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Play Me False
I’ve just discovered my husband has a secret…and if I’m not careful, it might get me killed. In a single soul-destroying moment, I find in the most public of ways that my husband has an entire other family. And while there are two great men ready to help me heal my broken heart, it's near impossible to choose which is the best man for the the handsome police detective, or a too-sexy-for-his-own-good teaching assistant. As I begin the torturous journey of recovering from the lie that shattered everything, though, I learn that my husband’s betrayal isn’t limited to matters of the heart. Instead, it involves a decade-old plot that threatens everything I hold sacred. If I can’t unravel the mystery of the dangerous man I married, my family’s safety, a new love, and my very life are at risk of being destroyed by a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. If you enjoy small towns, angsty romance, and thrilling suspense, you'll love E.R. Whyte's first standalone installment in the Lucy Falls series. Buy Play Me False to start this addicting series today!
224 pages, Paperback
Published October 4, 2022
About the author
E.R. Whyte
31 books438 followersE.R. Whyte is a multi-genre author, publishing new adult and contemporary romance under E.R. and sweet romance as Elle Rae Whyte|20277076].
Elle is a Virginia girl with a love for reading, photography, and travelling. A former high school English teacher, she now homeschools her youngest child and plays empty-nest mom to her two oldest.
She's been reading, dreaming of, and writing [albeit unofficially] romance since she was twelve years old. It's only recently that she developed the confidence and the discipline to take her dream of being a romance author to fruition. She writes romances that are full of feeling, humor, and sexy heroes.
Elle is a Virginia girl with a love for reading, photography, and travelling. A former high school English teacher, she now homeschools her youngest child and plays empty-nest mom to her two oldest.
She's been reading, dreaming of, and writing [albeit unofficially] romance since she was twelve years old. It's only recently that she developed the confidence and the discipline to take her dream of being a romance author to fruition. She writes romances that are full of feeling, humor, and sexy heroes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 7, 2025
I didn't know this was going to end on a cliffhanger, maybe my fault but it also wasn't anywhere in the blurb, there's no mention of a duet in the title, and the promo I saw that led me to this book said nothing about a cliffhanger. So actually, no, not my fault and actually a pet peeve of mine.
Moving on from that, I just generally didn't understand this book. It moved sort of fast, but at the same time felt like nothing was happening? We had the drama with the husband/fake husband, then some backstory on the heroine with random past scenes from her childhood with a guy she may be interested in now, his whole scenario came out of nowhere, felt like a love interest but at the same time was just there at random times? And then the actual blurb hero comes in but is barely even around, has his own things going on but they're not mentioned enough to make me care...so why? That's just my general question about this book. Why? I'm not even super into the reverse age gap but every promo I saw was ALL about the TA being into the professor and it made me interested enough to read and then I read the book for that and it delivered me nothing that it actually promised. Oh and it kept saying it was a romantic suspense and there was a little bit of the story that was about missing girls and we even got the suspects POV, but again it didn't lead to much and kind of felt out of place with everything else going on.
Overall, I honestly feel like I wasted my time with this book. Maybe reading both books would make it better and I saw a lot of good reviews so I'm clearly in the minority on this one, but it didn't work for me and i can't say I recommend it.
Moving on from that, I just generally didn't understand this book. It moved sort of fast, but at the same time felt like nothing was happening? We had the drama with the husband/fake husband, then some backstory on the heroine with random past scenes from her childhood with a guy she may be interested in now, his whole scenario came out of nowhere, felt like a love interest but at the same time was just there at random times? And then the actual blurb hero comes in but is barely even around, has his own things going on but they're not mentioned enough to make me care...so why? That's just my general question about this book. Why? I'm not even super into the reverse age gap but every promo I saw was ALL about the TA being into the professor and it made me interested enough to read and then I read the book for that and it delivered me nothing that it actually promised. Oh and it kept saying it was a romantic suspense and there was a little bit of the story that was about missing girls and we even got the suspects POV, but again it didn't lead to much and kind of felt out of place with everything else going on.
Overall, I honestly feel like I wasted my time with this book. Maybe reading both books would make it better and I saw a lot of good reviews so I'm clearly in the minority on this one, but it didn't work for me and i can't say I recommend it.
October 17, 2022
A fantastic start to a brand new series by the talented E.R. Whyte. That first chapter sucked me in so quickly with Harry’s life unraveling before her eyes, that I could not put the book down because I just had to know what was going to happen next!
Harry (Harriet) is a college professor with a love for science. For the last seven years she believed she was in a happy and blissful marriage but when the rug gets pulled out from beneath her, her entire world starts to fall apart. Harry also suffers from epilepsy and I could not get enough of her service dog Sugar! To see that the FMC is not this perfect, healthy individual but struggles with a serious health condition that can become very debilitating was an eye-opener. Not many authors write their characters to have real life “problems” but I always find it refreshing when they do. And E.R. did such a beautiful job with incorporating this within the story.
I loved getting to know more about Detective Jack (an old friend from high school) and Wyatt (Harry’s TA). It was evident from the get-go that both these men truly cherished Harry and did whatever they could to keep her protected and safe from Marcus. My heart was in a constant pull between Wyatt and Jack, that I just wanted Harry to have them both! But in the end she did wind up picking one and I was extremely happy for her choice.
The plot twists that occurred had my mouth agape with pure shock! Those last few chapters had me pulled in and I couldn’t look away! I never saw the turn of events coming and couldn’t believe what happened! Absolutely mind-blown!
I can’t wait for you know who and Owen to get their own books because both of those men definitely deserve their own HEA! Bravo to E.R. Whyte to the beginning to the new Lucy Falls series!
Harry (Harriet) is a college professor with a love for science. For the last seven years she believed she was in a happy and blissful marriage but when the rug gets pulled out from beneath her, her entire world starts to fall apart. Harry also suffers from epilepsy and I could not get enough of her service dog Sugar! To see that the FMC is not this perfect, healthy individual but struggles with a serious health condition that can become very debilitating was an eye-opener. Not many authors write their characters to have real life “problems” but I always find it refreshing when they do. And E.R. did such a beautiful job with incorporating this within the story.
I loved getting to know more about Detective Jack (an old friend from high school) and Wyatt (Harry’s TA). It was evident from the get-go that both these men truly cherished Harry and did whatever they could to keep her protected and safe from Marcus. My heart was in a constant pull between Wyatt and Jack, that I just wanted Harry to have them both! But in the end she did wind up picking one and I was extremely happy for her choice.
The plot twists that occurred had my mouth agape with pure shock! Those last few chapters had me pulled in and I couldn’t look away! I never saw the turn of events coming and couldn’t believe what happened! Absolutely mind-blown!
I can’t wait for you know who and Owen to get their own books because both of those men definitely deserve their own HEA! Bravo to E.R. Whyte to the beginning to the new Lucy Falls series!
October 11, 2022
I have been a fan of E.R. Whyte since the beginning. But this book....this book! OMG, she hit it out of the park with this one! Oh, Harry. I just love this woman so much, I was rooting her on with every page turn! And Marcus is one that you will be loathing the entire read. Wyatt will be your next book boyfriend, I can promise you that! This story was a breath of fresh air, it hasn't been done before, and E.R. as always, strings together a story that has you putting your laundry on hold, so you can find out what is going to happen next. I loved the symbolism, the beginning, the middle and the ending! You won't regret this book, it will have you grabbing more of her work off the bookshelf, as soon as you read, The End.
July 14, 2024
This surprised me! I got it free on stuff your Kindle day so didn’t have high expectations but I enjoyed the story. Bonus points for having a FMC with a disability!
Want to Read
June 18, 2024🎁Part of Wicked Obsession: A Limited Edition Collection of Contemporary Romances which is FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (1/31/2023)! 🎁
October 17, 2022
Wow this book has an intriguing storyline but morphs into so much more as it progresses. It's suspenseful but realistic in the nature of the plot and characters that inhabit this small little town of Lucy Falls. It's a definite must read!
Let me say from the brief little preview of this story I read it pulled me in from the first few sentences, and I had the utmost desire to know what was happening by the end. I mean you have this brilliant woman who is probably the most humanized character I have read in a long time confronted by the most unbelievable of situations of not just a cheating spouse but a man who wasn't what or who he portrayed for the last seven years they were together. That's just the tip of what you can expect in this twisted little tale moving forward.
I hands down love the reliable characters in this story and the authenticity the author handles each characters being it health issues or different cultures they are from. It was perfectly handled and just made you love them the even more making them feel even more real. I swear this story takes a lot of turns that will have you wondering what is about to happen next with Harry (Harriet) and her bigamist husband Marcus. The quest for answers brings more questions along the way. You follow this broken woman who was lead to believe she wasn't worthy at times by a cruel man that was supposed to love her. You see her slowly unravel her inner resilience to understand she's not what she has become since marrying that man. I loved that yes there is a bit of a love triangle between herself and a older man from her past and a new younger man that unexpectedly finds himself in the right place and the right time for Harry. I loved that Harry's epilepsy was handled with honesty and wasn't glossed over but was a true part of her journey as much as her finding herself again was.
These characters were ones you definitely will be invested in and want more of as this series progresses on. I absolutely loved the the bond Harry and her brother Owen have with one another. He's one of the many characters you want more of. I loved that you meet Jack from high school and then again as a detective in their small but mysterious little town. He has quite a back story of his own that I'm hoping we get a little more of also. Let's not forget the mystery man that seems to be Harry's 42, Wyatt. I loved his character the more he revealed himself along the way and he's definitely a swoon worthy one!
So if you want a romantic suspense thriller but with a unique take on highly relatable character's and situations, this is absolutely a book you need right now. The author gives you the gripping suspense of taking you on this unknown course and weaving a story of self acceptance and finding love again after a truly heart wrenching circumstances. This was a definite 5 star Must Read for me. I can't wait for more of this series and to see what all Lucy Falls has to bring next.
Let me say from the brief little preview of this story I read it pulled me in from the first few sentences, and I had the utmost desire to know what was happening by the end. I mean you have this brilliant woman who is probably the most humanized character I have read in a long time confronted by the most unbelievable of situations of not just a cheating spouse but a man who wasn't what or who he portrayed for the last seven years they were together. That's just the tip of what you can expect in this twisted little tale moving forward.
I hands down love the reliable characters in this story and the authenticity the author handles each characters being it health issues or different cultures they are from. It was perfectly handled and just made you love them the even more making them feel even more real. I swear this story takes a lot of turns that will have you wondering what is about to happen next with Harry (Harriet) and her bigamist husband Marcus. The quest for answers brings more questions along the way. You follow this broken woman who was lead to believe she wasn't worthy at times by a cruel man that was supposed to love her. You see her slowly unravel her inner resilience to understand she's not what she has become since marrying that man. I loved that yes there is a bit of a love triangle between herself and a older man from her past and a new younger man that unexpectedly finds himself in the right place and the right time for Harry. I loved that Harry's epilepsy was handled with honesty and wasn't glossed over but was a true part of her journey as much as her finding herself again was.
