I was grabbed by this book from the start -- what would you do if you raised a child and at age 2, a stranger told you that the child was not biologically yours! Your child was switched at birth with another baby who is being raised by a couple who are much wealthier than your family. Add to that, you true biological child is severely disabled. How did the switch happen? What should come next? A really great thriller that forces you to grapple with uncomfortable issues.

Playing Nice is JP Delaney's latest novel in which he tells an old story in a unique way. Maddie and Pete are parents to two year old Theo. They are shocked when Miles, a stranger, claims Theo and his child David were switched in the NICU. Miles has a DNA test to support Theo is his son and when Maddie sees David she is stunned by his resemblance to her. Initially Miles and his wife Lucy agree that the families should continue raising the boys in their care with much time shared between all of them. Suddenly Miles' true colors are exposed and he engages in a horrific custody battle with Maddie and Pete. This is Delaney's best novel. It is is full of secrets, lies and fantastic characters. Perfect for a fun day of reading!

Just how much can money and influence buy?

What would you be willing to do to protect your family?

Imagine the abundance of emotions you’d go through as parents, to have someone one day knock on your door and tell you your son is not your own. Sons switched at birth. No one knows for 2 years. This story is about manipulation, betrayal, and mental illness. As the events unfold, you will be shocked, outraged at the injustice, and terrified to know just how much someone can get away with. This suspenseful and thought-provoking story will leave you stunned.

This was definitely a page-turner! The book follows the story of two couples who discover their sons - both born premature - were switched sometime in the NICU so for two years both have been raising each other's child. One turned out mostly fine and the other has severe disabilities. Should they switch back or stay as is? And is everyone telling the truth about what happened the day the two boys were born?

I almost read this book in one sitting. The suspense was great and there were enough twists and turns to make it very interesting. I definitely did not see the end coming. Having enjoyed other JP Delaney books, I knew I was in for a great book but this one exceeded my expectations.

I was provided a free copy by Random House and NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I say this in the best way possible: man was this book a rollarcoaster. At no point while reading could I even guess how it would end. And that is what I love about thrillers. And this was no ordinary thriller where there's a killer and someone is in danger at every turn. Instead, it took what is a very simplistic idea (babies swapped at the hospital) at first glance, and twisted it into one hell of a good book.

JP Delaney somehow made characters that I wouldn't normally relate to incredibly relatable. I have never been in a situation like this and never will, but I felt for the main characters and was rooting for them the whole time. There were points where I thought they would literally lose everything and parts where I was hoping they wouldn't.

Where many books of this genre can feel somewhat formulaic, like the authors are following a general outline of what makes a thriller, Playing Nice was unlike any one read before. Although I didn't understand a lot of the technical jargon, I feel like the lack of explanation lent itself even more to the panic and confusion of the main characters. I was utterly unprepared for where this book would take me, but I am glad I went along for the ride.

If this is any indication of JP Delaney's other works, I am bound to enjoy them as well.

What I found intriguing about this book was the premise. The idea that 2 babies were switched at birth and one set of parents finds out 2 years later and decides to pursue this. They start out being nice about it, but then things turn ugly and everyone stops playing nice. This is full of strange characters and the reader does not know who to trust. Several good plot twists. Lots going on here.

JP Delaney just has this way with pacing that makes me not want to put his books down! This one was told over the course of a bunch of short chapters, interspersed with documents/texts/etc. that were retrieved from computers/cellphones/official files/etc. I am a big fan of short chapters, because they make it easier to have stopping points, but I never wanted to stop reading!

This book was a serious ride from start to finish. Even though I wouldn't say it brought anything new to the genre, I still needed to know what happened next, and I had actual anxiety over some of the things taking place. I both wanted things to work out so bad for Maddie and Pete, yet kept wondering what that would actually mean for them. And while I kept wondering if there was more going on that meets the eye, there was a very obvious "bad guy" in this one, which was kind of refreshing because I'm used to thrillers trying to one up themselves and throwing all of these suspects and twists around.

