What do you think?
Rate this book
100 #5
100 Secrets – Illusion
Es ist sein Spiel, doch sie ändert die Regeln...
Der gefeierte Künstler Jared Rush besitzt einige der angesagtesten Nachtclubs in New York - und er hat eine Rechnung offen mit dem Sohn des Mannes, der seinen Vater in den Ruin getrieben hat. Jareds Plan: Seinem Gegenspieler beim Pokern so viel Geld aus der Tasche zu ziehen, dass er seine Schulden nicht begleichen kann. Doch der wahre Preis ist dessen Freundin, die ihm für eines seiner berühmten erotischen Gemälde Modell stehen soll. Jared ist es gewohnt, die Kontrolle zu haben und das tiefste Innere seiner Modelle zu zeigen. Doch bald schon stellt er fest, dass es Melanie ist, die auf den Grund seiner verwundeten Seele blickt und sein Herz nicht mehr loslässt ...
»Wunderbar romantisch und heiß zugleich.« FEELING FICTIONAL
Band 5 der 100-Reihe von SPIEGEL-Bestseller-Autorin Lara Adrian
Der gefeierte Künstler Jared Rush besitzt einige der angesagtesten Nachtclubs in New York - und er hat eine Rechnung offen mit dem Sohn des Mannes, der seinen Vater in den Ruin getrieben hat. Jareds Plan: Seinem Gegenspieler beim Pokern so viel Geld aus der Tasche zu ziehen, dass er seine Schulden nicht begleichen kann. Doch der wahre Preis ist dessen Freundin, die ihm für eines seiner berühmten erotischen Gemälde Modell stehen soll. Jared ist es gewohnt, die Kontrolle zu haben und das tiefste Innere seiner Modelle zu zeigen. Doch bald schon stellt er fest, dass es Melanie ist, die auf den Grund seiner verwundeten Seele blickt und sein Herz nicht mehr loslässt ...
»Wunderbar romantisch und heiß zugleich.« FEELING FICTIONAL
Band 5 der 100-Reihe von SPIEGEL-Bestseller-Autorin Lara Adrian
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2020
1466 people are currently reading
2587 people want to read
About the author
Lara Adrian
94 books11k followersLARA ADRIAN is a New York Times and #1 internationally best-selling author with nearly 4 million books in print and digital worldwide and translations licensed to more than 20 countries. Her books have been named among Amazon’s Top Ten Romances of the Year, and have also been nominated by readers multiple times as finalists for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance of the Year. Reviewers have called Lara’s books “addictively readable” (Chicago Tribune), “extraordinary” (Fresh Fiction), “strikingly original” (Booklist), and “one of the best vampire series on the market” (Romantic Times).
Writing as TINA ST. JOHN, her historical romances have won numerous awards including the National Readers Choice; Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice; Booksellers Best; and many others. She was twice named a Finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards, for Best Historical Romance (White Lion’s Lady) and Best Paranormal Romance (Heart of the Hunter). More recently, the German translation of Heart of the Hunter debuted on Der Spiegel bestseller list.
With an ancestry stretching back to the Mayflower and the court of King Henry VIII, the author lives with her husband in New England, where she is working on her next novel. Visit Lara’s website and sign up for new release announcements at http://bit.ly/LaraAdrianNews
Writing as TINA ST. JOHN, her historical romances have won numerous awards including the National Readers Choice; Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice; Booksellers Best; and many others. She was twice named a Finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards, for Best Historical Romance (White Lion’s Lady) and Best Paranormal Romance (Heart of the Hunter). More recently, the German translation of Heart of the Hunter debuted on Der Spiegel bestseller list.
With an ancestry stretching back to the Mayflower and the court of King Henry VIII, the author lives with her husband in New England, where she is working on her next novel. Visit Lara’s website and sign up for new release announcements at http://bit.ly/LaraAdrianNews
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
November 5, 2023
What a fabulous read!!! This book is why I love good contemporary romance!!! I'm very picky about reading this genre. It can't just be a bunch of hot sex scenes,I'm a romantic at heart and I need the emotional connection as well and a storyline and characters that jump off the pages and make me become invested in their ending. I've read Lara Adrian books for years because she knows how to capture and hold my attention. She is a amazing storyteller and her words flow flawlessly. This book was full of sensuality and beautiful breathless moments with characters that had a great chemistry from the beginning and each had a story to tell. Jared Rush is a talented painter who's paintings are depraved and very sexual. He had a Dorian Gray vibe with his hedonistic behavior and He loves nothing better then exposing his muses flaws and secrets.But when he decides to extract revenge from a son of a man who ran a scam and destroyed his family years ago he meets Melanie. What starts out as revenge by making her pose nude becomes a awakening for a man who has become so jaded,bitter and all around arrogant bastard who is keeping a secret that he hides with a beastly attitude and heavy drinking. From the first meeting melanie see's jared's deep scar's that he keeps hidden behind his eyes, very few know the real Jared or what he went through on his climb to the top. As they spend time together their attraction becomes a five alarm burn the bed down kind passionate romp that had my kindle melting!!! This is the newest book in The 100 series,but can be read as a standalone. Until next time Luv's 💕💋
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 13, 2020DNF @ 69%
Nothing wrong with the writing per se. I just didn’t feel anything for the main characters. It also didn’t help that I kept picturing the H as a young Feargal Sharkey. Clearly I’m in the minority here but I just couldn’t muster any enthusiasm to carry on! Overall, an underwhelming read with a premise that didn’t live up to my expectations.
Nothing wrong with the writing per se. I just didn’t feel anything for the main characters. It also didn’t help that I kept picturing the H as a young Feargal Sharkey. Clearly I’m in the minority here but I just couldn’t muster any enthusiasm to carry on! Overall, an underwhelming read with a premise that didn’t live up to my expectations.
February 28, 2021
Eine unglaublich tolle und besondere Geschichte!
Es war tiefgründig, anders und total fesselnd.
Die Story hatte wirklich Tiefgang und war für mich auch an einigen Stellen sehr emotional.
