The audiobook started with young Poppy rescuing teen Jack, a bit beaten and cold in an alleyway.. years later they got in touch again when Poppy was a teen and Jack was past teen, but a trauma occurred. Then many years later, Jack is doing a job and somehow involves Poppy but he can't tell her about it. The attraction between them continues but they don't act on it until they were adults. Once they started, they couldn't stop.

The story and audiobook was okay. I don't like that Jack avoided meeting Poppy just to give her space all these years then as soon as he laid eyes on her, he became possessive of her and expected her to show he owned her by proudly displaying his bite marks on her neck. Luckily she was defiant and made her own decisions. The ending was unexpected. There's AI involved and there's killing, just not gruesome.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the complimentary audiobook! Thank you Bramble Romance for the opportunity to read and review!

This audiobook of Play Dirty, written by Lora Leigh and narrated by Brianna Bronte was fantastic! I admit, it was the ending that really did it for me. I am so excited to what is to come with this series that I would be jumping to the next book if it was released already. Sadly, I am going to have to be patient and wait.

I pretty much loved everything about this book. First,the narrator did such a good job bringing these characters to life. I loved listening to this book and didn't feel like I missed out by not reading it first. That has happened to me in the past.

Second, the hero is drool worthy. I'm never disappointed with Lora Leigh's heroes so that was no surprise.

Third, was the heroine. I don't always like a heroine pining for a hero for years, but it just made sense in this book. I didn't feel like he never deserved her devotion.

Fourth, and most important, is what was revealed in the end. I won't say a word, because I don't want to ruin the surprise. But...I am so excited about that twist.

A lot of traditional troupes. The alpha male starts off likeable. Twists kept me reading, but fell flat. Spicy scenes hint at S and M.

When you read a Lora Leigh novel you know exactly what you’re getting: alpha male, female who sticks up for herself but only to a point and has usually be in love with the alpha male her whole life, and a whole host of other not necessarily PC tropes, but that’s why you read the novels.

Generally, this novel makes no sense. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot is chaotic and if they called it “the AI” one more time I was going to scream. That being said, the spice was immaculate, the storyline unhinged, the characters are exact replicas of ones we have read before from Lora Leigh, and that’s why I liked it. I know exactly what I’m getting.

This isn’t going to be for everyone, I fully know that.

I read this on audiobook but did not love the narration. I wouldn’t recommend, instead, read it on Kindle or physical.

I really wanted to like this book, struggled to keep up with all the twists and turns. I felt like the characters really didn’t have chemistry.

Good story. The narrator did a great job bringing the characters to life.i would recommend this audiobook to anyone who loves a good narration of a thriller book.

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for an advance audio copy of Play Dirty by Lora Leigh in exchange of an honest review.

"In 'Play Dirty' by Laura Leigh, readers are treated to a heartwarming romance that spans years and showcases the undeniable bond between Poppy and Jack. Their relationship, forged from a young age, is satisfying to witness as it grows and flourishes. While the spice factor may be moderate, their connection is undeniable, and readers will find themselves invested in their journey. However, outside of the romance, the portrayal of the SEAL team and military life feels less authentic, veering into the realm of fantasy. Despite this, the story remains enjoyable, and the voice artist does an excellent job bringing the characters to life. Overall, 'Play Dirty' offers a satisfying romance that, while not without its flaws, is still worth recommending to fans of the genre.

I did not finish at 23%. It was just too dark and angsty for me. I could not continue to listen. The narrators were okay. It was honestly the plot that turned me off.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity.

📖 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙮 𝙗𝙮 𝙇𝙤𝙧𝙖 𝙇𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝
📣 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚

Poppy has been in love with one man her whole life, Jack. She saved Jack from his father when they were kids and showed him kindness he had never experienced. Ultimately, she couldn’t save Jack from having to protect himself from his father.

Years later, she still can’t get him out of her head. Now, Jack is back in town and everyone is trying to warn her off of him.

Jack would do anything to protect Poppy, even going back home under cover with his team in order to protect her from her employers.

Overall this was a quick read! I listened to the audiobook which was well done. The story isn’t perfect, and Jack is definitely a walking red flag but I enjoyed this story! 🚩This is a hella spicy book!
Spice Level: 3 🌶️

The AI in this story is so freaking cool! I did not see that ending coming. I can’t wait the next books in this series.

Tropes:
💪🏼 Protector Romance
🩶 Seal Team
😱 Romantic Suspense
💞 Childhood Friends to Lovers
🫶🏼 Dual POV
🥵 Spicy Romance

Thank you to the Bramble and NetGalley for my audiobook ARC so that I could share this honest review! Play Dirty will be available on March 26, 2024.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook. Even though I thought I was adventurous when it came to steamy books. This one was a bit too much for me. I almost forgot what the whole book was even about. This is not for the easy going listener.

I am honestly so sad about how much I disliked this book. I dnf’d about a quarter of the way through because of the plot, which was going in every direction, the lack of knowledge about what the military does, and the lack of chemistry between the characters. I was so excited for this book because it is the first ARC I’ve received that is more of a dark romance but sadly, it just not the right fit for me. I can normally look past minor things in a dark romance but there was just way too many inconsistencies for me to enjoy reading.
Thank you NetGalley and MacMillian Audio for this ARC.

3 stars

The plot of this book for sure was a little much for me. Jack was for sure morally grey and the Poppy is for sure flawed. They both had rough childhoods and each other has been their only constant. It was spicy and dark and almost everything I'd have wanted from a story. She saved his life and he saved hers. They feel indebted to each other, they need each other, and they know they're going to get hurt.

It was entertaining, the story was gripping at times, there was just something about it that didn't click for me. I'm not sure if it was the relationship between Jack and Poppy that just never really sat right for me (he loved her when they were kids and she for sure had a crush and one fateful night ended what could've been between them, yet outside of sex there really wasn't any kind of connection for me), or maybe it was the weird AI element that brought Jack back to town in the first place. He's military, but it really seemed like he should've been CIA/Homeland Security/Mercenary instead as the story didn't seem like a military-type plot.

Jack is for sure the Alpha, over protective very morally grey character that I'm sure is going to be a big hit. Poppy seemed a little too whiny for my taste and seemed to have multiple personalities which made it hard to connect with her.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Title: A 3-Star Audiobook Review: "Play Dirty" by Lora Leigh, Narrated by Brianna Bronte

Review:

"Lora Leigh's "Play Dirty," narrated by Brianna Bronte, is an engaging romantic suspense audiobook that takes readers on a journey of love, danger, and second chances. While the story has its strengths, several areas could benefit from revisions before publication.

The book introduces us to Poppy and Jack, childhood friends whose paths intertwine once again after years apart. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the author does a commendable job of portraying their intense connection. The love scenes are passionate and steamy, although the excessive use of different word references for the same body part may distract some readers. Simplifying the language to a more conservative approach would enhance the overall reading experience.

One aspect that requires attention is the background of the characters. The book reads more like a story involving a mercenary group with a CIA or Intelligence Officer background rather than former Navy SEALs. Adjusting this aspect to align with the readers' expectations would strengthen the believability of the plot.

Furthermore, the book gives off a slightly dated feel. The portrayal of AI technology reflects a perspective more fitting for the 2004 era of robotic intelligence rather than the current advancements in AI writing and drawing capabilities. Providing dates or historical references within the narrative would help readers contextualize the story and align their time perspective accordingly.

The audiobook could also benefit from a revision in its narrative structure. Exploring the story from two points of view, rather than a single third-party perspective jump from character to character, could enhance reader popularity and provide a more balanced portrayal of the characters' emotions and experiences.

The dynamics within Poppy's family appear inconsistent. While her father and brother initially disapprove of Jack, the sudden shift in their attitudes to Mom and Dad loving him feels abrupt. Addressing this discrepancy and providing a more coherent portrayal of the family dynamics would strengthen the overall storyline.

The narration by Brianna Bronte is commendable, particularly her ability to bring the characters to life with distinct voices. Her portrayal of a slow, sweet, modern southern belle and a broody, elusive Southern bachelor adds depth to the audiobook. However, during non-dialogue sections, the narration feels more like reading and lacks the emotional depth to immerse the listener in the story entirely. Re-recording these sections with a stronger emphasis on emotional connections would significantly enhance the listener's experience.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the book has been marketed with Fifty Shades references. Still, it is essential to clarify that "Play Dirty" does not deliver some smut. However, it is not the caliber of Christian Grey, and this could make readers DNF the story, finding they were lured in under false pretenses. Instead, it offers a dynamic between a bad boy and a good girl, which may attract a different audience than expected.

In conclusion, "Play Dirty" by Lora Leigh, narrated by Brianna Bronte, is an engaging romantic suspense audiobook that explores love, danger, and second chances. While the story has strengths, several revisions are necessary to address the abovementioned points. With these revisions, the audiobook has the potential to provide a more immersive and satisfying experience for its readers.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, & Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC!

This was good, old fashion romance! Spice factor was a 2 out of 5, but there is something so satisfying about Poppy and Jack's relationship and how it grows. even from a young age these two knew they were destined for each other. She saves him from a life being abused by a drug addict and he helps her through an even worse moment of violation later as a teenager. Years later after that and almost another life lived he must come back home for a mission and Poppy is the reason. They come together pretty quick after that, but that isn't such a shock considering they've both always known they were meant for each other. What hits this story hard is the slow pace of what happens outside the romance. I like the SEAL team military angle because who doesn't consider a muscular, handsome man in a uniform HOTTTTTTTTT?!? BUT it read like the author had no idea what true military life was like...especially when it comes to special forces, SEAL teams, and the like. That was all a bit unbelievable and fanciful.
However, I did enjoy the story for what it was and the voice artist did a great job!
Would still recommend and will most likely seek out other books written by the author.

No Regrets!!!!
solid 3 out of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this as it included some of my favorite tropes, but I just couldn't get into it. The romantic element of the story felt rushed and I didn't feel like there was a ton of natural chemistry between Jack and Poppy, other than the physical. The spicy scenes felt a little awkwardly written. The narration was okay but there were a lot of male voices that were difficult to distinguish from at times.

Jack Bridger had a rough childhood. In a dangerous home situation, teenage Jack was convinced he would meet his death at his father's hands before he reached the age 15. That is until a 7 year old Poppy shows him his first glimpse of kindness. Time pushes them together and pulls them apart all the way into adulthood, but one thing is certain for the both of them: Poppy and Jack are made for each other.
From the outside, the two are an odd pairing, but there is more to each of them beyond the surface. Poppy is a sweet, kind soul who wouldn't hurt a fly...unless she has to. Jack is a time-roughened ex-SEAL who will cross almost every line in the name of justice...unless it involves Poppy. When Jack receives word that Poppy may be wrapped up in a dangerous drug scheme without her knowledge, he jumps into action and decides this time he will claim Poppy as his forevermore.

This book includes:
- everyone is obsessed with me but IDK why trope
- age gap romance
- second chance romance
- military (he is more of a 007 detective) MMC
- gangs and the cartel
- terminator like cyborg
- FMC with lots of protective older brothers trope
- TW: please check before reading

I have never written so many Goodreads updates on a single book. So many elements of "Play Dirty" took me completely out of the story and prevented any enjoyment. Usually, I can suspend reality for a dark romance, but this time it was just too much.

Here are some of those elements:
- Lack of research on what AI actually is
- Lack of research on how the military works (I think the CIA or a fake mercenary group would have been more appropriate for what the author was trying to achieve)
- Weird verbiage during intimate scenes
- Jack is a hypocrite
- Poppy had like three different personalities that did not mesh
- No chemistry between Poppy and Jack
- Unbelievable sibling dynamic between Poppy and her brothers

While this is my experience I know that "Play Dirty" will be a hit. There will be tons of women who LOVE Jack and get a kick out of all the elements of the book that don’t work for me. Any fans of "Does it Hurt," "Haunting Adeline," "Feathers So Vicious," "Red Flags" and other books that feature twisted romance will eat this up. I predict this one will be a hit.

I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Lora Leigh, and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and review this book. This review has been posted to GoodReads check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863

This is the first book in a new series by Lora Leigh. I haven’t read any of her other books before and thought picking this one up would be a good place to start.

I wish I liked this one more. It was steamy and spicy and had a palpable chemistry between the main characters, it was just a little too much for me…I have no doubt that there is an audience for this book, it just isn’t me. I struggled with the relationship between Jack and Poppy. There is no build up of them getting together, he just comes back to town and they are suddenly together. Poppy, as someone who has past trauma, really opens up to Jack very quickly. She holds him up as her hero and that is evident. Jack, for his part, does everything he can to keep her safe.

The story line outside the romantic relationship was a little bit of a stretch, though it did keep me guessing and the twist at the end I didn’t see coming. In the mood for some spice with a dash of real life heroes? This one is for you!

I surprisingly enjoyed the narrator and I thought she did a good job sounding like Jack, which is no small feat.
The plot, especially at the end, lost me a bit but I still enjoyed the smut and the characters overall. I felt like Jack and Poppy were competent and had great chemistry. The story was a bit predictable, but I still had fun listening to it for the most part.

The idea of this book pulled me in and I only continued listening in hopes that it would get better. The writing felt clumsy and hurried, and the language was repetitive, leaving it feeling uncreative and unedited. Maybe it was the audiobook format but it wasn’t my cup of tea.

I personally was not a fan of this book. It was hard for me to follow the plot and felt like it jumped around a lot. I also was not a fan of the narrator for this particular book. The use of different voice tons was hard for me to keep track of which male she was portraying at the time. I felt like there was not enough story to the book and it was rushed.