On that note, not to get into spoilers, but I WAS expecting a bigger twist at the end in classic Delaney style. But I still liked how it wrapped up anyway. I'd say this one is 4.5 stars, rounded up!

I really enjoyed the beginning of this novel and while a great concept I felt it started to come apart in the second half. The pacing was faster in the beginning as the characters are facing the shock of the parentage reveal but as the book goes on there’s too much unnecessary add ons that take away from the story. The story is told in alternating POVs between Pete and Maddie as they face the news their 2 year old son is not actually their biological son. I found Pete to be a much better narrator as he was sympathetic and sincere. Maddie was a colder character and her narration would get side tracked by flashbacks and unnecessary sidetracks. In between chapters there were court documents which for the most part I enjoyed as the added an element of mystery and evidence to the story but there was a large piece that was revealed in this matter that was never touched on by the characters which makes no sense. I was excited about this book in the beginning and I think it could have been a lot better with more editing and focus on the plot. I would say it is an ok read if you can overlook the issues. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Let me start by saying that I read Playing Nice in one sitting! I sat down to read a few chapters, and didn't close the book until I was done. It's been a while since that's happened! 

Playing Nice is a domestic suspense, but is also a little bit of a character study, as we have POVs from both Pete and Maddie and can see their thoughts when they learn the news that their son Theo is not actually their biological child. I don't have children, but I can imagine there would be so many mixed emotions in that scenario, and I truly don't know what the right thing to do in this case is! Pete and Maddie work out an agreement with the other couple, whose baby Theo was swapped with at birth, and while things start off well, they quickly get weird, with the other couple becoming a little overbearing and "too much, too soon". 

As the book progresses, concerns arise, questions come up, and secrets are revealed. I absolutely loved this one, and couldn't want to see how things would play out in the end as the story became "couple vs. couple". I will say that I loved the way things were resolved! 

I really admire JP Delaney as an author, and have been a fan since their debut book, The Girl Before. Each book is completely different than the last, showing that Delaney is a versatile author who, in my opinion, can do no wrong! They've become an auto-buy author for me, and I can't wait to see what they write next! Playing Nice is out July 28, 2020, so be sure to grab a copy! This will be a great summer read!

This was a great, suspenseful read about two families who discover after two years that their sons were switched in the NICU and they have been raising each other's children. What follows is a story about watching your back, trusting your instincts, and dark hidden secrets. I highly recommend this book!

What would you do if someone showed up and told you your two your old was switched at birth with his son? That's what's facing Pete and Maddie. Maddie's emergency c-section left her in one hospital while their son Theo was transported to another. Theo's not an easy kid but Pete, who is a full time dad, works with him. When Miles shows up and has DNA to prove that Theo is his kid, Maddie and Pete think things might be ok, even after they meet David, their bio-son, who is mentally and physically challenged as a result of hypoxia. Then things begin to swirl Told alternately by Pete and Maddie, this is a story that will make parents shudder. Miles is, well, you'll see. When Miles and Lucy sue to get Theo, all the gloves come off and it gets Kafkaesque. You will root for Pete and Maddie (even as you, like Maddie might have a small question in the back of your head). No spoilers but know that it's a page turner. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a well constructed consuming thriller that was perfect for a really hot pandemic day inside in the AC. Highly recommend.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. You can get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Nice-Novel-JP-Delaney-ebook/dp/B0818Q3JWK/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
This book doesn’t ease you into the topic. This book starts with a BANG! Someone comes to your door telling you that your son is actually theirs and they have your son. WHAT???!!! What is the proper protocol for that? How would you react? They claim they had a DNA test with the child they currently have because the condition is allegedly hereditary and neither one have the condition or are related to the child. This book was written amazingly! Neither child is mine and I have found myself defending one set of parents or the other at certain times. Let’s be real- kids bump themselves on things. Kids do things while it takes you two minutes to pee, you cannot control everything they do. You can lock up your chemicals, you can baby proof to where you pee yourself because you cannot remember how to get the lock off or you waited too long and are pregnant. Yes, pulling a cup of hot tea on a child or a child pulling it down on itself could be an act of abuse or neglect, but eating salt? I think every parent has a story or two of our children doing something that was a HUGE mess to clean up, not expecting it to be used in the court of law to take away their child. So, if you are thinking this book is going to be light and fluffy, which is my norm, this is not the case! This book was well developed and very thought provoking, lots of what ifs. How would I …? My daughter was in the NICU….

