Play Hard

The Devil's Share #5

by L.P. Maxa

After years of pining for his best friend, a woman he could never have, Devil's Share drummer Luke Matthews finally meets his true match in the savvy Harlow Davis.

SWEETER THAN HONEY

From the time he first met her, Luke Matthews knew Lexi Grant was the girl for him. He joined a band to impress her. He became a famous drummer to win her heart…only to have his bandmate win it instead. Watching the two together was torture, so Luke fled. Spent months in Costa Rica surfing and perfecting the art of becoming a manwhore. But on the dreaded flight home, forced to reunite with his band and begin a whirlwind promo tour for their new album, Luke knows what he must do. Lie.

Her childhood taught Harlow Davis two important lessons: Love can’t be bought, and don't date guys in bands. Then, on a flight to Nashville, a gorgeous rock star offers her money to pretend to be his girlfriend. Wrong. Stupid. Irresistible. And the best bad decision she’ll ever make. Her one-day promise to Luke is about to deliver endless nights of ecstasy. And if she can learn to trust—and if he can give up a love that never was—reality will be better than fantasy. And it’ll last forever.

Genres: Romance, Music, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, New Adult

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2016

About the author

I live in Austin, Texas with my husband, daughter, 3 rescue dogs, 1 cat, and one bunny (that doesn't seem to like us). I love reading romance novels as much as I love writing them. I feel like inspiration can come from anywhere; a song lyric, a quote, a weekend with friends. The tiniest things can spark amazing stories.

Reviews

[Ashley Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate that fact that Lexi's presence was so big in this book that she needed her own chapter POVs that was quite annoying but anyway the book was pretty good overall and Luke was not what I expected.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok at 33% I mentally threw up. I can no longer stand the hang ups of Lukey, and Lexi's codependent worries over them/theirselves, hurl! LP Maxa blew this book for me because now I'm done with series -because of this book. I honestly do not any care to read anymore of this series! Why why why couldn't we all just get the book we've been waiting for and fall in love with Luke and Harlow??? SMH, such a waste, had so much potential, how much is a reader supposed to take? Big thumbs down, do not recommend. If they were such a thing, as said in this book by Bryan a few times, these 2 had stage 5 memory clinger stalker syndrome, just to much, so sad

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the beginning Lexi annoyed me..but I loved Lo!! Great story and ending for Luke!!

[Marthea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect

I have loved Luke since Play Nice and watched him pine for his best friend Lexie throughout the entire series. L. P. Maxa this book was everything I wished for and more. Luke deserved his HEA and Harlow was exactly who he needed . My favorite rock books are band inclusive and Ms. Maxa doesn't disappoint. Thrilled to see there will be more as this series could go on forever as far as I am concerned.

[SandraBarg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love This Book! Such a Great Series!

The story of Luke and Harlow was so sweet, but still hot! You get to spend time with all the rest of the band while learning their story. L.P. Maxa is a great writer, she weaves a story that draws you in and makes you feel part of a big family. A must read series!

[Anna Theurer (Anna's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to Luke's story since it first became obvious in the beginning of the series that he was in love (or at least thought he was in love) with his friend Lexi who ended up being soulmates with his bandmate, Dash. My heart was absolutely breaking for him in the previous book, Play Softly, especially when he felt that he had to leave his "family" to get himself back. So here we are wondering if him being away would have healed his heart and helped him move on. How will things go once he is back with the band and back to witnessing Dash & Lexi's love? I knew that it would take a special girl to make Luke realize that Lexi wasn't/isn't the girl he needed. Harlow is a hoot. She is really like a spunky little Pixie. She is a strong character with lots of love and understanding. She pretty much knows that as she enters into their pretend girlfriend relationship, that she is going to fall for Luke. Yet, she takes the risk and agrees to the fake relationship anyway. I enjoyed watching Luke come to love Harlow. The two had great chemistry and the sex scenes were hot. It was also good have all of The Devil's Share family back together - to see all of our favorite characters from the earlier books.

[Maddy Matos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good story and one that I was really looking forward to. Luke had been in love with Lexi for about ten years and even though he’d dated other women and partied with groupies he was still lost and alone. Lexi was engaged to his best friend and lead singer of the band. She also had his baby now so Luke had to take time away from them to find himself. So three months later on a plane ride to Nashville to meet up with the band he meets Harlow. She’s gorgeous and she’s afraid of flying and to shut her up during take off he kisses her. To say sparks are flying is an understatement. This story hurls this band in a totally different direction, they have grown up. I don’t want to tell you the story but it’s really good and I recommend this entire series. I can’t wait to read the last book in this series and after that I’m on to RiffRaff records series. It’s going to be a great Christmas with my nose stuck in my Kindle.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay so this is book 5 in the Devil's Share - This is Luke and Harlow's book.. AND O.M.G.!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book!
We get to see the ups and downs of Luke coming to realization that he may Love Lexi but he IS NOT in love with Lexi. With a little help from Lexi herself.. And Harlow.. OMG This girl! She is the bomb!! I loved her hardcore!! I just loved the first meeting of Harlow (Pixie) and Luke (kid) lol .

Seriously this book or series for that matter is AMAZING!! its a must read!!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series and Play Hard didn't disappoint. I smiled throught out the book, even laughed out loud on the train, and loved all the characters. LP Maxa is all about sweet (but HOT!) romance. Really happy to see a finale is in the works.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough good things about this series, I cannot get enough of all the charterers.

[Deborah Irvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

Laugh out loud funny. Heart stopping sex. Loyalty among friends that will bring joy to your heart and tears to your eyes. Sad to see the almost end of this series.

[Radiant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke and Harlow's story@!

[DesignDiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going for #6 next

I've read my fair share of rock star books but this series is one of the best. I've loved it.

[Amanda Viars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book yet

I totally loved this book. It is so the best book out of the series. So many parts I laughed so loud people were staring.

[Holly Paschal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devils Share series

I Liked this series but this book was by far my
Favorite. I’m glad Luke got his H E A !

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! First, last I checked early September it said she was editing and that it was coming soon but what a surprise when I checked on Amazon not 2 weeks later and it suddenly appeared. Best surprise read for me this year has been all of L.P. Maxa's books regarding the Devil's Share. Play Hard was spectacular! At first I wasn't sure if I was going to find Luke a whiner with the way his thoughts were headed but then suddenly, in L.P.s style and fashion that only few authors can pull off, one word, one sentence or a thought change the whole read to make his love for Lex acceptable and understandable, really beautiful and realistic. There were so many lines in Play Hard that I loved, lots of laugh out loud moments. One of my favorites was Dash to Luke when he was helping Harlowe after she panicked on the flight "How does it feel %u*ker?" Luke deserved it for sure. Another, hot mess express and another is the difference when being in love how one's a choice and the other isn't. That one line made this whole book, made the reader look at Luke's love for her differently. The list of lines are endless for me including Landry's, Harlowe's line when she's putting waves in her hair (no spoilers here you have to read it to see what I mean). I loved every minute of this read, every character once again is involved uniquely and played a role as always, like she gifts us every single time with each new read. The whole Jacks guessing what Luke's into...it just all worked, this author brings something new and refreshing in each new read to this series. Normally I'd be tired by now of a series I thought I was reading the last book only to find out there would be another but not the case here. There's another coming out and I will patiently wait for it as I know, one, it won't be long and two, it will be so worth the wait because there will be so many, many good storylines (HEAs) in that read. Never mind the lots of laugh out loud moments she delivers every time. If you've read Kylie Scott's Stage Dive series and you thought Malcolm Ericson, the drummer was funny then I promise you'll love Devil's Share, the difference here is everyone is funny at some point, over and over again, not just one character. They each have a serious side to them some dark, but laughter is always at the heart of them, knotting their souls together forever building stronger as each day passes. Trust me this band and their significant others are special.

Play Hard is refreshing, it's hot, it's got that extra something, something, great storyline for another special band member/character. Everyone is beautiful and unique in their own way from adults to the children and even the dogs are included. This just works on every level. After reading many rock star romances this has the right to remain in the number one spot, it is so deserving ... double platinum all around! Genius and talent is what it takes to be able to make readers love every single character and couple, I have never been able to read a series where I can't pick which one I love more, usually it's the first couple I read about to win me over but not here. I love them all just the same, can't get enough of Dash and Lex, Smith and Dylan, Jacks and Bryan, and now Luke and Lo. Landry and Halen...what's not to love, Dags, Crash and Lou...again what's not to love? They all fit perfectly together, the entire gang is addicting in such a positive light. The maturity level each character has grown into is heart warming to watch unfold.

Cliffhanger, no just a promise to many HEAs for all. Cheating, no. Sexy, hot, erotic and kinky, yes to all. Good storyline, oh yes with lots of good laughter too. I can't stress enough to readers who love rock star romances to please download this entire series now, if you're reluctant and have read the others but think maybe Luke's story isn't just as promising, you're wrong it's phenomenal hit download now. Cursing, some. Typos, I'm sure there are some but who cares. This read and L.P. Maxa's work warrants you to overlook them. It's worth it!

If you've never read a rock star romance before well this is the perfect series to get started. I was not asked to read this book or any of the series and I am not a friend of the author, just a reader who is so happy to have found this author. I am happy to support her work and this is my honest opinion.

Thank you L.P. for another great read. I can't wait for the next one and thank you because I know we won't have to wait long.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing amazing amazing. I loved Harlow and Luke. Harlow was a riot, her nervous rambling, her quirkiness, sarcasm everything was just perfect about her to open Luke's eyes and realize the love he had for Lexi is not the same as being in love with someone, he had to meet the right person. I pretend relationship that's all they had to do, but their chemistry and connection is just too strong. she made Luke realize that she was the right person for him even though she tried to stay somewhat detached. Luke was sweet, attentive, caring protective and sexy with Harlow. such a great story in the devil's share series. all the characters are amazing and what a great family feel they give off.

[Araceli · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!!!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series, so when I found out that play hard - Luke's book book had been released, I immediately one clicked! And I wasn't disappointed, although nobody will replace my favourite band member, Jacks, Luke very nearly overtakes him. I love the storyline - it is easy to follow and grips you instantly. I couldn't put this book down once I had started it.. who knew that it is possible to straighten your hair and read at the same time?!
I quickly fell in love with Harlow! So much so, that she is my new favourite female character of L.P.'s. She is absolutely awesome! Not only is she sweet and crazy, she is also selfless and funny.
Although I feel bad admitting this, for the first half of the book and the first time time in this series, I REALLY disliked Lexi! I personally thought that she was selfish when she were phoning Luke and telling him "it's time to come home", she also shouldn't have let Luke's feelings for her grow so strong, she should have been straight with him from the start. Don't even get me started on when she was cocky enough to say that Luke was lying about having a girlfriend even though he was.

Play hard is book five in the devils share series and it's Luke's turn to have his story told. After escaping to Costa Rica, Luke is trying to forgot his feelings for his best friend, Lexi. But with the devils share promo tour fast approaching, he knows he will have to see Lexi again.

Harlow, the crazy blonde is just what Luke needs. After meeting in a plane, Luke tries to convince Harlow to help him make his friends believe he has fully moved on from his love for Lexi.

The last thing Harlow expects whilst having a panic attack on a plane, is to be a attracted to the handsome jerk, Luke. After the two part ways, Harlow doesn't expect to see Luke ever again. But it isn't long before the pair are bumping into each other. And before she can think straight, Harlow is agreeing to be Luke's pretend girlfriend. As the pair spend more time together, strong feelings start to develop for one another. But is Luke willing to accept his new feelings? Or will he let what he thought he felt rule his new feelings?

I love the cover to this book., definitely my favourite cover so far! & I will now admit that I started to like Lexi again in the second half, but it was touch and go

[MoodyReaderHMB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play Hard is Luke story. The loveable drummer that is the most heartbroken out of all the guys. After ten years of loving his best friend, he took a trip to find himself. Well he didn’t find himself, just between some chicks leg and boozing himself up living the lay back surfer life in Costa Rica. When Lexi calls and demands he come home earlier than expected he came up with a solution to stay like plan. He told his best friend he found a girl and they are serious. On his way back to start touring again, Lexi decided the whole family needed to go and made sure Luke brings his girl. Luke knowing he lied starts trying to make a plan, but while he on the plane home he meets this spastic girl, who rambles, scared of flying, and easy to be with. Harlow wants no plan in being the fake girlfriend but when she sees Luke meeting back up with Lexi, she caves the hurt is too much to bare. So she comes up with a plan help Like out of his funk and help him fall out of love with Lexi.

Luke is the sweet guy out of the band. He only had a few months of being the playboy unlike his band mates. He stays away from groupies and he one kinky dude. Harlow is the spastic pixie girl, who rambles when she nervous and is a hoot. This story will make you laugh and root for Luke’s happily ever after. You’ll see the special bond Luke and Landry has. You get to see how special and heartfelt it is. This book is well worth the read and it really did Luke justice. Luke story was a long way coming sometimes it takes a special lady to help a guy find his way.

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have followed this series you would know Luke story was "the most anticipated" in the series. I had very high hopes for how things would play out for his HEA and solidifying the friendship of him and Lexi as well as reducing the tension caused by just being there witnessing happiness. LP Maxa, proved that she can deliver to her readers and gain fans off of consistency and growth. Each book in this series got better and better but Luke and Lo put the nail in the coffin.

They had heart, respect, support, and no holds barred chemistry. There was no down time in this story just want and happiness. Lexi played a hell of a part in ensuring happiness and putting closure where it needed to be layed. She encouraged the journey of Lo expressing her feelings and fighting for what her heart wanted and what Lukes needed. I even got a little teary with Jack. This storyline is what this series needed as well as the group as a whole.

They represent home and has proven neither one of them had a choice.

[Danielle Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yup another hit out of the park!!!!

L.P. Maxa I know how much Luke was going to get to us in this story, but seriously this was AMAZING!!!

In this story you get Luke & Lexi's back story and wow.... things are put into place and we see how Luke w as soon really seeing things. But add a little of spunk and some Pixie dust in this story and Luke gets the more than he bargains for.

Do yourself a favor and get this series!!!!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOD!!! I absolutely loved this book!!! I was so desperate to read Luke's story... and it was pure perfection... in every single way... and was so much more than i had imagined!!!
This book picks up spot on from where # 4 ended... with Luke in Costa Rica...
Luke is the drummer of the Devil's Share... and has spent the previous 3 months, trying to recover from a broken heart!!!
When Luke meets 'crazy' woman Harlow... life will never be the same again!!!
As i refuse to give spoilers away, i will just recommend for everyone... READ THIS BOOK ASAP!!!
It's a light read with just the right sprinkling of everything that you need to make a story that you will not want to stop reading!!!
It pulled me right in and took me on Luke's emotional rollercoaster along side him... and it was also amazing to catch up with all the other band members and their growing families!!!
I can't wait to discover what LP has planned next... one thing i can guarantee... it will totally kickass!!!

[Laurie P · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far my favorite!!

From the beginning Luke was a favorite in this series, well surprisingly I adore all the characters in the band & their lady loves..each of them lent so much to the development of the series.

As each book came out & none of them being g Luke's story, I started to fret a bit..."what ifs " started popping up in my mind & I started to worry he would be either killed off or quit the band...so when he left for Costa Rica at the end of book 4 I was literally worried about reading book 5 lol!!!
I stressed needlessly lol....book 5 was EPIC!! it was by far my fave of the series...
L.P.Maxa nailed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Looking so forward to book 6 please don't make us wait too long <3

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps getting better !

I have loved each of the Devil's Share's books but, this has been my favorite. The look into the deep friendship between Luke and Lexi is finally explored. Luke has loved Lexi since he was a teenage wanna be rock star. This story finally shows the journey Luke makes from loving a dream to being in love. The relationship he begins with Harlow starts as a clique "fake girlfriend" scenario but, develops into so much more thanks to the writing talents of Ms. Maxa. If you have not read the other books in the series you are truly missing out on some great reads. There is humor, both familial and romantic love and of course some rock and roll sex, what's not to love. I can not wait for the next book!! Keep us rocking Ms. Maxa !!!!!!!

[Megan Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially I wasn't sure how this book would go, and then I read the blurb and I was even more unsure. But I love LP and the Devil's Share so I bought the book. I'm glad to say I loved it! Harlow was way more than I thought she would be and everything played out with Luke and Lexi a lot easier than I thought it would. I love that Lexi was part of the story and how the rest of the band was featured so prominently. I love how LP does that. I also love how she writes her male characters and the spunkiness her female characters have. Play Hard is the best possible story for Luke and I can't wait for the *sniff* last book in the series!

[Bookshelf Productions · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE this series! This is book five in the Devil's Share series and it did not disappoint! I loved Harlow and Luke together, I thought they just fit. They both had their issues to overcome in order to find love with each other.

Luke has some serious feelings to sort out about Lexi. And as observant as ever, Lexi knew that her best friend loved her, but was confusing loving her with being in love with her, which he wasn't. He just needed a little push in the right direction.

Harlow had a hard time growing up with her never present dad that really didn't give her much thought.

A chance meeting with this snarky little pixie is just what he never knew he needed.