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Forbidden #2
The Player
A player. A virgin. One hot promise.
At twenty-three, I’m trying to get my life together. There’s just one problem: I still have my V-card, and it’s getting embarrassing. Unless Dex Carter can help me.
Dex is forbidden. Not just because he’s a soccer god and an underwear model with an impossible body, while I’m just an average girl. His father married my mother a few years ago, and that puts him off-limits. But I could ask him this one favor, and no one has to know. Easy, right?
Until he says yes.
There’s more to Dex than just the famous, red-hot athlete. The more I’m with him, the deeper I get. Things are going to get messy. And the last thing I need is to fall in love…
NOTE: This book was originally published under the title PLAY HARD.
At twenty-three, I’m trying to get my life together. There’s just one problem: I still have my V-card, and it’s getting embarrassing. Unless Dex Carter can help me.
Dex is forbidden. Not just because he’s a soccer god and an underwear model with an impossible body, while I’m just an average girl. His father married my mother a few years ago, and that puts him off-limits. But I could ask him this one favor, and no one has to know. Easy, right?
Until he says yes.
There’s more to Dex than just the famous, red-hot athlete. The more I’m with him, the deeper I get. Things are going to get messy. And the last thing I need is to fall in love…
NOTE: This book was originally published under the title PLAY HARD.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2016
124 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 8, 2016
I am so sick of reading about the hero who has sex with OW while the heroine is a virgin pining for him at home. How is that in anyway romantic? It's not.
The author's definition of a "safe story" unfortunately doesn't match mine. It would be safe for me if the hero stopped screwing OW after they met. That did not happen. Instead hero and hero meet and he continues to travel around the world having sex with models for four years. By contrast the heroine goes on countless first dates to never go on a second. None of the men make her feel close to what she feels for the hero. In fact some of the men only date her because they want to meet her Famous stepbrother. Other people including sone people at her work only speak with her hoping to get intel about the star. Puke. This goes on for four years. I found it depressing soured my opinion of the story. It left a bad taste in my mouth.
The author's definition of a "safe story" unfortunately doesn't match mine. It would be safe for me if the hero stopped screwing OW after they met. That did not happen. Instead hero and hero meet and he continues to travel around the world having sex with models for four years. By contrast the heroine goes on countless first dates to never go on a second. None of the men make her feel close to what she feels for the hero. In fact some of the men only date her because they want to meet her Famous stepbrother. Other people including sone people at her work only speak with her hoping to get intel about the star. Puke. This goes on for four years. I found it depressing soured my opinion of the story. It left a bad taste in my mouth.
July 24, 2020
3,5 stars
Well, I decided to read it because the first one in the series was good, but I put if off for a long time, because of the virgin heroine.
Yes, it's an overused old trope - but also yes, Julie Kriss did it better.
This book isn't perfect, but the writing is good and I always believe this author's characters! She makes them real.
So if you want to get a fresh take on an old trope, get in!
But please spare the trouble of getting into it after reading the blurb - and then moaning about the heroine being a virgin and having a crush on a player hero. Because the blurb actually gives a good idea about the book in an honest way.
Just like everything about this author, ha.
Well, I decided to read it because the first one in the series was good, but I put if off for a long time, because of the virgin heroine.
Yes, it's an overused old trope - but also yes, Julie Kriss did it better.
This book isn't perfect, but the writing is good and I always believe this author's characters! She makes them real.
So if you want to get a fresh take on an old trope, get in!
But please spare the trouble of getting into it after reading the blurb - and then moaning about the heroine being a virgin and having a crush on a player hero. Because the blurb actually gives a good idea about the book in an honest way.
Just like everything about this author, ha.
June 29, 2021
OMG! Dex and Sophie's story was Hot! Hot! Hot! and one of my favorite tropes! I absolutely loved it! I'm sure that I'm going to read it again sometime in the future, but for now I'm going to read another book by Julie Kriss! Yay!
March 14, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book. Dex and Sophie were wonderful characters, flawed and down-to-earth, and the only thing keeping it from being a five star read was relatively minor.
