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Hanlon's Play

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An arranged marriage doesn’t tie you to one person. You could’ve been arranged to anyone... but how much more different or the same would things be?An alternate Reality or for better understanding , a parallel universe. We’re still us but not in the way you think we are.“I’ll embed myself into your system and destroy you from the inside. You’ll lose track of time and won’t know who you are without me moving inside of you. Don’t test me... Karessa Hanlon.” - Jagger Hanlon

255 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2022

51 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

Francesca Penn

32 books164 followers
Francesca Penn lives in Texas with her husband and son. While obtaining her Technical Writing degree, a creative writing course and play-writing elective reawakened her desire to create stories. Her brain lives in fiction; even the songs she listens to become music videos in her head.

When she is not writing, she can be found hounding her loved ones with multiple "What-if" scenarios. As a true closet romantic, she is prone to filling up her DVR with Hallmark movies. A friend once told her that she'd trained the whole 20 plus years she'd known her to write romance since her nose was always in a love story.

Francesca believes that love is colorblind and plans to provide a mix of couples of different races and ethnicities because - to her - men are like Skittles, and we all know their motto.

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5 stars
79 (61%)
4 stars
34 (26%)
3 stars
9 (7%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
1 star
3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Liyah P..
403 reviews5 followers
June 7, 2021
Hanlon's Play

So when I first heard about this alternative series I was definitely not sure if I would be reading/feeling this. However, I'm super happy I was able to put aside my reservation and give this a try because Jagger and Karessa were the shit dot com. They were able to bring something out and dare I say deeper then the original pairing. I thought Jagger had a dirty mouth in the original series but damn that was PG compared to the way he was with Karessa. If you read the original give this alternative one a try you wont be sorry.
Profile Image for SaviLeeLind .
607 reviews13 followers
June 7, 2021
Saying I do

Jagger and his Sweet Baby are very much #couplegoals.
Their journey from start to finish will take you from every emotion A-Z.
Jagger and Karessa are 2 of Founders Elite bound in matrimony based upon a poker game bet. Although a nonconventional start they agree to give themselves completely and go full force. Jagger and Karessa come together as each being someone the other didn’t know they needed. Every page enthralls you as watch their relationship evolve. These 2 will show you true romance, loyalty, the importance of friendship, and sexual chemistry that is thru the roof.
13 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2021
A book I didn't know I needed!

Well reading both of the Books These 2 couples in habit, I like others kind of wondered what it would be like if The couples were switched. Lucky for us, Penn and King Decided to give us a world that is unlike any we've probably with before. I Absolutely love these 2 together and away that I did not expect. And even more importantly and hilariously This version was so good, but I asked myself," wait Which 1 do I prefer more because I want them to switch back or do I not?!"

For some people this book will be too... Erotic. And to those those I say, I feel bad for you!

For everyone else, read this book OMG you won't regret it
442 reviews4 followers
June 5, 2021
Don't skip this you will love it!

I was so skeptical when I found out this was happening but this book was amazing! Jagger and Karessa made such a good couple. They definitely had some moments where they butt heads but they seemed to understand each other in the end. And the heat in this book is off the charts!!!! Please don't be scared of this if you have read the other stories I promise you will love it!
Profile Image for Martha Ruff.
764 reviews12 followers
June 11, 2021
Hot🔥🔥🔥

This book was awesome! I absolutely loved it, to be honest I didn't think that I would when I was first told about this series. However, I truly did enjoy Jagger and Karessa together.
Profile Image for Cherryl.
2,144 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2021
Too much for me

This story is not my cup of tea. Jagged Hamlin was just too raw for me. Karessa LeClaire seems as though she was just putty in his hands even though she had a long ongoing crush on Oran Hale. For a couple that was forced to marry in an arranged marriage due to Karessa's father's fault. Being Founder's kids, it was all about retaining power in the Founder's Island families. Jagged thought he would be marrying Kayla but when the truth comes to light, he's glad that he married his Karebear. They would have never run across each other had it not been for their arrangement. Now that they were Mr. and Mrs. Hanlon, they have to adjust to married life with each other as his best friend Oran Hale and his wife Ainslee Bishops who were also in an arranged marriage.

It seems as though all these two couples did was to get It on. They were too kinky and freaky for me. If that is what floats your boat then this story is for you. I know this story is written from Jagger's point of view, I just prefer the original.
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,397 reviews60 followers
August 2, 2021
Ice bath!
Holy hotness these two are explosive together!

I have not read this series yet - I know, I'm not sure how I missed it This was like a fast and very slippery and highly entertaining glimpse at Jag and Karessa's relationship after their marriage

Despite only getting part of the story, having all kinds of questions, and being left with the intense need to know more because the cast drew me in that well -
I felt sated after their story

This story was packed with a lot of fun, some overly cavemanish alpha males, slight angst, heavy steam, and at times a little far fetched scenes
I connected pretty quick with these two and their BFF's
The way they interact with each other - it felt real
The emotional, and physical connection between them was off the charts hot
They did in my mind come off as more new adults but it didn't really change the intimacy of the story

I'm excited to see if the whole series is this "in your face"
If you are looking for a serious storyline this would not be it
This was definitely smoldering smexy and fun
67 reviews
January 24, 2022
Not for the faint of heart!