Jared und Melanie waren wunderbare Protagonisten und das Ende hat alles perfekt gemacht! ❤️
Eine ganz ganz tolle Buchreihe, die durch Originalität glänzt und viel mehr Aufmerksamkeit bekommen sollte!
Es war tiefgründig, anders und total fesselnd.
Die Story hatte wirklich Tiefgang und war für mich auch an einigen Stellen sehr emotional.
Jared und Melanie waren wunderbare Protagonisten und das Ende hat alles perfekt gemacht! ❤️
Eine ganz ganz tolle Buchreihe, die durch Originalität glänzt und viel mehr Aufmerksamkeit bekommen sollte!
July 14, 2020
Yay! It’s always exciting when a new Lara Adrian book comes out. I’ve been waiting for this book since March 2020 so I was really glad to finally have it in my hands. PLAY MY GAME continues the sizzling 100 days series, featuring Jared and Melanie.
This book opens up with an interesting premise. Melanie’s man has been keeping his gambling problem away from her and when he gets himself in a bind, Melanie actually ends up being the one to get him out of it. Instead of owing Jared money, she is to be his model for his next comeback. There’s not much conflict in this book, but I was still able to read it because of the characters. I found Jared to be alluring because of his dark ways although the author does play him up a bit more than is really necessary. Nevertheless, the impact is strong and I think that was what she was going for.
Melanie didn’t really wow me. However, I did appreciate her level head throughout this entire novel. I think instead of gushing over her character, I came to respect her a lot in the end and I think that’s probably just as good as falling in love with her. She didn’t immediately fall into Jared’s arms, but rather warmed up to him slowly and in a believable way. I ended up enjoying their romance tremendously.
PLAY MY GAME is a very quick read. I read it in one sitting, so I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is in need of a sexy refresher. It will definitely light your fire!
June 10, 2024
Very sweet book. I liked the main characters even if he started out like an arse. It didn't make me cry but I loved the real emotion surrounding his health issues. The ending was a bit rushed but I liked the book quite a lot
June 30, 2020
4.5 sexy, emotional and intense stars!
I love this book! An intense, emotional and deliciously seductive love story that captured my heart and had me absolutely captivated!
This book is part of the 100 series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. There is some character crossover, but it’s minor, and written in a way where you don’t need to understand previous stories in order to enjoy this one. So feel free to dive in!
Jared Rush is a brilliant artist whose hedonistic paintings have made him a fortune. He has a reputation as being a bit of a deviant playboy, but he has come from humble beginnings and has survived a traumatic childhood to get to where he is. He still holds a lot of anger over his past, and when an opportunity is presented to him to get his vengeance, he takes it.
Melanie is a part time student working two jobs to help support her family. It’s her boyfriend that drags her into Jared’s world, but he runs into trouble and the only way to get him out of it is if she poses for one of Jared’s paintings. She reluctantly agrees, but she has no idea that Jared’s ultimate plan is to seduce her.
It’s a dark set up, and Jared comes across as this controlling millionaire who takes what he wants, but there is an denying the sizzling attraction between the two of them. It’s there from their very first encounter, and my heart was pounding with anticipation to see how it would all play out.
This book has the feel of those darkly intense romances that were so hugely popular (and that I was obsessed with) in the early 2010s - Fifty Shades, Crossfire, In Flight, etc., but without the BDSM - and I was thrilled to be able to experience that feeling again. That sense of power beneath heart-pounding excitement and desperation as you wait for two characters to come together.
Jared has all the hallmarks of your controlling alpha millionaire – he’s not obsessive, but he’s certainly intense and all-consuming, and he pursues Melanie with raw determination. While his initial plan may be been one of revenge, he feels so much more for Melanie than he ever anticipated. His desire for her just leaps off the page, and I loved seeing him experience that sort of emotion for the first time.
And Melanie is a wonderful heroine. She’s strong, stubborn and determined, and even when faced with such a powerful presence as Jared, she’s not a pushover. She’s feeling their attraction just as strongly as he is, but she makes him work for it, and she’s not about to accept anything that is not on her terms, and I love that about her!
The sexy time is seriously hot. There wasn’t as much as I was expecting, and there’s quite a bit of build-up that goes into it before they get down and dirty, but it’s so worth the wait. Passionate and explosive, it reflects all that they feel for each other, and the emotion is really well written.
They both have demons in their pasts, and there is some drama as secrets are revealed. It was more emotional than I was anticipating, and I felt everything with them as they dealt with it all. And it presents the opportunity for a swoony-as-hell ending that had me clutching my heart and grinning like a fool as Jared and Melanie find their HEA.
This is a really great read. It was just the intense, all-consuming romance that I was in the mood for. I loved Jared and Melanie as characters, and their story is beautiful.
I loved it – 4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love this book! An intense, emotional and deliciously seductive love story that captured my heart and had me absolutely captivated!
This book is part of the 100 series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. There is some character crossover, but it’s minor, and written in a way where you don’t need to understand previous stories in order to enjoy this one. So feel free to dive in!
Jared Rush is a brilliant artist whose hedonistic paintings have made him a fortune. He has a reputation as being a bit of a deviant playboy, but he has come from humble beginnings and has survived a traumatic childhood to get to where he is. He still holds a lot of anger over his past, and when an opportunity is presented to him to get his vengeance, he takes it.
Melanie is a part time student working two jobs to help support her family. It’s her boyfriend that drags her into Jared’s world, but he runs into trouble and the only way to get him out of it is if she poses for one of Jared’s paintings. She reluctantly agrees, but she has no idea that Jared’s ultimate plan is to seduce her.
It’s a dark set up, and Jared comes across as this controlling millionaire who takes what he wants, but there is an denying the sizzling attraction between the two of them. It’s there from their very first encounter, and my heart was pounding with anticipation to see how it would all play out.
I saw her, and I knew I had to have her. On my canvas. In my bed. At my total mercy.
