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caseroo7's review against another edition
5.0
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Right now I don't have enough words to tell you how much I really loved reading this book! I absolutely devoured this one. I knew I should try to slow down and really savor it, but sadly I just couldn't help myself and had to keep going until it was finished. I have been hearing great things about Lauren Blakely's Caught Up In Us series, and so when I got the opportunity to read this one I jumped. I wasn't sure how well I would be able to get into this one since it is book number three in the series, but they are all stand alone so I figured I would give it a shot. I didn't have a single problem getting into this story or feeling as though I was lost. I am now a huge fan of Blakely's and I cannot wait to read more from her starting with the beginning of this series.
Jill is a theater star who has been acting not only on stage but also in her everyday life. She is haunted by a secret she has been carrying for six years. When she auditions for a new part, she is introduced to hotshot director Davis Milo. Davis and Jill are instantly more than just your average director and his leading lady. They have a connection right from the start that has them bantering and becoming familiar with each other. But the more rehearsals they spend together, the more their attraction to each other becomes something that neither one of them can resist. Jill is determined to make her co-star Patrick fall in love with her, and Davis doesn't date actresses after a bad break-up years before. Davis and Jill begin to realize that the kisses and scenes they act out together are more than just for the show, but real feelings are starting to develop. As the lines start to blur, Jill and Davis struggle to let go of their pasts and take the risk with each other to have a future together that neither of them ever saw coming.
Let me just start by saying that Davis Milo is hot with a capital H! He is sexy and possessive and a complete alpha. He is irresistible and I loved that he talked dirty! But beyond the sexiness, he is encouraging and supportive. I loved that he couldn't help but be honest with Jill, often times saying things that he didn't intend to. He really didn't want to let her in after being hurt in the past, but their connection and chemistry was so strong that he just couldn't help himself. Jill was sweet and vulnerable. I really liked watching her grow and change as she healed from her past with the help of Davis. She was such a likable character that it was easy to see how much Davis was drawn to her. Davis and Jill has so much chemistry between them it was off the charts hot. These two couldn't keep their hands off each other and Blakely did such a great job writing these two. The scenes are vivid and there is a tension around them so thick that it feels so real. The whole time I was reading this I felt as though these two might explode with the need and passion they felt, they were so combustible. Davis and Jill were so real and their relationship was easy to believe in. I not only loved their sex scenes, but they also has an ease about their relationship that was so much fun to read about. They were playful with each other and I honestly think that there couldn't have been two characters who were more perfect for each other.
This book was fantastic. It had absolutely everything I could possibly ask for when i'm looking for a book to read. I know that this book will be one that I read over and over. I just want to keep basking in the love between Davis and Jill. This one has definitely found its way into my favorites list. These two really generated the heat and steam, but also had me laughing and enjoying their story as they fell for each other. I loved the characters and found them to be likable and interesting. The storyline was different than anything I've read and I absolutely loved that we got an ending with this one. I'm not sure I could have handled a cliffhanger with these two, and it was so nice to have them get the happily ever after that they both deserved. I absolutely recommend that you read this one. It is quick and sexy while also being fun and playful. Jill and Davis definitely bring the romance and I am in love with their story! Lauren Blakely has just gained a new fan and I cannot wait to read more of her stories, starting with the first books in this series. I am so excited to read about some of the characters from this book and get their stories as well as see what she has in store for future books.
**ARC provided by Inkslinger PR**
Right now I don't have enough words to tell you how much I really loved reading this book! I absolutely devoured this one. I knew I should try to slow down and really savor it, but sadly I just couldn't help myself and had to keep going until it was finished. I have been hearing great things about Lauren Blakely's Caught Up In Us series, and so when I got the opportunity to read this one I jumped. I wasn't sure how well I would be able to get into this one since it is book number three in the series, but they are all stand alone so I figured I would give it a shot. I didn't have a single problem getting into this story or feeling as though I was lost. I am now a huge fan of Blakely's and I cannot wait to read more from her starting with the beginning of this series.
Jill is a theater star who has been acting not only on stage but also in her everyday life. She is haunted by a secret she has been carrying for six years. When she auditions for a new part, she is introduced to hotshot director Davis Milo. Davis and Jill are instantly more than just your average director and his leading lady. They have a connection right from the start that has them bantering and becoming familiar with each other. But the more rehearsals they spend together, the more their attraction to each other becomes something that neither one of them can resist. Jill is determined to make her co-star Patrick fall in love with her, and Davis doesn't date actresses after a bad break-up years before. Davis and Jill begin to realize that the kisses and scenes they act out together are more than just for the show, but real feelings are starting to develop. As the lines start to blur, Jill and Davis struggle to let go of their pasts and take the risk with each other to have a future together that neither of them ever saw coming.
Let me just start by saying that Davis Milo is hot with a capital H! He is sexy and possessive and a complete alpha. He is irresistible and I loved that he talked dirty! But beyond the sexiness, he is encouraging and supportive. I loved that he couldn't help but be honest with Jill, often times saying things that he didn't intend to. He really didn't want to let her in after being hurt in the past, but their connection and chemistry was so strong that he just couldn't help himself. Jill was sweet and vulnerable. I really liked watching her grow and change as she healed from her past with the help of Davis. She was such a likable character that it was easy to see how much Davis was drawn to her. Davis and Jill has so much chemistry between them it was off the charts hot. These two couldn't keep their hands off each other and Blakely did such a great job writing these two. The scenes are vivid and there is a tension around them so thick that it feels so real. The whole time I was reading this I felt as though these two might explode with the need and passion they felt, they were so combustible. Davis and Jill were so real and their relationship was easy to believe in. I not only loved their sex scenes, but they also has an ease about their relationship that was so much fun to read about. They were playful with each other and I honestly think that there couldn't have been two characters who were more perfect for each other.
This book was fantastic. It had absolutely everything I could possibly ask for when i'm looking for a book to read. I know that this book will be one that I read over and over. I just want to keep basking in the love between Davis and Jill. This one has definitely found its way into my favorites list. These two really generated the heat and steam, but also had me laughing and enjoying their story as they fell for each other. I loved the characters and found them to be likable and interesting. The storyline was different than anything I've read and I absolutely loved that we got an ending with this one. I'm not sure I could have handled a cliffhanger with these two, and it was so nice to have them get the happily ever after that they both deserved. I absolutely recommend that you read this one. It is quick and sexy while also being fun and playful. Jill and Davis definitely bring the romance and I am in love with their story! Lauren Blakely has just gained a new fan and I cannot wait to read more of her stories, starting with the first books in this series. I am so excited to read about some of the characters from this book and get their stories as well as see what she has in store for future books.
**ARC provided by Inkslinger PR**
anasatticbookblog's review against another edition
4.0
Playing With Her Heart
Adult Contemporary. Interrelated Standalone.
3.75 stars
Playing With Her Heart by Lauren Blakely is a really hard book for me to review. On one hand, I really enjoy Lauren Blakey's hot dirty talkers and unique and sweet romances. But the narrators in this audiobook, especially the male narrator, completely ruined the book for me. Usually I can power through a crappy narrator and get used to them, they even grow on me. But in this case, Milo, the sexy, dirty talking male lead, sounded like he was 75. And Jill's voice was no better. She was whiney and annoying. BUT I must tell you, I just went to Audible to find out the male narrator's name so I know to avoid it in the future, and saw that
Jill McCormick was an aspiring actress going for her first big broadway role. She's been in love with the male costar for six years. Though she didn't get exactly the role of her dreams, she still had a very important part in the show. Davis Milo was a world renown director. He was THE broadway director, guaranteed to make any show a hit.
Davis has been hurt by an actress before and will never get involved with one again. And Jill had a tragedy that made her fear relationships. But the two were explosive together.
"Something about the way he looks at me makes me want to tell him things, to open up, to share all sorts of secrets I've never told anyone else. His dark blue eyes are so pure and unflinching that they seem to demand nothing less than total honesty."
Davis knew she loved the star, Patrick. But did she really? Or was it just a fantasy? Because the real chemistry was with Davis, no matter how hard they tried to fight it.
"Let me see what you look like on my stage with nothing on."
Oh man. You might think a broadway director wouldn't be so alpha, but you know, he's the guy in charge.
"Touch yourself, " he commands. "I want you to come from your own hand."
"And how does it feel to have your fingers on your clit while I am right here next to you, and I can smell how turned on you are?"
And his dirty talking was awesome.
They just both had so many doubts and insecurities, but it didn't stop them from fucking like animals. :) It never felt rushed, and I liked the relationship development, but her doubts that he talks to all of his stars like that started to bug me, and it took away from the honest relationship it felt like they were building.
He nods, then presses his lips lightly to my forehead. "You are my sin." He brushes them gently against my earlobe. "And my heaven." Then the barest of kisses on my lips. "And everything in between."
Likes:
- •Unique story line.
- •Very sexy.
- •I love a dirty talker.
- •Good character and relationship development.
Dislikes:
- •I really, really didn't like the narrators. So much so that I am unable to separate the story from the narration. I just never liked the characters enough to love the book.
The Down & Dirty:
I love Lauren Blakely's writing style. Just a perfect amount of heat, dirty talking, romance and alpha-ness. But in Playing With Her Heart I never fell in love with the characters. I think it may be because I really did not like the narrators. I recommend the book, but I think this should be read, not listened to. I must mention that I saw other reviewers loved the male narrator and he narrates so many other great books, but to me he sounded like an old man.
Rating:
Story- 3.75 stars (I think, very hard to remove the narration, I probably would have liked it a lot more if I read it.), Heat 4.25, Narration: 2
Purchase Playing With Her Heart by Lauren Blakely
Playing With Her Heart is a spin-off of the Seductive Nights Series and the Fourth in the Caught Up in Love Series. I have read several, and each of the books are only vaguely related.
shannonm306's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the characters! I loved the story! I read it in one day. Definitely read it if you haven’t already!
jaimejustreadsromance's review against another edition
5.0
It's official. Lauren Blakely just can't write bad book. She's seriously one of my top 5 fav authors right now.
This book was H.O.T. Seriously Davis Milo why can't you exist in real life?
This book was H.O.T. Seriously Davis Milo why can't you exist in real life?
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this story. I loved that it took place on Broadway. I loved the way the story was written where you felt like you were right there in rehearsals, dates and so on with the characters. As a reader, I immediately cared about David and Jill and desperately wanted them to find a way beyond their past experiences and get it right with each other. More importantly, I wanted Jill to have the chance to show everyone just what it was Davis saw her in when he so desperately wanted to cast her as his leading lady.
Jill McCormick has always dreamed of making it on Broadway. It's been her one way of dealing with the death of her high school ex-boyfriend and the burden of guilt she has carried around with her because of it. When she's cast as the understudy in hotshot director Davis Miles' new show, she's ecstatic, especially since she'll be able to work with the actor she has had a crush on for six year, Patrick. Jill finds herself torn between the safe bet, Patrick, and the man who breaks through all her barriers, Davis. She keeps telling herself that it's sweet, friendly Patrick that she wants, but finds herself unable to stay away from sexy Davis and all the things he makes her feel and want to do. Jill is afraid of everything she feels and she's worried that the all consuming feelings she has are going to destroy Davis and herself, much like what happened six years ago.
On the flip side, Davis Milo has a rule to never date an actress again. When a previous relationship came to an abrupt end because he could no longer provide what Madelaine needed, he vowed to stay away from actresses. He wants a relationship with someone who is going to love him for him and with an all consuming passion. When he loves, he's not afraid to give all of himself. He finds himself falling for Jill, despite his best intentions not to. But when he decides to give him, he gives everything in hopes that Jill wants all of it.
Davis has an uphill battle when it comes to Jill and her fear of passion and love. He's a man who is up to the task and he does all he can to break down all her walls.
This was my first Lauren Blakely book and it's made me want to go back and read the other 2 books in the series. They're on my Kindle, waiting.
