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Faraway #1
The Devil's Playground
Former U.S. Attorney, Meredith Walsh, took some time off to raise her children. But the time took away everything she once trusted about herself. She’s lost within the mundane confines of her children's schedules of lacrosse, soccer, Cub Scouts, and math facts. Desperate for a sliver of her former passion, and isolated in the small town her corporate husband relocated her to, she counsels herself on risking her family for the rush of a fling.
But Vincent Pratt, the local chief of police, weakens Meredith’s abhorrence of affairs and her dedication to her family. With him, she finds a new version of herself, one capable of contributing in her new world, and thriving in her lonely home. In spite of the fact, she’s not the kind of woman who has an affair.
But Vincent Pratt, the local chief of police, weakens Meredith’s abhorrence of affairs and her dedication to her family. With him, she finds a new version of herself, one capable of contributing in her new world, and thriving in her lonely home. In spite of the fact, she’s not the kind of woman who has an affair.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2015
2 people are currently reading
1127 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Freed
17 books230 followersTo keep in touch, sign up at:
http://www.elizafreed.com/love-letter...
Eliza Freed graduated from Rutgers University and returned to her hometown in rural South Jersey. Her mother encouraged her to take some time and find herself. After three months of searching, she began to bounce checks, her neighbors began to talk, and her mother told her to find a job.
She settled into corporate America, learning systems and practices and the bureaucracy that slows them. Eliza quickly discovered her creativity and gift for story telling as a corporate trainer and spent years perfecting her presentation skills and studying diversity. It was during this time she became an avid observer of the characters she met and the heartaches they endured. Her years of study taught her that laughter, even the completely inappropriate kind, was the key to survival.
She currently lives in New Jersey with her family and a misbehaving beagle named Odin. As an avid swimmer, if Eliza is not with her family and friends, she'd rather be underwater. While she enjoys many genres, she is, and always has been, a sucker for a love story…the more screwed up the better.
To keep up with all of Eliza’s new releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter at
http://www.elizafreed.com/love-letter....
http://www.elizafreed.com/love-letter...
Eliza Freed graduated from Rutgers University and returned to her hometown in rural South Jersey. Her mother encouraged her to take some time and find herself. After three months of searching, she began to bounce checks, her neighbors began to talk, and her mother told her to find a job.
She settled into corporate America, learning systems and practices and the bureaucracy that slows them. Eliza quickly discovered her creativity and gift for story telling as a corporate trainer and spent years perfecting her presentation skills and studying diversity. It was during this time she became an avid observer of the characters she met and the heartaches they endured. Her years of study taught her that laughter, even the completely inappropriate kind, was the key to survival.
She currently lives in New Jersey with her family and a misbehaving beagle named Odin. As an avid swimmer, if Eliza is not with her family and friends, she'd rather be underwater. While she enjoys many genres, she is, and always has been, a sucker for a love story…the more screwed up the better.
To keep up with all of Eliza’s new releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter at
http://www.elizafreed.com/love-letter....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
May 25, 2016
*REVIEW OF THE WHOLE SERIES*
4 Stars!! Book 1 and 4.5 Stars!! Book2
Is cheating always wrong? Is it ever okay to cheat? When cheating is the “right” thing to do? Eliza Freed tells the story of a woman who struggles to find all these answers. Since this duet obviously deals with cheating, which I know for sure is a turn off for many readers, my advice is to read this duet with an open mind and of course, don’t condemn these characters before reading their story from start to finish. Keep in mind that sometimes things are not quite so simple always as black and white.
Eliza Freed delivered an enthralling duet that kept my interest from the very beginning until the end. This duet is so well written, so addictive and I honestly couldn’t put it down. These two books simply consumed me, kept me at the edge of my seat for one reason or another and trust me when I say they have just a little bit of everything for you to be engrossed in these characters’ story from the very first chapter.
Meredith is a wife and the mother of two young children. Until nine years ago she used to work as an attorney with the Justice Department. Her life now is very different, monotonous and evolves around her children and sometimes around her husband, Brad. She’s unhappy, lonely in her marriage and she desperately needs something or someone to fill her with life. She loves her children with all her heart, but she wants, needs something else.
Meredith starts to feel something, to fell a little bit alive when she meets Vince, the Colonel, the Chief of Police. She feels a strong attraction towards him, wanting not only his attention, but also…something more. Vince is married with his high school sweetheart and has three children. He’s a genuinely good person, a loyal father and an important man in the small community.
Meredith and Vince start a tentative friendship that becomes something more even if both of them, especially Meredith tries to fight their strong attraction.
As much as Meredith craves Vince’s touch and as much she wants the whole situation to be different for them, she can’t be selfish, she just can’t hurt her children having an affair. But as time passes Meredith reluctantly accepts what Vince proposes her – an illicit affair, but with a set of rules.
But nothing is as simple as it seems. Meredith and Vince are not the only ones who have secrets. What will happen between Meredith and Vince? Will they be willing to sacrifice their marriages to be together?
Like everyone else I hate cheating in RL and like many readers I’m not a big fan of cheating in my books. While I don’t particularly love these kind of books, I have to admit that I really enjoyed this duet. It was well written, fascinating and so gripping. The cheating aspect was done so well that I almost believe there’s always a reason to cheat. Almost! The duet was structured really well and the way the story unfolded really pleased me. While the first installment is told entirely in Meredith’s POV (which I didn’t like too much since there were numerous times when I wanted to be in Vince’s head), the second one is told from three point-of-views.
Both Meredith and Vince were realistically portrayed (especially Meredith), likeable and in some way relatable. Meredith was easy to like even if she becomes a cheater as the story progresses. Maybe because it was easy to sympathize with her or more exactly with her situation. You can feel her unhappiness from the moment she is introduced, her love for her two children and later her attraction towards Vince. I liked Meredith even if at times I didn’t agree with all her decisions. She was a strong woman even if for so many years was Brad’s slave (in some way). She was a great mother, she was fun at times, smart-mouthed, she was honest with herself (most of the time) and overall I enjoyed her personality.
Vince was a great beta-hero. I liked the way he was with Meredith from the beginning. I also felt his love for her as the story progressed. Their chemistry was palpable from the start and I liked how their forbidden relationship progressed. Not only I liked them together, but I also rooted for these two to start and later continue their affair.
The second installment was fast paced with more action and suspense which I enjoyed very much. It was a great conclusion to these characters’ story filled with some interesting twists and turns that really kept me at the edge of my seat.
Overall, this was a fantastic duet and I highly recommend it if you don’t mind cheating in your books!
4 Stars!! Book 1 and 4.5 Stars!! Book2
Is cheating always wrong? Is it ever okay to cheat? When cheating is the “right” thing to do? Eliza Freed tells the story of a woman who struggles to find all these answers. Since this duet obviously deals with cheating, which I know for sure is a turn off for many readers, my advice is to read this duet with an open mind and of course, don’t condemn these characters before reading their story from start to finish. Keep in mind that sometimes things are not quite so simple always as black and white.
Eliza Freed delivered an enthralling duet that kept my interest from the very beginning until the end. This duet is so well written, so addictive and I honestly couldn’t put it down. These two books simply consumed me, kept me at the edge of my seat for one reason or another and trust me when I say they have just a little bit of everything for you to be engrossed in these characters’ story from the very first chapter.
"He’d wanted me so much back then, and I’d wanted him to have me. I just hadn’t realized how much he would take."
Meredith is a wife and the mother of two young children. Until nine years ago she used to work as an attorney with the Justice Department. Her life now is very different, monotonous and evolves around her children and sometimes around her husband, Brad. She’s unhappy, lonely in her marriage and she desperately needs something or someone to fill her with life. She loves her children with all her heart, but she wants, needs something else.
“He was magnificent. A souvenir I hadn’t paid for, the vacation I didn’t earn. He was stolen goods, and I never wanted to return him, but I also knew I wouldn’t do the time to keep him. The cost was too high.”
