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Trapped #2
Played
The summer Josh and I got together, we agreed to keep things strictly physical.
And it was.
Until our casual hookups stopped feeling casual.
Having sex with him stopped being just about sex.
And the thought of calling a halt to it left me feeling empty and cold.
But Josh doesn’t “do” relationships, so I called it quits before I started to fall. Luckily, I was able to move on from the experience completely unscathed, my heart fully intact.
Or so I thought.
Until I saw him again.
His arm was wrapped around her. And unlike me, she isn’t a hookup or a “booty” call.
No, she’s the girlfriend he told me he didn’t want. And she’s getting from him everything he’d said he couldn’t give any girl.
So it turns out that Josh isn’t averse to being in a relationship after all. He simply hadn’t wanted to be in a relationship with me.
Other Books in the
The Trap
Trapped
And it was.
Until our casual hookups stopped feeling casual.
Having sex with him stopped being just about sex.
And the thought of calling a halt to it left me feeling empty and cold.
But Josh doesn’t “do” relationships, so I called it quits before I started to fall. Luckily, I was able to move on from the experience completely unscathed, my heart fully intact.
Or so I thought.
Until I saw him again.
His arm was wrapped around her. And unlike me, she isn’t a hookup or a “booty” call.
No, she’s the girlfriend he told me he didn’t want. And she’s getting from him everything he’d said he couldn’t give any girl.
So it turns out that Josh isn’t averse to being in a relationship after all. He simply hadn’t wanted to be in a relationship with me.
Other Books in the
The Trap
Trapped
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2019
94 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Beverley Kendall
38 books994 followers
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Beverley Kendall has lived on two continents, in three countries, two provinces, and four states. She stopped her nomadic existence and settled in the southeast with her young son. All things artistic feed her creative passion, but none more than writing.
Connect with me on Facebook
Communicate with me via beverley@beverleykendall.com
Beverley Kendall has lived on two continents, in three countries, two provinces, and four states. She stopped her nomadic existence and settled in the southeast with her young son. All things artistic feed her creative passion, but none more than writing.
Connect with me on Facebook
Communicate with me via beverley@beverleykendall.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 12, 2024
I read this (finally) because I loved Trapped back in the day…and maybe had I read this one during that era, I would have enjoyed this more. But instead was it just kind of all over the place, with very random injects and too much fan service to characters from an adjacent series I’ve never read.
Lots of skimming. I actually tried to return it when I was 50% in, but Amazon said nah.
Lots of skimming. I actually tried to return it when I was 50% in, but Amazon said nah.
May 12, 2020
An enemies to FWB to lovers story. This is the sequel to Trapped where the best friends of these two wrangled pregnancy and betrayal.
A few months ago the heroine had just ditched the friends-with-benefits arrangement with the hunky H as she was falling for the H who doesn’t do relationships but is good in bed. Now he is dating a very cute, sweet girl much to the h's dismay.
The h, the H, and the girlfriend all meet up at the first couple’s house, and it’s nail biting time for a short time. The new girl just loves the h as she has a brother that needs a girlfriend, and she wants to set them up and does…on a double date with the H and herself. I was waiting for the colliding trains to hit. Fun anticipation, but the H and h finally admit they need to explore their options so more nail biting as the H tries to figure out how to get out of his low-key relationship with his girlfriend.
Toss in the heroine’s cold mother who thaws, an abusive ex, really abusive ex, and more push-pull between the MCs, and it ended more with a whimper than a bang.
For a while there, it was pretty exciting though.
A few months ago the heroine had just ditched the friends-with-benefits arrangement with the hunky H as she was falling for the H who doesn’t do relationships but is good in bed. Now he is dating a very cute, sweet girl much to the h's dismay.
The h, the H, and the girlfriend all meet up at the first couple’s house, and it’s nail biting time for a short time. The new girl just loves the h as she has a brother that needs a girlfriend, and she wants to set them up and does…on a double date with the H and herself. I was waiting for the colliding trains to hit. Fun anticipation, but the H and h finally admit they need to explore their options so more nail biting as the H tries to figure out how to get out of his low-key relationship with his girlfriend.
