Play Me is book 1 in the new Play Me series and follows grumpy Gray Adler, rugby hottie, as he learns to work with his new personal assistant, Astrid, or lose a very needed perk of the job.
About Play Me
Astrid is Renn Brewer’s personal assistant. She does, pretty much, whatever he needs her to do. Until the day he asks her to be the personal assistant to his new rugby player. She finds it hard to trust men, especially men who go out of their way to rile her up. She is organized beyond belief and wears her clipboard like a shield of armor.
Gray is a hottie rugby player that the Royals just acquired from Denver. He comes to Tennessee with an attitude, a rumor mill gone wild and secrets he can trust no one with. He is a relatively local boy, as he grew up about an hour from where he is now playing. He does everything in his power to mess with the schedule that has been created for him, and to insert his foot into his mouth at every turn.
After a very trying day, Astrid has had enough. She tells Renn she is done being Gray’s assistant. This in turn, causes Renn to cancel the bonus payment. When Gray finds out he is shocked. He had no idea that he upset her so much that she would walk away.
Gray has to make this better since he needs the bonus to take care of a personal matter.
When Astrid’s past comes back to haunt her, and her one option to resolve the problem falls through, Gray steps in and makes a phone call. Although they are not friends yet, she is appreciative of his help. Especially when he caters to her needs.
As Gray takes her to his hometown of Sugarcreek, she is wary of his intentions. But as he starts to loosen up, she starts seeing a new side of him. She sees him with his friends and family. She sees him smile. She sees him as someone she could actually like. But that scares her.
Although they are both attracted to each other, there are boundaries they are not willing to cross. Gray is so adamant that he makes Astrid clearly articulate what it is she wants. But will one night be enough for them?
Astrid finds it very hard to trust men. She had a father who neglected her and was even abusive at times. Maybe not physical, but emotional and mental abuse are still abuse. On top of that, her last boyfriend knew about what she endured with her father and used it to torment and abuse her mentally and emotionally, as well. When she finally tells Gray her background he now has a better understanding of her armor with men.
But when Gray’s past knocks on his door, so to speak, will he be given the opportunity to explain, or will he be shut down by Astrid’s girl squad?
Impressions
Astrid has a great core group of friends. Gianna is my absolute favorite. She is a ride or die friend. She will help you dig the hole, cover it up and plant something over top so no one would ever think to look there. And the taser threat. Man I need a friend like her. Audrey, on the other hand, is the level headed, will talk sense in to you and be your therapist type of friend. Both are needed in times of trouble.
Gray tends to seek out his brother, Hart, when he needs someone to talk to. He still holds guilt over his parents and it is Hart who tells him he needs to forgive himself. His friend, Brooks, is another story. He seems a little smarmy and it would behoove Gray to keep his secrets close where he is concerned.
Hearing Gray’s story, and how he has secretly paid for, what he sees as, his misdeeds, I feel for him. I understand a little more about what is going through his head. The guild he must carry with him everyday, explains his attitude. It is a sad reminder to not judge someone by their exterior, but to look deep inside.
Narration
It is always a joy to listen to Sebastian York narrate a book. it seems like they are fewer and farther between them, but maybe that is just me and my audiobook choices. I loved his smooth talking gruffness as Gray and his smarmy Brooks characters. Mollie Stark is a new to me narrator. I really liked her raspy voice. It tells of someone who has endured a lot in life and was a perfect fit for Astrid.
Availability
Play Me is currently available to read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited and for purchase in all formats on Amazon.
Series Listing
- Play Me (Play Me Series Book 1)
- Try Me (Play Me Series Book 2)
- Show Me (Play Me Series Book 3)
About Adriana Locke
USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author, Adriana Locke, writes contemporary romances about the two things she knows best—big families and small towns. Her stories are about ordinary people finding extraordinary love with the perfect combination of heart, heat, and humor.
She loves connecting with readers, fall weather, football, reading alpha heroes, everything pumpkin, and pretending to garden.
Hailing from a tiny town in the Midwest, Adriana spends her free time with her high school sweetheart (who she married over twenty years ago) and their four sons (who truly are her best work). Her kitchen may be a perpetual disaster, and if all else fails, there is always pizza.
Connect with Adriana
Website: www.adrianalocke.com
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