Meredith starts to feel something, to fell a little bit alive when she meets Vince, the Colonel, the Chief of Police. She feels a strong attraction towards him, wanting not only his attention, but also…something more. Vince is married with his high school sweetheart and has three children. He’s a genuinely good person, a loyal father and an important man in the small community.
Meredith and Vince start a tentative friendship that becomes something more even if both of them, especially Meredith tries to fight their strong attraction.
As much as Meredith craves Vince’s touch and as much she wants the whole situation to be different for them, she can’t be selfish, she just can’t hurt her children having an affair. But as time passes Meredith reluctantly accepts what Vince proposes her – an illicit affair, but with a set of rules.
“Love radiated from his touch and was followed by the realization it belonged to someone else. He was another woman’s husband—not mine.”
But nothing is as simple as it seems. Meredith and Vince are not the only ones who have secrets. What will happen between Meredith and Vince? Will they be willing to sacrifice their marriages to be together?
Like everyone else I hate cheating in RL and like many readers I’m not a big fan of cheating in my books. While I don’t particularly love these kind of books, I have to admit that I really enjoyed this duet. It was well written, fascinating and so gripping. The cheating aspect was done so well that I almost believe there’s always a reason to cheat. Almost! The duet was structured really well and the way the story unfolded really pleased me. While the first installment is told entirely in Meredith’s POV (which I didn’t like too much since there were numerous times when I wanted to be in Vince’s head), the second one is told from three point-of-views.
Both Meredith and Vince were realistically portrayed (especially Meredith), likeable and in some way relatable. Meredith was easy to like even if she becomes a cheater as the story progresses. Maybe because it was easy to sympathize with her or more exactly with her situation. You can feel her unhappiness from the moment she is introduced, her love for her two children and later her attraction towards Vince. I liked Meredith even if at times I didn’t agree with all her decisions. She was a strong woman even if for so many years was Brad’s slave (in some way). She was a great mother, she was fun at times, smart-mouthed, she was honest with herself (most of the time) and overall I enjoyed her personality.
“You are my day off, my birthday surprise, a rainbow, a full moon, a four-leaf clover, and a lucky penny all rolled into one.”
Vince was a great beta-hero. I liked the way he was with Meredith from the beginning. I also felt his love for her as the story progressed. Their chemistry was palpable from the start and I liked how their forbidden relationship progressed. Not only I liked them together, but I also rooted for these two to start and later continue their affair.
The second installment was fast paced with more action and suspense which I enjoyed very much. It was a great conclusion to these characters’ story filled with some interesting twists and turns that really kept me at the edge of my seat.
Overall, this was a fantastic duet and I highly recommend it if you don’t mind cheating in your books!
“You can’t be held captive
If you can’t be caught”
May 5, 2016
4 STARS BOOK 1 - 5 STARS BOOK 2
”I was married. I was bored. This was nothing but a dangerous distraction. It was the devil’s playground.”
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Talk about stumbling across a true blue winner this two book series was seriously fantastic! Thank you KU for gifting me the opportunity of trying the first story. Friends, this is the story about an unhappy housewife, Meredith Walsh who no matter how hard she tries not to have affair with the amazing Chief of Police, Vincent Pratt they fall for one another. Meredith keeps finding herself trapped in his orbit. But that’s not all there is to this story, yes we get Meredith’s unhappiness not being able to be a career woman, her sucky husband and her children but the author blows it out of the park with the second book which is placed on my Favorite Shelf. The conclusion was so fast paced, well written, shocking and well done. Below you will find my review for both books which if you can handle cheating book I highly recommend!!
BOOK ONE ~ The Devil’s Playground ~ 4 STARS : This book is well written but slightly on the slow side. This first book is told entirely in Meredith’s POV and paints a picture of the unhappy housewife stuck in a town where she struggles to connect, a marriage where her husband Brad is at work nonstop:
”He was perfect. He works, for God’s sake.”
Meredith connects and falls for a married man:
”He was magnificent. A souvenir I hadn’t paid for, the vacation I didn’t earn. He was stolen goods, and I never wanted to return him, but I also knew I wouldn’t do the time to keep him. The cost was too high.”
Meredith struggles with growing feelings for Vincent:
”We’re not together. We’re not part of each other’s lives. We’re a fantasy. A play with an opening night and a curtain call. “We’re perfect together. “We’re a secret.”
BOOK TWO ~ The Lion’s Den ~ 5 STARS: Told in three POVS, YES Brad, Vince and Meredith’s all have a voice and guide this conclusion. It held tons of twists and turns and completely exceeded my expectations!!
Some FAV quotes:
”I loved him now. I knew I’d love him then. It wasn’t just an affair.”
”When a married man had an affair with a young girl, he was the only one having an affair. She was dating.”
”He’d played both women wrong, and now, we were putting the screws to him, and he couldn’t manage either of us. I hoped.”
I highly recommend this series to readers who don’t mind/like a well written story of deceit and love!
”You can’t be held captive if you can’t be caught.”
”I was married. I was bored. This was nothing but a dangerous distraction. It was the devil’s playground.”
[image error]
Talk about stumbling across a true blue winner this two book series was seriously fantastic! Thank you KU for gifting me the opportunity of trying the first story. Friends, this is the story about an unhappy housewife, Meredith Walsh who no matter how hard she tries not to have affair with the amazing Chief of Police, Vincent Pratt they fall for one another. Meredith keeps finding herself trapped in his orbit. But that’s not all there is to this story, yes we get Meredith’s unhappiness not being able to be a career woman, her sucky husband and her children but the author blows it out of the park with the second book which is placed on my Favorite Shelf. The conclusion was so fast paced, well written, shocking and well done. Below you will find my review for both books which if you can handle cheating book I highly recommend!!
BOOK ONE ~ The Devil’s Playground ~ 4 STARS : This book is well written but slightly on the slow side. This first book is told entirely in Meredith’s POV and paints a picture of the unhappy housewife stuck in a town where she struggles to connect, a marriage where her husband Brad is at work nonstop:
”He was perfect. He works, for God’s sake.”
Meredith connects and falls for a married man:
”He was magnificent. A souvenir I hadn’t paid for, the vacation I didn’t earn. He was stolen goods, and I never wanted to return him, but I also knew I wouldn’t do the time to keep him. The cost was too high.”
Meredith struggles with growing feelings for Vincent:
”We’re not together. We’re not part of each other’s lives. We’re a fantasy. A play with an opening night and a curtain call. “We’re perfect together. “We’re a secret.”
BOOK TWO ~ The Lion’s Den ~ 5 STARS: Told in three POVS, YES Brad, Vince and Meredith’s all have a voice and guide this conclusion. It held tons of twists and turns and completely exceeded my expectations!!
Some FAV quotes:
”I loved him now. I knew I’d love him then. It wasn’t just an affair.”
”When a married man had an affair with a young girl, he was the only one having an affair. She was dating.”
”He’d played both women wrong, and now, we were putting the screws to him, and he couldn’t manage either of us. I hoped.”
I highly recommend this series to readers who don’t mind/like a well written story of deceit and love!
”You can’t be held captive if you can’t be caught.”
August 4, 2020
4 Stars
Faraway is a refreshing two book series dealing with a difficult subject matter -marriage and adultery. I was a bit scared I wouldn't like it because of cheating but this book deals with it beautifully. The story was suspenseful and mysterious, full of twists, revelations, hot as hell scenes, fun small town antics and funny and dramatic moments worthy of Desperate Housewives.
QUICK REVIEW of book 1:
Enjoyment: 4/5
Writing style: 4/5
Storyline: 3/5
Originality: 3/5
Hero: 4/5 (beta hero)
Heroine: 3/5
Secondary characters: 5/5
Hotness/steam: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Angst/feels: 3/5
Darkness level: 2/5
Humor: 3/5
Depth of the book: 3/5
POV: heroine, 1st person
Recommended for: fans of Jessica Hawkins, Mia Asher
Triggers:
Faraway is a refreshing two book series dealing with a difficult subject matter -marriage and adultery. I was a bit scared I wouldn't like it because of cheating but this book deals with it beautifully. The story was suspenseful and mysterious, full of twists, revelations, hot as hell scenes, fun small town antics and funny and dramatic moments worthy of Desperate Housewives.