If you're a fan of step-sibling romances, this is definitely a high-quality one, and I actually didn't notice a single error. It's easy to get immersed in Ms. Kriss's eloquent writing style, and as such, I recommend this book and will be on the lookout for future works to enjoy.
If you're a fan of step-sibling romances, this is definitely a high-quality one, and I actually didn't notice a single error. It's easy to get immersed in Ms. Kriss's eloquent writing style, and as such, I recommend this book and will be on the lookout for future works to enjoy.
November 14, 2018
IF you follow my reviews at all, you will know I have a mad crush on the writings of Julie Kriss. I thought I’d read them all but while perusing my way to many Kindle books, I noticed I hadn’t read this one yet. SCORE!
This is a step brother/step sister romance, which has it’s little niche in the romance novel world. I’ve read a few and while it’s not a favoured sub-genre, they can be OK. When I saw Ms. Kriss authored a couple, I was so on board.
This book is about Sophie and Dex. Their parents married each other when Sophie was about 16. She had quite a crush on Dex from the beginning but there were a couple of issues. First, he was her step brother and second he was a famous soccer player and as such was rarely at home. But they did begin a very sweet texting relationship that only they know about. The story begins when Dex has been a very bad boy and punched an opposing player smack dab in the middle of his nose and now is banned from playing soccer professionally. This is huge news as he is very well known. But he seems to have gone under-ground and nobody knows where he is. Sophie texts and texts him but at first he’s not responding. Then it turns out he’s in hiding in their parents home, the same home Sophie is staying at and as it turns out Dex has had the hots for Sophie, well as a romance book one can imagine how things turn out.
As with all the other books by this author I enjoyed this book. While not on the same level as some of her series books, this one was still pretty good for me. Sophie was a very likeable heroine. All of this authors heroines are well written and women I’d love to get to know better – if they were real people that is, and if they’d agree to have coffee with someone the same age as their mother. But then I’m young at heart so it would probably be all good.
And Dex is delicious as are many of her heroes. It would be ever nice if they were real and wanted to get to know me. I would so be on board with that. I could be a Mrs. Robinson. He’s confused to put it mildly. He doesn’t know why he punched the guy in the nose and now that he’s banned from soccer he’s at a loss as to what to do next so he banks on getting reinstated. He loves playing the game of soccer but some of the stuff that comes along with being a world class athlete.
I did notice some odd similarities to her current series though. The hero in her upcoming book – which I’m almost panting for and already have it preordered has the same first name, though I’m thinking they will be almost completely different types of guys. And Ryan, the hero of Work Me Up, book 3 of the Riggs brothers series is a pro athlete, in his case a pitcher for a minor league team, also gets expelled from baseball for punching another player in the nose in the middle of a game. But other than being odd, it didn’t bother me or keep me from enjoying the book any less.
I’ve now read her entire back list and she an author anyone reading this simply MUST try if you haven’t tried her. Some of her books are on for simply squeals of deals. So try her I say, try her and you will be ever so glad you listened and obeyed my order.
This is a step brother/step sister romance, which has it’s little niche in the romance novel world. I’ve read a few and while it’s not a favoured sub-genre, they can be OK. When I saw Ms. Kriss authored a couple, I was so on board.
This book is about Sophie and Dex. Their parents married each other when Sophie was about 16. She had quite a crush on Dex from the beginning but there were a couple of issues. First, he was her step brother and second he was a famous soccer player and as such was rarely at home. But they did begin a very sweet texting relationship that only they know about. The story begins when Dex has been a very bad boy and punched an opposing player smack dab in the middle of his nose and now is banned from playing soccer professionally. This is huge news as he is very well known. But he seems to have gone under-ground and nobody knows where he is. Sophie texts and texts him but at first he’s not responding. Then it turns out he’s in hiding in their parents home, the same home Sophie is staying at and as it turns out Dex has had the hots for Sophie, well as a romance book one can imagine how things turn out.
