E: For me second chance love stories have to be done well. If there was too much bitterness and angst during the break-up I have a hard time believing the reunion. I also need the characters to have grown and matured during their time apart or I have a hard time believing the relationship has any possibility of lasting. But when they are done right, and Rai did it right, they are so very good. Each had grown during the time apart and become successful in their own ways. They had fond memories of each other that weren’t drenched in bitterness. And those memories went beyond smexytimes into everything else that makes a relationship. At first I struggled with Tatiana rushing to her brother’s rescue but then I thought about my bond with my siblings and how I would feel if I had the chance to develop that bond for the first time in my life. After that it didn’t bother me as much, especially when I learned that Tatiana could afford to help him out. Like MinnChica, I would like to see their relationship develop as more than a reason to bring Wyatt and Tatiana together.
MinnChica: All in all I enjoyed Rai first self-published novella. The characters were fun and obviously passionate about the idea of rekindling their romance. The sexy times were super smokin’ hot, and I loved that the overall kinky themes were something that didn’t require a label on their part. My only gripe about the book is that the length seems a little short, especially if this is going to be made into a trilogy with Wyatt and Tatiana as the ongoing main characters.
I give Play with Me a B
E: I also enjoyed Rai’s entry into self-publishing. Her characters were well built and packed a punch. She provided enough backstory for me to grasp who they were but continued to move the plot forward. Both were unashamed of what they enjoyed and their smexytimes seemed even more precious because they had discovered that enjoyment together years earlier. I do agree with MinnChica that having a trilogy centered around Wyatt and Tatiana made me expect a longer read for each installment. I do look forward to seeing what happens next.
I give Play with Me a B
MinnChica: I adore Alisha Rai’s writing style, so when I saw the blurb and read an excerpt from this book, I was super excited. I love my BDSM-esque books, and Tatiana and Wyatt have some super hot and kinky love scenes. Rai did everything so wonderfully in this book, my only negative reaction was the length, especially given the fact this is going to be a trilogy. I am not a big fan of the new trend in romance where a single couple’s romance is stretched out over the course of three books, but I’m anxious to see more of Wyatt and Tatiana.
E: When I heard that Rai was coming out with a self-published book I was curious. When I was able to get an idea of what Play with Me was about I was even more excited. After reading the excerpt I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this. Like MinnChica said Rai provided everything I was looking for. The past history and angst it caused. The still smoldering attraction. The intense love scenes. And a good argument or two. While I prefer reading the complete arc for a couple if the central theme is romance in one book, Rai did complete this novella without leaving a cliffhanger. I am certainly anticipating the next two installments but without the intense frustration that this technique can sometimes cause.
MinnChica: I always love second chance love stories, and I think this one might be on my list of top five favorites. Not only did Tatiana and Wyatt get a second chance at love, they were also first loves with each other, so it was wonderful to see how they both approached their relationship different from the past. I loved that they both realized how good they had it, how much the valued one another’s company (and kinks!). I wasn’t a huge fan of the sub-plot with Tatiana’s long lost half brother, but I hope that we do get to see them develop that relationship more as the series progresses.
E: For me second chance love stories have to be done well. If there was too much bitterness and angst during the break-up I have a hard time believing the reunion. I also need the characters to have grown and matured during their time apart or I have a hard time believing the relationship has any possibility of lasting. But when they are done right, and Rai did it right, they are so very good. Each had grown during the time apart and become successful in their own ways. They had fond memories of each other that weren’t drenched in bitterness. And those memories went beyond smexytimes into everything else that makes a relationship. At first I struggled with Tatiana rushing to her brother’s rescue but then I thought about my bond with my siblings and how I would feel if I had the chance to develop that bond for the first time in my life. After that it didn’t bother me as much, especially when I learned that Tatiana could afford to help him out. Like MinnChica, I would like to see their relationship develop as more than a reason to bring Wyatt and Tatiana together.
MinnChica: All in all I enjoyed Rai first self-published novella. The characters were fun and obviously passionate about the idea of rekindling their romance. The sexy times were super smokin’ hot, and I loved that the overall kinky themes were something that didn’t require a label on their part. My only gripe about the book is that the length seems a little short, especially if this is going to be made into a trilogy with Wyatt and Tatiana as the ongoing main characters.
I give Play with Me a B
E: I also enjoyed Rai’s entry into self-publishing. Her characters were well built and packed a punch. She provided enough backstory for me to grasp who they were but continued to move the plot forward. Both were unashamed of what they enjoyed and their smexytimes seemed even more precious because they had discovered that enjoyment together years earlier. I do agree with MinnChica that having a trilogy centered around Wyatt and Tatiana made me expect a longer read for each installment. I do look forward to seeing what happens next.
I give Play with Me a B
November 24, 2021
Hot novella but there were elements that did not age well. And while I don’t want to judge what anyone does in the bedroom, I was not on board with the way Tatiana and Wyatt used that cheesecake lol. Especially since I'm not sure she got cleaned up properly!
Character notes: Tatiana is a 31 year old white jewelry designer. Wyatt is a 34 year old white casino owner and billionaire. They broke up 10 years ago after a 7 year relationship. This is set in Las Vegas.
Content notes: MMC’s father was an emotionally abusive alcoholic (they’re estranged), FMC was adopted, fatphobia (not countered), sex worker shaming (not countered), on page sex, coercion play, D/s, exhibitionism, bondage, alcohol, gender essentialism, ableist language, “slave” used as slang, past death of MMC’s mother
Character notes: Tatiana is a 31 year old white jewelry designer. Wyatt is a 34 year old white casino owner and billionaire. They broke up 10 years ago after a 7 year relationship. This is set in Las Vegas.
Content notes: MMC’s father was an emotionally abusive alcoholic (they’re estranged), FMC was adopted, fatphobia (not countered), sex worker shaming (not countered), on page sex, coercion play, D/s, exhibitionism, bondage, alcohol, gender essentialism, ableist language, “slave” used as slang, past death of MMC’s mother
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