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Hot-Lanta #2

Playing the Field

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The gang is back and this time there is a wedding to celebrate, except that is the last thing on Molly Meyers’ mind. After losing her fiancé, Luke, two years ago, the last thing on her mind is helping her best friend, Jane Bradley, plan her wedding and celebrate the annoyingly, obnoxious, lovey-dovey relationship Jane has with Braves first baseman, Brady Matthews.

Austin Lee, rookie outfielder for the Braves finds himself in the middle of a blonde tornado known as Molly. When her fiancé died, he gave her space and time to heal but always admired her from a far. Never in a million years did he think he would be bedding his dream girl and planning a future with her starring as his leading lady.

Patty O’Neil, abuse victim and Jane’s friend, finds herself struggling to let any man back in her life. Marc Sullivan, Braves catcher and Brady’s best friend, wants to be that man in Patty’s life but is finding it awfully difficult to crack the wall Patty built around herself. Patty wants Marc as a friend but Marc wants more.

Lucy Reynolds, Austin’s best friend and Molly’s worst enemy never thought she would find the love of her life while sitting in a café, eating Greek food and reading her Kindle but she did. Connor Cartwright luckily came into her life and she couldn't be happier. The only problem is…he is Luke’s brother, something Molly can’t seem to accept.

"Playing the Field" goes through the lives of the Hot-Lanta gang as they tangle a drama filled web together, screwing each other, lying to one another, and sabotaging each other’s lives. Follow their story as once again the drama unfolds, feelings are hurt, slaps are thrown and Hot-Mess Molly tries to make everyone just as unhappy and miserable as she is.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2013

932 people are currently reading
2026 people want to read

About the author

Meghan Quinn

120 books46.6k followers
Like me on FB: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinna...

When I was in high school I occasionally read books but was consumed by other teenage things so I didn't take the time to appreciate a good book on a cloudy day, wrapped up in a blanket on the couch. It wasn't until I received a Kindle for Christmas one year that my world completely flipped upside down. When looking for books I came across the Contemporary Romance genre and was sold and I haven't turned back since.

You can either find my head buried in my Kindle, listening to inspiring heart ripping music or typing away on the computer twisting and turning the lives of my characters while driving my readers crazy with anticipation.

​I currently reside in beautiful Colorado Springs where the sun is always shining and there is a trail waiting to be hiked on every corner. I share a lovely and warm home with the love of my life and my five, four-legged children.

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5 stars
930 (46%)
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653 (32%)
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332 (16%)
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71 (3%)
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25 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Stephanie Burnett.
15 reviews
October 30, 2013
Great sequel to caught looking!! Can't wait for the third!! The drama keeps you reading for hours on end!
Profile Image for Kirsten.
697 reviews28 followers
May 3, 2014
Just when I didn't think things could get any more complicated, Meghan upped her game. If you haven't read Caught Looking - Stop now and go read that. You need to. Damn, This book has many of the same characters from the first book, but also introduces more and things get even more complicated. This book starts two years after the end of the last book. Molly is a mess after losing the love of her life and is self-destructing. Austin is trying to be the man in her life, but she's not letting him in. At least not all the way. Marc found his forever in Patty, in the first book and this one shows how that all plays out. The road is long and winding, twisting and painfully turning before things between these two even come close to a resolution. There's Lucy, who is Austin's best friend, but has always wanted more. Things happen between them and then, IMO, Austin shows his true colors. That's not the only time he does it either. Lucy is strong and pulls herself back together, decides she's done being second best and puts Austin behind her. Then she meets the delectable Connor, who is Luke's brother. Molly does not like that Lucy is dating Connor, and turns into even more of a super bitch. Jane and Brady are getting married, and that just propels Molly into an even tighter self-destructive spiral. I swear, this series is like a soap opera, there are so many POV's to consider. Then at the wedding after Brady and Jane leave, so many things happen like domino's falling, but in so not a good way. There are so many twists and straight out u-turns in this book, and I loved every minute of it. You get the full run of emotions in this series, and the last minute WTH moment that was there just caught me by surprise. Meghan wrote a fantastic book that topped the first in the series, hot damn, I can't wait for book three which I know she's writing, and is coming soon. I need to know what happens next for everyone involved. I think I'm looking forward to this one a bit more than normal, because Meghan is crossing over a couple of characters from her Love and Sports Series to Holt-Lanta. What can I say, I'm addicted to Meghan's writing. She writes very well and I love her characters. They're so real; snarky, sarcastic, bitchy, whiny, loving, supportive - everything you can think of. I just want more.
Profile Image for EndlessReading.
519 reviews34 followers
December 18, 2013
YOU DID NOT JUST EFFING DO THAT!


OMG!
Just finished the book! I had an inkling on what may happen, but no that was boy-quashed out of the water.!

Molly needed her head banging together and 10 balls of shit knocking out of her.
After everything Molly & Austin have been through, and just after the last hurdle, YOU DO THIS!

OMFG!

Poor Winnie......such an adorable little girl and it's such a shame, that Molly couldn't bring herself to care or look after her properly, she clearly needs help

Sorry I just had to display my frustrations lol!

I loved Patty and Lucy, there were Jan's rock throughout the wedding preparations even whilst all the shite that went down in their love lives, they still had each others back....TRUE friends!

I want me some Mr Connor Cartwright.....Handsome devil....dickish towards the end but hey ho.

I thought better of Austin and I'm still waiting for him to prove me wrong, he;'s on my naughty list I'm afraid, dickish move my son, dickish move....

Apart from that, LOVED the book, YET AGAIN!

Some out standing work going on here, can't wait for #3.....there is a #3 right? Because you can't just end it on that note.....seriously.

Harsh cliffhanger but worth the read.

There were a few typing errors, but that didn't deter me from the storyline. It's so gripping, and enduring. You go through all the emotions and feelings, as it's in multiple P.O.V's again - YAY
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vfc.
1,543 reviews
October 3, 2019
Pure unadulterated whiplash. There are many characters, subplots, storylines and revolving bed partners.

Someone you love ‘allegedly’ dies...if you’re pregnant that child isn’t collateral damage or an inconvenience. Molly lives in excessive terms of meaningless encounters, drugs and alcohol to numb her senses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jamie  Leigh.
6,567 reviews29 followers
December 14, 2013
This is the second in the series. there is always hot messy drama going on this series. there are some editing issues but over all, i can ignore that when there is such a great story. there is a major cliffhanger at the endso be prepared.
Profile Image for Jen.
21 reviews
October 30, 2013
I was so excited to see the second book in this series come out- I stayed up all night reading it!! AMAZING!!!!!! I CANNOT wait for the third book!!! Great series!!
Profile Image for Emily.
204 reviews
January 21, 2014
There is a lot of stuff going on in this book. And then tiger is the cliffhanger! Wow!
Profile Image for Amanda Nicole Baker.
16 reviews
July 5, 2023
Super surprised at the ratings of these books. I mean holy soap opera, so obviously I’m reading the rest but I’m not totally thrilled about it 🤣
Profile Image for Jen Isherwood.
128 reviews9 followers
November 11, 2020
Oh dear god! I wasn’t sure what to expect after the first book’s cliffhanger but omg! This was just.... gah!! Soooo much happens in this book! So damn much! It’s like... one shock after another! We get multiple POV’s again with the whole gang back, including a few new faces! And guess what? There is a wedding to celebrate, except that is the last thing on Molly Meyers’ mind. After losing her fiancé, Luke, two years ago, the last thing on her mind is helping her best friend, Jane Bradley, plan her wedding and celebrate the annoyingly, obnoxious, lovey-dovey relationship Jane has with Braves first baseman, Brady Matthews.
As for Austin Lee, rookie outfielder for the Braves, he finds himself in the middle of a blonde tornado known as Molly. When her fiancé died, he gave her space and time to heal but always admired her from a far. Never in a million years did he think he would be bedding his dream girl and planning a future with her.
Then there’s Patty O’Neil, abuse victim and Jane’s friend. She finds herself struggling to let any man back in her life. Marc Sullivan, Braves catcher and Brady’s best friend, wants to be that man in Patty’s life but is finding it awfully difficult to crack the wall Patty built around herself. Patty wants Marc as a friend but Marc wants more. So how can he make her see that she can trust him? That he’ll never hurt her in a million years!?
Lucy Reynolds, Austin’s best friend and Molly’s worst enemy never thought she would find the love of her life while sitting in a café, eating Greek food and reading her Kindle but she did. Connor Cartwright luckily came into her life and she couldn't be happier. The only problem is…he is Luke’s brother, something Molly can’t seem to accept.
“No, hookers come cheap these days…ever since the economy has gotten bad; whores are no longer facing extinction. You can actually find a ‘Whores R Us’ on every corner.”

