Play Dirty was a great read. I always love a romance that has a suspense and mystery. I love that way that Poppy always showed Jack how much she cared, even when it was hard. And despite all the things that Jack went through Poppy was always there in his thoughts and his care. The trust that Poppy always had in Jack was endearing, even when her brothers didn't trust him.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing group for this arc in return for an honest review. First, Lora Leigh was my girl growing up, I absolutely loved her books. So the fact that Ian made a cameo appearance??? Sign me up instantly for this book as well as the rest of the series.
The relationship between Poppy and Jack from such a young age is so sweet, especially when they were children. It’s obvious from the get-go how much they care about each other the entire book and are willing to stick their necks out to protect the other. We love a “mine” trope.
There were parts I didn’t like, such as the main conflict which felt jumpy and very confusing at times. The end felt rushed, but again the way it ended definitely set up the premise of the rest of the series.
All in all it was not my favorite work of hers, I mean nothing will ever compare to Nathan in Wild Card, but it was a good return to the hardened SEALs storyline. I will definitely be reading the next in the series when it comes out.

Thank you @brambleromance #partner for the free ebook and physical book!

What it’s about:

When Poppy was a young girl she meets and saves a young boy, Jack. He has grown up in a tumultuous environment and Poppy just knows he needs help. As they grew up Jack and Poppy always had a undying but unspoken love for each other. Jack goes away and becomes a navy seal. All is not safe on the home front and Poppy knows Jack is back and will always keep her safe! Will this finally be the time where they can be with each other in a relationship or will the danger be enough to split them apart?!

Thoughts:

This is a new author for me and I will admit way more spice and steam than I am used to. I liked the relationship between Poppy and Jack as in the fact that it started when they were young and seemed to always have a place in their heart for each other. I liked the Navy Seal side of the story where big bad burly man comes and saves the girl. I will say however I found myself cringing at the steamy bits. Maybe it’s because I don’t normally read books quite like this one but between the throbbing and pulsing body parts I found myself thinking it was a bit too cheesy for me. It is related to 50 shades and I am not so sure I agree with that assessment. 🫣 I had a hard time believing some of the characters reactions to things as well which made it hard for me to become completely invested in this one. Not sure if it’s me as this one is out of my comfort zone a bit so if this sounds like your jam, give it a try!

Play Dirty is a dual POV romance focused on Jack, an ex Navy SEAL and Poppy the girl-next-door who has loved him since she was a little girl. All grown up, Poppy is mixed up in a dangerous situation, which brings Jack back into her life.

I usually enjoy romantic suspense but I’ll admit this was hard to get into. It jumped between POV’s at random, sometimes from paragraph to paragraph which made it difficult to follow at times.

Shifting POV aside, it just really wasn’t for me. The suspense plot line was too unrealistic and the spicy scenes definitely needed more discussion/consent (ex: she wakes up tied to the bed with sexual acts already in progress- with no agreement beforehand). I wanted to like this one but it just wasn’t the right fit 🤷🏻‍♀️

Not the book for me but other readers might enjoy it! You might like this if you enjoy:
✔️ Possessive MMC
✔️ Virgin FMC
✔️ adventure/suspense

Thank you to @netgalley , @brambleromance and Lora Leigh for a chance to read this suspenseful romance.

Read Dates: 02/10/2024- 02/12/2024
Goodreads review: 02/12/2024
Instagram Review: 02/13/2024
Blog review: 03/26/2024

Was really excited for this book going into it, and the tropes really interested me!
I did like how fast paced this book was and how quickly it got into the story and how the relationship between the MCs developed.
There was however a few bits that threw me through a bit of a loop and bumped down my rating.
I will definitely be checking out more of Lora’s other pieces of work though.
Thank you for the opportunity to receive and read this ARC.

I enjoyed this story from the beginning to the end. You get to see the characters development when our main female character was a scared girl who wanted to experience the world and had a terrible childhood experience shape her life and her guilt! Poppy oblivious to what is happening under her nose and choosing to always see the best in people, her rose colored glasses. Our main male, the rough around the edges type, changed into a strong and levelheaded male, still protective of Poppy after all these years and remembering the guilt of that fateful night. Yet, he can’t turn away, hating himself for lying to the first person who ever showed him kindness.

Can these two fight and handle the tension between them? Will the mission keep them apart? In the end, more is at stake than they realize.

This is no slow burn ladies and gentleman, this is a fast paced, straight to good stuff kinda read if you know what I mean.

This book has an easy to digest plot line, characters that stir up complicated feelings, all whilst maintaining the wonderful vibes of a small town romance. ‘Playing Dirty’ is great for those that want to dip their toes into the darker side of romance. It isn’t ‘dark’ per se but it is on the deep grey side of romance, it does touch on complex topic such as attempted sexual assault, ‘murder’ and possessive/dominating men.

There is an element of AI that drives the plot, and for me this had me questioning whether I would enjoy this read in full. However, on the off chance you are like me and don’t always love robotic elements in your romance, trust me when I say although it is an important element to the plot it doesn’t impose on story in way that makes it feel too sciencey.

Read this beauty if you like:

- A little action with your romance
- Possessive/ protective MMC
- Morally grey male characters
- Childhood friends to lovers
- Small town
- Touch her and die energy

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for the ARC.
Poppy and Jack have a history since he was around 14 when she saved him in a dark alleyway. Now he's a strong man an ex Navy Seal and he's back in town on a black ops mission and of course to finally see and be with Poppy.
This is a tense and gripping black ops book with hefty spice and romance in it. Jack is in love with Poppy and she is with him, only there are so many things that try to keep them apart. One being the mission he is now assigned to and her brothers trying to deter Poppy.
What I loved about this book was the main focus on the Black Ops part which is why I selected to read this book in the first place, followed by the romance. There is a lot of smut in the book and at times I was a bit over whelmed by it, especially with the whole age gap scenario and the fact that Poppy was still an innocent young woman. I kind of was a bit off balance with that element.
It does sell itself as a friends to lovers, girl next door trope there is no mention of age gap and it's a trope that I tend to struggle with hence a four star v a five start rating. I think that it needs to be included as a trope.
However, the book is an exciting read if you like black ops, it's extremely well written and the author included great depth of character for the MMC + FMC which I always feel strongly about in a book.
The romance was beautiful and soft and I'm happy with how this ended.
What I loved the best, however is at the end there looks like there could possibly be a second book coming out. I mean, I may have this entirely wrong but in my opinion it's definitely left open for the black ops Navy SEAL element of Jack's character so here's to hoping
Kerry Kennedy Author

Jack, an ex seal has returned to town on a mission. It is a mission that will require him to lie to one person he cares for, Poppy. Poppy works for the company he is investigating. This is a good romance with suspense and a few twists that will keep you guessing. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

This was not what I expected. The AI portion of the book really threw me for a loop. Once I grasped that, I was able to enjoy the book. While it didn’t knock me off my feet, I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. It ended on a cliffhanger and I am needing to know what happens next!

Loved it! Play Dirty is the first in a new series by Lora Leigh. It gave me solid vibes of her earlier Nauti series and I enjoyed all of it. The novel spans the life of its main characters Jack and Poppy, from the day they met, at 14 and 7, through to adulthood and present day. Over the years, they have always been drawn to each other and each has saved the other at some point, which you will get to read. When Jack returns home, seemingly dishonorably discharged from the military, they find themselves right back into the push/pull of their relationship. Poppy is a firecracker and so much fun. Jack is the broody bad-boy that Poppy can’t help but want.

This was my first foray back into a Lora Leigh novel in a long time and it won’t be the last. I very much enjoyed this story. The author does not shy away from some very tough situations and I felt they were handled well. I read this book as a combo of e-book and audiobook and thought both were solid. The narration is excellent and definitely comes across as true to the story. Highly recommend this book and new series. I already can’t wait for book 2!

Described as "Fifty Shades of Grey meets friends to lovers," this story follows Jack, an ex-Navy SEAL, as he returns to his hometown. This story is packed with emotion, suspense, great characters, and lots of steamy scenes. Jack, a troubled but protective man, has always shielded Poppy since childhood. His tumultuous past and military experience make him willing to do anything for her. Poppy, the quintessential good girl, has loved Jack unconditionally since she found him in a vulnerable state. Their love is put to the test as Jack's secrets threaten to tear them apart. With the added obstacle of outside opinions, their happiness is at stake.

I had higher hopes than what I got out of the book. I’ve really enjoyed this author in the past but struggled with this book for some reason. I will still give her another go in the future though. I think it was just a fluke release for me.

Play Dirty is the first book in an new series from author Lora Leigh. I really liked having the history between Poppy and Jack developed up front and not trying to guess what happened between them when they were younger. It was easy to see how the chemistry between them as adults was so much stronger than just a physical connection (although there were some very steamy scenes!). My only real complaint was Poppy's annoying brother who seemed to have a hate on for Jack even as kids.
The twist at the end has really got me wondering where the series is going to go!

I got 20% through the book and had to DNF it. I really tried to continue but I felt as the book was jumping to scene to scene without any background context. Then there randomly there was context about AI. I just didn’t understand

What turns you on ?

Did I make you uncomfortable? I shouldn’t. Sex is FUN! We should all compare notes . If you can teach me a new trick I’m game.

I have a dirty little secret…

Reading these steamy romances really get me going and my husband has been one lucky lad this week.

Poor Craig usually sleeps with one eye open given my love for thrillers but this week he’s bouncing around with a little pep in his step.

Well well well, get ready babe because I just concluded one heck of a banger and there is only ONE thing on my mind…

Play Dirty

Think 50 shades only much much better . This book right here will have you pulling at your bed sheets .

The steam is there, the plot isn’t corny and I’m completely satisfied 😉

Check out this teaser :

She saved his life when they were kids and then he saved hers. When she became a young woman, Poppy knew she would never love anyone the way she loved Jack Lee Bridger.

But after a near tragedy, Jack left home to become a Navy SEAL and Poppy knew there wouldn't be another like him. Not for her.

She remembered the way it felt when he looked at her with those smoldering eyes.

The way he kissed her.

Touched her...

Now it's years later and danger is dogging her footsteps and Jack is back.

And Poppy knows that he will do anything--absolutely anything--to keep her safe. She trusts him to protect her body, but can she trust him with heart?

Play Dirty is the first book in an all-new series from author Lora Leigh. Jack is a broody former Navy Seal who was saved by Poppy when he was younger. And when it comes to Poppy, he can’t help but be possessive and protective of her. Poppy is your typical girl next door and has never forgotten the impact Jack left on her. Despite the pull between them, Jack and Poppy never acted on it. When danger comes knocking on Poppy’s door, she is once again reunited with Jack. Their chemistry is stronger than ever. Can Poppy trust Jack with more than just her protection? There’s only one way to find out…

I thought the plot of this story was interesting and it left me wanting to know more. When it came to Poppy and Jack, the author didn’t hold back, especially with the sexy good times. I thought the story had some interesting twists, however, there were a few parts of the story that felt off to me and didn’t really make sense.

Overall, I kind of had a love/hate relationship with this book. I think this book is going to be a hit for some and a miss for others. For me, it was an okay read. That being said, I do think this series has a lot of potential and I would be interested in seeing where it will go next.

This was an interesting read for me. I enjoyed the relationship between Poppy and Jack, the girl next door, young love trope was spot on. I also liked the obsessive, alpha aspect to Jack, there’s a real “touch her and die” vibe which was fun.
I was less sure about the plot, the sci-fi element seemed out of place and I think I would have preferred it if it was a straight romance. I still enjoyed it though and will check out the authors other books.

Everything that was right in the world for Jack was found in Poppy. He will never be good enough for her, but when a job comes up with his jobs skills as a requirement; he jumps at involving himself in her life again. Poppy has grown up with Jack in her life. When life throws the worst ugliness at her, Jack fills the role of white knight, but he is anything but. Now that he is back in their hometown, is he there to stay and will he save her again?

The strength of this book is in it's plot. Action and life-threatening circumstances abound. Jack is a grey character who changes in small ways due to the love and devotion of Poppy. She on the other hand stays pretty static except for her new sexual experience. The AI involvement that poses the crux of the problem really embraces the worlds expectations as too what AI will come too. Definitely a 3 peppers of explicit spice.

I’m so excited about this book because Lora Leigh never disappoints. Jack and Poppy both had different backgrounds, and loved on different levels. Jack was fierce, strong, cold, passionate, sexy, and possessive, but truly loved poppy from afar until that wasn’t an option any longer. Poppy seemed more compassionate, empathetic, reserved, and truly wore her heart on her sleeve when it came to Jack. With so much betrayal around them and you throw in a sci-fi element plus a who lot of sexy time you definitely have a book worth reading. The epilogue really through me and definitely will be waiting for boom two because wow!