This book has the feel of those darkly intense romances that were so hugely popular (and that I was obsessed with) in the early 2010s - Fifty Shades, Crossfire, In Flight, etc., but without the BDSM - and I was thrilled to be able to experience that feeling again. That sense of power beneath heart-pounding excitement and desperation as you wait for two characters to come together.
This need is something different. It’s something deeper. Something she’s not ready for.
Maybe neither of us are ready to give in to what we both want from each other.
Jared has all the hallmarks of your controlling alpha millionaire – he’s not obsessive, but he’s certainly intense and all-consuming, and he pursues Melanie with raw determination. While his initial plan may be been one of revenge, he feels so much more for Melanie than he ever anticipated. His desire for her just leaps off the page, and I loved seeing him experience that sort of emotion for the first time.
I should let her go. I never should have brought her into any of this in the first place.
But it’s too late for that.
Too late for either one of us. There’s no undoing the connection that’s been smoldering between us since our eyes locked for the first time. Now, those flames are on the verge of exploding into something neither of us can control.
And Melanie is a wonderful heroine. She’s strong, stubborn and determined, and even when faced with such a powerful presence as Jared, she’s not a pushover. She’s feeling their attraction just as strongly as he is, but she makes him work for it, and she’s not about to accept anything that is not on her terms, and I love that about her!
The sexy time is seriously hot. There wasn’t as much as I was expecting, and there’s quite a bit of build-up that goes into it before they get down and dirty, but it’s so worth the wait. Passionate and explosive, it reflects all that they feel for each other, and the emotion is really well written.
“You’re mine.” I say it fiercely, needing her to understand. “I love you, Melanie Laurent. For the rest of my life, I’m going to love you.
They both have demons in their pasts, and there is some drama as secrets are revealed. It was more emotional than I was anticipating, and I felt everything with them as they dealt with it all. And it presents the opportunity for a swoony-as-hell ending that had me clutching my heart and grinning like a fool as Jared and Melanie find their HEA.
This is a really great read. It was just the intense, all-consuming romance that I was in the mood for. I loved Jared and Melanie as characters, and their story is beautiful.
I loved it – 4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2020
Yay! It’s always exciting when a new Lara Adrian book comes out. I’ve been waiting for this book since March 2020 so I was really glad to finally have it in my hands. PLAY MY GAME continues the sizzling 100 days series, featuring Jared and Melanie.
This book opens up with an interesting premise. Melanie’s man has been keeping his gambling problem away from her and when he gets himself in a bind, Melanie actually ends up being the one to get him out of it. Instead of owing Jared money, she is to be his model for his next comeback. There’s not much conflict in this book, but I was still able to read it because of the characters. I found Jared to be alluring because of his dark ways although the author does play him up a bit more than is really necessary. Nevertheless, the impact is strong and I think that was what she was going for.
Melanie didn’t really wow me. However, I did appreciate her level head throughout this entire novel. I think instead of gushing over her character, I came to respect her a lot in the end and I think that’s probably just as good as falling in love with her. She didn’t immediately fall into Jared’s arms, but rather warmed up to him slowly and in a believable way. I ended up enjoying their romance tremendously.
PLAY MY GAME is a very quick read. I read it in one sitting, so I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is in need of a sexy refresher. It will definitely light your fire!
❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
July 15, 2020
I've been a huge fan of Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series for years now but I also really love her contemporary romances and Play My Game was right up there with the best of them. We've met the mysterious and brooding artist Jared in previous instalments of the 100 series so I was already looking forward to his book, I'm not sure if we saw Melanie before but she is friends with Eve so does have a link too. As always it was fun spotting previous character cameos but Jared and Melanie rightly take centre stage for their story.
Melanie is actually pulled into Jared's circle when she finds out that her boyfriend has a gambling problem and has got himself in trouble. Jared offers to bail him out but only if Melanie agrees to pose for his latest painting. She has no idea that she's been caught up in a revenge plot that Jared has been planning for months though and her life is about to get extremely complicated. I was glad to see that the boyfriend became an ex the minute Melanie discovered how much he'd been lying to her so if you're worried about any potential cheating issues you can dive into this book without fear. I actually had a huge amount of respect for Melanie from the beginning, she knows her own value and she won't put up with anyone treating her badly which makes her easy to root for. I always love a heroine with a backbone!
Jared is dealing with some pretty big demons and has been using alcohol as a crutch but when he sees how much it upsets Melanie he realises that he needs to do something differently. The attraction between them was pretty instant but I liked that it took time to develop into a relationship. Even though Jared went into things with an agenda he realises pretty quickly that Melanie is important to him and this didn't end up being a story with a huge amount of drama. I don't know about anyone else but 2020 has been bringing more than enough stress into my life so I really appreciated being able to just relax and enjoy this story! If you enjoyed the previous books in this series then you're bound to love Play My Game too but it would work just as well for someone who is new to the series as there are only a few cameos to link it to previous books.
Melanie is actually pulled into Jared's circle when she finds out that her boyfriend has a gambling problem and has got himself in trouble. Jared offers to bail him out but only if Melanie agrees to pose for his latest painting. She has no idea that she's been caught up in a revenge plot that Jared has been planning for months though and her life is about to get extremely complicated. I was glad to see that the boyfriend became an ex the minute Melanie discovered how much he'd been lying to her so if you're worried about any potential cheating issues you can dive into this book without fear. I actually had a huge amount of respect for Melanie from the beginning, she knows her own value and she won't put up with anyone treating her badly which makes her easy to root for. I always love a heroine with a backbone!
Jared is dealing with some pretty big demons and has been using alcohol as a crutch but when he sees how much it upsets Melanie he realises that he needs to do something differently. The attraction between them was pretty instant but I liked that it took time to develop into a relationship. Even though Jared went into things with an agenda he realises pretty quickly that Melanie is important to him and this didn't end up being a story with a huge amount of drama. I don't know about anyone else but 2020 has been bringing more than enough stress into my life so I really appreciated being able to just relax and enjoy this story! If you enjoyed the previous books in this series then you're bound to love Play My Game too but it would work just as well for someone who is new to the series as there are only a few cameos to link it to previous books.