QUICK REVIEW of book 1:
Enjoyment: 4/5
Writing style: 4/5
Storyline: 3/5
Originality: 3/5
Hero: 4/5 (beta hero)
Heroine: 3/5
Secondary characters: 5/5
Hotness/steam: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Angst/feels: 3/5
Darkness level: 2/5
Humor: 3/5
Depth of the book: 3/5
POV: heroine, 1st person
Recommended for: fans of Jessica Hawkins, Mia Asher
Triggers:
May 5, 2016
On to book 2!
October 23, 2016
You are better off not knowing too much about this book before starting it. It has a theme I generally avoid like the plague but I was intrigued. Very strong writing and storyline.
I was a stay at home Mom for the first 4 months of my son's lives. Did I feel bad by not being a full time mother? No, it wasn't for me. Anyway, we couldn't have afforded for me to stay home full-time. Meredith feels she is missing out on something, in one way. But, in another way, she loves being with her kids.
And, Brad is a fucking asshole.
May 22, 2016
Cheating.... Ah no. Not acceptable.
However, Eliza Freed, I can thank you for showing me that I'm okay with it, this one time....
This story consumed me, took hold of me and wouldn't let me go, waiting to get to book two is torturing me. I can not wait to see what happens, to get the answers to why, and mostly to read what the hell is up Brads ass. This book is full of sacrifices you give up for the sake of your children. As a stay at home mom, I know these. I feel for Meredith, but what I couldn't handle was how she was treated by her husband. What an ASS. I seriously can't wait to see why he is the way he is.....I have my theories...... So to me, this story wasn't just about cheating, it was about finding a way to be accepted, to be appreciated, to be loved the way a woman should be, and to be wanted.
This is my first book by this author, definitely won't be my last!! I would hands down recommend this book!!!
Bring on book two!!!!
However, Eliza Freed, I can thank you for showing me that I'm okay with it, this one time....
This story consumed me, took hold of me and wouldn't let me go, waiting to get to book two is torturing me. I can not wait to see what happens, to get the answers to why, and mostly to read what the hell is up Brads ass. This book is full of sacrifices you give up for the sake of your children. As a stay at home mom, I know these. I feel for Meredith, but what I couldn't handle was how she was treated by her husband. What an ASS. I seriously can't wait to see why he is the way he is.....I have my theories...... So to me, this story wasn't just about cheating, it was about finding a way to be accepted, to be appreciated, to be loved the way a woman should be, and to be wanted.
This is my first book by this author, definitely won't be my last!! I would hands down recommend this book!!!
Bring on book two!!!!
November 11, 2015
“You can’t be held captive, if you can’t be caught.”
Absolutely intoxicating!!
I haven’t read something so illicitly enticing in quite a while! Thank you Eliza Freed for helping me rediscover that there are still novels out there that can blow me away with their emotional energy and powerful narrative.
Freed managed to land on my author-to-watch list within pages of me diving into her newest novel The Devil’s Playground. This story has the perfect blend of chemistry, angst, romance, and drama, which only makes the characters explode off of the ePages and make you want to get to know them to their core!
In The Devil’s Playground, we meet Meredith Walsh who has sacrificed quite a bit to stay at home to raise her two children. Before having Liv and James, she was a successful U.S. Attorney that stopped at nothing to get what she wanted and the career she craved. Now, she feels like she’s lost a vital piece of herself as she aimlessly travels from swim practices to PTA meetings to school functions that never fail to make her the talk of the other moms. Coupled with her husband’s demanding career, which he refuses to sacrifice for his family, Meredith feels lonely, desperate, underwhelmed and shackled.
When she meets the town’s local chief of police Vincent Pratt on a school trip, together they reluctantly explore an illicit relationship that requires constant rules and never-ending secrets. They each know how much they are willing to forgo to be together, however one more than the other is ready to sacrifice their marriage and family for what they believe is love…
Okay, I’m going to admit up front…. I was absolutely captivated by this novel. Call it the chemistry or the illicit nature of the material; I couldn’t put this eBook down! I truly think my eReader was on fire the entire time I was slamming through the pages of The Devil’s Playground.
Normally, I would have some sense of judgment toward a married man and woman that begin an affair, but there was something about Meredith’s character that had me sympathize with her situation. There was no doubt I despised her husband, and I know having a crappy husband is no excuse to cheat. However, I have to point out how callous, insensitive and selfish he was toward his family that Meredith’s transgressions felt less significant in comparison.
From the beginning, I knew Meredith was fighting a losing battle against Officer Pratt. The attraction, chemistry and emotional connection between these two characters somehow shifted my moral compass in their corner. There were times I thought for sure they were going to be caught, but in the back of my mind I never worried about the aftermath because Meredith seemed like such a solid character that a hurricane couldn’t knock her down.
…I didn’t feel alive in my house. I felt alive in the courtroom. I felt alive in the ocean. I felt alive with Vince. I was selfish and immature, and I hated myself.
She never fooled herself or anyone else about how she felt. Meredith knew she was flawed and damaged to a certain degree. What I really liked about her was that above all, she knew she couldn’t make choices that would sacrifice her being without her kids despite how trapped she felt at times. I appreciated her honesty, vulnerability and self-deprecation that she showed throughout the story.
I was checking on you. I’m always wherever you are.
There were moments that under normal circumstances I would hear my mental brakes screeching in alarm, but there was something so alluring about Vince that I couldn’t help but entertain his absolute adoration of Meredith. Throughout the novel, he was always at the mercy of Meredith’s choices and decisions, so I felt oddly desperate for him because of his emotional investment in the relationship that at times felt unrequited. Meredith always came across as the stronger character that Vince’s moments of vulnerability pulled at my heartstrings… in an odd way.
Overall, The Devil’s Playground is an emotionally gripping novel about a woman who feels trapped and decides to venture into forbidden territory that can not only break her heart, but her family as well. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second and final installment of The Faraway Series!! I truly expect an explosive conclusion… Bring it on!
Absolutely intoxicating!!
I haven’t read something so illicitly enticing in quite a while! Thank you Eliza Freed for helping me rediscover that there are still novels out there that can blow me away with their emotional energy and powerful narrative.
Freed managed to land on my author-to-watch list within pages of me diving into her newest novel The Devil’s Playground. This story has the perfect blend of chemistry, angst, romance, and drama, which only makes the characters explode off of the ePages and make you want to get to know them to their core!
In The Devil’s Playground, we meet Meredith Walsh who has sacrificed quite a bit to stay at home to raise her two children. Before having Liv and James, she was a successful U.S. Attorney that stopped at nothing to get what she wanted and the career she craved. Now, she feels like she’s lost a vital piece of herself as she aimlessly travels from swim practices to PTA meetings to school functions that never fail to make her the talk of the other moms. Coupled with her husband’s demanding career, which he refuses to sacrifice for his family, Meredith feels lonely, desperate, underwhelmed and shackled.
When she meets the town’s local chief of police Vincent Pratt on a school trip, together they reluctantly explore an illicit relationship that requires constant rules and never-ending secrets. They each know how much they are willing to forgo to be together, however one more than the other is ready to sacrifice their marriage and family for what they believe is love…
Okay, I’m going to admit up front…. I was absolutely captivated by this novel. Call it the chemistry or the illicit nature of the material; I couldn’t put this eBook down! I truly think my eReader was on fire the entire time I was slamming through the pages of The Devil’s Playground.
Normally, I would have some sense of judgment toward a married man and woman that begin an affair, but there was something about Meredith’s character that had me sympathize with her situation. There was no doubt I despised her husband, and I know having a crappy husband is no excuse to cheat. However, I have to point out how callous, insensitive and selfish he was toward his family that Meredith’s transgressions felt less significant in comparison.
