Playing the Part

Playing for Keeps #1

by J.R. Barten

As the star of his college soccer team, Wesley Spencer is used to winning, but when he loses a bet to one of his teammates, his life is suddenly turned upside down. Forced to try out for the musical, “Guys and Dolls,” Wesley finds himself on unfamiliar territory and falling fast.
Max Tomlinson practically lives in the theater. Estranged from his family since high school, he seeks refuge in the comfort of the music hall’s practice rooms and auditorium. Safe and comfortable in his own little world, Max never sees a guy like Wesley coming.
Thrown together by a bad wager and fate, Max and Wesley’s worlds collide in a story of opposites attract and the winner takes all. With the musical production and their budding romance on the line, Wesley must convince Max that he’s not just playing the part, but that he’s playing for real—in theater and in love.

Genres: M M Romance, M M Contemporary

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2015

About the author

J.R., or Jen, as friends call her, has always been an avid reader, oftentimes finishing five to six books a week. When she was a kid, she found a huge box of old paperbacks for sale at a neighbor's garage sale. She offered the woman a quarter for the entire haul, and then went home and locked herself in her bedroom so her younger brother couldn't interrupt her while she read. This fueled her love for romantic fiction and inspired her to try her hand at writing. In 2013 Jen started writing fan-fiction, and then began creating her own original stories in 2014. Currently, her favorite genre to read and write is contemporary gay romance.

J.R. Barten was born and raised in Iowa and now resides in the Twin Cities of Minnesota with her partner of eighteen years and a spoiled rotten rescue dog.

Reviews

[Elithanathile · Rating 3 out of 5]

True rating 3.5 stars ... thoughts to come (this week), there are quite a few!!

[Pam Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo JR Barten (Jen). I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the second one in the series. The story line was strong. The characters were well developed and amazing. I fell in love with all of them. The story added a lot of emotion, some frustration, and love. Two totally different men who came together because of a bet that Wesley, a college senior soccer jock, made with another player. He ended up losing the bet and he had to audition for the spring play for the loss. This was the best thing that ever happened to him because he met Max, the student director of the play. At first Max was intent on hating Wesley because he got the lead over Max's best friend, but as time and rehearsals went on their feelings for each other changed. Max had problems with getting close to anyone because of his past and his family, but Wesley was definitely the best thing that happened to him. This is a sweet, loving love story that keeps you close to them, hoping for that HEA. When I finished the story, I had a warm feeling in my heart of the relationship the two had formed. The musical turned out great and Wesley's and Max's lives were changed forever. If you like MM Romance and Love, you will love this one. I highly recommend it. Start of a great series. Great work Jen.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

well written and nice story I felt it was ended abruptly and while I realize there is another book there is no cliff hanger but really no conflict to see resolved except Max's issues with his dad. very sweet but dont look for hot bedroom scenes either because there glazed over. I would read the next one though

[Isha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed watching Max and Wesley fall for each other. Max had some issues he had to deal with before he could truly give his heart to Wesley. I loved how Wesley knew what he wanted and decided to go after it. The book wasn't overly hot, it had the right level of sexy scenes, which wasn't graphic. Very entertaining.

[Tracy Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by J.R. Barten, I really liked this book. It was cute, funny, has a sweet love story & a bit emotional. I loved both characters Wesley & Max even though I yelled at them a bit when they're being an ass, lol. I'm looking forward to reading more of J.R's work :)

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! When I read the blurb, I thought it would be just another "jock meets nerd" tale. Boy, was I wrong! This sweet, wonderful story had me saying "Aww" even when I wanted to knock some sense into Wesley and Max. Please get this fantastic book for yourself.

[K Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it a lot.

This book was really sweet. At first, it was a bit too mushy, but it all ended up fitting very well with the story. Wesley is a dream boyfriend, so sweet, loving and patient. The only thing I didn't like was that the bad relationship that was alluded too throughout the book was never resolved, except that his family was at the play the second night. Nothing more about it. Was kind of a letdown, especially how much of his past relationship with his father made his character the way it was in the book. Wish a better ending which would have resolved this question.

[jules0623 · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars

[Jamie Krungers]

DNF. I'm so sorry. I tried but I cringed most of the time.