July 3, 2021
Die Hauptreihe muss ich immer noch lesen aber ich musst schon diesen band lesen. ich war einfach zu neugierig.
Der Klappentext hat mich einfach schon neugierig gemacht und nicht zu viel versprochen.
Ich mochte die Geschichte um die beiden Protagonisten Jared und Melanie.
Zumal dies auch eine gewissen Tiefe diesmal hat.
Die Handlung hat mich gefesselt und ich war gespannt wie es sich zwischen den beiden entwickelt. Sie kommen aus unterschiedlichen Welten aber man merkt direkt eine gewisse Anziehungskraft die beide auf den anderen ausüben. Trotzdem hat mir hier ein gewisser Funke gefehlt. Die Anziehung ist da aber mir hat ein gewisser Moment irgendwie gefehlt.
Melanie opfert sich für andere auf und ist super liebenswert und lässt sich nicht unterkriegen. Aber eine gewisse Taffheit hat mir hier gefehlt, manchmal kam sie mir unsicher vor.
Jared hat ein sehr starkes Auftreten, trotzdem hat mir was gefehlt bei ihm, obwohl ich ihn mochte.
Trotzdem ist die Geschichte sehr angenehm und man kann drin abtauchen und sie genießen.
Die Bücher der Autorin lese ich immer noch ganz gern und ich werde mir bei Gelegenheit noch die Hauptreihe besorgen und lesen.
Der Klappentext hat mich einfach schon neugierig gemacht und nicht zu viel versprochen.
Ich mochte die Geschichte um die beiden Protagonisten Jared und Melanie.
Zumal dies auch eine gewissen Tiefe diesmal hat.
Die Handlung hat mich gefesselt und ich war gespannt wie es sich zwischen den beiden entwickelt. Sie kommen aus unterschiedlichen Welten aber man merkt direkt eine gewisse Anziehungskraft die beide auf den anderen ausüben. Trotzdem hat mir hier ein gewisser Funke gefehlt. Die Anziehung ist da aber mir hat ein gewisser Moment irgendwie gefehlt.
Melanie opfert sich für andere auf und ist super liebenswert und lässt sich nicht unterkriegen. Aber eine gewisse Taffheit hat mir hier gefehlt, manchmal kam sie mir unsicher vor.
Jared hat ein sehr starkes Auftreten, trotzdem hat mir was gefehlt bei ihm, obwohl ich ihn mochte.
Trotzdem ist die Geschichte sehr angenehm und man kann drin abtauchen und sie genießen.
Die Bücher der Autorin lese ich immer noch ganz gern und ich werde mir bei Gelegenheit noch die Hauptreihe besorgen und lesen.
December 12, 2024
another winner
I have loved all the books in this series. Jared was a surprise (a pleasant one) I enjoy a damaged hero and Jared did not disappoint. Melanie of course, was perfect for him. She thawed him out and made a better man out of him. Both hurt from their past upbringing, they came together beautifully in the end.
I have loved all the books in this series. Jared was a surprise (a pleasant one) I enjoy a damaged hero and Jared did not disappoint. Melanie of course, was perfect for him. She thawed him out and made a better man out of him. Both hurt from their past upbringing, they came together beautifully in the end.
September 22, 2024
I didn't like this book as much as the other books.
July 3, 2020
Lara Adrain has done it again with book. I laughed and cried and truly fell in love with Jared. Loved every page of this book. Parts of it were very personal for me and hard to deal with. Those parts only had me tearing up more. This newest to the 100 series is just outstanding.
August 24, 2020
This one was a fast paced one although my least fav. in this series.
April 21, 2023
3.75⭐️
War Anfangs wirklich gut. Die Storyline war sehr spannend und die Charaktere interessant. Von der Umsetzung her war ich leider nicht so zufrieden. Der Ursprüngliche Plot im Buch das Jared nackt Melanie malen wollte wurde einfach ignoriert. Es hatte soooooviel Potential😭
Man hätte in jedem Kapitel Spannung aufbauen können und ein „knistern“ 💀 zwischen den beiden erzeugen. Stattdessen haben sie beim zweiten Mal- treffen direkt gevögelt und die Luft des Buches war raus.👍🏻
Das Ende war mir irgendwie zu kitschig und ist zu kurz gekommen.
Dennoch war der Schreibstil sehr angenehm🫶🏻
War Anfangs wirklich gut. Die Storyline war sehr spannend und die Charaktere interessant. Von der Umsetzung her war ich leider nicht so zufrieden. Der Ursprüngliche Plot im Buch das Jared nackt Melanie malen wollte wurde einfach ignoriert. Es hatte soooooviel Potential😭
Man hätte in jedem Kapitel Spannung aufbauen können und ein „knistern“ 💀 zwischen den beiden erzeugen. Stattdessen haben sie beim zweiten Mal- treffen direkt gevögelt und die Luft des Buches war raus.👍🏻
Das Ende war mir irgendwie zu kitschig und ist zu kurz gekommen.
Dennoch war der Schreibstil sehr angenehm🫶🏻
July 13, 2020
I liked this one, but things sure when fast between Jared and Melanie, especially when she starts out the book dating someone else. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad she's not with Daniel, he is a weak POS. I'm also glad that Jared seemed to get his issues worked out and that he and Melanie can be happy.
January 11, 2025
I absolutely loved this entire series!! I know this one book was separate but all of the characters came together. Written so good! This one was more emotional but I loved it so much!! Can’t wait for the new book this year for the 100 series. I would love more on each couple as I fell inlove with each couple and their stories. 10/10 for me!
November 5, 2024
Heartwarming
I have loved this entire series. It’s been wonderful thank you for your writing. Can’t wait to see you anymore of your work.
I have loved this entire series. It’s been wonderful thank you for your writing. Can’t wait to see you anymore of your work.
December 25, 2024
The writing 😭 God the writing is amazing 😍🤩
June 24, 2025
it was a good plot with potential but it feels incomplete, what about his drinking problem ? that just magically goes away?
November 4, 2024
An incredible contemporary romance that I couldn't put down!!!