From the beginning, I knew Meredith was fighting a losing battle against Officer Pratt. The attraction, chemistry and emotional connection between these two characters somehow shifted my moral compass in their corner. There were times I thought for sure they were going to be caught, but in the back of my mind I never worried about the aftermath because Meredith seemed like such a solid character that a hurricane couldn’t knock her down.
…I didn’t feel alive in my house. I felt alive in the courtroom. I felt alive in the ocean. I felt alive with Vince. I was selfish and immature, and I hated myself.
She never fooled herself or anyone else about how she felt. Meredith knew she was flawed and damaged to a certain degree. What I really liked about her was that above all, she knew she couldn’t make choices that would sacrifice her being without her kids despite how trapped she felt at times. I appreciated her honesty, vulnerability and self-deprecation that she showed throughout the story.
I was checking on you. I’m always wherever you are.
There were moments that under normal circumstances I would hear my mental brakes screeching in alarm, but there was something so alluring about Vince that I couldn’t help but entertain his absolute adoration of Meredith. Throughout the novel, he was always at the mercy of Meredith’s choices and decisions, so I felt oddly desperate for him because of his emotional investment in the relationship that at times felt unrequited. Meredith always came across as the stronger character that Vince’s moments of vulnerability pulled at my heartstrings… in an odd way.
Overall, The Devil’s Playground is an emotionally gripping novel about a woman who feels trapped and decides to venture into forbidden territory that can not only break her heart, but her family as well. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second and final installment of The Faraway Series!! I truly expect an explosive conclusion… Bring it on!
January 6, 2016
if i could rate this book more than 5 stars i would.
i started this earlier with the intention of reading a chapter and it's now 5am and i have finished the book. i was thoroughly addicted. i just could not put this one down.
this is a story to go into with an open mind. cheating in romance novels is a sore subject for many, it's taboo and often pushed aside without futher thought and that's personal choice. i don't have a problem reading about it, key word reading about it. i think when written in a heartfelt and mature way like we have here, it's more then just a forbidden or drama-esq plot device. this story shows the lines between right and wrong and victim and villain are easily blurred.
this book is heart-wrenching, angsty, sexy, full of raw emotion and yes, it's illicit but so fucking REAL. i know this review is rubbish because.. nearly 5am and my feelings are all over the place, but this was all so good. so bloody good.
eliza freed has sucked me in yet again. her writing is intelligent, mature, humorous and completely captivating. where is all the hype for this author?! she's awesome.
this has a cliffhanger but offers up a sneek of book 2, thank god because after reaching that last paragraph, i NEED part 2. hurry up jan 12th!!
i started this earlier with the intention of reading a chapter and it's now 5am and i have finished the book. i was thoroughly addicted. i just could not put this one down.
this is a story to go into with an open mind. cheating in romance novels is a sore subject for many, it's taboo and often pushed aside without futher thought and that's personal choice. i don't have a problem reading about it, key word reading about it. i think when written in a heartfelt and mature way like we have here, it's more then just a forbidden or drama-esq plot device. this story shows the lines between right and wrong and victim and villain are easily blurred.
this book is heart-wrenching, angsty, sexy, full of raw emotion and yes, it's illicit but so fucking REAL. i know this review is rubbish because.. nearly 5am and my feelings are all over the place, but this was all so good. so bloody good.
eliza freed has sucked me in yet again. her writing is intelligent, mature, humorous and completely captivating. where is all the hype for this author?! she's awesome.
this has a cliffhanger but offers up a sneek of book 2, thank god because after reaching that last paragraph, i NEED part 2. hurry up jan 12th!!
May 14, 2016
4 Stars!
This book should come with a warning as I don't think this book is for everyone since it is about
I was in the mood for some heavy angst so I thought, why not something that involved cheating because that would be a sure ball and not something that I was only lead to believe as an angsty read.
As with all the books that I've read that tackles infidelity, I really have one wish.... for it to be written in dual or multiple POV. Sadly, this book was only written in Meredith's POV.
Here's a short glimpse of how the story came to be....
Warning! Might contain spoilers to some as I included A LOT of quotes from this book
Brad, the husband
Meredith, worked as an attorney until she became a mother. Her life now evolves around her children which sometimes was stressful especially without Brad's help.
Until she met Vince
This book is about the stressful life of being a mom and her need to find happiness. Her marriage is in shambles, which I don't know why she didn't make a move to talk about the problem in her marriage with Brad rather than venturing outside without trying to solve it first. Sure, Brad was a complete d*ck which the reason behind was unknown (until the second book) but she could at least try to work things out.
However, it dwells more on Meredith trying to do the right thing and avoid temptation, but gave in then decided it was wrong....yet succumb to it once again.
"I was not a cheater."
“I don’t cheat because it’s typical.”
"I told you we’d never have an affair"
"I’m not the kind of woman who has an affair."
"There was never a reason for suspicion, because I would never have an affair."
"I needed this to mean something, but that would make it into something it wasn’t—which was an affair."
The lists goes on and I don't want to write down everything, but you get the point.
“This can be whatever we want it to be. It doesn’t have to be an affair." - what are you going to call it then? friends with benefits? Ughh
To be honest, I wasn't rooting for anyone for the reasons stated above, yet I cannot stop myself from reading wherever I got the time. And up to the very end, well I guess I'm probably the only one who would say this, but I still don't agree with Vince and Meredith's relationship despite their many justifications for their action.
As much as I would want for Meredith to be happy, I just couldn't accept it. Especially after knowing that Not to mention that the statement a cheater will always be a cheater kept chanting on my mind. So yeah, I don't believe and couldn't believe Vince's sincerity. I kept thinking he has a motive.
Also, I notice that
I REALLY HATE HER when
Overall, I'd say the writing skills was great because even though I don't care about all the characters, the author was still able to invoke emotions from me, mainly anger =D
I'm off to book two which was better I guess, since it was written in multiple POV.
This is the first book of a duet and should be read in order.
This book should come with a warning as I don't think this book is for everyone since it is about
I was in the mood for some heavy angst so I thought, why not something that involved cheating because that would be a sure ball and not something that I was only lead to believe as an angsty read.
As with all the books that I've read that tackles infidelity, I really have one wish.... for it to be written in dual or multiple POV. Sadly, this book was only written in Meredith's POV.
Here's a short glimpse of how the story came to be....
Warning! Might contain spoilers to some as I included A LOT of quotes from this book
Brad, the husband
"He’d wanted me so much back then, and I’d wanted him to have me. I just hadn’t realized how much he would take."
Meredith, worked as an attorney until she became a mother. Her life now evolves around her children which sometimes was stressful especially without Brad's help.
"I don't know what I want anymore "
Until she met Vince
"He was fire, and I was playing with it.
I was not a cheater. These were the actions of a vacant housewife starved for attention. I needed to build my own life and not search outside of my marriage for fulfillment. I was too smart for this. And my family deserved better."
"I'm not the kind of woman who has an affair"
"Does anyone ever come out of this situation unscathed? "
“You refuse to see the truth in front of you. We’re not together. We’re not part of each other’s lives. We’re a fantasy. A play with an opening night and a curtain call.”
“We’re perfect together.”
“We’re a secret.”
"... I think that’s the biggest lie of the affair.”
“What is?”
“The one cheaters tell each other of how different their lives would be if they were together. But they’re never actually together. They’re hidden in time.”
This book is about the stressful life of being a mom and her need to find happiness. Her marriage is in shambles, which I don't know why she didn't make a move to talk about the problem in her marriage with Brad rather than venturing outside without trying to solve it first. Sure, Brad was a complete d*ck which the reason behind was unknown (until the second book) but she could at least try to work things out.
However, it dwells more on Meredith trying to do the right thing and avoid temptation, but gave in then decided it was wrong....yet succumb to it once again.
"I was not a cheater."
“I don’t cheat because it’s typical.”
"I told you we’d never have an affair"
"I’m not the kind of woman who has an affair."
"There was never a reason for suspicion, because I would never have an affair."