Toss in the heroine’s cold mother who thaws, an abusive ex, really abusive ex, and more push-pull between the MCs, and it ended more with a whimper than a bang.
For a while there, it was pretty exciting though.
May 7, 2019
An enemies to lovers story, this is nothing that one honest conversation wouldn't have resolved but then if that happened, we wouldn't have a story ...
H and h are in a friends with benefits arrangement when h decides to finish it as she feels H will never regard her as anything more than someone to sleep with ... she ends if before he can ...
They meet again and this time H has a gf whom she treats like a gf ... h has some issues with this
H plans to move on but when he sees h dating, he gets upset and makes some rather cruel comments ... he breaks up with his gf and they decide to give each other another chance, this time as a couple ...
later on h realises H was going along with FWB as he thought that's all h wanted; he had always been ready for a relationship with her ...
No cheating ... H doesn't sleep with his gf even after some months of dating; his gf needs time and he is willing to go with it ...
I liked h a lot; she was rather strong and had been through some trauma as well ... H was likeable as well ... all in all, a good read ...
H and h are in a friends with benefits arrangement when h decides to finish it as she feels H will never regard her as anything more than someone to sleep with ... she ends if before he can ...
They meet again and this time H has a gf whom she treats like a gf ... h has some issues with this
H plans to move on but when he sees h dating, he gets upset and makes some rather cruel comments ... he breaks up with his gf and they decide to give each other another chance, this time as a couple ...
later on h realises H was going along with FWB as he thought that's all h wanted; he had always been ready for a relationship with her ...
No cheating ... H doesn't sleep with his gf even after some months of dating; his gf needs time and he is willing to go with it ...
I liked h a lot; she was rather strong and had been through some trauma as well ... H was likeable as well ... all in all, a good read ...
Read
April 2, 2019
PLAYED Snippet #4
“So much for your aversion to blondes.” At this point, I don’t care if there's a whole lot of attitude coming across in my voice. I draw the line at jealous though. I’m not that. I just don’t appreciate him lying to me when I was in a vulnerable position.
Josh stares at me as if I’m one of those women who claims her latest celebrity crush—a guy she’s never met—is the father of her unborn child. Yeah, like I’m certifiable with a sprinkling of nuts.
“When did I ever tell you I didn’t like blondes?”
He sounds as if the idea is blasphemous. As if a blonde’s appeal is so universal, a man is presumed interested unless proven otherwise by a jury of his horny peers.
“When you were playing with my hair, that’s when,” I snap, now at the stage where I want to wring his insensitive neck.
“When did I ever play with your hair?” he asks, sounding both bewildered and aghast. Apparently, that's worse than being accused of not being into blondes.
I roll my eyes. “Calm down. I didn’t say you were putting in highlights.” God forbid I offend his fragile masculine ego with something that makes him appear the least bit romantic. “Booty calls” aren’t afforded such affection.
Shaking his head, he moves a step closer to me. “I’m serious, when did I ever play with your hair?”
He can’t remember. How like a man. His brain shuts down when he’s getting what he wants. “How about the first time you took me from behind? Does that jog your memory?”
Snippet 2
“Waiting for me?”
My head swivels with a start, the question jarring me back to the present. I can’t believe I allowed a guy to sneak up on me like that—I’m always on the alert for creepers—but I’m immediately calmed when I realize the husky, sexier-than-hell voice whispering in my ear belongs to my nemesis.
Josh.
So he is here. Good, I was hoping he’d show. I’m in the mood to do a bit of teasing tonight. A little cleavage and a lot of tanned, freshly waxed legs will be good for his lecherous little soul. And before the night is over, I’m going to make him burn…and then I’m going to leave without putting out the fire.
Snippet #3
Where do we stand today, you ask? I haven’t seen my ex…whatever since the disastrous Christmas dinner at Mitch’s grandparents house. At the time we hadn’t seen each other in months—since the last time we’d had sex, if you want to know the truth.
That last time, I remember sitting in his bed and looking down at his sated, whiskered face and into his hooded eyes, and feeling my heart clench. Once the clenching stopped, the aching began and a terrifying realization dawned.