Melanie Laurent is a struggling MBA student and the primary breadwinner for her small family (consisting of her ailing mother and young niece). In the opening chapter, Melanie is confronted with the shocking fact that her new boyfriend has a serious gambling problem. In order to clear his debts, artist Jared Rush makes a deal with the couple that Melanie will pose for him to paint. Melanie is appalled at the idea and that her boyfriend was keeping secrets from her, but she is unwilling to throw him to the wolves. Jared is technically using Melanie as a means for revenge, but soon discovers she means more to him than his twisted plans.
I love that the author can get readers so emotionally invested so quickly. Both Melanie and Jared have intense personal issues that they're dealing with and yet they're able to forge a connection so seamlessly and perfectly. I also am thrilled that characters from previous books make appearances throughout. There are a couple of other characters that I could see having their own books in the future and I've got my fingers crossed that the series continues. Highly recommend!!!
Melanie Laurent is a struggling MBA student and the primary breadwinner for her small family (consisting of her ailing mother and young niece). In the opening chapter, Melanie is confronted with the shocking fact that her new boyfriend has a serious gambling problem. In order to clear his debts, artist Jared Rush makes a deal with the couple that Melanie will pose for him to paint. Melanie is appalled at the idea and that her boyfriend was keeping secrets from her, but she is unwilling to throw him to the wolves. Jared is technically using Melanie as a means for revenge, but soon discovers she means more to him than his twisted plans.
I love that the author can get readers so emotionally invested so quickly. Both Melanie and Jared have intense personal issues that they're dealing with and yet they're able to forge a connection so seamlessly and perfectly. I also am thrilled that characters from previous books make appearances throughout. There are a couple of other characters that I could see having their own books in the future and I've got my fingers crossed that the series continues. Highly recommend!!!
December 15, 2020
Play My Game
100 Series, Book 5
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla Digital via PP Library
Dates Read: 11/25/20 - 11/30/20
Stars: 3.5
The Characters:
Jared Rush:
Melanie Laurent:
The Story:
To be honest, I didn’t really like Jared and his vendetta was kinda boring. Maybe because we didn’t find out the full details until late in the book but that whole part was just kinda meh. I did like the back and forth between him and Melanie.
The Random Thoughts:
It was good to get a peek at some of the characters from previous books.
100 Series, Book 5
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla Digital via PP Library
Dates Read: 11/25/20 - 11/30/20
Stars: 3.5
The Characters:
Jared Rush:
Melanie Laurent:
The Story:
To be honest, I didn’t really like Jared and his vendetta was kinda boring. Maybe because we didn’t find out the full details until late in the book but that whole part was just kinda meh. I did like the back and forth between him and Melanie.
The Random Thoughts:
It was good to get a peek at some of the characters from previous books.
January 4, 2022
Ok, es beginnt recht mysteriös und voller zwiegespaltene Gefühle und man verfolgt die Geschichte voller Spannung. Melanie zeigt sich von einer ganz anderen Seiten als man vom ersten Eindruck erwartet und das macht die Geschichte noch interessanter. Jared ist genauso wie ich es erwartet hatte und das ist auch gut so. Denn das höre ich gerne. Gefühlschaos, fesselnd und voller Leidenschaft. Die Sprecher machen einen guten Job, sodass ich bei manchen Szenen eine Gänsehaut bekomme. Man ahnt schon in welche Richtung die Geschichte ihren Lauf nimmt, doch hat die ein oder anderen Wendung noch einen kleinen Überraschungseffekt. Eine wunderbare Liebesgeschichte von Lara Adrian, die mir sehr gut gefällt und einen guten Abschluss der Reihe bringt.
February 20, 2023
I was waiting for Jared’s story
Jared was one of the more intriguing secondary characters from the 100 series and I am so glad we got to read his story. I must confess that in PLAY MY GAME, he seemed much better behaved than was hinted in Nick and Avery’s story. We’ve heard the rumors of his kinks and debauchery, but not actually been able to judge such proclivities for ourselves.
Melanie’s story was also very compelling and I only wanted to see her express more of her freedom and passion with Jared.
Jared was one of the more intriguing secondary characters from the 100 series and I am so glad we got to read his story. I must confess that in PLAY MY GAME, he seemed much better behaved than was hinted in Nick and Avery’s story. We’ve heard the rumors of his kinks and debauchery, but not actually been able to judge such proclivities for ourselves.
Melanie’s story was also very compelling and I only wanted to see her express more of her freedom and passion with Jared.
February 28, 2021
Meine Meinung:
Bis jetzt haben mir die Bücher von Lara Adrian immer richtig gut gefallen und deswegen war ich schon sehr gespannt auf den fünften Band der 100-Reihe. Und ich wurde nicht enttäuscht: Die Geschichte war wie gewohnt spannend, tiefgründig und mit der richtigen Prise Erotik versehen. Jared und Mel haben mich in ihren Bann gezogen und es wurde nie langweilig, ihrer Geschichte zu folgen. Ich finde, dass man hier dieses heiße CEO-Flair spürte, ohne dass man eine übliche Klischee-Geschichte vor der Nase hat.
Glücklicherweise hat die Autorin beiden Protagonisten eine Sicht geschenkt, denn in Jareds Kopf herumzuschnüffeln war eine sehr interessante Erfahrung. Jareds Gedanken sind speziell und manchmal so typisch Mann, dass ich ihm manchmal den Kopf hätte abreißen können. Aber auch Mels Sicht konnte mich von der ersten Seite an fesseln und die Ich-Perspektive hat mir den Lesefluss gleich noch mehr erleichtert. Lara Adrian merkt man einfach an, dass sie schon viele viele Bücher geschrieben hat, denn sie beherrscht es perfekt, mit Wörtern umzugehen und konstant die Spannung zu halten. Ihr Schreibstil lässt sich sehr flüssig lesen und insgesamt wollte ich dieses Buch gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen, denn ich wurde in dieser Welt gefangen gehalten - vom Schreibstil, den Charakteren und der Handlung. Die Kapitel waren eine bunte Mischung aus längeren und kürzeren Exemplaren, doch sie waren nie zu lang, sodass ich nie das Gefühl hatte, dass es langatmig wird.