"I needed this to mean something, but that would make it into something it wasn’t—which was an affair."
The lists goes on and I don't want to write down everything, but you get the point.
“This can be whatever we want it to be. It doesn’t have to be an affair." - what are you going to call it then? friends with benefits? Ughh
To be honest, I wasn't rooting for anyone for the reasons stated above, yet I cannot stop myself from reading wherever I got the time. And up to the very end, well I guess I'm probably the only one who would say this, but I still don't agree with Vince and Meredith's relationship despite their many justifications for their action.
As much as I would want for Meredith to be happy, I just couldn't accept it. Especially after knowing that Not to mention that the statement a cheater will always be a cheater kept chanting on my mind. So yeah, I don't believe and couldn't believe Vince's sincerity. I kept thinking he has a motive.
Also, I notice that
I REALLY HATE HER when
“It’s going to be an affair, regardless of what we call it.”- My point exactly. No need to sugarcoat it "love".
Overall, I'd say the writing skills was great because even though I don't care about all the characters, the author was still able to invoke emotions from me, mainly anger =D
I'm off to book two which was better I guess, since it was written in multiple POV.
This is the first book of a duet and should be read in order.
August 24, 2022
I am not sure this book has been placed in suitable genres; however, I don't know where it belongs. It is delicious and absolutely consuming. Definitely not what I think of as Chick-Lit. It has an unusual depth about a mother's innermost thoughts. A refreshing female MC with an unexpected voice. The writing is both intelligent AND funny. (Not saying Chick-Lit cannot be those things)
Perhaps I love it as only a jaded mother, who adores her children but despises the shackles society places on motherhood, can. The subject matter may seem obvious from the blurb, but this book is so much more under the surface.
Perhaps I love it as only a jaded mother, who adores her children but despises the shackles society places on motherhood, can. The subject matter may seem obvious from the blurb, but this book is so much more under the surface.
November 14, 2016
5 STARS
INFIDELITY ALERT!
This book. Wow. Seriously, just WOW. It's real. Emotional. Intoxicating. The writing is HONEST and SMART and STRONG. I'm surprised this book hasn't gotten more buzz.
I've already moved on the next book. I gotta know what happens!
November 29, 2016
Wow. Review to come... First must read the second book.
May 8, 2016
The Devils Playground &
The Lions Den by Eliza Freed
4 stars & 4.5 stars!!!!
These two books are a duet and ones that I read one after the other, only taking the mandatory toilet breaks and of course feeding the husband and kids, they were that addictive. Yes, this book does contain cheating which I know is a major turn off for some readers, however, the way that Meredith’s story is delivered is sympathetic, understandable and totally consuming.
The Devils Playground is totally told in Meredith’s point of view and brings to the forefront just how lost she feels. Having been forced to move to the suburbs by her husband, to a house that she didn’t want and an area where she knew no-one she had never felt so isolated. Once a high flying attorney Meredith’s life is now monotonous, predictable and totally orbits around the lives of her two hilarious children. Meredith’s kids are the light of her majorly dim life and if it wasn’t for them she would have given up a long time ago.
Meredith’s husband, Brad, still lives the single life. He “works” all the hour’s god sends and is never ever around. Leaving the house in the early hours and rarely home before 10pm. Always attending happy hours, company dinners and a plethora of parties, leaving Meredith and the kids behind. “Work” invades his weekends and he really is a stranger in the night. I had my suspicions about Brad from the very beginning, he tried to come across as perfect and being the bread winner for the family, but when someone is so perfect, more often than not they are not, they are always hiding something.
Vince, I ADORED this man, he was the Colonel, the head of police in this little community and everyone loved him. He was the one stable person of authority that everyone relied upon and he was selfless. He helped everybody, was a volunteer for all school and community functions and was a real pillar of the community. He had a wife and family too, but in the past two years he had really been at the point of his life where he was re-evaluating everything.
When Meredith and Vincent’s paths cross the attraction is undeniable, the chemistry is palpable and the kindle literally combusted. But Meredith is a woman of morals and was adamant that she would never have an affair. Eliza Freed really captured that push and pull of attraction, that back of forth of conscience over emotion and the true fight to do what is right and to try and make the right choices.
As much as I should have been rooting for these two to steer clear of each other there was no denying their attraction and it really was a foregone conclusion. This was not just an attraction of lust but they had an undeniable friendship, a soul mate connection that grew and grew the more and more they spent in each other’s company. It is this intense connection that managed to shift my moral compass firmly in their corner. I would never condone an affair, however, these two were perfect for each other and with such a crappy husband who showed her no affection, no attention and literally used her, it was no surprise that she strayed. However, it was not an easy choice and one that she battled with for a long time.
The Lion’s Den was fast paced and action packed and was told in three POV’s, Brad, Vince and Meredith. Eliza Freed really delivers an epic conclusion to this duet that will have you on the edge of your seat while delivering curve ball after curve ball.
Everyone’s story is told in this book and finally you get to see the behind scenes, warts and all which only added another dimension to the twisted that Eliza Freed has penned.
This duet was totally addictive, unputdownable and for me, an easy, quick read. Meredith’s kids really add the fun factor to this story and created many a laugh out loud moment as I sympathised with the endless, monotonous unanswerable questions that kids manage to pluck out of thin air and of course you cannot beat their unique fashion sense. Meredith was the epitome of a mama bear, her kids always came first and foremost and she would lay her life down for them, her life was her kids until someone showed her that she deserved a life too.
This was a beautiful story that will have you heart swooning, while the suspense will have your stomach tied up in knots. It’s emotional in places but perfectly balanced with wit and humour that will also have you laughing out loud. For a cheating story, it worked, it wasn’t illicit, it was two people that found love when they weren’t looking. I cannot wait to read more from this author, my only complaint…I WANT AN EPILOGUE!!!!!
www.theromancecover.com
The Lions Den by Eliza Freed
4 stars & 4.5 stars!!!!
“This was nothing but a dangerous distraction. It was the devil’s playground.”
These two books are a duet and ones that I read one after the other, only taking the mandatory toilet breaks and of course feeding the husband and kids, they were that addictive. Yes, this book does contain cheating which I know is a major turn off for some readers, however, the way that Meredith’s story is delivered is sympathetic, understandable and totally consuming.
“I’ve stopped time and have you all to myself, and in the moments I’m quiet, I’m trying to figure out how to never start it again.”
The Devils Playground is totally told in Meredith’s point of view and brings to the forefront just how lost she feels. Having been forced to move to the suburbs by her husband, to a house that she didn’t want and an area where she knew no-one she had never felt so isolated. Once a high flying attorney Meredith’s life is now monotonous, predictable and totally orbits around the lives of her two hilarious children. Meredith’s kids are the light of her majorly dim life and if it wasn’t for them she would have given up a long time ago.
Meredith’s husband, Brad, still lives the single life. He “works” all the hour’s god sends and is never ever around. Leaving the house in the early hours and rarely home before 10pm. Always attending happy hours, company dinners and a plethora of parties, leaving Meredith and the kids behind. “Work” invades his weekends and he really is a stranger in the night. I had my suspicions about Brad from the very beginning, he tried to come across as perfect and being the bread winner for the family, but when someone is so perfect, more often than not they are not, they are always hiding something.
“He’d wanted me so much back then, and I’d wanted him to have me. I just hadn’t realised how much he would take.”
Vince, I ADORED this man, he was the Colonel, the head of police in this little community and everyone loved him. He was the one stable person of authority that everyone relied upon and he was selfless. He helped everybody, was a volunteer for all school and community functions and was a real pillar of the community. He had a wife and family too, but in the past two years he had really been at the point of his life where he was re-evaluating everything.
“He was magnificent. A souvenir I hadn’t paid for, the vacation I didn’t earn. He was stolen goods, and I never wanted to return them, but I also knew I wouldn’t do the time to keep him. The cost was too high.”