**Warning:This story is extremely spicy** This book is just like the characters in this sequel and the one before it. It's not for everyone! I loved Karessa and Jagger. The love and trust that they built together was beautiful. They were meant for each other. They balance and complement each other. Even though their lives were arranged in the beginning, it just showed that sometimes it takes other people to help you do what is best for you. I wouldn't want to be Karessa, but I sure loved reading their love story. It worked for them, and that is how love is supposed to be love. Unique to you!
69 reviews
August 23, 2023
Wild

3.5. Wild in the ways I like! Infer from that what you will. Not to say it was perfect because I had a couple of bones to pick but they didn’t detract enough to dislike the book. I didn’t read first book in the series and sometimes I felt that this book would make references to the island based on assuming folks read the first book when for those instances, they could have just plainly stated what was implied. Not enough to be frustrating, it was just noticeable to me. I did like that this book was mainly the main characters falling in love so no unnecessary drama but a lot of intimate moments🙌🏾.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20k reviews254 followers
July 30, 2021
This is Jagger and Karessas’ journey. These two are bound by matrimony as per a poker game bet, and as their relationship evolves, they both give to the other something which they did not know was missing from their lives. Not everything is smooth sailing as they butt heads throughout, just like any other couple. This is a well written emotional roller coaster which is filled with friendships, romance, humor, combustible and undeniable chemistry, which leads to an entertaining and steamy addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from these authors’ and I recommend their work.
Profile Image for Dona Brown-Forrest.
113 reviews9 followers
June 11, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

An arranged Marriages, couples who have secretly crushed on the other, a couple switch, all while navigating the new relationship.
I wasn’t sure where Jagger and Karessa were going, but I had a great time letting them lead.
Saucy banter, some hot sex scenes, some inner drama. This had everything for a fantastic read.
I’m glad I one clicked
33 reviews
June 12, 2021
Yeeeeessss!!!

Y'all, the story of Liam and Karessa was worth the wait! The vulnerability of them both had me tearing up countless times. I laughed out loud several times with Liam just being Liam. Karissa was more than a match with Liam's over-the-top personality; her genuine warmth and love was everything. Ms. Penn did the darn thing!
467 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2021
Expanded version!

This seems to be an expanded version of Jagger and Karissa's story. An engaging story that gave the reader a look at the lives and character of the two families and their friends. Although I enjoyed the book, I was a little turned off by the couple's sketchy forbidden adventure. That was a little out there for my taste. Otherwise, a good read.
Profile Image for Angie.
111 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2021
WHAT? - DNF

I got to chapter seven and just quit. Jagger has some serious issues and why does Karessa work every day but don't have access to her own money. So now she has to become some sex slave to Jagger. And be nice to someone who treats her like crap. I couldn't keep reading this. Bye.
Profile Image for TACORA MCCLUNEY.
2,510 reviews11 followers
July 10, 2023
Jagger and Karresa

This was a good read. Seeing things through Jagger and Karresa's point of view. I love the brotherly bond that Jagger and Oran has. They so close that they'd share everything at least once. Jagger and Karresa are good for each other. Although it was an arranged marriage the made it perfect for them.❤❤
Profile Image for Crystal.
22 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2021
Amazed

Having read Hale on Earth first, like the other reviewers I wasn’t sure how this was going to play out. What I love most is that Francesca wrote this in such a way that the main characters fit so well together it’s like meeting them for the first time.
Profile Image for TL Savage.
203 reviews7 followers
June 17, 2021
One of a kind

Perfect read I fell in love with the characters immediately can’t wait to see the whole story I am in love with this author the passion and the historical reference to Greek mythology
486 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2021
Surprisingly Strange In A Good Way…

I did not think that I would like Jagger and Karessa together but they worked for me and perhaps appeared a better match in this telling of events.
Profile Image for Kay.
245 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2021
Wanted more action

The book is great if all you want are sex scenes. Those are 🔥. I want more action and detail on the plotting to kill Jaguar. Why did Hale want Karessa so bad he was willing to hire a hit man. I wanted that information more than I needed another sex scene.
Profile Image for Deb Jen.
21 reviews
August 3, 2021
Too much sex

This book had little y no proper storyline. Liked the first one but this one no thank you. All they did was have sex and share each other just gross not my cup of tea. Very disappointed.
Profile Image for Katara Johnson.
551 reviews9 followers
June 8, 2021
Karessa

Cute, adventurous, suspenseful , erotic story! I love the chemistry between Jag And Karessa ! Im loving this alternative series it’s like they are in a different universe! 😉
Profile Image for La Tara.
6 reviews
June 10, 2021
HOT! HOT! HOT! Jagger and Karressa super hot loved their chemistry.
151 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2021
Gold!!!

Officially A High Key Fan of Alternative Universe Book Series!!!! So I loved Oran and Karessa together but dammit Jagger and Karessa are Super Sexy together too!!!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
422 reviews18 followers
June 13, 2021
The “Trading Places” date took me out! 😂

…..the honeymoon tho. One of the sexist and erotic chapters I’ve read. 🤭😰🥵😏🙃😉😝

Profile Image for Fran Zoch, LSoR.
2,142 reviews13 followers
June 14, 2021
Wow What did I just read this story is showing us one way life is and how Jagger is with Karessa was not at all how he was in the other series.
This is dirty and I loved it !!!
1,836 reviews22 followers
July 10, 2021
I loved the original but I think I liked this version of Jagger and Karessa more. A great read.
Profile Image for Nyree Harrell.
48 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2022
Jagger is EVERYTHING

This alternate telling was insightful, funny, and sexy as hell. Karessa and Jagger burned these pages down. It was worth the read.
Profile Image for ANGEL-A-.
602 reviews7 followers
July 4, 2022
original was better, expected more from this author
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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