Das Cover ist jetzt nicht mein persönlicher Liebling, aber erstens passt es perfekt ins Genre und zweitens passt es perfekt in die bestehende Reihe, also habe ich auch nichts zu meckern.
Wie ich oben schon einmal erwähnt habe, fand ich Jareds Gedanken immer sehr interessant, denn auf der einen Seite ist er ein sehr sinnlicher Mann, aber er hat auch einen weichen Kern, mit dem er mich ganz schnell um seinen kleinen Finger gewickelt hat. Er ist ein sehr kreativer Mensch, was durch seinen Beruf nur verständlich ist und diese Kreativität lebt er liebend gern an Melanie aus. Melanie, die eigentlich vergeben ist und Jareds Art am Anfang überhaupt nicht leiden kann. Aber seine Anziehung ist einfach unwiderstehlich und ihr zu entkommen, ist fast unmöglich. Ich habe Mel als eine sehr kluge, aufopferungsvolle junge Frau kennengelernt, die es wirklich nicht leicht hatte in ihrem bisherigen Leben. Trotzdem hat sie sich zu einer starken Persönlichkeit entwickelt, die mich immer wieder erstaunt hat. Jared und Melanie sind wahrlich keine einfachen Charaktere, aber beide tragen ihr eigenes Päckchen mit sich herum, das sie handeln lässt, wie sie es in ihrer Geschichte tun. Das Knistern zwischen ihnen war beinahe greifbar, weswegen ich die Beziehung zwischen den Beiden von Anfang an geshippt und unterstützt habe.
Auch der fünfte Band der 100-Reihe von Lara Adrian hat mir tolle Lesestunden verschafft, weswegen ich ihn euch sehr empfehlen kann. Dieses Buch überzeugt mit einer spannenden Handlung, welche erstaunlich tiefgründig wird und mich komplett in ihren Bann gezogen hat.
Vielen Dank an den LYX Verlag für die Bereitstellung dieses Rezensionsexemplars.
4,5 Sternchen von 5 Sternchen
Bis jetzt haben mir die Bücher von Lara Adrian immer richtig gut gefallen und deswegen war ich schon sehr gespannt auf den fünften Band der 100-Reihe. Und ich wurde nicht enttäuscht: Die Geschichte war wie gewohnt spannend, tiefgründig und mit der richtigen Prise Erotik versehen. Jared und Mel haben mich in ihren Bann gezogen und es wurde nie langweilig, ihrer Geschichte zu folgen. Ich finde, dass man hier dieses heiße CEO-Flair spürte, ohne dass man eine übliche Klischee-Geschichte vor der Nase hat.
Glücklicherweise hat die Autorin beiden Protagonisten eine Sicht geschenkt, denn in Jareds Kopf herumzuschnüffeln war eine sehr interessante Erfahrung. Jareds Gedanken sind speziell und manchmal so typisch Mann, dass ich ihm manchmal den Kopf hätte abreißen können. Aber auch Mels Sicht konnte mich von der ersten Seite an fesseln und die Ich-Perspektive hat mir den Lesefluss gleich noch mehr erleichtert. Lara Adrian merkt man einfach an, dass sie schon viele viele Bücher geschrieben hat, denn sie beherrscht es perfekt, mit Wörtern umzugehen und konstant die Spannung zu halten. Ihr Schreibstil lässt sich sehr flüssig lesen und insgesamt wollte ich dieses Buch gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen, denn ich wurde in dieser Welt gefangen gehalten - vom Schreibstil, den Charakteren und der Handlung. Die Kapitel waren eine bunte Mischung aus längeren und kürzeren Exemplaren, doch sie waren nie zu lang, sodass ich nie das Gefühl hatte, dass es langatmig wird.
Das Cover ist jetzt nicht mein persönlicher Liebling, aber erstens passt es perfekt ins Genre und zweitens passt es perfekt in die bestehende Reihe, also habe ich auch nichts zu meckern.
Wie ich oben schon einmal erwähnt habe, fand ich Jareds Gedanken immer sehr interessant, denn auf der einen Seite ist er ein sehr sinnlicher Mann, aber er hat auch einen weichen Kern, mit dem er mich ganz schnell um seinen kleinen Finger gewickelt hat. Er ist ein sehr kreativer Mensch, was durch seinen Beruf nur verständlich ist und diese Kreativität lebt er liebend gern an Melanie aus. Melanie, die eigentlich vergeben ist und Jareds Art am Anfang überhaupt nicht leiden kann. Aber seine Anziehung ist einfach unwiderstehlich und ihr zu entkommen, ist fast unmöglich. Ich habe Mel als eine sehr kluge, aufopferungsvolle junge Frau kennengelernt, die es wirklich nicht leicht hatte in ihrem bisherigen Leben. Trotzdem hat sie sich zu einer starken Persönlichkeit entwickelt, die mich immer wieder erstaunt hat. Jared und Melanie sind wahrlich keine einfachen Charaktere, aber beide tragen ihr eigenes Päckchen mit sich herum, das sie handeln lässt, wie sie es in ihrer Geschichte tun. Das Knistern zwischen ihnen war beinahe greifbar, weswegen ich die Beziehung zwischen den Beiden von Anfang an geshippt und unterstützt habe.
Auch der fünfte Band der 100-Reihe von Lara Adrian hat mir tolle Lesestunden verschafft, weswegen ich ihn euch sehr empfehlen kann. Dieses Buch überzeugt mit einer spannenden Handlung, welche erstaunlich tiefgründig wird und mich komplett in ihren Bann gezogen hat.
Vielen Dank an den LYX Verlag für die Bereitstellung dieses Rezensionsexemplars.
4,5 Sternchen von 5 Sternchen
January 20, 2025
I can't imagine the thought that goes into creating a world the way that Lara has and it just gets better with every book she writes. I've blown through all of the books and I'm salivating for another one after getting through Play My Game.