As with all the other books by this author I enjoyed this book. While not on the same level as some of her series books, this one was still pretty good for me. Sophie was a very likeable heroine. All of this authors heroines are well written and women I’d love to get to know better – if they were real people that is, and if they’d agree to have coffee with someone the same age as their mother. But then I’m young at heart so it would probably be all good.
And Dex is delicious as are many of her heroes. It would be ever nice if they were real and wanted to get to know me. I would so be on board with that. I could be a Mrs. Robinson. He’s confused to put it mildly. He doesn’t know why he punched the guy in the nose and now that he’s banned from soccer he’s at a loss as to what to do next so he banks on getting reinstated. He loves playing the game of soccer but some of the stuff that comes along with being a world class athlete.
I did notice some odd similarities to her current series though. The hero in her upcoming book – which I’m almost panting for and already have it preordered has the same first name, though I’m thinking they will be almost completely different types of guys. And Ryan, the hero of Work Me Up, book 3 of the Riggs brothers series is a pro athlete, in his case a pitcher for a minor league team, also gets expelled from baseball for punching another player in the nose in the middle of a game. But other than being odd, it didn’t bother me or keep me from enjoying the book any less.
I’ve now read her entire back list and she an author anyone reading this simply MUST try if you haven’t tried her. Some of her books are on for simply squeals of deals. So try her I say, try her and you will be ever so glad you listened and obeyed my order.
February 20, 2018
An OK story. I liked it, just not passionately enough like I usually did with JK's other books.
November 26, 2020
It was okay.
If you like some good smut this book is for you :) I've read a lot of romance stories and they all end the same, but its what's in between that really catches my attention. There was a couple times where I just wanted to put the book down, because you could literally guess what was going to happen next.
If you're like me and like to be kept on your toes the whole story, then I wouldn't recommend this book.
If you like some good smut this book is for you :) I've read a lot of romance stories and they all end the same, but its what's in between that really catches my attention. There was a couple times where I just wanted to put the book down, because you could literally guess what was going to happen next.
If you're like me and like to be kept on your toes the whole story, then I wouldn't recommend this book.
August 29, 2016
3.50 / 4 Stars
Step-brother stories are hit and miss for me. With that said, I enjoyed Julie Kriss' book. I know some people get hung up on the "sibling" thing, but let's face it....they're not blood related. In this case they weren't little kids when their parent married the other. There is an actually story to get caught up in and you get to know the characters.
Step-brother stories are hit and miss for me. With that said, I enjoyed Julie Kriss' book. I know some people get hung up on the "sibling" thing, but let's face it....they're not blood related. In this case they weren't little kids when their parent married the other. There is an actually story to get caught up in and you get to know the characters.
December 18, 2019
I just couldn't get their connection. It was so based on texting over 4 years of which he (expected) she was still a virgin. He couldn't exactly say the same because he was best soccer player in the world. (See the stretch of imagination).
So nonetheless it wasn't horrible. It had many redeeming lessons yet not preachy.
So nonetheless it wasn't horrible. It had many redeeming lessons yet not preachy.
February 23, 2016
I have a weakness for stepbrother books and thus was one of the better ones I've read.
October 9, 2020
Dex & Sophie
Hot DAMN 🔥 Julie Kriss has got it goin on and it just doesn’t get any better 👄! Her writing and descriptions are EXACTLY how I like it. Loads of fkg 💥HOT chemistry, fkg 💥HOT alphas, an exciting storyline and just a sprinkling of angst - thank goodness!
I LOVE the way the author finishes each book w a HEA - but not necessarily a wedding. She weaves the REST of the HEA thru the sequential books, which is really smart. Julie Kriss’ alphas are so bloody hot - they’re possessive, they talk dirty and they’re dirty in bed. It’s better than a hit straight to the bloodstream.
Story: Dex is Sophie’s hot older step-brother and they have always had a close relationship while she was growing up. He is a professional soccer player on the world stage and somehow she manages to be the only one who has always had his heart.
“Most guys hear the word virgin and run the other way. But all I could think about Sophie was, I swear to fucking God it’s going to be me and no one else.”
“Part of me couldn’t believe I had this perfect animal between my legs, that I had given him so much pleasure.”
Series: The two works in this series are unrelated and stand alone.
Forbidden #1 (Bram & Summer)
The Player #2 (Dex & Sophie)
Hot DAMN 🔥 Julie Kriss has got it goin on and it just doesn’t get any better 👄! Her writing and descriptions are EXACTLY how I like it. Loads of fkg 💥HOT chemistry, fkg 💥HOT alphas, an exciting storyline and just a sprinkling of angst - thank goodness!
I LOVE the way the author finishes each book w a HEA - but not necessarily a wedding. She weaves the REST of the HEA thru the sequential books, which is really smart. Julie Kriss’ alphas are so bloody hot - they’re possessive, they talk dirty and they’re dirty in bed. It’s better than a hit straight to the bloodstream.
Story: Dex is Sophie’s hot older step-brother and they have always had a close relationship while she was growing up. He is a professional soccer player on the world stage and somehow she manages to be the only one who has always had his heart.
“Most guys hear the word virgin and run the other way. But all I could think about Sophie was, I swear to fucking God it’s going to be me and no one else.”
“Part of me couldn’t believe I had this perfect animal between my legs, that I had given him so much pleasure.”
Series: The two works in this series are unrelated and stand alone.
Forbidden #1 (Bram & Summer)
The Player #2 (Dex & Sophie)
May 17, 2019
2.5 stars.
By the 87% mark, I pretty much despised Sophie. She started out fairly naive and self-involved and only got worse. She acted more like a sixteen-year-old than a grown woman. She didn't even know what she wanted from her life, and didn't seem to want to put too much effort into figuring it out. She refused to believe the two people who knew her best when they told her she wasn't happy with the job she had. She blamed Dex when she lost her job, even though she was just as responsible for it as he was. And she let him feel bad about it, without telling him her bosses were unethical dicks and she didn't even want to work there anyway. She didn't trust him, even though he'd never given her a reason not to, and rather than put in any effort into fixing things, she ran away .
By the 87% mark, I pretty much despised Sophie. She started out fairly naive and self-involved and only got worse. She acted more like a sixteen-year-old than a grown woman. She didn't even know what she wanted from her life, and didn't seem to want to put too much effort into figuring it out. She refused to believe the two people who knew her best when they told her she wasn't happy with the job she had. She blamed Dex when she lost her job, even though she was just as responsible for it as he was. And she let him feel bad about it, without telling him her bosses were unethical dicks and she didn't even want to work there anyway. She didn't trust him, even though he'd never given her a reason not to, and rather than put in any effort into fixing things, she ran away .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2025
Sophie can't wait to lose her virginity and wants to lose it with her step-brother Dex but thinks it'll never happen. Dex, after getting kicked out of playing professional soccer, hides out at home. They find chemistry between them and act on it. Is Sophie just another woman for Dex or something more? I liked how Sophie and Dex's relationship started via friendly texts. I actually liked the dialogue between them and the look into their character. I wish there were more build up towards love but it was a good, easy read.
June 22, 2021
Dex and Sophie went from zero to naked pretty quickly. The whole premise that Sophie could lose her job because of the actions of her stepbrother was too far fetched. Anna, the gossipy, troll-like older co-worker, was eye-roll worthy. Just the whole work situation was too ridiculous.
What kept me reading was wanting to know how they navigate their new status as lovers and step-siblings.
What kept me reading was wanting to know how they navigate their new status as lovers and step-siblings.
June 2, 2017
this was a really good good book..
this really good I was in love with how it was writen.. the book was really had to put down.. the store line was great.. one of the best stepbrother romance book i have read..
this really good I was in love with how it was writen.. the book was really had to put down.. the store line was great.. one of the best stepbrother romance book i have read..
July 27, 2017
Taboo step
Well I don't usually enjoy books with a skipping timeline this book is an exception. The lead characters were easily visible in my head. There was a nice story line and though probably considered an erotica book was tasteful. Being steps was not a thing.
Well I don't usually enjoy books with a skipping timeline this book is an exception. The lead characters were easily visible in my head. There was a nice story line and though probably considered an erotica book was tasteful. Being steps was not a thing.
February 18, 2018
Long Distance
Another fell in love with my step sibling. Will it work long distance or do they each find another. This book held my interest through to the end, even though I knew what the ending would be as soon as I opened the book.
Another fell in love with my step sibling. Will it work long distance or do they each find another. This book held my interest through to the end, even though I knew what the ending would be as soon as I opened the book.
April 2, 2018
Great taboo read
I absolutely love stepbrother romances, the is just something about this genre that I can not get enough of them. This book was my first by this author and I have already downloaded more from her. My new favorite author for this genre.
I absolutely love stepbrother romances, the is just something about this genre that I can not get enough of them. This book was my first by this author and I have already downloaded more from her. My new favorite author for this genre.
May 18, 2018
Play Hard
I don't read a lot of stepbrother romances but that one was actually quite nice. They felt something for each other since the beginning and over the years their love grew. There is not much drama, and if it is, it's quickly solved.
I don't read a lot of stepbrother romances but that one was actually quite nice. They felt something for each other since the beginning and over the years their love grew. There is not much drama, and if it is, it's quickly solved.
June 8, 2018
Overall a good read
This story is sweet and heartwarming, and sexy with a little angst. I liked both the H/h, except when the h almost threw everything away as she tried to work through what was important to her.
This story is sweet and heartwarming, and sexy with a little angst. I liked both the H/h, except when the h almost threw everything away as she tried to work through what was important to her.
June 20, 2018
Play hard
Stepbrother books are one of my favorite tropes to read. This one had just the right amount of heat and drama to keep it interesting. I'd definitely recommend this to others. A very enjoyable read
Stepbrother books are one of my favorite tropes to read. This one had just the right amount of heat and drama to keep it interesting. I'd definitely recommend this to others. A very enjoyable read
June 20, 2021
Excellent, hot, sexy read. This was a great story that showed the love between Dex and Sophie. They faced challenges due to Dex being a soccer player and they were step-siblings. It was incredibly steamy how they came together and overcame the obstacles.
August 11, 2021
One of my favorite reads!
I don’t think there was anything I didn’t love about this story. Sophie was actually a smart, rational woman and didn’t do any of the obnoxious things I often see the women doing in romance novels. I cannot recommend it enough!
I don’t think there was anything I didn’t love about this story. Sophie was actually a smart, rational woman and didn’t do any of the obnoxious things I often see the women doing in romance novels. I cannot recommend it enough!
April 6, 2022
I didn't feel the connection between the couple.
The h attitude about her job was annoying, as was the fact she boinks the H in a public place and then freaks out and blames him when very vague hints are put out they might be together.
The h attitude about her job was annoying, as was the fact she boinks the H in a public place and then freaks out and blames him when very vague hints are put out they might be together.
May 27, 2025
If I could give half stars it would get 1½. I didn't feel connected to either character unfortunately, it may be a situation of "it's not you it's me" for this book as I usually love Julie Kriss, but maybe I wasn't in the headspace for this type of romance at the moment *shrug*
December 14, 2017
I stopped reading by Chapter Twelve. This book had potential but felt rushed and not much character building. Got bored...
July 26, 2017
4 stars
I love reading books, but I hate writing reviews. That being said, I rate this book: Story: 4/5 stars. Heat level: 4/5 stars.
I love reading books, but I hate writing reviews. That being said, I rate this book: Story: 4/5 stars. Heat level: 4/5 stars.
August 1, 2017
Wow
I'm so loving this authors work. I've read two books now from this author and I've loved every word. Must read.
I'm so loving this authors work. I've read two books now from this author and I've loved every word. Must read.
April 1, 2018
More like 3.5 - quite sweet really.
April 2, 2018
Good read
Have read a few of Julie Kriss' books, this one was good but didn't excite as much as the others. It seemed like a straight forward plot, I did enjoy it though.
Have read a few of Julie Kriss' books, this one was good but didn't excite as much as the others. It seemed like a straight forward plot, I did enjoy it though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews