PLAY DIRTY is Book 2 in L.P. Maxa's Devil's Share series. PLAY DIRTY is very much a character-driven story and the characters are all three-dimensional. The rock stars in PLAY DIRTY talk and act like you would expect young guys to -- sometimes silly, sometimes disgusting, and sometimes surprisingly sweet. Even though this series follows a rock band on tour, the mismatched bandmates and women who are pulled into their orbit are very much a family. The love and support the Devil's Share family gives each other makes this series stand out from other rock star-themed romances.

Having bad boy rocker Smith James tell part of PLAY DIRTY from his perspective makes all the difference in this romance. Smith is a flawed hero and a man trying to beat drug addiction and conquer his demons when it comes to his abusive family. Smith goes on an emotional journey of self-discovery in PLAY DIRTY and I enjoyed watching the character evolve. Dylan is the nurse who soothes his spirit even as she inflames his libido. I like that Dylan is a strong enough woman to stand by Smith and support him without enabling him, while also being compassionate enough to take a chance on him.

Even though PLAY DIRTY tackles the heavy theme of drug addiction, the focus is on the burgeoning relationship between Smith and Dylan. The tentative and flirty beginning is sweet and lays the groundwork for the hot and heavy times ahead. Even though they don't know each other for very long before things get romantic, their relationship does change gradually, and the intimacy and sexual tension builds throughout PLAY DIRTY. I love that Smith and Dylan talk, and get to know and like each other before things become sexual. L.P. Maxa does a superb job of creating chemistry between Dylan and Smith and building the intensity of their passion for each other. The quiet moments of talking and cuddling balances the super sexy ones.

PLAY DIRTY is dirty sexy fun that satisfies. PLAY DIRTY will make you laugh at the antics of this group of friends and cheer for their victories. Smith's surprise at falling for Dylan is amusing and endearing. I look forward to the next L.P. Maxa book. I am desperate to see quiet drummer hottie Luke get a happily ever after of his own.

Book Summary

As bassist of the Devil’s Share, Smith James revels in being the ultimate bad boy, until he meets a good girl…who likes it dirty.

PILLS. PAIN. LOSS. LOVE.

Smith James doesn’t need drugs. He just likes them a whole lot. And as bassist for the Devil’s Share, they are easy to come by. So are the women. With a steady supply of both he doesn’t have to think too hard about his past. But when a beautiful physician’s assistant joins the tour, Smith can’t help but want…more.

After watching her high school boyfriend OD, there is no way Dylan Lawson is going to fall for a rock star with a tenuous hold on sobriety, no matter how sexy his New Orleans drawl. She’s been hired to do one job: monitor the health of the lead singer’s girlfriend and her unborn baby. But once Smith flashes that sweet, vulnerable smile, Dylan can’t help but want…more.

And more is what they’ll get. Love on tour is never simple, and with a music festival in Smith’s hometown, a place he’s avoided for years, near his illiterate, abusive, meth-addled father, Smith is one bad night away from a relapse. But with her heart already lost, Dylan is willing to do whatever is necessary to save him—even play a little dirty.

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