LOL omg the banter between Lucy and Connor is just amazing. Connor is one of the new faces in book 2 and he honestly became a favourite of mine the minute he opened his mouth! He’s hilarious and sweet and loving and just... ahh! Swooning here! This book will seriously take you on a rollercoaster ride with your emotions. You’re going to be a wreck by the time you finish this. I had so many WTF and Holy Shit moments!
You want drama?? Hell! You found it! You have people screwing each other, lying to one another, and sabotaging each other’s lives... just for starters! Molly is one huge mess in this book and she’s determined to make everyone just as miserable as she is. Not to mention there are.... just a few surprises in here.... the biggest one was saved for last and btw.... speaking of that surprise cliffhanger, Meghan..... WTF!?!?
lol I am so glad I don’t have to wait to read the next book.... it’s happening NOW!
Profile Image for Lit Shit Podcast.
938 reviews7 followers
July 28, 2023
So this is the second book in the series and you should definitely read them in order or you won’t understand what’s going on. I enjoyed the first book which read just like a soap opera but in good ways and you have to get past all the POVs because there are many. This however is one of the few MQ books I have not liked.

This book is more focused in Molly, Patty and a new girl named Lucy. Even though they’re planning Jane’s wedding we don’t get any details: no food or cake decisions, no flowers, no trying on dresses, nothing. MQ did have a scene where they went to a bridal store for bridesmaid dresses but no descriptions or anything. I definitely didn’t like this book as much as the first. Everyone is lying, cheating or crying and I got completely fed up with it. Molly is so bad I can’t even find it in me to love to hate her, I just hate her. So unrealistic and as someone who has had more than my fair share of grief so far in life it rubbed me wrong in so many places. I am not sure why we even have a Lucy plot line she was unneeded and took away from Patty/Marc storyline which was dumb because we never even see her wake up then there she is. Also we built a whole storyline around Michael in the first book and he is nowhere to be found in this book at all! So wasted space in book 1 if you ask me.

Honestly I’m not sure beyond the good writing and Patty/Marc storyline if I enjoyed anything else about this book. I’ll still read the third book because I want to finish the series but honestly if I wasn’t like that this book would in no way make me want to finish it.

Staci McIntyre wrote this review for lit shit
Profile Image for Staci McIntyre.
614 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2023
So this is the second book in the series and you should definitely read them in order or you won’t understand what’s going on. I enjoyed the first book which read just like a soap opera but in good ways and you have to get past all the POVs because there are many. This however is one of the few MQ books I have not liked.

This book is more focused in Molly, Patty and a new girl named Lucy. Even though they’re planning Jane’s wedding we don’t get any details: no food or cake decisions, no flowers, no trying on dresses, nothing. MQ did have a scene where they went to a bridal store for bridesmaid dresses but no descriptions or anything. I definitely didn’t like this book as much as the first. Everyone is lying, cheating or crying and I got completely fed up with it. Molly is so bad I can’t even find it in me to love to hate her, I just hate her. So unrealistic and as someone who has had more than my fair share of grief so far in life it rubbed me wrong in so many places. I am not sure why we even have a Lucy plot line she was unneeded and took away from Patty/Marc storyline which was dumb because we never even see her wake up then there she is. Also we built a whole storyline around Michael in the first book and he is nowhere to be found in this book at all! So wasted space in book 1 if you ask me.

Honestly I’m not sure beyond the good writing and Patty/Marc storyline if I enjoyed anything else about this book. I’ll still read the third book because I want to finish the series but honestly if I wasn’t like that this book would in no way make me want to finish it.
Profile Image for kreadsoften.
1,403 reviews82 followers
January 9, 2023
This book was great! Meghan Quinn really upped the drama.

Molly really pissed me off. I couldn’t really empathize with her. She was treating everyone poorly despite them showing how much they cared. It’s understandable that everyone reacts to grief differently, but she was acting like no one cared about her. Austin, who was “with” Molly definitely deserved better, but he was also problematic. It was infuriating when he slept with Lucy then ran right back to Molly and chose her over Lucy even though he’d been best friends with Lucy since high school.

