What do you think?
Rate this book
Pleasure Cove #3
Playing with Seduction
There’s no safety net in love…
As the reigning queen of competitive beach volleyball, Brianna Evans wants her career to go out with a bang. And what better send-off than a signature tournament sponsored by an exclusive high-end luxury resort? But Bree’s heart could end up on the line. Her partner on the project is the irresistible man with whom she shared one perfect night in London…and never heard from again.
After great UK success, premier event promoter Wesley Adams is glad to be back on his North Carolina home turf. Until he discovers the collaborator on his next joint venture is the flawless beauty he spent an unforgettable evening with more than a year ago. Wes wants to finish what they started, but he can’t risk derailing the project or hurting Bree. And when they finally give in to their growing passion, will a terrible secret from his past and an escalating threat from Bree’s cost them their second chance?
As the reigning queen of competitive beach volleyball, Brianna Evans wants her career to go out with a bang. And what better send-off than a signature tournament sponsored by an exclusive high-end luxury resort? But Bree’s heart could end up on the line. Her partner on the project is the irresistible man with whom she shared one perfect night in London…and never heard from again.
After great UK success, premier event promoter Wesley Adams is glad to be back on his North Carolina home turf. Until he discovers the collaborator on his next joint venture is the flawless beauty he spent an unforgettable evening with more than a year ago. Wes wants to finish what they started, but he can’t risk derailing the project or hurting Bree. And when they finally give in to their growing passion, will a terrible secret from his past and an escalating threat from Bree’s cost them their second chance?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 19, 2017
42 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Reese Ryan
177 books603 followersVivian Award-winning author Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional, “grown folks” romantic fiction set in small Southern towns. Her characters find love while navigating career crises and family drama.
Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.
Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 13, 2020
Loved the heroine athlete in this, loved the travel around North Carolina--definitely made me want to do the same. Really liked the male caretaker aspect of this, the hero's desire to be there for his mother was great. Thought the ending dragged a bit, and I didn't really feel like the last reveal of the hero was necessary, but really enjoyed reading this on the whole.
Read for The Ripped Bodice Bingo 2020 square: Meddling Matchmakers
Read for The Ripped Bodice Bingo 2020 square: Meddling Matchmakers
February 25, 2021
TW: Domestic Violence
We alllll knew you were going to fall, Wes, I don’t know why you fought it so hard 🤣
Black Author Readathon Prompt: New to You Black Author, Sports Romance
We alllll knew you were going to fall, Wes, I don’t know why you fought it so hard 🤣
Black Author Readathon Prompt: New to You Black Author, Sports Romance
March 10, 2019
Playing with Seduction. Is part of the Pleasure Cove Series, I really enjoyed reading the story of Brianna and Wesley. They are joined together again after a year when they spent one night together. I enjoyed the venture they had through North Carolina I was able to visualize the places since I had been there before. I did read the last book in the series first so I look forward to going back and reading the other books in the series.
July 4, 2021
Always enjoy Reese Ryan
Perfect Sunday morning read to kick the day off. I'm a big fan of second chance romance and this one was a delight
Perfect Sunday morning read to kick the day off. I'm a big fan of second chance romance and this one was a delight
December 20, 2017
A Great Second Chance at Romance Story!!!!
I love a good second chance at romance story and Reese Ryan delivered just that! The storyline was believable and full of drama. The sexual tension between Wes and Bree was off the chart. I also liked that the heroine spoke her mine and let the hero know from the beginning how she felt about the way things were left between them. I enjoyed reading “ Playing With Seduction” and look forward to reading more of Reese Ryan’s work.
I love a good second chance at romance story and Reese Ryan delivered just that! The storyline was believable and full of drama. The sexual tension between Wes and Bree was off the chart. I also liked that the heroine spoke her mine and let the hero know from the beginning how she felt about the way things were left between them. I enjoyed reading “ Playing With Seduction” and look forward to reading more of Reese Ryan’s work.