Pete Riley answers the door one morning and lets in a parent’s worst nightmare. On his doorstep is Miles Lambert, a stranger who breaks the devastating news that Pete’s son, Theo, isn’t actually his son—he is the Lamberts’, switched at birth by an understaffed hospital while their real son was sent home with Miles and his wife, Lucy. For Pete, his partner Maddie, and the little boy they’ve been raising for the past two years, life will never be the same again.

The two families, reeling from the shock, take comfort in shared good intentions, eagerly entwining their very different lives in the hope of becoming one unconventional modern family. But a plan to sue the hospital triggers an official investigation that unearths some disturbing questions about the night their children were switched. How much can they trust the other parents—or even each other? What secrets are hidden behind the Lamberts’ glossy front door? Stretched to the breaking point, Pete and Maddie discover they will each stop at nothing to keep their family safe.

My Thoughts: Playing Nice brings out the worst kind of crisis for two couples, one that will change everything they believed and hoped to find in family life.

At first, when the Lamberts seem congenial and eager to compromise, Pete and Maddie almost sigh with relief. But then the true nightmare begins, when the act of “playing nice” is revealed in full.

As Miles begins to show his true self and the horror of his intentions, his actions intensify as the custody case ratchets up.

But what happens next after a judge makes her decision? Will there be happiness at last, or will more secrets come out that will change everything again? Who will finally find comfort and joy with the children? A brilliant story that kept me turning pages and hoping for the right outcome for my favorite characters. 5 stars.

***My e-ARC came from the publisher via NetGalley
***

I have to keep this review kind of general because I’m finding that a lot of what I want to say could give something away. As a parent, the core of this story (finding out your child was switched at birth) is scary enough to me, but this story takes it even further into nightmare territory that I can’t even imagine. There were characters I felt so sad for, characters that I loved to hate, some good surprises and twists, and a heart pounding ending (my palms were actually sweating). Definitely pick this one up!

Playing Nice comes right out and attacks you in the beginning. You are a father of a two year old and someone comes to tell you that your child is not your child. That enough is more than adequate to completely upheave your life. What do you do? Do you give up the child you raised? Do you give up the child who is actually your biological child? Do you try to keep both in your life? It happens and it is always difficult.

What if, on top of it all, the other parents aren't quite right? You may think that you can work with them in a reasonable way and in the best interest of everyone. You may think you can all play nice. But what if that all falls apart? Maddie and Pete aren't perfect parents. But they love Theo. His life started in such a hard way, it's no wonder that they are struggling in some ways. What parents of two year olds aren't struggling with that wonderful age a little? The entire process makes you wonder how your own life and parenting would stand up to accusations and scrutiny. Miles and Judy seem nice enough. So many red flags start to go up as the two families try to come together.

Any more would be too much. This is one of those books where everything piles on until there must be a breaking point and you are coiled and ready for it to come. Which it does. More than once. There is a sinister side to everything that is happening and when Pete and Maddie have had enough and start to fight back, it is slowly revealed.

There are twists and turns throughout. Some work and some just seem a little over the top. But it is all good with a pretty satisfying ending. Thanks Netgalley, JP Delaney, and Random House for a copy of the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Two preemies are swapped at birth, both showing up at a time when the hospital is short-staffed. Journalist Peter Riley and his partner Maddie get that rude awakening one morning when Miles Lambert and his wife Lucy show up at their door to explain the situation and seek an amicable solution. But swap them back? It's been two years and is unthinkable.

Pete is Theo's stay-at-home dad, his major caregiver. Maddie has the better paying position and went back to work. Theo is not the easiest child--is having problems adjusting to his nursery care situation and exhibiting aggression. The Lamberts on the other hand appear very well off and have provided extremely well for their son David, who has been determined to be "slow."

While their initial meetings appear to be successful and the couples have come to a mutual understanding, Miles begins to push boundaries. The harmonious ambiance begins to slip, the environment turns icy, and they are soon embroiled in a lawsuit that goes from contentious to a living hell.

This is one of those books that hooks you at the outset, sparking off two POVs and Court Case Numbers and Exhibits. Just when you don't think it could get any worse, it does. The high-powered legal team hired by Miles and the attorney procured by Pete and Maddie each pushing their agenda until the reader is so buried in shocking minutia, the situation looks impossible.

Interesting little tidbits of telling information are laid quietly in the DNA finding and there are arguments of nature vs nurture.

All the characters exhibit some flaws, Peter being almost dangerously easy and naive; Miles just dangerous. Nor is Lucy or Maddie devoid of their little secrets, one of which I'd suspected but clouded the conclusion for me just a tad. There is tension, wildly crazy legal ramifications, twists, turns, and the exhausting parental turmoil caused in dealing with "special" children.

Receiving this digital download free from the publisher and NetGalley did not affect my opinion of the book or the content and I fully appreciated the opportunity to read and review this novel. Totally recommended. 4.5/5 stars

“This is a story about two broken families determined to heal.”

This is how Peter Riley begins a feature article describing what has happened to his family. He’s wrong. He’s very wrong.

Peter and Maddie’s lives begin to fall apart when Miles Lambert arrives at their door and announces that he and his wife Lucy are the legal parents (he has a DNA test to prove it) of two year old Theo Riley. Miles and Lucy’s son David, who is developmentally delayed, belongs to Peter and Maddie.

What follows is an unsuccessful attempt to reconcile very different lives without causing damage to two innocent young boys. Playing Nice takes us through what we hope is a greatly fictionalized description of psychologists, social workers and the court system. There is no way to anticipate how this story will end. Part tragedy, part mystery, part character study and totally mesmerizing, Playing Nice will haunt you long after the last page. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and JP Delaney for this ARC.

4.5 Glorious Stars!!!

Wowza!!!! Do NOT pick up this book is you have things you need to do, because you will be neglecting said things!

I will not spoil any of the fun by giving anything away. This book opens with Pete, a stay-at-home-dad, whose world is shattered when a stranger knocks on his door to tell him that their sons were switched at the hospital the day they were born. This new friendship starts off wonderfully, bringing the two families together, but soon tensions arise and everything goes sideways.

I loved the constant tension that this book brought. The whole time reading it, I was on the edge of my seat with a knot in my stomach, waiting to see what happened.

I'm looking forward to reading more of JP Delaney!

A special thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and JP Delaney for providing me with an ARC.

Well this was an exciting rollercoaster of twists and turns!!! J.P. Delaney doesn't an awesome job of hooking you in and not letting go.

The characters are relatable to any parent. What would you do if you found out your baby was switched at birth? Would you want the one you've raised or would your want your child by blood?

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

What would you do if a stranger showed up at your door and said your two-year-old toddler was not your own? That his and your babies had been switched at birth and he has the proof? Would you try to be reasonable and come up with a compromise that was best for all? That's what Pete and Maddie try to do but they don't know who they are dealing with....Just when they think things can't get any worse, they do. What's the solution to this mess? Neat twisty ending that will satisfy most readers.

Chapters alternate between Pete and Maddie and my only quibble is that the voice isn't always clear. I often found myself asking is this Pete or Maddie speaking and needing to flip back to the beginning of the chapter to check the heading. Both have a lot of secrets and make so many mistakes!

I received an arc of this new thriller from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange foe an honest review. I am always up to read a book by J.P. Delaney! Many thanks.