Knowing that, so far, this is the final book of her "100" series makes me sort of sad, if only for the fact that I want and need more!
This book is all about Jared and Melanie and the hope of a revenge from childhood. Throughout the whole of it, you can feel the rising tension between our two main characters here, and the budding attraction that leaves Mel feeling guilty seeing as the only reason she was even tied to Jared to begin with was as a way to pay off her boyfriend's gambling debt. And, as a side bonus, earn money to help out her situation at home with her mother and her niece.
When push comes to shove, Jared finds himself regretting things. Not necessarily meeting her or even bringing her into his life, but putting her into the contract in order to paint her when nothing that was being done was her fault. But the overly tenacious Melanie stands toe-to-toe with him, forgoing his few moments of "You can walk away from all of this if you want to." moments. He does try to give her a way out. But she doesn't take it. She's just as intrigued by him as he seems to be with her.
Feelings build and explode between them, twisting the views of literally everything in their lives to a point where neither can seem to want to be without the other, until that past comes back to haunt them both. How fast can things turn on you? In the span of an instant, just finding out you've been lied to. That's enough. But can they get past the lax explanations and turn things around?
Ugh, another 10 out of 10. This whole series has ruined me for other billionaire stories!
Knowing that, so far, this is the final book of her "100" series makes me sort of sad, if only for the fact that I want and need more!
This book is all about Jared and Melanie and the hope of a revenge from childhood. Throughout the whole of it, you can feel the rising tension between our two main characters here, and the budding attraction that leaves Mel feeling guilty seeing as the only reason she was even tied to Jared to begin with was as a way to pay off her boyfriend's gambling debt. And, as a side bonus, earn money to help out her situation at home with her mother and her niece.
When push comes to shove, Jared finds himself regretting things. Not necessarily meeting her or even bringing her into his life, but putting her into the contract in order to paint her when nothing that was being done was her fault. But the overly tenacious Melanie stands toe-to-toe with him, forgoing his few moments of "You can walk away from all of this if you want to." moments. He does try to give her a way out. But she doesn't take it. She's just as intrigued by him as he seems to be with her.
Feelings build and explode between them, twisting the views of literally everything in their lives to a point where neither can seem to want to be without the other, until that past comes back to haunt them both. How fast can things turn on you? In the span of an instant, just finding out you've been lied to. That's enough. But can they get past the lax explanations and turn things around?
Ugh, another 10 out of 10. This whole series has ruined me for other billionaire stories!
September 6, 2020
In simplest terms, Jared is a rich man bend on destroying someone and he thinks it might bring him some closure. The universe puts Melanie into his orbit and he can't control his feelings for her. Melanie is bold, smart and kind. She can't control her feelings for Jared. Their relationship isn't without issues but it's pretty straightforward.
I will say this was a fast read. My issues are many. First, Jared is so angry. Wow. Vindictive guy. His reasons are pretty weak. Second, he's an artist, business owner, kind of mob guy (I exaggerate). That's cool because it gives lots of opportunity but it becomes a throw away. The author focuses on him being mysterious, rich, handsome and moody. Ok. But he could be so much more. Third (I'll make this last though there's more), Melanie. Oh, Melanie. Her decision to make a deal with Jared to save her boyfriend makes no sense at all. Even if Melanie is the nicest person on earth, it makes no sense. Sigh.
Why did I give it three stars? It is a fast read. There is a story about Jared that is quite good (no details because big spoilers). Melanie manages to juggle a very complex life while having great friendships (I think she'd be a quality person in real life). There were some other minor good elements so I gave it three stars.
borrowed copy from Kindle Unlimited
I will say this was a fast read. My issues are many. First, Jared is so angry. Wow. Vindictive guy. His reasons are pretty weak. Second, he's an artist, business owner, kind of mob guy (I exaggerate). That's cool because it gives lots of opportunity but it becomes a throw away. The author focuses on him being mysterious, rich, handsome and moody. Ok. But he could be so much more. Third (I'll make this last though there's more), Melanie. Oh, Melanie. Her decision to make a deal with Jared to save her boyfriend makes no sense at all. Even if Melanie is the nicest person on earth, it makes no sense. Sigh.
Why did I give it three stars? It is a fast read. There is a story about Jared that is quite good (no details because big spoilers). Melanie manages to juggle a very complex life while having great friendships (I think she'd be a quality person in real life). There were some other minor good elements so I gave it three stars.
borrowed copy from Kindle Unlimited
December 16, 2020
Nachdem ich die 100 Days Trilogie und den ersten Band der 100 Secrets Reihe einfach so weg gelesen haben, war ich sehr darauf gespannt, wie der nächste Teil sei wird. Gerade der Klappentext klang sehr vielversprechend und man hat Jared Rush ja schon ein bisschen in den anderen Bänden kennengelernt. Nachdem lesen muss ich sagen, dass ich leider ein kleines bisschen enttäuscht bin. Versteht mich nicht falsch, es war ein tolles Buch und gute Unterhaltung, aber dennoch hat die Autorin, meiner Meinung nach, Potential liegen gelassen. Durch den modernen und flüssigen Schreistil von Lara Adrian fliegt man nur so durch die Seiten, aber es fehlt mir einfach an Spannung. Ich habe hätte mir tiefere Emotionen gewünscht und etwas mehr knistern. Im Prinzip ist 280 Seiten lang nichts passiert, bis es am Ende nochmal etwas vorhersehbares Drama gab. Im Vergleich zu den anderen Bänden, war dies der schlechteste Teil.
Die Charaktere sind ganz gut entwickelt, auch wenn sie stellenweise etwas blass waren. Jared Rush hat als Charakter echt Potential und ich habe in gemocht, aber dennoch hat mir bei ihm das gewisse Etwas gefehlt. Melanie war eine absolut süße Person und ich habe sie von der ersten Seite an ins Herz geschlossen. Sie ist eine aufopferungsvolle junge Frau, die alles für ihre Familie tut. Auch ihrer innere Stärke hab ich bewundert, sie lässt sich nicht unterkriegen. Allerdings habe ich die Liebesgeschichte, zwischen ihr und Jared nicht ganz nachvollziehen können. Die Zeit war dafür einfach zu kurz und wirklich oft und lange haben sie sich nicht gesehen. Ich hätte mir da etwas mehr Knistern und Emotionen gewünscht.