January 8, 2018
I really liked this story. Bree was such a sweet girl and I felt so bad for her because I knew she was going to get her heartbroken. Wes was really feeling Bree but he just can’t see himself giving his heart to someone. I really loved Bree and Wes together. They were such a cute couple. I knew this was going to go bad for Bree because there was no way she wouldn’t fall for Wes. He did all the right things for all the right reasons without realizing he was falling too. Wes really was a good guy deep down. I would have never guessed his issue that lead to him closing his heart off from love. I really loved the whole resolution to that situation. If you haven’t read this author before this is a great one to start with. I plan on going back and reading the other books in this series. 3.5 Stars
February 8, 2018
What do you get when you bring a beautiful volley ball player and Sexy event promoter to romantic resort for six months? A hot and steamy romance. Famous athlete Bree Evans probably never thought she would run into the one-night flight Wes Adams again after he left her high and dry after their initial date. She also probably never thought she still carried a flaming torch for Mr. Love em and Leave em. But more than her feelings for him are brought to the forefront as the two are forced to work together on a resort project for a mutual friend. Although Bree tries her hardest to keep her interest in Wes strictly professional there is something about Mr. Adams she just can’t resist.
My overall thoughts on the story of Bree and Wes was that it was a sweet read. I liked the build up of their chemistry and relationship as they went from polite working colleagues to romantic lovers. Their relationship was more than just a sexual attraction. The author definitely showed their respect for one another as individual professionals as well as contributors to the business project they worked on together. The dynamic between Wes and his mom Lena was also very touching along with Bree’s parental views about her own maternal mother. The effortless bond between all three of them brought a more relatable tone to the novel and strengthened the already strong connection between Bree and Wes. If I had to critique anything about this story it would be the fact that came across very dry at times. Although the relationship between Bree and Wes was very enjoyable to read I felt their storyline could have been kicked up a notch. Maybe the character Alex could have played a bigger role as far as building drama. There could have been more of a cat and mouse tease with our main couple and their internal struggle not mix business with pleasure. I just felt that even though the story was a nice read it had the potential to be more exciting.
My overall thoughts on the story of Bree and Wes was that it was a sweet read. I liked the build up of their chemistry and relationship as they went from polite working colleagues to romantic lovers. Their relationship was more than just a sexual attraction. The author definitely showed their respect for one another as individual professionals as well as contributors to the business project they worked on together. The dynamic between Wes and his mom Lena was also very touching along with Bree’s parental views about her own maternal mother. The effortless bond between all three of them brought a more relatable tone to the novel and strengthened the already strong connection between Bree and Wes. If I had to critique anything about this story it would be the fact that came across very dry at times. Although the relationship between Bree and Wes was very enjoyable to read I felt their storyline could have been kicked up a notch. Maybe the character Alex could have played a bigger role as far as building drama. There could have been more of a cat and mouse tease with our main couple and their internal struggle not mix business with pleasure. I just felt that even though the story was a nice read it had the potential to be more exciting.
January 7, 2018
“Playing with Seduction” by Reese Ryan Ms. Ryan has a way with characters. She brings you into their world and makes them feel like friends. Wes and Bree are the kids who made it. Both were poor kids who were given scholarships, allowing them to receive a better education and more opportunities. This similarity binds them, gives them an understanding of each other that others in their circle of friends couldn’t comprehend. Reese Ryan is great about giving her characters a thread that binds them. Her technique of layering personality and backstory with plot is amazing. She can turn a simple boy-meets-girl story into one that is full of conflict, hope and real-life adversity. Wes and Bree are as real as our best friends and next-door neighbors. As this couple struggles with their attraction to each other, their pasts and serious issues, we cannot help but cheer them on to the finish line. Thank goodness for happy endings. If I didn’t know Harlequin has happy endings, I’d despair of this couple ever realizing the truth, that they belong together. Reese Ryan takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotion. “Playing With Seduction” is a must read if you love good girls being bad and the reformation of bad boys. The Pleasure Cove series is a warm hug on a cold evening, an edge of your seat romantic ride through North Carolina and England with a few other detours along the way. It’s steamy bedroom scenes and the comforting embrace of friendship. It’s strength of character, reconciling your past and the hope for the future. -- Sherri Lupton Hollister Chrome Pink Southern Suspense/Thriller with a touch of romance and attitude http://sherrilhollister.com sherrilhollister@gmail.com
January 19, 2018
Playing with Seduction took me back as a 14 year old reading “those books” you received each month in a box. I remember asking my mom to complete the postcard. I remember my childhood friend sending me his mom’s books from the back of her closet. I remember my dad building a book shelf because I had so many of them. I was reading Harlequin at the age of 14. I was reading all night even after my mom kept telling me to turn the lights off and go to bed – School tomorrow. Those were the memories of my childhood reading romance. This is what Playing With Seduction generated for me: MEMORIES
Playing With Seduction is a fresh, adorable and sexy romance. Reese blended everyday hometown romance with a flirty voice. Brianna and Wes mutual agree to mix business with pleasure with no strings attached and their heated attractions become more than a casual fling. I enjoyed the easy banter between Wes and Brianna. I absolutely adored her instant connection with his mom. Wes’ relationship with his mom gave the story a heart-warming treasure to read. Brianna’s relationship with her best friend and business partner gave the story the witty humor. I loved every word. The friendship building and sexual attraction with its smexy moments carried the plot swiftly to a happy ending.
Hot. Sweet. Sexy. and Satisfying – the perfect dose of romance in bit size morsels filled with sensuous heat.
REVIEWED FOR MILE HIGH KINK BOOK CLUB. Visit us on social media @thekinkreport
Playing With Seduction is a fresh, adorable and sexy romance. Reese blended everyday hometown romance with a flirty voice. Brianna and Wes mutual agree to mix business with pleasure with no strings attached and their heated attractions become more than a casual fling. I enjoyed the easy banter between Wes and Brianna. I absolutely adored her instant connection with his mom. Wes’ relationship with his mom gave the story a heart-warming treasure to read. Brianna’s relationship with her best friend and business partner gave the story the witty humor. I loved every word. The friendship building and sexual attraction with its smexy moments carried the plot swiftly to a happy ending.
Hot. Sweet. Sexy. and Satisfying – the perfect dose of romance in bit size morsels filled with sensuous heat.
REVIEWED FOR MILE HIGH KINK BOOK CLUB. Visit us on social media @thekinkreport
May 31, 2019
Wanting to Love
Book 3 of the Pleasure Cove series is Wes and Brianna’s story. If you’ve read the entire series, Wes and Bree were introduced in Kendra and Liam’s book.
I was surprised at this story as it seemed like theses two were just going to have a good time together. Their scene was more about Liam’s acknowledgement that a one night stand and hanging in the club no longer interested him.
There was obvious chemistry between the two, but Wes had a huge reluctance to make anything permanent with Bree. Dealing with his mother’s illness and trying to build his business took alot of his time. The main reason was because of something that happened in his past as well as his belief that he was like his father, a rolling stone. In the end it was kind of a lame excuse. He was just basically scared to commit.
I liked Bree’s character is that even though she was saying she was ok to be friends with benefits, she didn’t act that way. Wes, along with everyone else, always knew how she felt. She didn’t really try to keep her feelings hidden.
There was a little drama with her ex, but other than that this was more a story about a man trying to figure out what he really wanted in life, and a women willing to put her heart on the line to get the prize.
Book 3 of the Pleasure Cove series is Wes and Brianna’s story. If you’ve read the entire series, Wes and Bree were introduced in Kendra and Liam’s book.
I was surprised at this story as it seemed like theses two were just going to have a good time together. Their scene was more about Liam’s acknowledgement that a one night stand and hanging in the club no longer interested him.
There was obvious chemistry between the two, but Wes had a huge reluctance to make anything permanent with Bree. Dealing with his mother’s illness and trying to build his business took alot of his time. The main reason was because of something that happened in his past as well as his belief that he was like his father, a rolling stone. In the end it was kind of a lame excuse. He was just basically scared to commit.