These characters were ones you definitely will be invested in and want more of as this series progresses on. I absolutely loved the the bond Harry and her brother Owen have with one another. He's one of the many characters you want more of. I loved that you meet Jack from high school and then again as a detective in their small but mysterious little town. He has quite a back story of his own that I'm hoping we get a little more of also. Let's not forget the mystery man that seems to be Harry's 42, Wyatt. I loved his character the more he revealed himself along the way and he's definitely a swoon worthy one!
So if you want a romantic suspense thriller but with a unique take on highly relatable character's and situations, this is absolutely a book you need right now. The author gives you the gripping suspense of taking you on this unknown course and weaving a story of self acceptance and finding love again after a truly heart wrenching circumstances. This was a definite 5 star Must Read for me. I can't wait for more of this series and to see what all Lucy Falls has to bring next.
November 14, 2022
On The Edge Of My Seat Until The Last Chapter!!
Incredible! Thrilling! Wow what a story. I was literally on the edge of my seat from Chapter one. I didn’t want to put this book down! Harriet, aka, “Harry,” takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride with her story. She is put through the wringer. Lost, confused, broke hearted, she is intertwined in the mess of her own life and needs to get herself out of it.
Oh Harry, you poor soul. Harry finds out, her husband the person she loves dearly has been lying to her their entire marriage and has an entirely other family. Broken and sad, these two other men come to her life when she least expects it, but also desperately needs a win.
I love Harry’s big heart. How she desperately wanted a family. I routed for her happiness every page I read. When she hurt, I felt her emotion, when she was happy, I felt the butterflies and caught myself smiling.
And these two unexpected men, both will save her, one will get her out of her messy life, while the other will heal her and bring joy back to her heart.
I didn’t want to put this book down. I found myself even when I couldn’t read, playing the book over and over in my head. Who was the villain? Was there more than one villain? Where the villains the same person? So much goes on but you enjoy every word written. ER Whyte has a way with writing. She is detailed and precise, but leaves a lot to the imagination until the end of the book. I mean it, I would go to bed thinking, “did Harry really see that person in her house, or is her mind playing tricks on her!” This book, it shook me, it grabbed my attention and I loved every word written. I can’t wait to read more ER Whyte books for sure!!! A must read, you won’t want to put down.
Incredible! Thrilling! Wow what a story. I was literally on the edge of my seat from Chapter one. I didn’t want to put this book down! Harriet, aka, “Harry,” takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride with her story. She is put through the wringer. Lost, confused, broke hearted, she is intertwined in the mess of her own life and needs to get herself out of it.
Oh Harry, you poor soul. Harry finds out, her husband the person she loves dearly has been lying to her their entire marriage and has an entirely other family. Broken and sad, these two other men come to her life when she least expects it, but also desperately needs a win.
I love Harry’s big heart. How she desperately wanted a family. I routed for her happiness every page I read. When she hurt, I felt her emotion, when she was happy, I felt the butterflies and caught myself smiling.
And these two unexpected men, both will save her, one will get her out of her messy life, while the other will heal her and bring joy back to her heart.
I didn’t want to put this book down. I found myself even when I couldn’t read, playing the book over and over in my head. Who was the villain? Was there more than one villain? Where the villains the same person? So much goes on but you enjoy every word written. ER Whyte has a way with writing. She is detailed and precise, but leaves a lot to the imagination until the end of the book. I mean it, I would go to bed thinking, “did Harry really see that person in her house, or is her mind playing tricks on her!” This book, it shook me, it grabbed my attention and I loved every word written. I can’t wait to read more ER Whyte books for sure!!! A must read, you won’t want to put down.
October 28, 2022
The first chapter was all it took to pull me right into Harriet's story. The intrigue in this book is out of this world and right off the charts! I felt so deeply for poor Harry, having to deal with so many events rushing her at once. I was ready to rage for her, comfort her when things turned tragic, laugh with her, and cry with her. If it wasn't one piece of bad news then it was something else horrid happening to her. I would have gladly taken care of Marcus for her. What a piece of crap he turned out to be, every woman's worst nightmare brought to life. (So glad he got what he deserved after all.) Throughout all the turmoil in Harry's life, she was lucky enough to have something great occur. Actually, two interesting and amazing men came along. Both brought out a side of Harry that helped her to grow and become a stronger woman. Jack re-entered her life, under the worst possible circumstances. Jack is her high school crush that was a few years older than her, and he has only improved with age. He's now a police detective and assigned to her case. Wyatt, a new teacher's assistant for Harry, is younger than her but oh so perfect, her soulmate. Having to choose between the two men was the toughest decision that Harry had to face in her life. Add to it all the mysterious and dangerous incidents surrounding Marcus playing her false, and you have the best romantic suspense story I have ever read. Which man she decides to be with, Jack or Wyatt, I'm not telling. You NEED to read this yourself. You won't be sorry. I am definitely going to be looking forward to reading about more happening in the quaint little town of Lucy Falls.
October 17, 2022
This is one of those books that can change your mind about a genre. Contemporary romance was never really my thing, but this one was gripping. The characters were fantastically unique, the plot unexpected and with a lot of secrets and things at stake for each character, and the emotions were clearly expressed.
This is also a great book for those who enjoy love triangles, sexy but also deeply caring and in-touch-with-their-emotions guys, and fantastic familial support. I have to admit, I was hoping this would turn out to be a menage and she’d be with both guys lol but hopefully the one not in Harriet’s happily ever after will get his own later on in the series. 😊
The author’s writing is superb, and is an excellent example of how to show author voice and character voices and have them all be unique- which can be a difficult thing to master, making it even more impressive to see the distinguishable character voices here.
If you enjoy mystery, sweet and spicy romance, realistic character development, a heroine who struggles with health issues, and sweet, protective, understanding guys, definitely give this book a go!
This is also a great book for those who enjoy love triangles, sexy but also deeply caring and in-touch-with-their-emotions guys, and fantastic familial support. I have to admit, I was hoping this would turn out to be a menage and she’d be with both guys lol but hopefully the one not in Harriet’s happily ever after will get his own later on in the series. 😊
The author’s writing is superb, and is an excellent example of how to show author voice and character voices and have them all be unique- which can be a difficult thing to master, making it even more impressive to see the distinguishable character voices here.
If you enjoy mystery, sweet and spicy romance, realistic character development, a heroine who struggles with health issues, and sweet, protective, understanding guys, definitely give this book a go!
October 12, 2022
Wow! I didn't put this book down from start to finish, and I was bummed when it was over! I enjoyed hanging out in Harry's book world of Lucy Falls. The first half of the book shows the rather awkward end of Harry's marriage to a total psychopath, then a bit of a love triangle between Hot Cop Jack and Mystery Man (who doesn't stay a mystery for very long, but I loved their meet cute) Wyatt, more than ten years Harry's junior. In the middle, when she's at her most vulnerable, she chooses between both of these wonderful men, and the rest of the book involves a lot of suspense, stalking, and trying to make a relationship work even as her ex-husband comes back to haunt Harry in ways she would never have expected. Trust me, you'll want to Hulk out on her ex, too, he's a real piece of work. But through it all, Harry has her family (her brother is a great character) and support in law enforcement and from Wyatt, and she perseveres and finds her happy ending. And you'll root for her the whole way! What a beautiful book. I can't wait for more -- particularly Jack's book!
October 13, 2022
Who will she choose?
Harry is a happily married (or so she thinks) college professor until her entire life unravels and she discovers her husband has another wife and children. Harry, who battles her own health issues through-out this book, is hit with the sting of the worst sort of betrayal. Enter an attractive detective from her past, Jack, and her younger, attractive TA, Wyatt, and Harry's life gets even more complicated. Packed with a suspenseful plot, two protective men, an adorable niece, Ava, and her funny, yet protective brother, Owen, this story will keep you turning pages to find out what will happen next.
Harry is a happily married (or so she thinks) college professor until her entire life unravels and she discovers her husband has another wife and children. Harry, who battles her own health issues through-out this book, is hit with the sting of the worst sort of betrayal. Enter an attractive detective from her past, Jack, and her younger, attractive TA, Wyatt, and Harry's life gets even more complicated. Packed with a suspenseful plot, two protective men, an adorable niece, Ava, and her funny, yet protective brother, Owen, this story will keep you turning pages to find out what will happen next.
October 12, 2022
Great Story
She’s a college professor and happily married, at least she thinks so. When her life as she knows it falls apart, who will help her pick up the pieces? Jake, the detective and subject of her high school crush, or Wyatt, her younger T.A? Both will keep her safe when her life is threatened but only one will keep her heart safe. Whyte, who quickly found her place on my “go to” author list, weaves a great story filled with surprises, struggles, and enough feels to keep you engaged. I highly recommend this book.
She’s a college professor and happily married, at least she thinks so. When her life as she knows it falls apart, who will help her pick up the pieces? Jake, the detective and subject of her high school crush, or Wyatt, her younger T.A? Both will keep her safe when her life is threatened but only one will keep her heart safe. Whyte, who quickly found her place on my “go to” author list, weaves a great story filled with surprises, struggles, and enough feels to keep you engaged. I highly recommend this book.
November 20, 2022
This is a unique and intriguing story that starts with the pains of lies, when Harry realizes her husband has another family and she is the other woman. The feelings and self-doubt as the twists and turns as she finds more about herself and the passion she was missing.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2024
5 stars
I am a mood reader and picked this up looking for a palette cleanser. Turns out that this book was exactly what the doctor ordered!
I was half expecting this to be some half-assed love triangle that evolved into smut, and boy was I excited to be proved wrong. I was so hooked on this storyline that I was reading it every waking moment I could.
The storyline was so interesting, having the different plot points throughout the story kept me intrigued and eager to find out what the hell was going on. The love triangle was probably the best one I have ever read. Decisions were made with maturity and there was no pettiness.
The MMC was everything in this book. His character was expected to be a stereotypical one, but he was developed into something so much more and that’s what kept me hooked.
Guess I will be continuing on with Lucy Falls now!
I am a mood reader and picked this up looking for a palette cleanser. Turns out that this book was exactly what the doctor ordered!
I was half expecting this to be some half-assed love triangle that evolved into smut, and boy was I excited to be proved wrong. I was so hooked on this storyline that I was reading it every waking moment I could.
The storyline was so interesting, having the different plot points throughout the story kept me intrigued and eager to find out what the hell was going on. The love triangle was probably the best one I have ever read. Decisions were made with maturity and there was no pettiness.
The MMC was everything in this book. His character was expected to be a stereotypical one, but he was developed into something so much more and that’s what kept me hooked.
Guess I will be continuing on with Lucy Falls now!
October 14, 2022
This book goes 0-120mph in 5 seconds and you're fully immersed in the story. The characters are real, they have a pulse, they have snark and compassion. They feel familiar to you, as if they are your friend. Top notch story telling where the intricacies and foibles of each character are illustrated beautifully. I look forward to reading more about life in Lucy Falls!
October 23, 2022
Congratulations to all the winners of the Goodreads Giveaway! I hope you all enjoy it and journey with me to the next book in the Lucy Falls Series.
If there is anyone out there who did not win a copy and is not able to download one for financial reasons, please do not hesitate to contact me. It's all about the words, people. We'll get you on my ARC team.
*I feel super weird about scoring my own book, but Goodreads is not letting me get away with not doing so. I'm giving myself an A for effort and personal accomplishment, lol.
If there is anyone out there who did not win a copy and is not able to download one for financial reasons, please do not hesitate to contact me. It's all about the words, people. We'll get you on my ARC team.
*I feel super weird about scoring my own book, but Goodreads is not letting me get away with not doing so. I'm giving myself an A for effort and personal accomplishment, lol.
May 3, 2024
I really liked the premise of this book and it kept me interested until the end, but I think the execution of it could have been a lot better. For one, I thought we were going to get a bit more build up to who Harry chooses to be with but there’s literally a spoiler for it in the dedication. There were points where I was actually rooting for her to end up with the other love interest but both were pretty solid. I did not really care for the age difference though between her and the guy she did end up with, especially because he does end up being her TA so it’s kind of like a weird power dynamic situation. Also the whole plot of the story - her ex and his secret life, I feel like that was pushed to the back burner for a majority of the book and I wanted it to be a bigger part of the story. There were some weird grammatical things too, like odd sentence structure and misused names or words. I did like Harry’s brother Owen, I thought he provided some good comedic relief and I loved their sibling relationship.
October 6, 2022
Loved this book! This is the first book I've read by Ms. Whyte and I must say that I'm an instant fan. The story grabbed me in the first chapter when Dr. Harriett Bee finds out that she's been living a lie. She discovers her husband of 7 years with another woman and 4 kids.
As she finds herself single again, she's urged to file bigamy charges against him. And then the story accelerates. It goes from a broken heart to suspense and mystery. And two men who want to help her make her life - and theirs whole again.
The story was so well written and kept me interested from page 1. I can't say that everything that happened was a complete surprise, but there were plenty of twists and turns to the story. And it had a wonderfully sweet ending.
This book has some explicit sex and some mature themes so I recommend it for mature audiences.
I received an advance reader copy of the book and this is my honest review.
As she finds herself single again, she's urged to file bigamy charges against him. And then the story accelerates. It goes from a broken heart to suspense and mystery. And two men who want to help her make her life - and theirs whole again.
The story was so well written and kept me interested from page 1. I can't say that everything that happened was a complete surprise, but there were plenty of twists and turns to the story. And it had a wonderfully sweet ending.
This book has some explicit sex and some mature themes so I recommend it for mature audiences.
I received an advance reader copy of the book and this is my honest review.
October 25, 2022
Fell Flat
I picked this up bc I love Jennifer Hartmann books and she helped her write Entropy BUT this one fell very flat for me. Took me a long time to finish bc I just wasn’t invested in the characters. I kept thinking about what I would read after I was done with it which is the reason I gave only two stars. It started out strong. It went the way of what seemed like a love triangle but neither relationship was developed enough for me. Even the one she ended up with. It felt like a sprinkle of this and that but nothing really great of any one thing. Was it a suspense? Was it a love triangle? Was it romance? It was a little bit of all but not enough of one. Which is why it fell flat for me. I felt like it was a bad lifetime movie.
I picked this up bc I love Jennifer Hartmann books and she helped her write Entropy BUT this one fell very flat for me. Took me a long time to finish bc I just wasn’t invested in the characters. I kept thinking about what I would read after I was done with it which is the reason I gave only two stars. It started out strong. It went the way of what seemed like a love triangle but neither relationship was developed enough for me. Even the one she ended up with. It felt like a sprinkle of this and that but nothing really great of any one thing. Was it a suspense? Was it a love triangle? Was it romance? It was a little bit of all but not enough of one. Which is why it fell flat for me. I felt like it was a bad lifetime movie.
November 21, 2022
This book had all the components that would make for an exciting romantic suspense, however, the suspense falls flat and the romance just didn't work for me. The pairing of the heroine with the much younger man was disappointing, not because of the age difference, but because their union was uninspiring. I didn't believe the romance. The characters were not fleshed out enough and the obvious love interest, Jack, was glossed over and not made to be, at least, a sexy guy who was willing to fight for Harry. The suspense was predictable and Harry was such a door mat that this book just didn't excite me at all. It felt more like a Murder She Wrote episode.
June 22, 2024
For me, it’s three and a half stars.
I liked the author’s writing style and imagination. Also liked the premise of the story but something was lacking. As a couple of others noted it felt like there were plot holes with an unrealistic ending. Part of it literally couldn’t happen and would fit beautifully in the Diane Palmer land of impossibilities. Just my opinion though 🤷🏼♀️😂
Anyway, I will be reading more from the author. FMC was smart and there was no BBS.
I liked the author’s writing style and imagination. Also liked the premise of the story but something was lacking. As a couple of others noted it felt like there were plot holes with an unrealistic ending. Part of it literally couldn’t happen and would fit beautifully in the Diane Palmer land of impossibilities. Just my opinion though 🤷🏼♀️😂
Anyway, I will be reading more from the author. FMC was smart and there was no BBS.
June 21, 2025
I sorta enjoyed some of this book, but was kind of surprised to see how recently it came out given some of the outdated language and judgments in here. Harry, our main character, who has a disability, once says to someone "I'm not crippled" when they offer to give her a piggyback ride. This was a bit of a shock since that's regarded as a slur. I don't know if it was meant in a reclaimed way because we brushed over it pretty quickly, and she's saying she is not one. Also some pretty conservative and close-minded musings on adopted children not being real children and judgment of strippers.
Also some awkward comma use in this book, as well as other small typos, and their cafe in town has its spelling changed between the first and second time we hear about it. Wyatt one time is called Bodie.
There's often a lot of fluff, retelling something we already know, and we get second, exactly-the-same explanations or descriptions for things a few times (Harry's parents' financial situation, several of the same descriptions of Harry's house, repeated details about Harry being an aunt).
Not a lot of suspense for who she'll choose since the book's description on my Kindle is all about him. Also wish that I knew it was going to involve a single dad before I picked it up because I really don't like that trope. Though to be fair, despite Harry always being like, "No my college age boyfriend isn't a kid, he's mature. He's a father," his mom seems to mainly raise his kid and the kid barely comes up.
Her ex/non-husband was abusive to her and there's a scene with Wyatt physically provoking her (poking her and pulling her hair in order to make her mad so he can make her cry) which really doesn't read well given her past. She gets so upset when he does this that she tries to get away so quickly that she gets injured and then he muses in his inner dialogue that she reminds him of his kid. Like what?? Worse still, this is a lead up to an intimate moment! Her hands are too injured from the fall she took trying to get away from him that she needs help getting out of wet clothes!
Sort of plot holey and lots of convenient things happening to make the story make sense. (She's been married for seven years and sees the husband at the mall in the town where they live where he apparently also lives with his real wife and four or five kids?? They've NEVER run into each other in seven whole years?) The balance between the romantic storyline and the suspenseful one made it a bit tough to fully get into either. There wasn't really much chemistry or personality for anyone in the book. Nobody really seemed particularly nice or likable.
Unfortunately, the word "teefs" and "doggo" are used in this book.
All in all, not one of my favorite reads. I wish it was a little bit more believable or grounded or organized or romantic or something, but it just missed the mark for me.
Also some awkward comma use in this book, as well as other small typos, and their cafe in town has its spelling changed between the first and second time we hear about it. Wyatt one time is called Bodie.
There's often a lot of fluff, retelling something we already know, and we get second, exactly-the-same explanations or descriptions for things a few times (Harry's parents' financial situation, several of the same descriptions of Harry's house, repeated details about Harry being an aunt).
Not a lot of suspense for who she'll choose since the book's description on my Kindle is all about him. Also wish that I knew it was going to involve a single dad before I picked it up because I really don't like that trope. Though to be fair, despite Harry always being like, "No my college age boyfriend isn't a kid, he's mature. He's a father," his mom seems to mainly raise his kid and the kid barely comes up.
Her ex/non-husband was abusive to her and there's a scene with Wyatt physically provoking her (poking her and pulling her hair in order to make her mad so he can make her cry) which really doesn't read well given her past. She gets so upset when he does this that she tries to get away so quickly that she gets injured and then he muses in his inner dialogue that she reminds him of his kid. Like what?? Worse still, this is a lead up to an intimate moment! Her hands are too injured from the fall she took trying to get away from him that she needs help getting out of wet clothes!
Sort of plot holey and lots of convenient things happening to make the story make sense. (She's been married for seven years and sees the husband at the mall in the town where they live where he apparently also lives with his real wife and four or five kids?? They've NEVER run into each other in seven whole years?) The balance between the romantic storyline and the suspenseful one made it a bit tough to fully get into either. There wasn't really much chemistry or personality for anyone in the book. Nobody really seemed particularly nice or likable.
Unfortunately, the word "teefs" and "doggo" are used in this book.
All in all, not one of my favorite reads. I wish it was a little bit more believable or grounded or organized or romantic or something, but it just missed the mark for me.
November 16, 2022
This was incredible! I was fully invested in Harry's love life right from the start. I hadn't seen the dedication, so I was really interested to know who Harry was going to end up with: calm, composed police officer Jack or her hot, assertive, young TA Wyatt. Then I went back to check the dedication and I knew what was about to happen. To be fair, that was a huge giveaway by the author herself so don't blame me for this, but I loved seeing the main leads' love blossoming as they spent time together.
I loved the plotline, the drama, the relationship progression, and of course, the smut. Oh, the smut was brilliantly worded, just vulgar enough to excite us, and it was intense. My favourite part was when He was slowly unbuttoning her shirt. That was quite possibly the most erotic part of the book, and there wasn't even a lot of skin visible! The author did a wonderful job writing these characters, and I applaud her for it.