I could easily fall for this ridiculously talented and gorgeous man.
Dear God, what if I already have?
And that’s when I knew I had to end it.
April 29, 2019
Another highly anticipated book that got ruined. Sigh.
First of all I am not pro life. I did not sympathise with Josh. I could have accepted his hurt over not even knowing the pregnancy existed but his entitlement over the whole subject just rubbed me all kinds of wrong.
Secondly, so much for the author taking special time and care about the #MeToo movement. It was so freaking cringe-worthy to see her talk about involving sensitive and important topics in her newsletter and then reading the book and discovering that Josh was essentially the "Good Guy" predator many of the #MeToo victims have talked about. He blatantly talked about pressurizing Erin into having sex with him and then the author spun it out to be a good thing? Like it was a compliment? Worse still was his reasoning for not pressurizing Chloe. Not that he respected and valued her choice but he was not as attracted to her, had he been that she would also have been at a risk of being baggered with requests for sex.
All of this just points at the Author's mindset of overlooking the little things and only considering the blatant ones assault.
Third and not necessarily a deal breaker almost half of the book was filled with the Chloe drama which got tiring after a while.
Also, Erin was just a tad bit childish and annoying.
That's it. I had waited months for this book, read the excerpts multiple times, searched different platforms but the final material really let me down. I even contemplated giving up finishing it once.
Also considering I don't agree with the Author's pov I don't think I'm going to read anything of her's anytime soon.
First of all I am not pro life. I did not sympathise with Josh. I could have accepted his hurt over not even knowing the pregnancy existed but his entitlement over the whole subject just rubbed me all kinds of wrong.
Secondly, so much for the author taking special time and care about the #MeToo movement. It was so freaking cringe-worthy to see her talk about involving sensitive and important topics in her newsletter and then reading the book and discovering that Josh was essentially the "Good Guy" predator many of the #MeToo victims have talked about. He blatantly talked about pressurizing Erin into having sex with him and then the author spun it out to be a good thing? Like it was a compliment? Worse still was his reasoning for not pressurizing Chloe. Not that he respected and valued her choice but he was not as attracted to her, had he been that she would also have been at a risk of being baggered with requests for sex.
All of this just points at the Author's mindset of overlooking the little things and only considering the blatant ones assault.
Third and not necessarily a deal breaker almost half of the book was filled with the Chloe drama which got tiring after a while.
Also, Erin was just a tad bit childish and annoying.
That's it. I had waited months for this book, read the excerpts multiple times, searched different platforms but the final material really let me down. I even contemplated giving up finishing it once.
Also considering I don't agree with the Author's pov I don't think I'm going to read anything of her's anytime soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2020
This was a good addition to the series. I was anxious to read about Josh and Erin from the first book! I was afraid to read it because I figured Josh went back to his whoring ways...but that isn't necessarily what happened...at least it didn't appear to! We don't get a lot of detail. Nothing on the celibacy during the two years apart but we learn quickly on that he had not been intimate with the present girlfriend and they didn't stand a chance in hades when he sees Erin again.
We also learn in this book how much he loved/loves her. It's a shame he never told her how he felt earlier. That would have changed it all for the better. Erin wouldn't share with him either.
This book was similar to the first two and there were times that this was slow-moving as I felt the others were!
I was a bit sad that we didn't have a close up of Paige's and Mitch's wedding.
That does not mean it wasn't good but I do struggle at times when stories slow-down!
There is no cheating. In the beginning Josh has a girlfriend but they are not intimate and he was quite okay with that because she wasn't Erin!
Definite recommend!
We also learn in this book how much he loved/loves her. It's a shame he never told her how he felt earlier. That would have changed it all for the better. Erin wouldn't share with him either.
This book was similar to the first two and there were times that this was slow-moving as I felt the others were!
I was a bit sad that we didn't have a close up of Paige's and Mitch's wedding.
That does not mean it wasn't good but I do struggle at times when stories slow-down!
There is no cheating. In the beginning Josh has a girlfriend but they are not intimate and he was quite okay with that because she wasn't Erin!
Definite recommend!
April 29, 2019
3.5!