Trotzdem war „100 Secrets – Illusion“ im Großen und Ganzen ein süßer Liebesroman für zwischendurch und Fans von Lara Adrian werden bestimmt auf ihrer Kosten kommen. Dennoch kann ich die anderen Teile der Reihe eher empfehlen.
Von mit gibt es eine kleine Leseempfehlung.
Die Charaktere sind ganz gut entwickelt, auch wenn sie stellenweise etwas blass waren. Jared Rush hat als Charakter echt Potential und ich habe in gemocht, aber dennoch hat mir bei ihm das gewisse Etwas gefehlt. Melanie war eine absolut süße Person und ich habe sie von der ersten Seite an ins Herz geschlossen. Sie ist eine aufopferungsvolle junge Frau, die alles für ihre Familie tut. Auch ihrer innere Stärke hab ich bewundert, sie lässt sich nicht unterkriegen. Allerdings habe ich die Liebesgeschichte, zwischen ihr und Jared nicht ganz nachvollziehen können. Die Zeit war dafür einfach zu kurz und wirklich oft und lange haben sie sich nicht gesehen. Ich hätte mir da etwas mehr Knistern und Emotionen gewünscht.
Trotzdem war „100 Secrets – Illusion“ im Großen und Ganzen ein süßer Liebesroman für zwischendurch und Fans von Lara Adrian werden bestimmt auf ihrer Kosten kommen. Dennoch kann ich die anderen Teile der Reihe eher empfehlen.
Von mit gibt es eine kleine Leseempfehlung.
September 14, 2024
The final installment, for now, in Lara Adrian's '100 Series' is certainly a worthy purchase and read. It tells the tale of Jared Rush, a renowned artist and friend to Nick, Avery, Andrew, and Gabe. Jared, a child who lost everything due to his father's involvement in a Ponzi scheme, endured the suicide of his father and the subsequent alcohol addiction and death of his mother from a heart attack. Ostracized by his mother's family after these tragedies, Jared grew up a tortured soul with a generous heart. Enter Melanie Laurent, a woman who grew up impoverished with an abusive alcoholic father who vented his rage on her, her sister Jen, and their mother. One fateful night, her father's attempt to kill them in a car crash resulted in his own death, leaving the family to survive and recover. This narrative weave the dark, tormented life of Jared with the resilient, loving nature of Melanie, whose loyalty is as profound as her love. Amidst a backdrop of secrets, lies, and betrayal, enemies transform into friends and, ultimately, lovers. This story exemplifies the power of love to triumph over adversity. The author, Lara Adrian, has crafted a narrative that captures the heart and imagination.
July 13, 2020
Revenge isn't sweet
Play My Game is captivating, I couldn't put it down! Jared Rush finally gets a book and I loved it. I have been curious about the bad boy artist since he was introduced in Dominic and Avery's trilogy.
Jared Rush is known for his highly erotic paintings and his bad boy reputation but there is many layers to Jared that come out in this book. Jared hasn't painted in two years, nothing has caught his interest until he sees her dancing in his club, the carefree way she moved her body with her auburn hair falling down her back spoke to him. He knew who she was, Melanie Laurent, she was with a man who Jared has sworn to devastate, so why not take her as well?
Melanie is a couple of months from getting her MBA, she works two jobs to help take care of her mom and her 6 year old niece after her sister died. Melanie has been with Daniel for three months and things are going well until the night he gets an invitation to play poker....secrets are revealed that have put Melanie in a position she never thought to be in.
Play My Game is captivating, I couldn't put it down! Jared Rush finally gets a book and I loved it. I have been curious about the bad boy artist since he was introduced in Dominic and Avery's trilogy.
Jared Rush is known for his highly erotic paintings and his bad boy reputation but there is many layers to Jared that come out in this book. Jared hasn't painted in two years, nothing has caught his interest until he sees her dancing in his club, the carefree way she moved her body with her auburn hair falling down her back spoke to him. He knew who she was, Melanie Laurent, she was with a man who Jared has sworn to devastate, so why not take her as well?
Melanie is a couple of months from getting her MBA, she works two jobs to help take care of her mom and her 6 year old niece after her sister died. Melanie has been with Daniel for three months and things are going well until the night he gets an invitation to play poker....secrets are revealed that have put Melanie in a position she never thought to be in.
August 17, 2020
My favorite of the series to date - Highly recommend!
For mature readers only (18+ years old) as it contains subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some including adult language throughout, steamy intimate scenes, and themes of revenge, self-sabotage, etc.
While this could be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend it be read in series order for maximum reader satisfaction and to prevent spoilers as there are reoccurring characters from the previous stories (Avery and Dominic, Evelyn and Gabe).
Hopefully there will be more introduced into this series, as it surrounds the friends of the original couple, Avery and Dominic. This story is also well-written and so far is my favorite. Maybe it is because of the emotion that was breathed into the characters, or that the story universe is so well developed at this point. Regardless it was nice to learn more about Jared who has played as a handsome, sexy, distracting, mysterious artist in the other 4 stories, and Melanie as well who has just been a friend in the background.
For mature readers only (18+ years old) as it contains subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some including adult language throughout, steamy intimate scenes, and themes of revenge, self-sabotage, etc.
While this could be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend it be read in series order for maximum reader satisfaction and to prevent spoilers as there are reoccurring characters from the previous stories (Avery and Dominic, Evelyn and Gabe).
Hopefully there will be more introduced into this series, as it surrounds the friends of the original couple, Avery and Dominic. This story is also well-written and so far is my favorite. Maybe it is because of the emotion that was breathed into the characters, or that the story universe is so well developed at this point. Regardless it was nice to learn more about Jared who has played as a handsome, sexy, distracting, mysterious artist in the other 4 stories, and Melanie as well who has just been a friend in the background.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews