A review by thindbooks
Play Dirty by Lora Leigh

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

This story follows a woman who was once saved by her childhood friend but her later left for the Navy and is now back in town. I haven’t read any of Leigh’s books but have heard that they are a popular romance author. This book does include the story that was promised but I have to say that it wasn’t fully structured. I like the overall plot line but the story wasn’t strong. Too much was happening and nothing was being done. If the story was more clear, it would have been amazing. There was a flashback that helped me understand the story more. I enjoyed the small-town setting and the fact that the story was in dual povs. 

Poppy is the FMC of the story who realizes Jack is back in town. There wasn’t much to her story expect for the fact she really wants to be with Jack but no one approves of it. Then there is Jack who just came back from the Navy and is on a mission. He wasn’t the best MMC I have read but I knew more about his character than Poppy. There were some side characters in this book but none that truly called out to me. I believe some will have their stories featured in the next books which I hope are better. The romance is steamy with a second chance and forbidden love tropes. I didn’t feel the romantic chemistry between them as the MCs story happened so quickly. 

The ending was okay but there wasn’t anything special to the book. At the end of the story, I felt as though I didn’t grasp the main idea of the story. I hope that the second book is better and the author gets feedback from her readers. For this book, I believe that simplicity is the key and there should be more details about the characters and their surroundings. 

*this arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*