After watching Endgame ang Game of thrones seasoni epi3, i needed this.
Enjoyable read with likeable main characters
After watching Endgame ang Game of thrones seasoni epi3, i needed this.
Enjoyable read with likeable main characters
April 28, 2019
H26,h22
Josh and Erin.....I waited for this book since trapped was released..this book was first named as tamed now changed to played... I always loved enemies to lovers theme....and I loved this story.
In trapped I hated Josh,I hated him for suggesting Mitch to do paternity test so I was sure he was gonna behave like an asshole,but as chapters went he became a sweetheart.... And he started falling for Erin even before she knew him,which surprised me but I loved that too. After they sort out the obvious drama,the book goes slowly...the love scenes were great.. And we also get to read about Trent and Chelsea, Hero and heroine of next book.
The cover of played is fabulous.... Josh(the cover model)looks like Chris hemsworth to me so I imagined Josh as :
Erin is a brunette with capturing eyes and great tits(which Josh loves...lol) so it was alexandra daddario for me.
and Josh loves Erin in her green bikini,which we read in trapped.
Josh and Erin.....I waited for this book since trapped was released..this book was first named as tamed now changed to played... I always loved enemies to lovers theme....and I loved this story.
In trapped I hated Josh,I hated him for suggesting Mitch to do paternity test so I was sure he was gonna behave like an asshole,but as chapters went he became a sweetheart.... And he started falling for Erin even before she knew him,which surprised me but I loved that too. After they sort out the obvious drama,the book goes slowly...the love scenes were great.. And we also get to read about Trent and Chelsea, Hero and heroine of next book.
The cover of played is fabulous.... Josh(the cover model)looks like Chris hemsworth to me so I imagined Josh as :
Erin is a brunette with capturing eyes and great tits(which Josh loves...lol) so it was alexandra daddario for me.
and Josh loves Erin in her green bikini,which we read in trapped.
Read
July 30, 2017PLAYED Snippet
“Abby likes you.”
He sounds annoyed by that and I can’t help but smile. After what he’d said to me in the kitchen, I’d reversed course and hit his girlfriend with a charm offensive not even I saw coming. And apparently it’d worked.
“At least she has good taste in some things,” I reply smartly. It’s a pinprick of an insult but when it comes to Josh, I can’t seem to help myself. I’ve been feeling ornery since I got home and this phone call isn’t helping any.
“Only some things? You sure about that? Because I remember you having a taste for a lot of things I had to offer,” he drawls, his tone both smug and suggestive.
“Abby likes you.”
He sounds annoyed by that and I can’t help but smile. After what he’d said to me in the kitchen, I’d reversed course and hit his girlfriend with a charm offensive not even I saw coming. And apparently it’d worked.
“At least she has good taste in some things,” I reply smartly. It’s a pinprick of an insult but when it comes to Josh, I can’t seem to help myself. I’ve been feeling ornery since I got home and this phone call isn’t helping any.
“Only some things? You sure about that? Because I remember you having a taste for a lot of things I had to offer,” he drawls, his tone both smug and suggestive.
September 24, 2023
Well, if you reread Trapped, you need to reread this one.
Too NA for me. Too much drama, too little communication.
Too NA for me. Too much drama, too little communication.
April 27, 2019
I have had this book on my TBR for a while now. The synopsis was enticing along with the fact the first two books in this series were fantastic!
It didn't disappoint. Josh and Erin's characters were very similar in their need not to act like they had their hearts in the game. I was pretty confused as to who suggested the FWB first dalliance as I read that he was free and easy and not into relationships but she was not one for one night stands and had almost always had relationships.
Further in he stated the FWB was her idea but it didn't read that way to me initially. So many great characters in the book too. Wes, the uncle with wonderful insight (love to get a book on him), Trent seemed to have a mysterious air to him too. The additional plot points of Dale and career opportunities meant this book had substance and was more than just girl meets boy.
I couldn't put this book down, but literally had to get some sleep so I did, but then picked it straight back up until it was finished.🙃
It didn't disappoint. Josh and Erin's characters were very similar in their need not to act like they had their hearts in the game. I was pretty confused as to who suggested the FWB first dalliance as I read that he was free and easy and not into relationships but she was not one for one night stands and had almost always had relationships.
Further in he stated the FWB was her idea but it didn't read that way to me initially. So many great characters in the book too. Wes, the uncle with wonderful insight (love to get a book on him), Trent seemed to have a mysterious air to him too. The additional plot points of Dale and career opportunities meant this book had substance and was more than just girl meets boy.
I couldn't put this book down, but literally had to get some sleep so I did, but then picked it straight back up until it was finished.🙃
June 15, 2019
Loved every minute of Josh and Erin’s story. Their journey was one of the most frustrating, sexy, loving and beautiful story. Even though I wanted to strangle them both, happy they finally got their act together. Loved having Paige and Mitch and Bree back to. This book was a long time coming but worth the wait.
June 28, 2025
4/5 stars.
The start was so good, and full of angst I love it! Based on the books I've read so far, Beverley Kendall had executed that first part with a new girl in the picture so well. Erin isn't a saint, nor is Josh and its miscommunication everywhere. I guess there's a certain point in one's reading journey where you have enough patience to go through all the problems MCs get themselves in all because they assumed, and left a lot of words unsaid. Having said this, read this book when you know you have a lot of patience.
At times it was predictable, and it's just hot encounters one after the other but again, execution was far better than others. I just don't like certain characters being there as plot devices, but I guess I won't complain so much about this.
Definitely recommend if you're looking for a Fuck buddies/FWB trope, decided to break up, had a new girl in the fiasco, decided to make up, navigate the craziness of a relationship and past hurts, until they ride off to their HEA.
The start was so good, and full of angst I love it! Based on the books I've read so far, Beverley Kendall had executed that first part with a new girl in the picture so well. Erin isn't a saint, nor is Josh and its miscommunication everywhere. I guess there's a certain point in one's reading journey where you have enough patience to go through all the problems MCs get themselves in all because they assumed, and left a lot of words unsaid. Having said this, read this book when you know you have a lot of patience.
At times it was predictable, and it's just hot encounters one after the other but again, execution was far better than others. I just don't like certain characters being there as plot devices, but I guess I won't complain so much about this.
Definitely recommend if you're looking for a Fuck buddies/FWB trope, decided to break up, had a new girl in the fiasco, decided to make up, navigate the craziness of a relationship and past hurts, until they ride off to their HEA.
February 16, 2021
This was a cute, light romance. I finished it in less than a day. The main plot device was lack of communication between the main characters which always frustrates me! Just talk to each other! But then we would have like 4 chapters of a book.
**spoiler warning has to do with minor cheating theme**
Overall, this was a decent read. A little boring and a lot predictable at times, but if you're looking for a cute, easy read with a sweet romance and some steamy moments, you'll enjoy this!
**spoiler warning has to do with minor cheating theme**
Overall, this was a decent read. A little boring and a lot predictable at times, but if you're looking for a cute, easy read with a sweet romance and some steamy moments, you'll enjoy this!
May 5, 2019
I really liked the spice between Josh and Erin in Trapped. So I was looking forward to reading more about them in Played. Josh doesn't do commitment and Erin is very much a relationship person. They start out casual and when Erin realizes that she has deep feelings for Josh, she cuts him off, much to his dismay. But Josh is one of those guys who acts like nothing ruffles his feathers and stays very calm and collected on the outside so Erin has no choice but to act the same. And now Josh has a girlfriend whom he's serious about, much to Erin's chagrin. I enjoyed the build up of the tension and angst, especially when Josh would get riled up or when he'd infuriate Erin by acting very blasé. It's obvious they both belong together, but let stupid reasons keep them apart until things build up to an explosion and it's time to get things out in the open. I liked the first half more than the second half because it revolved around Josh being someone's boyfriend. The second half opened up their personal issues with whatever hang ups they had so it deviated a bit from what I thought the synopsis hinted about, but the ending suited them just right.
May 5, 2019
I love and enjoy reading books by this author especially this series and Josh and Erin has always been of interest to me. This book delivers but the imph (the story kick) is missing for me. The start seems to drag a bit (the cat and mouse race was eating me up). So although I enjoyed reading this book, I would have wanted more from the storyline.
June 2, 2023
I loved this book, Beverley can write some great angst and there was plenty to be had in Played! I wanted to throat punch Josh in the beginning, I can’t stand to see a hero loved up with another woman. But the story developed well and Josh and Erin had fantastic chemistry and their feeling for one another we’re palpable. Josh turned out to be a super swoony hero. Erin, who I loved in the beginning, definitely got on my nerves a bit towards the end. Her expectations of Josh were impossible and she came off as an un-loving bitch at times. But thankfully alls well that ends well and the couple has a good and deserved HEA.
May 27, 2019
My expectations for this book were too high. It did not live up to them. To many things happening in this book I found myself skimming. I wish it was more about Josh and Erin. They had great chemistry. Looking forward to reading Burned.
June 3, 2019
Loved this.. devoured it
June 20, 2019
I'm so happy to have finally gotten Josh & Erin's story! It was pretty much everything I had hoped it would be. I loved them so much. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
September 6, 2019
4.5 Stars
November 10, 2024
4 stars ⭐️
April 14, 2025
It would have been better single pov and if the FMC actually stuck to anything. DNF’d at 66% because I just don’t care about anyone in this book.
Read
October 31, 2025Dnf
May 2, 2019
We were introduced to Josh & Erin in Trapped and I immediately wanted their story. So much so that I hunted the author down and sent her messages asking about their fate. Sorry not sorry. 😉
I really enjoyed this book. It started off with a bang, but somewhere along the way Erin started to annoy me. (I’ve been dealing with some weird stuff so it was probably a me thing and not a book thing.) However, toward the end I loved her again and the ending left a huge smile on my face.
Josh was everything! Loved him the whole time!!
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It started off with a bang, but somewhere along the way Erin started to annoy me. (I’ve been dealing with some weird stuff so it was probably a me thing and not a book thing.) However, toward the end I loved her again and the ending left a huge smile on my face.
Josh was everything! Loved him the whole time!!
3.5 stars
May 24, 2019
Absolutely Amazing Series
Omg I loved this story and series so much Josh and Erin's connection and chemistry between them was so strong but neither would let the other know how they felt. There was a lot of heartache, sadness and emotional pain and I am so glad that they got there happy ending that they both deserved after everything that they had been through. I definitely recommend you read this book and series as it is written so well by an incredible author, Beverley makes you feel that you are living the story with them and feeling all the pain they are going through.
Omg I loved this story and series so much Josh and Erin's connection and chemistry between them was so strong but neither would let the other know how they felt. There was a lot of heartache, sadness and emotional pain and I am so glad that they got there happy ending that they both deserved after everything that they had been through. I definitely recommend you read this book and series as it is written so well by an incredible author, Beverley makes you feel that you are living the story with them and feeling all the pain they are going through.
February 27, 2022
Great book
A book about two friends that had benefits and when she starts having feelings for him decides to cut him loose. He falls in love with her but decides to get another girl to get over her. Then his friend sees him with hus girlfriend and thinks he only wanted ti be serious but just not with her. Then they get I a relationship and find that they both are dying for each other.
A book about two friends that had benefits and when she starts having feelings for him decides to cut him loose. He falls in love with her but decides to get another girl to get over her. Then his friend sees him with hus girlfriend and thinks he only wanted ti be serious but just not with her. Then they get I a relationship and find that they both are dying for each other.
March 25, 2021
A lot of the couple's issues would have been taken care of sooner if they just sat and talked to each other.
April 30, 2019
Brilliant
After paige & mitch's story I was hoping Josh & Erin would get their own conclusion. This was fantastic & so well written. Absolutely loved this series & would definitely recommend xxx
After paige & mitch's story I was hoping Josh & Erin would get their own conclusion. This was fantastic & so well written. Absolutely loved this series & would definitely recommend xxx
May 4, 2019
The second installment of the trapped series and I thought it was great. The frienemies to lovers to whatever it was they were then back to lovers was done well and I love the duel POV. Can't wait for Trent's book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews