Pete and Maddie are raisng their 2 year old son Theo after a terrifying NICU experience. Pete is a stay at home dad, and free lance writer, while Lucy works long hours in advertising. They have a relatively good life until Miles Lambert enters and informs them that their children have been switched at birth in the NICU. Their lives are flipped upside down as they now try to adjust to a schedule of allowing Miles and his wife to see Theo, while also trying to see their biological son, David. The situation begins amicably enough, but eventually develops into a war.

While Delaney's writing is fantastic, I did not relate to any of the characters, and found Maddie to be particularly annoying, whiny, and self=centered. I enjoyed the many twists in the book, but I did find the ending to be a bit rushed. Overall, it is a quick, solid read.

J.P. Delaney has skillfully drawn the profile of a psychopath. So skillfully that I felt I needed to do a bit of research hoping to more fully understand the complexities of that type of mental illness which manifests in this personality disorder. Short answer - a psychopath is someone with an antisocial personality disorder which can lead to harmful manipulation and abuse of others, which does not necessary equate to violence, with no remorse. A psychopath may be superficially charming, aggressive, angry with the ability and tendency to lie, take risks and be reckless.

J.P. Delaney has crafted the most excruciating scenario, invoked portions of the story relating to “The Judgment of Solomon”, and then fleshed it out to the point where I was close to weeping. A psychopath has inserted himself into your life and is turning everything you hold near and dear to garbage. If only it was a bad dream or a bad joke, but it has become the waking reality of your existence. He is winning and the trophy he is competing for is your child. What do you do? How do you protect and defend? You are falling apart but you have to keep it together because if he wins your family is going to be annihilated.

There are some really important and interesting questions posed throughout the narrative which prompted feelings of outrage, bewilderment and ultimately hope. So, wow, well done although I am relieved to have the psychological roller coaster ride in the rear-view mirror.

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine books for a copy.

I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion of it. I got about 30 percent through and I just was not able to finish it. I didn't like anything about the main character, Maddie. She finds out that she is pregnant and considers abortion, goes into premature labor and gives birth at 27 weeks. Her boyfriend is the one who spends all the time in the NICU learning how to take care of the baby while she is not feeling love or anything toward the baby. Daddy becomes the one who stays home with the baby and I just didn't like her character through this at all. One day, a stranger is at the door claiming their sons were accidentally switched at the hospital. Kind of hard to believe in this day and age and in the NICU.

You know how some novels are really slow to start and you feel like it's never going to get to any action? That is definitely not the case in Playing Nice. Very quickly into the book, it comes to light that a few years earlier, two children that were in the NICU were switched. Pete and Maddie have been raising Theo, while Miles and Lucy have been raising David. Each set of parents is obviously shocked and upset that they have been raising someone else's child, however, they all appear to be very polite and amicable while trying to learn what to do next as far as a lawsuit against the hospital and how to best be a part of each others lives.

So, I loved Pete in this novel, but every polite and accommodating thing that he did drove me out of my mind. He was too nice and truthfully, somewhat of a pushover the entire time. Then there's Maddie. She is one of the least likable characters that I have read in quite some time. She didn't appear to want to be a mother, she seemed disengaged from her family life, and also seemed completely indifferent to Pete. I guess there was somewhat of an explanation when she realized that Theo was not her son, but I still felt her character to be very cold and flat. Nevertheless, what really drove the plot of this novel was the decisions that Pete and Maddie made from the very beginning. 


It's obvious in the beginning that things aren't going to stay so organized and nice between these two families. Well, it's obvious to the reader. But Pete and Maddie made so many bad decisions, let Miles run all over them, and at times, made me question if they were capable of raising either of the boys. As a parent, I know that I found myself reflecting on my parenting style, including successes and mistakes while reading this. Granted my children are adults now, but I was still reminded of times that I completely rocked as a mother and those times that I wish I had a do-over. Pete certainly appeared to be the better parent in this novel, but things were so fast-paced and changed so quickly that as soon as I wrapped my brain about what was happening, there was something entirely different going on. 


Playing Nice is engaging psychological fiction that grabbed my interest from the beginning. There were times throughout the novel when either Pete or Maddie were flashing back to earlier moments between them that I felt things begin to drag along, but otherwise, I was very invested in the resolution of this novel. I have to say that there were a few key issues that weren't resolved in the ending (which I found odd), but otherwise, the ending was surprising and satisfying at once. 


. This was a 4 star read for me. 


*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Playing Nice 4.5/5

What would you do if the child you thought you gave birth to isn't biologically yours; your biological child is being raised by another family as the two babies were swapped at birth?

Oh boy, this one messes with you. My own kiddo is the same age as Theo and David, and my husband and I got in a lively debate over what we would do in this situation. Spoiler alert, we decided we'd keep the kid we've been raising😂 (Yes, I did get slightly paranoid and compared my kiddo's first ever picture taken a few minutes after he was born to the rest of the pictures from our hospital stay. Glad to report it's the same baby!)

JP Delaney has a bit of a special spot in my heart. The Girl Before was the very first eARC I ever reviewed, back in 2016; I really enjoyed that one and was so happy to see it do well. With Playing Nice, short chapters made this a quick read, despite it being a bit over the 400-page mark. I always enjoy how bit by bit more is revealed about a character and come to find out that we don't know them as well as we initially thought.

Non-spoiler content warning: There are several others not mentioned here, but postpartum depression/anxiety/psychosis is discussed throughout the book.

Thank you Netgalley and Ballantine for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book starts off with our main characters, Pete and Maddie learning that their son, Theo, who they have been raising for the past two years is not biologically theirs. Which is such a captivating way to start a book and things really just build from there. I read this book in one sitting because I was so enthralled that I just needed to find out what was going to happen next.

Pete and Maddie are shocked to find out that their baby was switched at the NICU he had been sent to following his premature birth. They immediately know it is true though because the man who tells them, Miles, is the spitting image of Theo. And his son, David, is the spitting image of Maddie’s brother. Like I mentioned above, the story really builds from there and it is such a wild and emotional ride. Being a parent myself I constantly felt on the edge of my seat because I was so invested in what was going to happen to these two young boys.

This book is a well crafted suspense story that is really aided by the case files and transcripts that happen between chapters. As a reader we instantly know that something is going to happen to these characters but we aren’t sure what. I feel like the addition of these extras was so brilliant because the way they were placed in the story was so deliberate and would sometimes leave me feeling shocked or confused. Once the story evolved more I did have an idea of what the ending was going to be but I still think it was a satisfying ending to the story.

Playing Nice is my favorite of Delaney’s books which is saying a lot since I think I have given them all five stars. I love the imaginative and well thought out stories that he writes and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

This book contained a unique premise that largely kept me flipping the pages. I would not characterize this as a true thriller, but as fiction with a few suspenseful twists. It forces you to really think about what you’d do if you learned your family truly wasn’t yours. All in all, I enjoyed, but the ending left me wanting a bit more. 4/5 stars ⭐️.

Wow! This book grabbed me right from the start and I couldn't stop reading. What if you were told your young toddler was not really your child and was switched at birth? My initial thought would be I wouldn't want to give up my child but then as I continued to think about it, I wouldn't want to just abandon my other child either! What a predicament. This book takes that question on and adds more to the complexity of an already complex situation. While I felt the main character husband and wife duo were a tad naive I also saw how quickly something like this could spiral out of control. Especially when you have one family with what seems like endless funds and a normal everyday family working to make ends meet on one income. I found the ending to be satisfyingly good. Especially when you just don't know what a happy ending would look like in this kind of situation. I highly recommend.

Rating: 4 switched-up stars

Get ready for a wild ride with this strange tale of switched-at-birth babies. This book has characters that are easy to like, Pete Riley for one. As well as those who just give you the creeps, like Mike Lambert. Theo and David are now two years old. Theo was born prematurely, but it turns out that David has bigger developmental issues now. The babies left the hospital with the wrong people. Pete and Maddie have been raising Theo. Mike and Lucy have been raising David.

One day Pete opens the door to find Mike Lambert and his attorney at his doorstep. They have proof that Theo is Mike’s biological son, and David is biologically Pete and Maddie’s son. What to do now? The two couples try to come up with an amicable solution to this heart-wrenching situation. They try to cobble together a new sense of family involving all six people.

Things get weird when the couples begin a lawsuit against the hospital. What is really going on? Does Mike Lambert have ulterior motives? Is he an unreliable narrator? Does anyone have clean hands or a clear conscience? What constitutes the idea of family? Does simple biology make a parent? Does time spent with a child as they grow up make a parent?

This was a compelling story about what constitutes a family, especially when there is at least one less than honorable person involved. This dilemma is wrapped in an excellent thriller framework. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a domestic drama type mystery. While this contained a very thorny moral dilemma, it was entertaining and captivating.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.

Pete Riley works at home as a freelance journalist and takes care of two-year-old Theo while his partner Maddie works outside the home at an advertising agency. Their lives aren’t perfect, but they love their son. Then one day, Miles Lambert appears at the door and makes a claim regarding their son Theo that turns their lives upside down. Will Pete and Maddie be able to work something out with Miles and his wife Lucy or will they lose everything that matters to them?

This story is told from alternating points of view - Pete and Maddie. We get to know each character better by seeing things from their separate points of view, as well as learn about Miles and Lucy through Pete and Maddie’s experiences. Maddie and Pete each have secrets they’re keeping from each other, but the clear villain in this book quickly becomes evident and that person is vile. It is hard to find a redeeming quality in this person who proves it isn’t only toddlers who can’t “play nice”. It was sometimes hard to read all that Maddie and Pete go through as the bad things in their lives start to snowball.

“Playing Nice” is a fast-paced domestic thriller that is full of tension. Once I started reading it, I didn’t want to put it down until I knew how things would turn out. I don’t want to say anything that will ruin the suspense for other readers, but I really love the point in the story in which Pete and Maddie decide to do whatever it takes to protect their family. Even when I thought the story was over, more secrets were revealed that took me by surprise and showed what a unique main character Maddie is. I loved this book and highly recommend it to domestic and psychological thriller fans. The book is one of my favorites of 2020.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Ballantine Books. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

Playing Nice is a chilling story of two sets of parents who both have two-year-old sons. Pete stays home with son Theo while Maddie works, while David is being raised by wealthy parents, Miles and Lucy. Then, one day, the parents meet when Miles insists that the little boys were switched at the hospital. A DNA test proves the assertion and the parents initiate a lawsuit against the hospital for negligence. As emotions intensify, the atmosphere becomes darker. What or who is the evil entity at play here?

JP Delaney is a fabulous writer. I have enjoyed his previous books and Playing Nice is another solid hit. His characters and the plot are well-developed, the story moves at a good pace, there are enough twists to keep the reader engaged, and the ending is first-rate. I definitely recommend Playing Nice for anyone who enjoys domestic thrillers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

Pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. Very interesting concept for a story line. And the author told the tale well. What would you do if a stranger showed up at your door telling you you weren't really your son's father but that he was ? Would you try to :" play nice " or would you fight ? I had a hard time liking the majority of the characters in the book but that is actually a compliment to the author. Can't really go into too many details without giving away the book, but trust me when I say it is terrific.

I love JP Delaney and this did not disappoint. Suspenseful and a thought provoking read. I liked the mental health aspect & knew from the start that the story would hook. Would definitely recommend.

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Talk about a unique premise! I mean it’s pretty out there right? But technically it could happen even it seems outrageous and I’m always looking for something unique, especially in a thriller. I can’t even imagine someone showing up at my front door and claiming one of my kids was switched at birth, insane! And really that’s just the tip of the iceberg here…

This flips back and forth between Pete and his partner Maddie and immediately I struggled a little with how they reacted to Miles claims about their son, Theo. They were all a little too lackadaisical and naive about working together for the children, etc and I remember thinking no way in hell would I be that easygoing. It didn’t really bother me, just made me shake my head and roll my eyes a little because you totally know that’s the wrong approach. Besides that super minor complaint I absolutely loved every second of this one, it was twisty without being silly, it was gripping and surprising and it was paced perfectly. Things get delicious dark and diabolical in the end and it was a mad dash to the finish for me as I couldn’t wait to see how it all played out in the end. I find this authors books to be polarizing, people either love them or hate them and I’m happy this time around I loved it!

Maddie and Pete are partners and co-parents to Theo, age two. One day, Miles Lambert comes to the door claiming he is the biological father of Theo and his son was switched at birth with yours. Imagine your reaction! In the beginning, Miles and his wife Lucy agree to handle the situation friendly and open, without formal agreements, treating the boys as cousins. It’s a strange situation, but things are going well until one day, Maddie and Pete are served papers indicating that the Lambert’s have filed for custody of both boys. At that point, Maddie and Pete decide they are doing Playing Nice and are going to fight for their boy, even if it means dire measures.

Thought provoking in the aspect of how far you would go to protect your children and family, it made me realize how lucky one is to bring home their biological child. Full of twists I did not see coming, and with an amazingly shocking ending, this domestic thriller was worth the read!

This was a family drama/thriller like no other. Pete Riley opens his front door one day to his worst nightmare - Miles Lambert informing him that their two-year-old sons were switched at birth and they’ve been raising each other’s child. Shocked, Pete and his partner Maddie find their lives increasingly intertwining with the charismatic Lamberts’ as they try to interconnect their families and are sucked into a series of investigations and drama trying to figure out what happened. But who can really be trusted and what secrets are people hiding? Can Pete and Maddie protect their family?

Delaney did such an incredible job conveying the building concern, fear, and despair that Pete and Maddie felt as events unfold that I was legitimately stressed on their behalf and almost had to put the book down! This story totally dragged me in - I read it in one sitting because I just had to know how it would turn out. If you like a gripping family drama with alternating perspectives that keeps you in suspense and unease as it builds to the climax then unfolds with a bang, go pick up this book! Thank you to Ballantine & NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is my 2nd JP Delany book, I love the modern topics/problems that his books are about. This one deals with the after effects of babies switched at birth. If you had your child for 2 years and then find out that they really aren't "yours", what would you do? Would you want to keep the child that is not biologically yours or would you want your biological child back? Add in for this book that the non-biological child's father is a psychopath and you've got some problems!

“I’m sorry to have to tell you that Theo isn’t your son. He’s mine.” said Miles to Pete. It seems that their now two-year-old sons were switched at birth in the hospital. And Miles has DNA evidence to prove it in Playing Nice, a new domestic thriller by the author of The Perfect Wife.

The hardest question was what to do. Swap their children or keep them? Maddie, prior mother of Theo, hadn’t bonded with him as much as Pete had. Pete wants to keep Theo. Maddie eventually agrees.

After both families meet at Miles’ house, Miles and his wife, Lucy, agree to not switch the two boys. Instead, they will allow the boys to grow up together as if they are cousins. Soon, however, Miles pushes to be more active in Theo’s life. He also pushes Pete to participate in his lawsuit against the two hospitals who mixed up the babies. What happens next will bring everyone to their breaking point. Past the point where Playing Nice works.

If you like twisty domestic thrillers, you will love this surprising book with more plot twists than a corkscrew. I read it in one sitting because it was so compelling that I just had to know how it ended. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!

Thanks to Ballantine Books, Random House, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is going to be the weirdest review I have ever read. Playing Nice by J.P. Delaney was a book that was a thriller. It was a different type of thriller, but one nonetheless. This is not the first book of J.P. Delaney I have read, but because it included small children and I am such a wimp, I could not read the entire book. I ended up skimming parts of it and was seriously creeped. What a wonderfully twisted creepy novel. I only wish I was not such a wimp and could have read it more traditionally. J.P. Delaney’s newest novel, Playing Nice is a kick butt (not for wimps) creepy reads!!

When Pete and Maddie find out that their son was switched at birth, they are faced with a dilemma of astronomical proportions. They want to try to deal with this amicably with the other couple, but soon find out that the other side is just simply not playing fair. I found this book to be a nightmare for any parent, but this book just seemed somehow very detached from what reaction that normal people would have in this situation. I found that it just ended up falling pretty flat for me and just seemed to focus on children as a property issue which I found a little disheartening. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.