Jill McCormick has always dreamed of making it on Broadway. It's been her one way of dealing with the death of her high school ex-boyfriend and the burden of guilt she has carried around with her because of it. When she's cast as the understudy in hotshot director Davis Miles' new show, she's ecstatic, especially since she'll be able to work with the actor she has had a crush on for six year, Patrick. Jill finds herself torn between the safe bet, Patrick, and the man who breaks through all her barriers, Davis. She keeps telling herself that it's sweet, friendly Patrick that she wants, but finds herself unable to stay away from sexy Davis and all the things he makes her feel and want to do. Jill is afraid of everything she feels and she's worried that the all consuming feelings she has are going to destroy Davis and herself, much like what happened six years ago.
On the flip side, Davis Milo has a rule to never date an actress again. When a previous relationship came to an abrupt end because he could no longer provide what Madelaine needed, he vowed to stay away from actresses. He wants a relationship with someone who is going to love him for him and with an all consuming passion. When he loves, he's not afraid to give all of himself. He finds himself falling for Jill, despite his best intentions not to. But when he decides to give him, he gives everything in hopes that Jill wants all of it.
Davis has an uphill battle when it comes to Jill and her fear of passion and love. He's a man who is up to the task and he does all he can to break down all her walls.
This was my first Lauren Blakely book and it's made me want to go back and read the other 2 books in the series. They're on my Kindle, waiting.
sleepy_reader06's review against another edition
2.0
It was a fun cute, wirlwind romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I can se myself forgetting about it as nothing really set it appear from the many, many romances.
aboutthatstory's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastically written story that pulled me in. It made me feel happy, it was compelling, and intense. I loved the characters, how they developed and grew. When they were playful with one another it was wonderful and when it was serious it was so emotional. I loved it all!
I think Jill McCormick and Davis Milo are great characters. From the start I’m curious about both of them and their pasts. Davis is drawn to Jill and her to him but they both seem to be in major denial even though the pull they have on one another is obvious. As the story moves along, the two of them together is intense. I think everything unfolds perfectly and really enjoyed it. I was captured by Jill and Davis, their romance, and how they came together.
I really enjoyed the fact that this story is written from different POV’s. I always think it’s fun to see a woman through a guys point of view. I also liked the fact that Davis only has eyes for Jill. He is so darn sweet and I had a few awwww moments while reading. I loved the fact that he was possessive in a loving way and not a caveman way. I enjoyed Jill’s POV’s as well, watching her grow and come to terms with her past. She was so guarded for so long, opening up truly made her stronger in the end.
There were a lot of hot scenes, there’s a nice build. Davis sure has a way with words – he’s a talker, he’s got a nice yet dirty mouth *cough*. I like how the sex scenes are written, they didn't seem cheesy or overdone.
There was also some series subject matter in this book and I thought it was artfully woven. I thought it was gripping and relevant. The foreshadowing for it was well written also.
Perfect mix of drama and lightheartedness. I was completely absorbed!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
I think Jill McCormick and Davis Milo are great characters. From the start I’m curious about both of them and their pasts. Davis is drawn to Jill and her to him but they both seem to be in major denial even though the pull they have on one another is obvious. As the story moves along, the two of them together is intense. I think everything unfolds perfectly and really enjoyed it. I was captured by Jill and Davis, their romance, and how they came together.
I really enjoyed the fact that this story is written from different POV’s. I always think it’s fun to see a woman through a guys point of view. I also liked the fact that Davis only has eyes for Jill. He is so darn sweet and I had a few awwww moments while reading. I loved the fact that he was possessive in a loving way and not a caveman way. I enjoyed Jill’s POV’s as well, watching her grow and come to terms with her past. She was so guarded for so long, opening up truly made her stronger in the end.
There were a lot of hot scenes, there’s a nice build. Davis sure has a way with words – he’s a talker, he’s got a nice yet dirty mouth *cough*. I like how the sex scenes are written, they didn't seem cheesy or overdone.
There was also some series subject matter in this book and I thought it was artfully woven. I thought it was gripping and relevant. The foreshadowing for it was well written also.
Perfect mix of drama and lightheartedness. I was completely absorbed!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
lovehollyxx's review against another edition
5.0
********ARC received in exchange for an honest review********
Holly's 5 Star Review
I have been anxiously awaiting this book since I was sent the cover reveal and nearly hyperventilated from all the hotness. Just LOOK at him! How could you not want to read a book that that man graces the cover of? But sexy cover aside (I know it's hard not to think about) this book was truly fantastic and did not disappoint in the slightest.
Told from dual POV, we get inside the minds of Jill and Davis. Jill has dreamed of staring in a Broadway show and when Director Davis makes her dream a reality, she is over the moon. Especially when she gets to star next to the man she has loved from a far for 6 years, actor Patrick. But when Davis is captivated by her innocence, talent and beauty, he makes it his mission to have her and he uses every naughty word in his vocabulary to do so.
This book was hot. Smoking hot. Sizzling hot. Rip your own panties off hot. Rolling around the bed crying "WHY AM I SINGLE????" hot! Seriously. This book should come with a warning. And batteries. Davis is a dirty, dirty man, with a dirty, dirty mouth. I need him in my life forever! I have no doubt that everyone that reads this book will succumb to his charms because he's just that damn good! You haven't lived until you've spent a night with Davis Milo, and trust me, he will keep you up all night and leave you feeling very satisfied!
But it's not all about the sexy times. Both Jill and Davis have had bad experiences with relationships in the past. While Davis was left broken hearted and avoiding getting intimate with actresses, Jill was left riddled with guilt and pain, and avoiding intimacy all together. Though I did feel bad for Davis, it was Jill's past that tore at my heartstrings. I had a few guesses about what happened to her to make her the way she was and at just before half way I figured it out. I loved seeing how slowly but surely, she started to let go of the past and really start living her life for her.
As you may or may not know, Playing With Her Heart is book #3 in a series by Lauren, but don't let that put you off reading if you haven't read the two previous books. I haven't read Caught Up In Us or Pretending He's Mine (though I have them on my kindle and will absolutely be shifting them up my TBR list), Playing With Her Heart can be devoured and enjoyed as a stand alone. Lauren's writing and talent for story telling will have you captivated, seduced and begging for more. There's a reason she is a best selling author and what better proof than Playing With Her Heart?
Holly's 5 Star Review
I have been anxiously awaiting this book since I was sent the cover reveal and nearly hyperventilated from all the hotness. Just LOOK at him! How could you not want to read a book that that man graces the cover of? But sexy cover aside (I know it's hard not to think about) this book was truly fantastic and did not disappoint in the slightest.
Told from dual POV, we get inside the minds of Jill and Davis. Jill has dreamed of staring in a Broadway show and when Director Davis makes her dream a reality, she is over the moon. Especially when she gets to star next to the man she has loved from a far for 6 years, actor Patrick. But when Davis is captivated by her innocence, talent and beauty, he makes it his mission to have her and he uses every naughty word in his vocabulary to do so.
This book was hot. Smoking hot. Sizzling hot. Rip your own panties off hot. Rolling around the bed crying "WHY AM I SINGLE????" hot! Seriously. This book should come with a warning. And batteries. Davis is a dirty, dirty man, with a dirty, dirty mouth. I need him in my life forever! I have no doubt that everyone that reads this book will succumb to his charms because he's just that damn good! You haven't lived until you've spent a night with Davis Milo, and trust me, he will keep you up all night and leave you feeling very satisfied!
But it's not all about the sexy times. Both Jill and Davis have had bad experiences with relationships in the past. While Davis was left broken hearted and avoiding getting intimate with actresses, Jill was left riddled with guilt and pain, and avoiding intimacy all together. Though I did feel bad for Davis, it was Jill's past that tore at my heartstrings. I had a few guesses about what happened to her to make her the way she was and at just before half way I figured it out. I loved seeing how slowly but surely, she started to let go of the past and really start living her life for her.
As you may or may not know, Playing With Her Heart is book #3 in a series by Lauren, but don't let that put you off reading if you haven't read the two previous books. I haven't read Caught Up In Us or Pretending He's Mine (though I have them on my kindle and will absolutely be shifting them up my TBR list), Playing With Her Heart can be devoured and enjoyed as a stand alone. Lauren's writing and talent for story telling will have you captivated, seduced and begging for more. There's a reason she is a best selling author and what better proof than Playing With Her Heart?