Book Review: Play Me by Adriana Locke

From the very first page, I was hooked! I love a good enemies-to-lovers story, and this was fantastic! The bickering and snark, the wit and teasing, it was all excellent. I loved this from beginning to end!

Play Me by Adriana Locke

He’s supposed to be playing rugby—not playing me.

I didn’t think it was possible to hate someone. Like utterly despise another human. Then I was hired to babysit the Royals’ newest star and found out just how wrong I was.

My job should’ve been easy. Keep the hotshot on time and out of trouble. But that’s hard to do when I dream of smothering him with his jersey.

Every day delivers a new reason to detest Gray Adler. His truck is the size of a whale, and he uses the horn like a weapon. And, no, that’s not a euphemism. He can’t manage a sentence without being rude. And the universe, in its cruelest joke, gave that tattooed, walking red flag the body of a Greek god.

Just when I finally get used to hating him, things take a turn.

A scalding-hot, mind-blowing I can’t do this with a man I work with sort of turn.

Suddenly, those rough hands make my skin sizzle. His sinful smirks fade into grins just for me. And our banter shifts into something much more profound than it should.

But Gray Adler is hiding something. And when those secrets collide with my vulnerable heart, I ask myself an important question. Is he finally telling me the truth, or am I still getting played?

5 out of 5 stars

I am a sucker for an enemies-to-lovers story, and Play Me did not disappoint. Astrid and Gray had the best antagonist banter, and I loved the back and forth between them. When they start to let their guards down and that verbal sparring turns playful, I just about melted. This was witty, entertaining, full of snark, had great chemistry, and the best build. I was excited while reading and couldn’t wait for them to get their HEA.

I loved Astrid! She was tough and hardworking, but had her guard up due to the difficult things she’d experienced in her life. Gray was fantastic, he had such a big heart. I felt for him as I learned about his past and couldn’t wait to learn more about the secrets he was holding onto. Together? Damn! From the moment they met, I could feel the tension and angst between them, they gave as good as they got. When they're forced to work together, that's when the fun really begins. Their sharp banter turned more lighthearted and teasing, and their walls really started to come down. I loved them opening up, trusting, and being vulnerable. I loved how they were there for one another as they began to heal. I could feel the emotion between them. There was a delicious slow burn happening, and I was filled with anticipation for their first kiss. When everything finally exploded, the spice was perfect.

Astrid's friends Gianna and Audrey were wonderful and entertaining. I loved the bond they had, and I adored how they supported her. Meeting Gray’s brother, Hartly, and his friends was awesome. After being introduced to everyone, I really hope there are more books because I'm seeing future pairings and more stories.

This book gave me everything I needed, and I immediately felt connected. I loved the banter, tension, emotion, and heart. I was completely hooked and didn’t want to put it down. Excellent read!

Complimentary copy received.