Marc was such a sweetheart though. Patty refused to be with him despite her feelings for him because she was too scared that her past would repeat itself. When her abusive ex came back and almost killed her, she realized that she should have just given Marc a chance.

When Jane confronted Molly and told her to clean up her act, Molly finally decided to try to move on from Luke. Of course, right when she was giving love another chance with Austin, Luke shows up after being thought dead for two years. I honestly didn’t think he was dead since the first book mentioned that his body wasn’t found, so it wasn’t a huge shock. Nevertheless, I had to see what happened next as the story ended on a cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
90 reviews
September 13, 2020
Hard to get through, didn't like most of the characters.
Molly may have bee a train wreck, but Jane and ALB were inconsiderate. They wouldn't even change the location of the Bachelorette party. Being glad Molly didn't show up on Sunday couples brunch( one she did with Luke) because she was bitchy. This overall just turned me off and hard to read.
Didn't like Lucy, she was more jealous and possessive of Molly's relationship with Austin, which caused friction between Molly and Lucy. Hate when people proclaim their love after 1 or 2 dates - Lucy & Connor. Then their is Marc & Patty, not too believable. One of my least favorite series of Meghan.
884 reviews
September 9, 2022
Ku
So many thought about This book. Overall there was nine POV’s way too much. So over Brady and Jane story as a couple they’re just too cute see not interesting anymore. The Lucy Connor and Austin storyline was insane the ups and the downs the I love Lucy and Connor together the what is Austin‘s problem just so much. Patty and Mark so cute together when they were flirty but her just keep pushing him away was just sad I loved Mark he was amazing patties sad story line with her ex kept me reading. I still hate Molly and the surprise at the end is absolutely killing me because I have to towel read the next one have to have to have to.
Read on kindle unlimited
Profile Image for JenJen.
409 reviews20 followers
July 22, 2024
How is this the same author that wrote the Agitator series?! I’m glad Meghan has progressed from here because it’s not great. These characters are too stupid to be alive! Aside from Jane and Brady they can all GO TO HELL in this book! Molly is the absolute f***ing worst and her complete 180 towards the end was just so unrealistic/unbelievable. The fact that Austin is willing to give her a second chance after she cheated on him and ratted out Lucy, seriously?! Ugh, and that ending! I really hope Luke tells her to go fly a kite because she doesn’t deserve an HEA. Unfortunately, as irritating as everyone is, I still want to see how this train wreck ends, on to book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christina.
1,449 reviews100 followers
January 29, 2020
More. Characters.

I think that was my biggest knock on the first book was the overwhelming amount of characters. I’m beginning to understand why Quinn, later on, went on to write a pair of interconnected duets, which I think would work a lot better in regards to this story. There is soooo much going on, and added with a lack of editing, it makes for a little bit of a difficult read. There are some characters that I like more than others so I’ll keep reading, but there are other characters I simply dislike. On to the next!
Profile Image for amanda  shaner.
143 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2021
I really enjoyed the different characters point of views in this book. My heart really broke for Molly after she lost Luke. The only thing I didn't like about Molly was the way she treated everyone around her even though she was going through depression and grieving at the same time. Jane and Brady are relationship goals for everyone after she got over her insecurities. Brady treats her like a queen and they are always ready for some playtime between the two of them. Albert is the best gay guy ever. I love the flamboyancy he brings to the story.
588 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2018
What the heck?!

I honestly could not put this book down at all. I loved and hated so many in this book, that my feelings were all over the place. Jane and Bradys crew are some of the most interesting friends I have ever read about. I was very happy with this book and look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Theresa Payne.
273 reviews
July 29, 2018
OMG

Ok so I know what I wanted to happen in this book and it did however now I dont how I feel about it. U have to read the book to understand any of this lol. Marc and Patty how perfect would the be together..... oh Austin and Lucy... man this book is so good and keeps head spinning and your heart punding.
Profile Image for Amy.
743 reviews
August 8, 2019
This book is totally enthralling! I can’t keep my eyes off the pages! Absolute page turner! The drama continues with Jane, Brady, Molly, Austin, Lucy, Marc, Patty and more! Even some surprises that FLOORED ME! I dove immediately into book 3! This has to be one of the most underrated series out there! Holy cow!!!!
Profile Image for MaryBeth.
411 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2022
Holy crap!! I don't even have the words for this book. Still can't believe it took me so long to read this series!! I never read a book that was such an emotional rollercoaster!!! I had every feeling. Happy, sad, and completely annoyed.. very annoyed actually lol!! But my god what an amazing book!! Thank you Meghan!! I give way more than 5 stars.... On to the next one
Profile Image for Roshane.
143 reviews8 followers
January 22, 2022
Tele-Novela

This one, this one right here! Tele-novela! Kept me on the edge of my seat! Like, you know a Author did good when you can hate a character so much when you see their name. Dang, Meghan Quinn, you did your thing with this one. I can not wait to read the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Deborah.
2,896 reviews22 followers
May 23, 2023
Loved it! Meghan what have you done to me!!!!! This is why I hate series books. I literally stayed up all night reading book 2 and my alarm is going off in an hour. Dear heavens, Meghan is a genius. All these characters. All the dialogue. Outstanding! I’m contemplating calling out of work to dive into book 3!
304 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2024
OMG! Twists and turns at every corner

Holy smokes this book is crazy good with so many turns and twists. I’m intrigued and can’t wait to see what in the world happens with these characters. I do feel for Austin- he better find love, somehow!!
Nanedsmomba- reviewer and blogger for Life Reads With Friends
Profile Image for A Book Obsessed Brit.
559 reviews66 followers
May 7, 2018
Well Meghan sure as hell didn't let up on the drama for book 2. We start off 2 years after the heartbreaking end of Book 1. Molly is in a total downward spiral after what happened and is in complete self destruct mode, barely a shadow of her former self. She is using sex with Austin, along side drugs and booze to dull the pain; but Austin wants more from Molly and naively gets lead along her deceitful line.

Brady and Jane are getting married living out their happily ever after as Baseball's hottest couple. Their wedding however isn't a happy time for everyone as Molly struggles to be happy for her best friend questioning why she can get her happy ever after when her own world fell apart.

Patty and Marc well we finally get to see how this game of cat and mouse plays out. Marc god love him is a trier and 2 years down the line still pursues Patty, who keeps turning him down until she agree's to try the friendship route, and it all blossoms from there. Marc and Patty's story was a highlight for me amongst all the darker elements of Molly's tale, I really enjoyed reading the chemistry growing between these two and Patty finally seeing Marc for the great man that he is.

Austin and Lucy butt heads over his relationship with Molly. Lucy has loved Austin for many years and it has always gone unreturned, until one drunken night leads the two of them to get down and dirty. The next morning Austin provides a great show as the worlds biggest douche and breaks Lucy's heart cementing her hatred for Molly firmly in place, and believe me the feeling is more than mutual where Molly is concerned. Enter Connor, Luke's (Molly's ex special forces fiance) brother. He and Lucy meet by chance and their connection is instant. They quickly become involved and cannot seem to stay away from each other. The one bone of contention that keeps causing trouble between them.....Molly of course, oh so many dramatic moments!

Rest assured Playing The Field is a great read, I really had strong feelings about Molly's total 180 in personality and everything she has become, which is basically a raging selfish bitch. She for me was the forefront of this book and weaved her way into every storyline and not in a good way, I really wanted to smack this girl around the face and thankfully Jane takes care of that for me! Then we reach the end of the book and get a twist and cliffhanger thrown in our faces. Book 3 here I come.
Profile Image for Linda Newbern.
414 reviews5 followers
May 3, 2018
Meghan Quinn, always a favorite. This one started out with Jane and Brandy, then added other characters and storylines,I usually don’t like that, but with this book everything meshed and I was so invested in each story. Cant wait to get tobook #2.
Profile Image for Nikki.
60 reviews
October 20, 2018
Got damn

That shit was like reading day of our lives...and not in the way that anyone's life is like any of that. This is MQs earlier work so it's new to me as I fell in love with her later work. But hooooo leeee sheeeeeeiiiittt. Can't stop now.
Profile Image for Julia Mayfield.
104 reviews
April 11, 2019
A little better than the first book

This book was a little better than the first one still a little all over the place and yet another cliff hanger so I have to read the next one. I can’t start a series and not finish it, even if it’s not the best in the world.
432 reviews2 followers
July 27, 2020
Getting better

Playing the Field, the second book in this series, is so much better than the first. The twists and turns that occur and the way the story evolves has me excited to read book three!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews

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