I liked Bree’s character is that even though she was saying she was ok to be friends with benefits, she didn’t act that way. Wes, along with everyone else, always knew how she felt. She didn’t really try to keep her feelings hidden.
There was a little drama with her ex, but other than that this was more a story about a man trying to figure out what he really wanted in life, and a women willing to put her heart on the line to get the prize.
August 16, 2019
#3 [There’s no safety net in love…As the reigning queen of (competitive beach volleyball), Brianna Evans wants her career to go out with a bang. And what better send-off than a signature tournament sponsored by an exclusive high-end luxury resort? But Bree’s heart could end up on the line. Her partner on the project is the irresistible man with whom she shared one perfect night in London…and never heard from again. After great UK success, (premier event promoter) Wesley Adams is glad to be back on his North Carolina home turf. Until he discovers the collaborator on his next joint venture is the flawless beauty he spent an unforgettable evening with more than a year ago. Wes wants to finish what they started, but he can’t risk derailing the project or hurting Bree. And when they finally give in to their growing passion, will a terrible secret from his past, a son his girl gave up for adoption without telling him, and an escalating threat from Bree’s ex cost them their second chance?]
October 5, 2020
Four and a half stars
Playing with Seduction is the third full-length story in Reese Ryan's delicious Pleasure Cove series. In it, professional volleyball player Brianna Evans and premier event promoter Wesley Adams are tagged by a mutual friend to work together on a high-profile tournament that would help launch the Pleasure Cove luxury hotel and benefit their businesses as well. They'll have to put aside their personal discomfort from Wes and Bree's previous meeting in London, when Wes's determination to stay attachment free ended up creating hurt feelings and tension of the not-good variety.
Reese Ryan's writing is warm and her characters captivating. Readers will get glimpses of Liam and Maya from the first in the series, and enjoy getting to know Wes's mother and brother as well. Playing with Seduction is a terrific read, and a great conclusion to this series.
Playing with Seduction is the third full-length story in Reese Ryan's delicious Pleasure Cove series. In it, professional volleyball player Brianna Evans and premier event promoter Wesley Adams are tagged by a mutual friend to work together on a high-profile tournament that would help launch the Pleasure Cove luxury hotel and benefit their businesses as well. They'll have to put aside their personal discomfort from Wes and Bree's previous meeting in London, when Wes's determination to stay attachment free ended up creating hurt feelings and tension of the not-good variety.
Reese Ryan's writing is warm and her characters captivating. Readers will get glimpses of Liam and Maya from the first in the series, and enjoy getting to know Wes's mother and brother as well. Playing with Seduction is a terrific read, and a great conclusion to this series.
March 25, 2018
From start to incredible finish this book was phenomenal! Bree and Wes’ story was an intimate and vulnerable look at wounded and pained spirits trying to find their way.
I felt drawn in and invited to witness a relationship from the inside out. I felt like I was the preverbal fly on the wall, and it was me with all the answers.
The flow and tempo of this story was so smooth and flowing that I lost track of time. There were no lagging conversations or dead spots anywhere to be found.
Also, there are few books with a better and neater ending, and I’ve read thousands. Mainly because the rest of the book set up such a stellar closing.
This is a winner, and I don’t think you will be disappointed.
I felt drawn in and invited to witness a relationship from the inside out. I felt like I was the preverbal fly on the wall, and it was me with all the answers.
The flow and tempo of this story was so smooth and flowing that I lost track of time. There were no lagging conversations or dead spots anywhere to be found.
Also, there are few books with a better and neater ending, and I’ve read thousands. Mainly because the rest of the book set up such a stellar closing.
This is a winner, and I don’t think you will be disappointed.
January 1, 2018
Brianna and Wesley take on love with forgiveness
What often holds a person back from committing and giving love is anyone's guess. We are taken on this ride between Wesley and Bree, where they each must come to terms with who they are and how their past hurts shaped them.