And for the plot twist/climax? The moment it was revealed that the ex-husband had committed suicide, all the warning bells began ringing in my head, and I knew what was going to happen. And it did! It was predictable, but just the tension and suspense of reading/visualising everything happening kept me hooked till the end.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about a love triangle done right with just the right amount of sexual angst. Also, trigger warnings for epileptic seizures, guns, emotional and psychological manipulation, death, and suicide.
I loved the plotline, the drama, the relationship progression, and of course, the smut. Oh, the smut was brilliantly worded, just vulgar enough to excite us, and it was intense. My favourite part was when He was slowly unbuttoning her shirt. That was quite possibly the most erotic part of the book, and there wasn't even a lot of skin visible! The author did a wonderful job writing these characters, and I applaud her for it.
And for the plot twist/climax? The moment it was revealed that the ex-husband had committed suicide, all the warning bells began ringing in my head, and I knew what was going to happen. And it did! It was predictable, but just the tension and suspense of reading/visualising everything happening kept me hooked till the end.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about a love triangle done right with just the right amount of sexual angst. Also, trigger warnings for epileptic seizures, guns, emotional and psychological manipulation, death, and suicide.
October 15, 2025
I’ll start by saying I enjoyed it.
So I started this book because it has romance and suspense- two of my favourite trope but sadly both felt flat in this one.
Suspense - I already guessed where the story was going and what the major plot twist was so it wasn’t shocking. Also it’s not built nicely tbh. I mean it’s there a lot but it fails to make you feel stuff like excitement, curiosity etc except being bored.
Romance - So the issue with romance is the two love interests created. Because It confused me at the beginning when Jack came in and I was like tf is happening. Do I like this guy or do I not like this guy ? And his & Harry’s interaction/romance started way before Wyatt entered so it kinda takes away focus from main love interest. I liked Wyatt & Harry togethe. But l didn’t like it when Wyatt wanted Harry to commit to long distance relationship even though he clearly knew what all happened with Marcus. That woman needs healing and therapy. Not jumping into another long distance relationship so soon after the fiasco ….
Another major issue with this book is, although together the characters are good, individually they all felt flat. And isn’t Harry an angel for adopting the kids ? I can’t relate to her in that matter but she did a good thing.
Overall it was a fine read. Owen is like a godsend and too good to be true brother honestly! I’m confused what the second book is about because didnt they get their HEA in this one ?
So I started this book because it has romance and suspense- two of my favourite trope but sadly both felt flat in this one.
Suspense - I already guessed where the story was going and what the major plot twist was so it wasn’t shocking. Also it’s not built nicely tbh. I mean it’s there a lot but it fails to make you feel stuff like excitement, curiosity etc except being bored.
Romance - So the issue with romance is the two love interests created. Because It confused me at the beginning when Jack came in and I was like tf is happening. Do I like this guy or do I not like this guy ? And his & Harry’s interaction/romance started way before Wyatt entered so it kinda takes away focus from main love interest. I liked Wyatt & Harry togethe. But l didn’t like it when Wyatt wanted Harry to commit to long distance relationship even though he clearly knew what all happened with Marcus. That woman needs healing and therapy. Not jumping into another long distance relationship so soon after the fiasco ….
Another major issue with this book is, although together the characters are good, individually they all felt flat. And isn’t Harry an angel for adopting the kids ? I can’t relate to her in that matter but she did a good thing.
Overall it was a fine read. Owen is like a godsend and too good to be true brother honestly! I’m confused what the second book is about because didnt they get their HEA in this one ?
December 2, 2022
It's surprising just how much I liked these books. I'm usually the kind that needs to know right from the onset exactly who the H and h are, and I'm also not normally one for anything that even smacks a little of a triangle. But this one really worked for me, even though it somewhat includes both of those things.
Play Me False starts with Harry, a professor, discovering that her husband is actually also married to someone else. From there sets off a reaction of events that happen. That night she meets up with Jack, the cop who steps in to the situation, who was her high school crush many years ago. Soon after that she also meets Wyatt, her TA but also someone she has an undeniable connection to and chemistry with.
This was a slow burn romance, but also had a lot of intrigue and mystery as we are trying to figure out what has happened and why. Harry has epilepsy and I loved the detailed information surrounding that and how fit into the story - and I absolutely adored the ending of this book. I can't wait now to start on the next in the series, which came out just a few weeks ago.
Play Me False starts with Harry, a professor, discovering that her husband is actually also married to someone else. From there sets off a reaction of events that happen. That night she meets up with Jack, the cop who steps in to the situation, who was her high school crush many years ago. Soon after that she also meets Wyatt, her TA but also someone she has an undeniable connection to and chemistry with.
This was a slow burn romance, but also had a lot of intrigue and mystery as we are trying to figure out what has happened and why. Harry has epilepsy and I loved the detailed information surrounding that and how fit into the story - and I absolutely adored the ending of this book. I can't wait now to start on the next in the series, which came out just a few weeks ago.
February 11, 2023
ER Whyte is a new to me author who wowed me with this completely engrossing storyline.
Harry (Harriet) is put through the wringer when she sees her husband Marcus at the mall and he’s not alone. Publicly humiliated from the shocking discovery and the feisty aftermath she then suffers a debilitating seizure. She is rescued by hunky former high school crush, now Police Detective Jack.
I loved how despite all the chaos Harry is dealing with she might hunker down at home for awhile, but she doesn’t give up. I truly liked her and believe she’s someone I’d enjoy knowing IRL.
Jack and Wyatt are both incredible men, who put Harry first. I look forward to reading the love story for the man Harry doesn’t choose and one for her brother Owen too.
This storyline has wicked twists, surprises and plain crazy things happen. All of it was kept me glued to my kindle and thoroughly entertained.
I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Harry (Harriet) is put through the wringer when she sees her husband Marcus at the mall and he’s not alone. Publicly humiliated from the shocking discovery and the feisty aftermath she then suffers a debilitating seizure. She is rescued by hunky former high school crush, now Police Detective Jack.
I loved how despite all the chaos Harry is dealing with she might hunker down at home for awhile, but she doesn’t give up. I truly liked her and believe she’s someone I’d enjoy knowing IRL.
Jack and Wyatt are both incredible men, who put Harry first. I look forward to reading the love story for the man Harry doesn’t choose and one for her brother Owen too.
This storyline has wicked twists, surprises and plain crazy things happen. All of it was kept me glued to my kindle and thoroughly entertained.
I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
December 2, 2023
3.5 stars. This was enjoyable but there were some plot holes and issues that the characters conveniently overlooked that end up being crutial to the plot working as it did, and I just find this lazy writing.
I'm sorry but if my husband turns out to not be my husdand and I suspect he's married me for my trust fund, AND he becomes threatening and unpleasant, then the first thing I am going to do is change my locks and any access he has to my accounts. But Allegra fails to do this on at least three occasions. They talk about changing the security code on her house after he gains entry the first time, but no one actually does it, not even the detective who owns the house.
And how does her husband who is suposedly broke, supporting a second wife and 4 kids manage to pay the morgage on two houses, one of which Allegra can't afford on her own without his salary? And how did he have the security code to her new rental house?
On the whole this kept me entertained but the plot holes and convenient oversights by the characters detracted from it being great.
I'm sorry but if my husband turns out to not be my husdand and I suspect he's married me for my trust fund, AND he becomes threatening and unpleasant, then the first thing I am going to do is change my locks and any access he has to my accounts. But Allegra fails to do this on at least three occasions. They talk about changing the security code on her house after he gains entry the first time, but no one actually does it, not even the detective who owns the house.
And how does her husband who is suposedly broke, supporting a second wife and 4 kids manage to pay the morgage on two houses, one of which Allegra can't afford on her own without his salary? And how did he have the security code to her new rental house?
On the whole this kept me entertained but the plot holes and convenient oversights by the characters detracted from it being great.
October 11, 2022
This is the first book that I've read by E.R. Whyte, and I'm so glad I came across her, as this is a great read.
The characters had depth and were believable. The story had it all...all the feels and more!
Dr Harriet "Harry" Bee is married. On a day out with her brother and his child, she discovers that her husband of 7 years, is there too, when he's supposed to be out of town. But he's with another woman. And children.
Hubby's a bigamist and Harry's the "other woman"!
And so begins the tale of Harry and her pursuit of justice and of feeling like a woman again.
While the romance stakes are warming up...two men are vying for our nerdy doc, things start to unravel and threats appear on the horizon...
Our heroine isn't going to have an easy time of sorting her life out...
Very enjoyable read!
The characters had depth and were believable. The story had it all...all the feels and more!
Dr Harriet "Harry" Bee is married. On a day out with her brother and his child, she discovers that her husband of 7 years, is there too, when he's supposed to be out of town. But he's with another woman. And children.
Hubby's a bigamist and Harry's the "other woman"!
And so begins the tale of Harry and her pursuit of justice and of feeling like a woman again.
While the romance stakes are warming up...two men are vying for our nerdy doc, things start to unravel and threats appear on the horizon...
Our heroine isn't going to have an easy time of sorting her life out...
Very enjoyable read!
July 9, 2023
E. R. Whyte is a new author to me. I saw book four of this series has just been released and decided to binge the series.
Play Me False is the first book in The Lucy Falls Series.
It was a small-town romance with angsty romance and suspenseful moments.
Harry has been in a happy marriage for the last seven years to Marcus. In one day, that all unravels, and everything she thought was true is not.
Trying to move on with her life and also having a health condition, epilepsy, is no easy time.
E. R. Whyte wrote a beautiful story, and I felt for Harry and what she was going through.
Gaining attention from Jack and Wyatt, the push and pull towards both of them kept me turning pages to know what she would do.
The ending had me gripped and was so suspenseful.
A five-star read for this author.
Play Me False is the first book in The Lucy Falls Series.
It was a small-town romance with angsty romance and suspenseful moments.
Harry has been in a happy marriage for the last seven years to Marcus. In one day, that all unravels, and everything she thought was true is not.
Trying to move on with her life and also having a health condition, epilepsy, is no easy time.
E. R. Whyte wrote a beautiful story, and I felt for Harry and what she was going through.
Gaining attention from Jack and Wyatt, the push and pull towards both of them kept me turning pages to know what she would do.
The ending had me gripped and was so suspenseful.
A five-star read for this author.
November 14, 2022
I’m more of a rom com reader but this book had me hooked with all the suspense, twists and some spice. Harry while standing in line with her niece to see Santa notices her husband up ahead. He’s with a strange woman and kids but that can’t be correct because he’s supposed to be out of town for work. The lies just get worse from there. At times I wanted to shake the heroine because she needed to stand up for herself but it’s what kept me intrigued as well to see Harry’s growth from that scared woman to who she becomes by the end and how she gets to her HEA. I hope all the side characters get their own book because they all have stories I want to read about. 5 fabulous stars for this book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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