REVIEW: 'Playing The Game' by M.Q. Barber
Title: Playing The Game
Series: Neighborly Affection Book 1
Author: M.Q. Barber
Published: July 1, 2013
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance; Erotic Romance
Length: 240 Pages
Tags: BDSM; Menage; M/M/F; M/F; Bisexual; May/December; Friends to Lovers; D/s
BLURB: She expects dinner with neighbors, but gets sex with a side of safewords.
Mechanical engineer Alice still drools over her sexy neighbors a year after she’s moved in. She can’t decide whether they’re roommates or partners, but either way, they spark a wanton desire in her that has her imagination--and vibrator--working overtime.
Henry, director of everything around him, studies human nature and applies philosophies to his paintings as well as his relationships. Quirky, polite to a fault, and formal, he follows his own code of honor even when it means denying himself.
Flirtatious and playful, Jay needs stability, guidance, and to please others. His antics counterbalance Henry’s stuffy ways while he brings a level of vulnerability and fun to everything the trio does.
BDSM play with the enigmatic artist and flirtatious joker across the hall allows Alice to put aside the linear thought processes which have kept her unsatisfied and distant with other lovers. She must dismiss her preconception of love, sacrificing her independence, if she’s to find a permanent place in their beds and hearts.
5 HEART READ
REVIEW:
M.Q. Barber was a new author for me and I have to say it did not take me long to be drawn into her Playing The Game. Barber just has such a way with writing friendly banter, humor and scenery; by page five my husband was looking at me funny over my uncontrollable laughter and I said
"holy cow, her writing style has me sucked in already"!
And the way Barber takes you on the journey of Alice, Jay and Henry - is just mesmerizing. Alice is young, inexperienced and a little naïve. Jay is fun, flirtatious and free spirited. Then there is Henry: ever so sophisticated. Playing The Game is a beautiful story of two men who are committed to one another yet find themselves inexplicably drawn to a woman. Instead of being forceful, Henry and Jay pursue Alice with class, dignity and respect. I absolutely loved how the story unfolded over time and Henry courted Alice without her even knowing it.
As the journey progressed I could picture them, feel their emotions, see them together and through Alice's eyes I was taken over by their laughter, as well as confusion and desire, and I could see the three of them learning to love and care for one another in a new way.
Then when things are flowing and the three are in a groove, Alice is thrust into the secret as to what the men truly desire and where this dynamic relationship may be headed should she agree…..let's just say, that was one amazing dinner! Throughout Playing The Game Henry's complexity struck me the most. He has an ease about him with his sophistication and class. As is evidenced in a scene where he leaves a thoughtful note for Alice that shows this man pays attention. Yet, at the same time he has an authoritative, fatherly air about him that seems to be more directed at Jay, but at times makes his treatment toward Jay, and Alice, seem offensive.
As Playing The Game finished I found myself wondering if there were more to Henry and Jay’s history than I was aware of and could this possibly explain Henry's treatment of Jay? I was also so highly delighted over Alice, Jay and Henry's relationship, and where they may be headed, that I couldn't wait to read more! Knowing that this was a series and I would not have to wait to read more, made me absolutely giddy as I knew I could immediately forge ahead with their fun loving antics. Especially since Playing The Game leaves you with an open ending.
Knowing that this was a series and I would not have to wait to read more, made me absolutely giddy!
If you want something to open your mind and broaden your horizons when it comes to male, female, male ménage, then Playing The Game is the read for you!
Playing the Game-Neighborly Affection Book One was purchased by Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter in order to offer our fair and honest opinion.
M.Q. Barber likes to get lost in thought. She writes things down so she can find herself again.
Often found staring off into space or frantically scratching words on sticky notes, M.Q. lives with one very tolerant, easily amused husband and one very tolerant, easily amused puppy.
She has a soft spot for romances that explore the inner workings of the heart and mind alongside all that steamy physical exertion. She loves memorable characters, witty banter, and heartfelt emotion in any genre.
Her advice? Get a solid grounding in how language works, and then just write. Write every idea that comes along, even if it’s just a single line. You never know which line is the start of a thread that leads to a novel.
The former Midwestern gal is the author of the Neighborly Affection contemporary romance series. Pick a safeword, grab a partner or two, and jump in.