You'll root for Bree because she truly is a GEM. Wearing her heart on her sleeve and being willing to take a chance.
You'll root for Wesley, because despite him holding back you recognize that there is more than what meets the eye.
The two of them together with family and friends helping them along allows them to see that love is what you make it and is worth the risk.
What often holds a person back from committing and giving love is anyone's guess. We are taken on this ride between Wesley and Bree, where they each must come to terms with who they are and how their past hurts shaped them.
You'll root for Bree because she truly is a GEM. Wearing her heart on her sleeve and being willing to take a chance.
You'll root for Wesley, because despite him holding back you recognize that there is more than what meets the eye.
The two of them together with family and friends helping them along allows them to see that love is what you make it and is worth the risk.
November 17, 2024
An enjoyable enough romance. Bree and Wes met a few years ago in London and had an undeniable connection. But Wes being a commitment phobe, he decides not to pursue Bree. Fast forward a couple years later and they find themselves working on a project together. They now have a second chance of exploring their feelings but Wes still doesn't want anything serious.
This was an easy read. Boring at times, I found myself skimming many of the later chapters.
The final reveal was unexpected and rushed.
This was an easy read. Boring at times, I found myself skimming many of the later chapters.
The final reveal was unexpected and rushed.
February 21, 2019
Brought back together by a matchmaking friend.
Bree and Wes had met and almost hooked up previously a year ago. He promised to call her but didn't which hurt her feelings. Working together on a sporting event they give in to their passion. Bree knows she wants Wes but he is convinced that love and happily ever after is not in the cards for him because of his past. It takes Bree ending their affair for him to face his feelings for her and admit to them.
Bree and Wes had met and almost hooked up previously a year ago. He promised to call her but didn't which hurt her feelings. Working together on a sporting event they give in to their passion. Bree knows she wants Wes but he is convinced that love and happily ever after is not in the cards for him because of his past. It takes Bree ending their affair for him to face his feelings for her and admit to them.
January 3, 2018
I enjoyed this story. Wes & Bree’s journey towards HEA was definitely a roller coaster but what a ride it was. Watching these two fall for each other would make a believer out of the biggest critic on serious relationships. I was happy to see Maya & Liam finally tie the knot. Definitely a great book to begin my 2018 reading experience.
January 28, 2018
This romance didn't hold my focus the way I'm accustomed to books doing. The book had great bones, the concept drew me in...... it just left me feeling flat though.
This is no dismissing the author,I just couldn't connect with the story or characters. Sometimes a book just doesn't mesh with a reader and that's what happened here.
This is no dismissing the author,I just couldn't connect with the story or characters. Sometimes a book just doesn't mesh with a reader and that's what happened here.
February 18, 2018
Wesley and Brian's share one night in London a year ago. They meet again when they find themselves working on the same project. Their escalating passion has them both on pins and needles, Brianna wants a relationship and Wesley is afraid to risk it. Their chance at love depends on the next step they take.
August 29, 2023
Good read
I have read the other books in this series and I was engaged. I read the, "The Bourbon Brothers" series and more books written by the author and enjoyed. Something about this story definitely made my brain misfire. The writing was good but, I did not connect as other books.
I have read the other books in this series and I was engaged. I read the, "The Bourbon Brothers" series and more books written by the author and enjoyed. Something about this story definitely made my brain misfire. The writing was good but, I did not connect as other books.
October 27, 2023
A GOOD READ 👍
I enjoyed and loved reading Wes and Bree's story. I loved reading about Liam and Maya's wedding. I would absolutely recommend reading this book to anyone who enjoy a good romance story with very little drama. Great job as usual Ms. Ryan please keep these wonderful stories coming and thank you. 👍🙏
I enjoyed and loved reading Wes and Bree's story. I loved reading about Liam and Maya's wedding. I would absolutely recommend reading this book to anyone who enjoy a good romance story with very little drama. Great job as usual Ms. Ryan please keep these wonderful stories coming and thank you. 👍🙏
February 4, 2018
Have you ever run from something, yet everywhere you turned or looked you were running into it or up against it. This is the problem for Briam=nna Evans and the handsome Wesley Adams. Read to see haiow the navigate through this bed of nails.