When Meredith and Vincent’s paths cross the attraction is undeniable, the chemistry is palpable and the kindle literally combusted. But Meredith is a woman of morals and was adamant that she would never have an affair. Eliza Freed really captured that push and pull of attraction, that back of forth of conscience over emotion and the true fight to do what is right and to try and make the right choices.
“This won’t work if you’re in love with me. A mistake will be made.”
“It isn’t a mistake.”
“It’s worse. We’re a tragedy.”
As much as I should have been rooting for these two to steer clear of each other there was no denying their attraction and it really was a foregone conclusion. This was not just an attraction of lust but they had an undeniable friendship, a soul mate connection that grew and grew the more and more they spent in each other’s company. It is this intense connection that managed to shift my moral compass firmly in their corner. I would never condone an affair, however, these two were perfect for each other and with such a crappy husband who showed her no affection, no attention and literally used her, it was no surprise that she strayed. However, it was not an easy choice and one that she battled with for a long time.
“Brad didn’t realize I wasn’t some twenty-five-year-old he was fucking. I was his wife, and I was already gone.”
The Lion’s Den was fast paced and action packed and was told in three POV’s, Brad, Vince and Meredith. Eliza Freed really delivers an epic conclusion to this duet that will have you on the edge of your seat while delivering curve ball after curve ball.
“Just follow your heart. It’ll lead you home.”
“What if my heart lost its memory too?”
Everyone’s story is told in this book and finally you get to see the behind scenes, warts and all which only added another dimension to the twisted that Eliza Freed has penned.
“When a married man had an affair with a young girl, he was the only one having an affair. She was dating.”
This duet was totally addictive, unputdownable and for me, an easy, quick read. Meredith’s kids really add the fun factor to this story and created many a laugh out loud moment as I sympathised with the endless, monotonous unanswerable questions that kids manage to pluck out of thin air and of course you cannot beat their unique fashion sense. Meredith was the epitome of a mama bear, her kids always came first and foremost and she would lay her life down for them, her life was her kids until someone showed her that she deserved a life too.
“I was unhappy-horribly unhappy-and lonely. I let you fix what you never broke. I let you fill a spot you never vacated. I slipped into the darkness, because I’d follow you to hell if you asked me to.”
This was a beautiful story that will have you heart swooning, while the suspense will have your stomach tied up in knots. It’s emotional in places but perfectly balanced with wit and humour that will also have you laughing out loud. For a cheating story, it worked, it wasn’t illicit, it was two people that found love when they weren’t looking. I cannot wait to read more from this author, my only complaint…I WANT AN EPILOGUE!!!!!
“I’m Daniel, and my marriage is the lion’s den.”
www.theromancecover.com
November 5, 2015
4.5 absolutely heart shattering and painful stars! For those that believe there's never a reason to cheat, this novel blows that notion to bits with talented writing and a gripping story line. It is easy to understand how lines become blurred and how lonely hearts wander and seek out companionship and tenderness. Meredith and Vincent are easy to like and relate to even.
Meredith was once a high-powered attorney until she was forced to become a stay-at-home mother. Her life consists of handling everyone's needs at the cost of burying her own. She doesn't have anyone to really talk with about her desires, needs, and wants since her husband is essentially just a monetary provider. He expects her to raise the children, manage the household, and give in to his physical needs without actually giving any support to Meredith besides money.
Vincent is the chief of police for the small town where he and Meredith reside. He always knew he wanted to be on the force and never gave much thought to his love life so he married his high school girlfriend. His daughter is the same age as Meredith's. He never thought to stray from his dull marriage until meeting Meredith.
The two meet due to the field trip both offered to chaperon for. They feel a zing of awareness which manifests inside them as lust. They are both seeking more out of their marriages to which they end up finding in each other. Vincent specifically gives Meredith the validation she seeks by asking about her day, her desires, and giving her what he can to satisfy her emotionally, mentally, and physically. He validates her existence with a job at the police office to get her out of the house and use her brain. He gives her his ear and satisfies her sexual desires.
While I don't condone cheating, this novel really opened my eyes to understand. Granted, there's jackasses out there that just think they can do whatever they want and cheat but that isn't what happens in this novel. This story makes you really understand the reasons, how they tried to fight it, and how they ended up giving. The story completely hooked me and I look forward to reading the second book.
Meredith was once a high-powered attorney until she was forced to become a stay-at-home mother. Her life consists of handling everyone's needs at the cost of burying her own. She doesn't have anyone to really talk with about her desires, needs, and wants since her husband is essentially just a monetary provider. He expects her to raise the children, manage the household, and give in to his physical needs without actually giving any support to Meredith besides money.
Vincent is the chief of police for the small town where he and Meredith reside. He always knew he wanted to be on the force and never gave much thought to his love life so he married his high school girlfriend. His daughter is the same age as Meredith's. He never thought to stray from his dull marriage until meeting Meredith.
The two meet due to the field trip both offered to chaperon for. They feel a zing of awareness which manifests inside them as lust. They are both seeking more out of their marriages to which they end up finding in each other. Vincent specifically gives Meredith the validation she seeks by asking about her day, her desires, and giving her what he can to satisfy her emotionally, mentally, and physically. He validates her existence with a job at the police office to get her out of the house and use her brain. He gives her his ear and satisfies her sexual desires.
While I don't condone cheating, this novel really opened my eyes to understand. Granted, there's jackasses out there that just think they can do whatever they want and cheat but that isn't what happens in this novel. This story makes you really understand the reasons, how they tried to fight it, and how they ended up giving. The story completely hooked me and I look forward to reading the second book.
May 8, 2017
WARNING
: Yes, this story contains cheating, so heed the warning.
IF the subject matter is a hard limit for you, please be kind and move along.
My very first read by Eliza Freed and I was beyond impressed! I do not shy away from stories that are based on love triangles or cheating; it's a sub genre that I am drawn too, AND...... it's fiction. Reading for me is my escape from real life, so when it comes to these types of stories, I just take it with a grain of salt and try not to judge ;p
I think for those of you who loved
or
will really enjoy this one.
Reading order:
If you decide to take a chance on this duet, I hope you love it as much as I do :)
Final honest rating : 4.5 I want to live inside you stars
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
IF the subject matter is a hard limit for you, please be kind and move along.
My very first read by Eliza Freed and I was beyond impressed! I do not shy away from stories that are based on love triangles or cheating; it's a sub genre that I am drawn too, AND...... it's fiction. Reading for me is my escape from real life, so when it comes to these types of stories, I just take it with a grain of salt and try not to judge ;p
I think for those of you who loved
or
will really enjoy this one.Reading order:
If you decide to take a chance on this duet, I hope you love it as much as I do :)
Final honest rating : 4.5 I want to live inside you stars
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
March 27, 2016
This book.
THIS BOOK!
I'm in love with Vince.
I want to punch Brad.
I want to shake Meredith.
If you're a mother you know what it's like to lose yourself in your children. You know what it's like to sacrifice your happiness, your health, your dreams, your passions, ANYTHING if it means your kids can have a life full of moments that make them smile.
This also means you understand the inevitable mourning of the life you once had, the selfishness you once were granted, and the time you no longer have.
This is so much more than a story about cheaters. It's so much more than a triangle or a sad, depressing plot about a housewife. This story is honest and it exposes a truth that so many women can relate to.
I absolutely LOVED it and I'm diving into book 2.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS.
Favorite quotes:
"I've stopped time and I have you all to myself, and in the moments I'm quiet, I'm trying to figure out how to never start it again."
He was magnificent. A souvenir I hadn't paid for, the vacation I didn't earn. He was stolen goods, and I never wanted to return them, but I also knew I wouldn't do the time to keep him. The cost was too high.
"It's like our kids steal our beauty. They steal our lives, and all we can do is helplessly give them every ounce of it because we love them more than ourselves."
THIS BOOK!
I'm in love with Vince.
I want to punch Brad.
I want to shake Meredith.
If you're a mother you know what it's like to lose yourself in your children. You know what it's like to sacrifice your happiness, your health, your dreams, your passions, ANYTHING if it means your kids can have a life full of moments that make them smile.
This also means you understand the inevitable mourning of the life you once had, the selfishness you once were granted, and the time you no longer have.
This is so much more than a story about cheaters. It's so much more than a triangle or a sad, depressing plot about a housewife. This story is honest and it exposes a truth that so many women can relate to.
I absolutely LOVED it and I'm diving into book 2.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS.
Favorite quotes:
"I've stopped time and I have you all to myself, and in the moments I'm quiet, I'm trying to figure out how to never start it again."
He was magnificent. A souvenir I hadn't paid for, the vacation I didn't earn. He was stolen goods, and I never wanted to return them, but I also knew I wouldn't do the time to keep him. The cost was too high.
"It's like our kids steal our beauty. They steal our lives, and all we can do is helplessly give them every ounce of it because we love them more than ourselves."
October 23, 2015
I have no idea how Eliza Freed isn't a more popular author.
Her books blow me away.
Some people are against books with cheating, but it's a part of life. Most people have cheated or been cheated on. Don't let that sway you from reading this book.
Meredith, a former US Attorney, loves her children, but misses the thrill of her old life. Her husband is never around and when he is he's terribly ungrateful. She gave up her dreams to raise their children. Vincent Pratt, the police chief in town and Meredith meet on a school field trip and continue to run into each other. He gives her a thrill of her former life while living her current life. He makes life less lonely. He makes her feel needed. They have rules they must abide by. Obviously, things change.
Eliza Freed is really good a cliffhangers! Also, don't read the blurb for the second book, until you read the first one!
Her books blow me away.
Some people are against books with cheating, but it's a part of life. Most people have cheated or been cheated on. Don't let that sway you from reading this book.
Meredith, a former US Attorney, loves her children, but misses the thrill of her old life. Her husband is never around and when he is he's terribly ungrateful. She gave up her dreams to raise their children. Vincent Pratt, the police chief in town and Meredith meet on a school field trip and continue to run into each other. He gives her a thrill of her former life while living her current life. He makes life less lonely. He makes her feel needed. They have rules they must abide by. Obviously, things change.
Eliza Freed is really good a cliffhangers! Also, don't read the blurb for the second book, until you read the first one!
March 28, 2017
I loved this book. I love how realistic it was. I loved the MCs. I loved the pace. I loved the sarcasm. I loved the subtle humor. I loved the anticipation. I loved the plot.
The relationship here transcended chemistry, it seemed more mature...deeper, than most of what I have read. This story was not written to titillate but to provoke empathy and boy did it ever. I understood when they were on edge, I was on edge too. I understood when they were happy, I was happy too. I really connected to them because of how this story was narrated, how the characters were believably developed.
I cannot think of anything that needed to be written differently. Nothing seemed over the top for the sake of eliciting emotions from the reader. What a very well written book. I look forward to reading the next book. I am interested in what becomes of the amazing characters developed by Eliza Freed.
The relationship here transcended chemistry, it seemed more mature...deeper, than most of what I have read. This story was not written to titillate but to provoke empathy and boy did it ever. I understood when they were on edge, I was on edge too. I understood when they were happy, I was happy too. I really connected to them because of how this story was narrated, how the characters were believably developed.
I cannot think of anything that needed to be written differently. Nothing seemed over the top for the sake of eliciting emotions from the reader. What a very well written book. I look forward to reading the next book. I am interested in what becomes of the amazing characters developed by Eliza Freed.
January 17, 2018
4 stars because this was better than I expected. A guilty pleasure that got me back on track with my reading. I knew it was going to be Desperate Housewives-ish, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the writing. Taking place in the NJ/Philly area definitely made it a fun read as well. Killer cliff hanger, so I'll be reading #2 in the near future.
February 13, 2022
Tried but repetitive and boring
Not sure what the Author was trying to accomplish but she failed. My opinion give the book a try if you can stay awake and listen to her inner monologue with no action. We follow the female main character through her everyday dealings with her children, A dying plant and emotional cheating I guess you can call it.
Boring!
Not sure what the Author was trying to accomplish but she failed. My opinion give the book a try if you can stay awake and listen to her inner monologue with no action. We follow the female main character through her everyday dealings with her children, A dying plant and emotional cheating I guess you can call it.
Boring!
October 26, 2022
Oh. Em. Gee. This book!!! Is!! SOOOOO GOOOOOOD!!! And guess what else! It has a subject matter that most people won't consider reading about. And it's unapologetic and it's DIFFERENT! So I loved it. I loved that the author made a brave choice to write about an adulterous couple. Yes, the hero and heroine are both married to other people and yet somehow Eliza Freed makes us sympathetic to their plight and makes us swoon and root for them! Gasp! At first I wasn't sure how much I liked our h, Meredith. She came across as cold and detached but as time went on I really started rooting for her. We don't get as much insight into Vince, our H, but the 2nd book appears to be in his POV so hopefully that changes. He's weirdly wonderful considering he's cheating on his wife and seems to have no real problem with that fact. He is always the one wanting more, willing to take more risks and even says he'll leave his wife. Meredith is the opposite and I do appreciate that even though she doesn't love Brad or feel guilty per se, she DOES love her children and won't disrupt their way of life with a divorce. She's a unique character with a lot of depth. I can't wait to start part 2 and I'm already sad about the book hangover I'll have when this duet is over.
November 13, 2015
I requested this book based on the cover and the title. I really had no idea what it was about. I was thinking more along the lines of BDSM club I think with the title.... you know.. Devil's Playground and all. I had no clue it would be about a bored suburban housewife that is roughly my age, living in a very similar situation to many other women my age.
Meredith Walsh was once a highly successful attorney for the US Department of Justice. She married Brad, a solid hunk of a man who swept her off her feet and wanted both her and his career so much he was willing to do anything and everything it took to create the "perfect" life for them. Two kids and 10 years down the road, like so many of us.. Meredith is a stay-at-home mom, driving an suv, doing homework and losing herself in her children. Brad works. Yeah, he works. A lot.
Vincent Pratt is the sex-on-a-stick police chief in the perfect town where the Walsh family lives. His daughter and Meredith's daughter are in the same grade so he and Meredith see each other a lot. He is very obviously smitten with Meredith from the get-go but as she reminds the reader again and again, she is NOT the type to have an affair - until she is.
Holy shit. That pretty much sums up this book for me. Once I started reading it and figured out it had absolutely nothing to do with my previous misconceptions, I was HOOKED. Like so hooked I forgot things.. rolls in the oven, my husband's work shirts in the dryer... important things. I spent many hours in my reading nook completely ENGAGED in this book and that is rare for me. The characters were so well developed and the story flowed so seamlessly it was like I was right there with them. Yes, there was sex, but this story was so much more than sex... honestly it could have been left out and still been a 5 star read.
Im not completely sure why I have never read any of Eliza Freed's books before but I will definitely correct that error now. She is obviously a HUGE talent and my nerves are on edge waiting for the sequel to this read.
I give The Devil's Playground 5*****wickedgoodstars and will definitely be recommending this book to friends!
Meredith Walsh was once a highly successful attorney for the US Department of Justice. She married Brad, a solid hunk of a man who swept her off her feet and wanted both her and his career so much he was willing to do anything and everything it took to create the "perfect" life for them. Two kids and 10 years down the road, like so many of us.. Meredith is a stay-at-home mom, driving an suv, doing homework and losing herself in her children. Brad works. Yeah, he works. A lot.
Vincent Pratt is the sex-on-a-stick police chief in the perfect town where the Walsh family lives. His daughter and Meredith's daughter are in the same grade so he and Meredith see each other a lot. He is very obviously smitten with Meredith from the get-go but as she reminds the reader again and again, she is NOT the type to have an affair - until she is.
Holy shit. That pretty much sums up this book for me. Once I started reading it and figured out it had absolutely nothing to do with my previous misconceptions, I was HOOKED. Like so hooked I forgot things.. rolls in the oven, my husband's work shirts in the dryer... important things. I spent many hours in my reading nook completely ENGAGED in this book and that is rare for me. The characters were so well developed and the story flowed so seamlessly it was like I was right there with them. Yes, there was sex, but this story was so much more than sex... honestly it could have been left out and still been a 5 star read.
Im not completely sure why I have never read any of Eliza Freed's books before but I will definitely correct that error now. She is obviously a HUGE talent and my nerves are on edge waiting for the sequel to this read.
I give The Devil's Playground 5*****wickedgoodstars and will definitely be recommending this book to friends!
March 20, 2016
This book was unbelievably good. It was so true to life, and I think readers will be able to relate to Meredith in so many ways. Now, this story has an element that can be a deal-breaker for some readers. But the author writes it in such a way that you feel every trial and tribulation Meredith goes through. I totally sympathized with her plight and was rooting for her to find her way out of the loneliness that shrouded her. There were so many twists and turns that kept me turning the pages, and I was so thankful book two was already released by the time I reached the end. The ending was intense, leaving you with a strong desire to learn the fate of these characters. This book had it all: well developed characters, witty moments, sad moments and some pretty hot moments too! So, if you're looking for an amazing read with a story-line that will demand your attention grab this one. Just make sure you have a lot of time on your hands because once you start you won't be able to put this one down!
November 14, 2015
One of the best books of 2015 in my opinion. Has you at wow!!!! A mom that puts her career on hold for her executive husband finds herself thinking thoughts she should not be. She finds herself meeting a parent dad that has is own issues. Vince has his issues...married to his PTA wife over achiever that was his high school sweetheart and that he lost his virginty to. He has only been with one woman. He is truly a nice guy. What happens when 2 people who are lost find each other.
This book ended as a cliffy. But I am in awe with this book. The writing and heart wrenching moments felt real. Love love love love love...5 loves for me!!!
This book ended as a cliffy. But I am in awe with this book. The writing and heart wrenching moments felt real. Love love love love love...5 loves for me!!!
February 5, 2016
I picked up this book because a few friends read it and it had high reviews. I had no clue what it was about. It's not the type of book I would normally read, but it was good. I really got hooked when I realized the story takes place in Woolwich, NJ, the town where I live! I loved the mention of Latteria, the best ice cream store in town. Local friends read this book! The characters could be your neighbors. I'm starting the 2nd book in this series tonight.
May 18, 2016
wow wow wow…AMAZING books. Let's just say I'm happy with the events and outcome and I don't blame her a bit. LOVED the heroine in this book. Awesome!!!!
October 3, 2016
Brilliantly written!
December 21, 2016
Loved it on to the next !
August 12, 2023
Best series I have read in years! Captivating! Smart, strong as hell woman main character, and tasteful sex scenes!
Amazing writing, engrossing story!
Amazing writing, engrossing story!
November 13, 2015
The Devil’s Playground hooked me from the beginning and kept me glued to the pages until the very end. Brimming with raw emotion, tension, angst, chemistry, and humor, the storyline and the incredible writing had me completely enthralled.
To an outsider, Meredith would appear to have an ideal life. She is an intelligent, beautiful mother of two children, she’s married to an ambitious man, and she lives in a lovely home in a small community. But as we all know, appearances can be deceiving.
Meredith feels like she is stagnating. Since giving up her own career as an attorney to raise her children, she feels as though she has lost her own identity in the process. Her days are spent taxiing her children to lessons and activities, helping with homework, chaperoning field trips, and hanging around in her sterile house. With a husband who is often away on business for days at a time, Meredith is lonely. When Meredith meets Vince, the handsome, kind and married chief of police, there is an instant attraction that leaves Meredith wanting what she shouldn’t have.
Eliza Freed has created a great cast of characters and setting for The Devil’s Playground. Surrounded by Martha Stewart wannabes who create, bake, and craft their way to Pinterest greatness, Meredith just doesn’t fit in. She’s of the mindset of why bake something when you can buy it at the bakery? She is definitely not an aficionado of the hot glue gun or of party planning. But she is dedicated to her children’s lives. Despite her inappropriate thoughts and her outspoken nature (which I loved, by the way), you never doubt her love for her children.
Meredith fights her attraction to Vince. She doesn’t want to be that woman who destroys her family by having an affair. She doesn’t want to get divorced and only get to be a part-time participant in her children’s lives. She knows that starting something with Vince will only end badly. But for Meredith and Vince, the desire is stronger than their willpower.
The topic of cheating is often considered to be taboo in romance novels. It pushes the reader out of their comfort zone and takes away the safety and security that they look for in a love story. It makes them choose sides, making one character the obvious villain. Well, in The Devil’s Playground, you get to witness the mechanics of Meredith and Brad’s relationship (or lack thereof) and get to see how the lines between right and wrong, and victim and villain could become blurred. You can understand how Meredith feels, how dissatisfied, unappreciated and ignored she feels in her marriage. Does it make her decisions right? No, but it’s also difficult to put the blame solely on her.
It was so easy to become invested in these characters and the story. The author does a superb job of taking a touchy topic and twisting it so that you almost find yourself rooting for the couple having the affair. Of course, I should’ve been vehemently against it, but this is fiction, so I just temporarily tossed my morals out the window.
With realistic characters, drama galore, and a plant that just won’t die, The Devil’s Playground is a fast paced story that kept me captivated until the end. Oh, and that ending? It spiked my heart rate and left my spine tingling. I can’t wait to enter The Lion’s Den.
This book will definitely be gracing my list of favorite books of 2015!
To an outsider, Meredith would appear to have an ideal life. She is an intelligent, beautiful mother of two children, she’s married to an ambitious man, and she lives in a lovely home in a small community. But as we all know, appearances can be deceiving.
Meredith feels like she is stagnating. Since giving up her own career as an attorney to raise her children, she feels as though she has lost her own identity in the process. Her days are spent taxiing her children to lessons and activities, helping with homework, chaperoning field trips, and hanging around in her sterile house. With a husband who is often away on business for days at a time, Meredith is lonely. When Meredith meets Vince, the handsome, kind and married chief of police, there is an instant attraction that leaves Meredith wanting what she shouldn’t have.
Eliza Freed has created a great cast of characters and setting for The Devil’s Playground. Surrounded by Martha Stewart wannabes who create, bake, and craft their way to Pinterest greatness, Meredith just doesn’t fit in. She’s of the mindset of why bake something when you can buy it at the bakery? She is definitely not an aficionado of the hot glue gun or of party planning. But she is dedicated to her children’s lives. Despite her inappropriate thoughts and her outspoken nature (which I loved, by the way), you never doubt her love for her children.
Meredith fights her attraction to Vince. She doesn’t want to be that woman who destroys her family by having an affair. She doesn’t want to get divorced and only get to be a part-time participant in her children’s lives. She knows that starting something with Vince will only end badly. But for Meredith and Vince, the desire is stronger than their willpower.
The topic of cheating is often considered to be taboo in romance novels. It pushes the reader out of their comfort zone and takes away the safety and security that they look for in a love story. It makes them choose sides, making one character the obvious villain. Well, in The Devil’s Playground, you get to witness the mechanics of Meredith and Brad’s relationship (or lack thereof) and get to see how the lines between right and wrong, and victim and villain could become blurred. You can understand how Meredith feels, how dissatisfied, unappreciated and ignored she feels in her marriage. Does it make her decisions right? No, but it’s also difficult to put the blame solely on her.
It was so easy to become invested in these characters and the story. The author does a superb job of taking a touchy topic and twisting it so that you almost find yourself rooting for the couple having the affair. Of course, I should’ve been vehemently against it, but this is fiction, so I just temporarily tossed my morals out the window.
With realistic characters, drama galore, and a plant that just won’t die, The Devil’s Playground is a fast paced story that kept me captivated until the end. Oh, and that ending? It spiked my heart rate and left my spine tingling. I can’t wait to enter The Lion’s Den.
This book will definitely be gracing my list of favorite books of 2015!
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