February 27, 2018
Reading Steadily!
I want to know what will come about with Bree and her mother. I would rather be told then think things will work out, otherwise I enjoyed the story.
I want to know what will come about with Bree and her mother. I would rather be told then think things will work out, otherwise I enjoyed the story.
July 17, 2019
Best romance I've had all summer long.
January 10, 2023
I wasn't too keen on the hero's wishy-washy behaviour but he redeemed himself in the final chapters.
April 5, 2023
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2023 - #33. A book about an athlete/sport:
I love this author's writing, but I could not stand these characters.
I love this author's writing, but I could not stand these characters.
December 27, 2025
True love meets real life.
I loved the book because it had real life issues such as adoption, stalking and above all love conquered all!!!
I loved the book because it had real life issues such as adoption, stalking and above all love conquered all!!!
December 27, 2017
There are 6 books in this Pleasure Cove Series and they are good. If you have not read any of Reese's books please do so. There are two online books "Baby Be Mine" and "Playing With Fire" the remaining 4 books are are in e-book format or in book format. "Playing With Desire", Playing With Temptation", "Never Christmas Without Out You" and last but not least "Playing With Seduction". All the characters in the books listed are friends and/or know of each other.
Wes and Bree met approximately a year ago and Bree who is a Olympic volley ball gold medalist was ready for a relationship but at the time Wes who is a event promoter was not. Wes's best friend Liam whose family has built a resort in Pleasure Cove and Liam is managing. Liam is the ideal match maker he brings Liam to Pleasure Cove to promote an event and he also brings Bree to Pleasure Cove to help with the event. Neither Wes nor Bree are aware that either are there until they met at a meeting. Bree is upset that Wes never called nor wrote.
Wes has issues because of his father's disappearance out of his families life. On top that there is something going on with his mom who has moved back to Pleasure Cove.
Wes has been absent from some of the meetings and Bree thinks it has something to do with her. Liam the ultimate match maker "Playing With Desire" wants this relationship with his best friend Wes to work out with Bree because he himself had once loved and losted.
Wes and Bree's "Playing With Seduction" is a great read. If you have not read anything by Reese please do so.
Wes and Bree met approximately a year ago and Bree who is a Olympic volley ball gold medalist was ready for a relationship but at the time Wes who is a event promoter was not. Wes's best friend Liam whose family has built a resort in Pleasure Cove and Liam is managing. Liam is the ideal match maker he brings Liam to Pleasure Cove to promote an event and he also brings Bree to Pleasure Cove to help with the event. Neither Wes nor Bree are aware that either are there until they met at a meeting. Bree is upset that Wes never called nor wrote.
Wes has issues because of his father's disappearance out of his families life. On top that there is something going on with his mom who has moved back to Pleasure Cove.
Wes has been absent from some of the meetings and Bree thinks it has something to do with her. Liam the ultimate match maker "Playing With Desire" wants this relationship with his best friend Wes to work out with Bree because he himself had once loved and losted.
Wes and Bree's "Playing With Seduction" is a great read. If you have not read anything by Reese please do so.
January 11, 2018
Slow. Got better near the end.
September 13, 2024
Really slow and boring!
I found this pleasure Cove series book to be very slow and boring. I really struggled to read it to its end.
We the readers knew how it was going to end,especially how Bree and Wes's love connection always ended.
I was just so glad it put me out of my misery to learn that they got married and had a baby and Wes was United with his son.
The ending was the best part.
I found this pleasure Cove series book to be very slow and boring. I really struggled to read it to its end.
We the readers knew how it was going to end,especially how Bree and Wes's love connection always ended.
I was just so glad it put me out of my misery to learn that they got married and had a baby and Wes was United with his son.
The ending was the best part.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews