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Sweet Cravings #1
Playing a Player
From Amazon bestselling author Ivy Smoak comes a steamy romantic comedy about unlikely roommates.
My last single friend just got married, leaving me roommate-less. When Rory shows up at my door, I'm more than a little surprised to find out that a guy has answered my ad. Living with a man wasn't exactly what I had in mind. Especially one as handsome as Rory. He's charming, confident, and...completely off limits. He's a total player. And I don't want to end up getting played.
But when all the other applicants don't seem to be a good fit, I can't help but let my mind wander back to him. What's the worst that could happen if I let him move in? It's not like I'm going to fall in love with him...
My last single friend just got married, leaving me roommate-less. When Rory shows up at my door, I'm more than a little surprised to find out that a guy has answered my ad. Living with a man wasn't exactly what I had in mind. Especially one as handsome as Rory. He's charming, confident, and...completely off limits. He's a total player. And I don't want to end up getting played.
But when all the other applicants don't seem to be a good fit, I can't help but let my mind wander back to him. What's the worst that could happen if I let him move in? It's not like I'm going to fall in love with him...
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2015
3694 people are currently reading
2466 people want to read
About the author
Ivy Smoak
93 books8,116 followersIvy Smoak is the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon #1 bestselling author of The Hunted Series. Her books have sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
When she's not writing, you can find Ivy binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware.
Learn more about Ivy on:
Amazon ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakAMZ
Facebook ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakFacebook
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Reader Group ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakGroup
Join Ivy Smoak's newsletter for a sexy FREE story and exclusive material: https://www.ivysmoak.com/newsletter
Empire High
The Hunted & Light to My Darkness
Made of Steel
When she's not writing, you can find Ivy binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware.
Learn more about Ivy on:
Amazon ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakAMZ
Facebook ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakFacebook
Instagram ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakInsta
TikTok ➜ https://bit.ly/3F6QML7
BookBub ➜ https://bit.ly/2VOZycg
Website ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakWebsite
Reader Group ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakGroup
Join Ivy Smoak's newsletter for a sexy FREE story and exclusive material: https://www.ivysmoak.com/newsletter
Empire High
The Hunted & Light to My Darkness
Made of Steel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
October 20, 2015
***1.5 stars***
I'm really confused right now and not because i'm not sure if I liked this book or not (because i didn't), but because it has so many 4 and 5 stars reviews. I really, really don't get it.
I don't enjoy giving bad reviews but every author experiences this so I'm not going to hold back, but I'll do my best to support my opinion with valid arguments.
The story...
I feel that the author was constantly improvising while writing this book. I feel that the story as a whole was a hot mess and all over the place. The story begins with Keira's search for a new roommate. She posts an ad and several people respond, all female and one male named Rory. She meets with Rory, thinking that he is a she, and she's immediately attracted to him. Of course not a single one of the women she meets is a good candidate to be her roommate so she goes with Rory because a guy roommate you are attracted to makes a lot more sense... Rory and Keira make a pact to never fool around with each other so what's the next thing she does? She makes out with his best friend. Then she decides that she wants to have a one night stand with Rory because having a one night stand with your new roommate is always a good plan!
Then she decides that she wants to write an article about her crush for her new roommate (Keira is a freelance writer for The Post) and she ends up writing and article about how to manipulate a player and about the steps you need to take to make him fall in love with you, which is still about Rory. Then Rory and Keira are officially together and his best friends are now her best friends because she's so cool (she watches football, plays poker and nerf). But Keira is terrified if Rory's reaction if he ever reads the articles he wrote about him and she's torn about telling him about them. Then we have a couple of misunderstandings and a little bit of drama but don't worry because after a few weeks of knowing each other these two are so in love that nothing can break them up and BOOM, HEA!!!!
Comments...
I just didn't buy it... There were just too many things going on but the worst part was that I felt that the author was trying too hard to create a likable story with likable characters. It's like she read every review and comment about other books and tried to write a book with all the good elements that romance readers want to read about. I'm not a writer but I don't think that's a good way to create a good story that readers will love. I don't like it when other characters in a book tell me about the MCs personality, i'd like to be able to form my own opinion. All i was getting about Keira was:
when in reality i didn't really think that at all about her.
And don't get me started about Rory, Mr:
I wouldn't recommend this to my goodreads friends because i know that they read a lot of books and that they'll probably feel the same way as i did about this book. But they were some hot moments there so if you're looking for a book with graphic sex scenes then why not?
I'm really confused right now and not because i'm not sure if I liked this book or not (because i didn't), but because it has so many 4 and 5 stars reviews. I really, really don't get it.
I don't enjoy giving bad reviews but every author experiences this so I'm not going to hold back, but I'll do my best to support my opinion with valid arguments.
The story...
I feel that the author was constantly improvising while writing this book. I feel that the story as a whole was a hot mess and all over the place. The story begins with Keira's search for a new roommate. She posts an ad and several people respond, all female and one male named Rory. She meets with Rory, thinking that he is a she, and she's immediately attracted to him. Of course not a single one of the women she meets is a good candidate to be her roommate so she goes with Rory because a guy roommate you are attracted to makes a lot more sense... Rory and Keira make a pact to never fool around with each other so what's the next thing she does? She makes out with his best friend. Then she decides that she wants to have a one night stand with Rory because having a one night stand with your new roommate is always a good plan!
Then she decides that she wants to write an article about her crush for her new roommate (Keira is a freelance writer for The Post) and she ends up writing and article about how to manipulate a player and about the steps you need to take to make him fall in love with you, which is still about Rory. Then Rory and Keira are officially together and his best friends are now her best friends because she's so cool (she watches football, plays poker and nerf). But Keira is terrified if Rory's reaction if he ever reads the articles he wrote about him and she's torn about telling him about them. Then we have a couple of misunderstandings and a little bit of drama but don't worry because after a few weeks of knowing each other these two are so in love that nothing can break them up and BOOM, HEA!!!!
Comments...
I just didn't buy it... There were just too many things going on but the worst part was that I felt that the author was trying too hard to create a likable story with likable characters. It's like she read every review and comment about other books and tried to write a book with all the good elements that romance readers want to read about. I'm not a writer but I don't think that's a good way to create a good story that readers will love. I don't like it when other characters in a book tell me about the MCs personality, i'd like to be able to form my own opinion. All i was getting about Keira was:
when in reality i didn't really think that at all about her.
And don't get me started about Rory, Mr:
I wouldn't recommend this to my goodreads friends because i know that they read a lot of books and that they'll probably feel the same way as i did about this book. But they were some hot moments there so if you're looking for a book with graphic sex scenes then why not?
January 8, 2016
I don't know whether to laugh or cry about how bad this book was. Have you ever read a book that the heroine was so pathetic you just wanted to upper cunt her? That was this book. Keira meets Rory. Rory becomes her roommate. He's a total man slut who brings woman after woman home and screws them right in front of her. But of course he's "perfect" and she just "loves" him so much. *insert eye roll* She asks for advice of what guys like from him and basically he just wants a whore, so what does she do? She transformers herself into a whore. Yeah he's a real winner. I truly thought she would end up with Conner, but no she had to end up engaged to Rory after a few weeks of living together and doing nothing, but fighting and having sex.
Read
August 12, 2019DNF ~48%
Imagine a 90s chick-flick that you may have enjoyed back in the day, but has not aged well with the test of time. Whose heroine's antics you once upon a time might have found amusing but now realize are borderline crazy and obsessive for no apparent reason.
There is absolutely no reason why Kiera should be so fixated on Rory. Like yes, I understand he is supposed to be hot, but according to her, so are both of his friends and they're both way better guys but is she obsessed with them? Nope, just the player who she for some reason let move into her apartment with little preamble.
Homegirl is convinced he is the only one for her, but again I saw absolutely no reason why she should have felt that way. I'm no love expert, relationships have never been my forte. But if you have to resort to stupid tricks and ridiculous seduction attempts to get the man, chances are he is not the one for you.
I'm pretty forgiving in terms of romance books, but this one with its tried plot, ridiculous heroine, and a hero I found no attraction to just did not work for me.
Good thing this was a book bargain of the day on Amazon and therefore free because if I'd paid for it I might've convinced myself I needed to finish it.
Imagine a 90s chick-flick that you may have enjoyed back in the day, but has not aged well with the test of time. Whose heroine's antics you once upon a time might have found amusing but now realize are borderline crazy and obsessive for no apparent reason.
There is absolutely no reason why Kiera should be so fixated on Rory. Like yes, I understand he is supposed to be hot, but according to her, so are both of his friends and they're both way better guys but is she obsessed with them? Nope, just the player who she for some reason let move into her apartment with little preamble.
Homegirl is convinced he is the only one for her, but again I saw absolutely no reason why she should have felt that way. I'm no love expert, relationships have never been my forte. But if you have to resort to stupid tricks and ridiculous seduction attempts to get the man, chances are he is not the one for you.
I'm pretty forgiving in terms of romance books, but this one with its tried plot, ridiculous heroine, and a hero I found no attraction to just did not work for me.
Good thing this was a book bargain of the day on Amazon and therefore free because if I'd paid for it I might've convinced myself I needed to finish it.
November 1, 2015
5 you have to play the game in order to win stars. I loved the read. It was fun, sexy, emotional, and hot. Rory's such a stereotypical good-looking guy that I found myself snorting. He plays the game and in order to keep his attention and to make him realize what he feels you have to play him. Kiera's a fun time because she doesn't want to make things awkward but she can't help but be attracted Rory because he's H-O-T!
There's a moment where Connor, one of Rory's very close friends, offers to help Kiera get to Rory. He tells her she needs to make him jealous. Connor's such a great supporting character because he's a good man who is attracted to Kiera but realizes her attention is on and for Rory only so he settles himself in the backseat while trying to help her and be her friend. Connor's advice stems into how Keira an Rory end up tumbling into one another.
Kiera's fun, spirited, sexy, and pretty genuine. She hates that she has to play a game to get to Rory but she'll do what she has to because she's writing an article and because she wants him. Rory makes her burn like no other and one taste just isn't enough so she plays the game until he's the one reaching for her.
What can I say about Rory? He's a good-looking, charismatic, and confident guy. He knows he can have a revolving door of women and never be concerned about his heart until Kiera gets under his skin. He knew he wanted her naked and under him the moment he met her. He knew she was attracted to him, too, but wanted to share an apartment with her so made the bull shit rule of no sleeping together. He knew he'd break that rule but never thought he'd crave Kiera in a capacity befitting a lovesick man.
There's misunderstandings, arguments, sex, and a sweet happy ending. Kiera and Rory are very representative of modern day issues involving relationships between males and females so I liked that the issue was central to the story. In an age where it is even easier to fall into a hookup routine, Kiera and Rory find happiness in a relationship.
There's a moment where Connor, one of Rory's very close friends, offers to help Kiera get to Rory. He tells her she needs to make him jealous. Connor's such a great supporting character because he's a good man who is attracted to Kiera but realizes her attention is on and for Rory only so he settles himself in the backseat while trying to help her and be her friend. Connor's advice stems into how Keira an Rory end up tumbling into one another.
Kiera's fun, spirited, sexy, and pretty genuine. She hates that she has to play a game to get to Rory but she'll do what she has to because she's writing an article and because she wants him. Rory makes her burn like no other and one taste just isn't enough so she plays the game until he's the one reaching for her.
What can I say about Rory? He's a good-looking, charismatic, and confident guy. He knows he can have a revolving door of women and never be concerned about his heart until Kiera gets under his skin. He knew he wanted her naked and under him the moment he met her. He knew she was attracted to him, too, but wanted to share an apartment with her so made the bull shit rule of no sleeping together. He knew he'd break that rule but never thought he'd crave Kiera in a capacity befitting a lovesick man.
There's misunderstandings, arguments, sex, and a sweet happy ending. Kiera and Rory are very representative of modern day issues involving relationships between males and females so I liked that the issue was central to the story. In an age where it is even easier to fall into a hookup routine, Kiera and Rory find happiness in a relationship.
August 27, 2019
A 2-Star rating, for me, is extremely rare. It means that I finished reading a book, but I didn't like it. Usually, I can tell if I like a book or not by the first chapter, and I will toss the book out if it isn't interesting...but in this case, the book started okay. It seemed like your typical romance, full of longing, misunderstandings, and passionate, steamy sex - which is generally how I like my romances.
And then, somewhere along the line, it all fell apart. The book felt like a made for TV romcom - the kind where the characters were so awkward and so cringy in their actions that you feel physically embarrassed for them. There was no depth to the characters, and the pace was a little too quick. Frankly, it would have made better erotica than a romance.
By the time the HEA hit, I gagged. Out loud. Seriously. It was that... well, gross. There are some readers out there that will enjoy this story - and I know there are. They are probably a lot less critical than I am and they can enjoy this story for the entertainment value. Unfortunately, I am not one of them.
And then, somewhere along the line, it all fell apart. The book felt like a made for TV romcom - the kind where the characters were so awkward and so cringy in their actions that you feel physically embarrassed for them. There was no depth to the characters, and the pace was a little too quick. Frankly, it would have made better erotica than a romance.
By the time the HEA hit, I gagged. Out loud. Seriously. It was that... well, gross. There are some readers out there that will enjoy this story - and I know there are. They are probably a lot less critical than I am and they can enjoy this story for the entertainment value. Unfortunately, I am not one of them.
no-way-jose
July 25, 2019Pathetic pile of sht.
October 25, 2015
I was given a ARC in exchange of a honest review.
Keira's last single friend just got married, leaving her roommate-less. When Rory shows up at her door for an interview, she's more than a little surprised to find out that a guy has answered her ad. A super sexy guy.
When I read this blurb I thought that would be a nice book, but it let me down in so many ways that I can´t count.
First of all, Rory is a jerkface, he´s super sweet on the interview and got me fooled together with Keira. Though, I could see his assholery really soon, Keira couldn´t.
This book kind of freak me out. For god´s sake, it had so many weird situations going on with Rory and his wolf pack, and Keira just kept going ahead, like it was normal. It makes me worry because made me think that maybe there are people that actually thinks like Keira.
Rory had my red flags going off so many times that I almost couldn´t go through this book.
A última colega de quarto de Keira se casou, deixando-a sem alguém com quem dividir o aluguel. Quando Rory aparece na porte de Keira para uma entrevisra, ela está mais do que um pouco surpresa de descobrir que Rory é um cara. Um cara super sexy.
Quando eu li essa sinopse eu fiquei super interessada nesse livro, mas fiquei muito decepcionada.
Primeiro de tudo, Rory é um idiota. Ele foi super doce na entrevista e conseguiu me enganar juntamente com a Keira. Mas, eu pude perceber o real Rory bem cedo, ao contrário de Keira.
Esse livro me deixou preocupada. Pelo amor de Deus, tinha tantas situações esquisitas acontecendo com Rory e seus amigos, e a Keira simplesmente continuava indo em frente como se fosse normal. Me deixou preocupada pq me fez pensar que talvez existam pessoas por aí que pensem como Keira, e aceitem esse tipo de comportamento de terceiros.
Rory fez meus alarmes dispararem tantas vezes que quase não consegui terminar esse livro.
Keira's last single friend just got married, leaving her roommate-less. When Rory shows up at her door for an interview, she's more than a little surprised to find out that a guy has answered her ad. A super sexy guy.
When I read this blurb I thought that would be a nice book, but it let me down in so many ways that I can´t count.
First of all, Rory is a jerkface, he´s super sweet on the interview and got me fooled together with Keira. Though, I could see his assholery really soon, Keira couldn´t.
This book kind of freak me out. For god´s sake, it had so many weird situations going on with Rory and his wolf pack, and Keira just kept going ahead, like it was normal. It makes me worry because made me think that maybe there are people that actually thinks like Keira.
Rory had my red flags going off so many times that I almost couldn´t go through this book.
A última colega de quarto de Keira se casou, deixando-a sem alguém com quem dividir o aluguel. Quando Rory aparece na porte de Keira para uma entrevisra, ela está mais do que um pouco surpresa de descobrir que Rory é um cara. Um cara super sexy.
Quando eu li essa sinopse eu fiquei super interessada nesse livro, mas fiquei muito decepcionada.
Primeiro de tudo, Rory é um idiota. Ele foi super doce na entrevista e conseguiu me enganar juntamente com a Keira. Mas, eu pude perceber o real Rory bem cedo, ao contrário de Keira.
Esse livro me deixou preocupada. Pelo amor de Deus, tinha tantas situações esquisitas acontecendo com Rory e seus amigos, e a Keira simplesmente continuava indo em frente como se fosse normal. Me deixou preocupada pq me fez pensar que talvez existam pessoas por aí que pensem como Keira, e aceitem esse tipo de comportamento de terceiros.
Rory fez meus alarmes dispararem tantas vezes que quase não consegui terminar esse livro.
December 2, 2015
To say that this book was just not for me would
be a vast understatement.
The writing was not bad, the premise overdone, but
not bad. The heroine was so immature and silly that
I found absolutely nothing to like about her. Kiera's
acceptance over Rory's hook-ups were just unbelievable.
She was awkward and silly and so unlikeable that I
didn't care that Rory was sleeping with other girls,
in the next room!!! She didn't care so why should I?
Rory, he could have been yummy. He was gorgeous, funny,
cocky,(but in an endearing way). He was also a slut.
That was a huge turn off.
Keira needed a roommate. Rory needed a place to stay,
so after meeting him once, she decides that he would
be perfect roommate material. Keira had some really
juvenile attempts at getting Rory to notice her, and
when he did, she seemed to forget that he was total
slut and just forgive him anything. BUT I have to say
it was not Rory's fault. She had adamantly friend zoned
him so he was just being Rory.
All of the above was a huge problem for me, so much so
that I will not be reading anymore books by this author.
be a vast understatement.
The writing was not bad, the premise overdone, but
not bad. The heroine was so immature and silly that
I found absolutely nothing to like about her. Kiera's
acceptance over Rory's hook-ups were just unbelievable.
She was awkward and silly and so unlikeable that I
didn't care that Rory was sleeping with other girls,
in the next room!!! She didn't care so why should I?
Rory, he could have been yummy. He was gorgeous, funny,
cocky,(but in an endearing way). He was also a slut.
That was a huge turn off.
Keira needed a roommate. Rory needed a place to stay,
so after meeting him once, she decides that he would
be perfect roommate material. Keira had some really
juvenile attempts at getting Rory to notice her, and
when he did, she seemed to forget that he was total
slut and just forgive him anything. BUT I have to say
it was not Rory's fault. She had adamantly friend zoned
him so he was just being Rory.
All of the above was a huge problem for me, so much so
that I will not be reading anymore books by this author.
April 7, 2020
PLAYING THE PLAYER was painful to read. This review has some spoilers, so please skip it if you don't want to read them.
The heroine is annoying AF. It just seems to me that Keira and the supporting characters their personalities were based on a bad nineties rom-com that would have gone straight to DVD, but it went straight to TRASH. Keira is so freaking annoying.
She doesn't stand up for herself at all and lets a complete jackass grope her during strip poker. And OF COURSE, there were 'bimbos' at the table with too much makeup and boobs bigger than my head. Could this book BE any more cliche? All of the male characters seem to be assholes. I know writing and the hero's character development has evolved since the early nineties when 'complete-douchebag-turned-redeemable-hero-we-all-want-to-get-the-girl' was the thing. *Roll my eyes.*
I have read until page 36 and I knew that I wouldn't be able to finish it. How would I describe the hero? One word: Douchebag. How would I describe the heroine? She's so stupid and childish that she's stoopit. I want to buy her a lollipop.
I give this book one star because I know how difficult it is to finish a book. I congratulate the author on that.
I wouldn't recommend this book to a blind person.
-----------------------------------------
I started skimming through the book because some people wrote about good sex scenes in the book. Part of me was skeptical because if the author writes such horrid dialogue and character development and the actual emotional connection between the MCs is so juvenile, how could the sex scenes be better?
I found a sex scene on page 85 and I cringed... AGAIN! It's kind of Fifty Shades-ish (which I also thought was a shitty book), and wow, THAT did it for me. I closed the book. I'm not reading it again.
The heroine is annoying AF. It just seems to me that Keira and the supporting characters their personalities were based on a bad nineties rom-com that would have gone straight to DVD, but it went straight to TRASH. Keira is so freaking annoying.
She doesn't stand up for herself at all and lets a complete jackass grope her during strip poker. And OF COURSE, there were 'bimbos' at the table with too much makeup and boobs bigger than my head. Could this book BE any more cliche? All of the male characters seem to be assholes. I know writing and the hero's character development has evolved since the early nineties when 'complete-douchebag-turned-redeemable-hero-we-all-want-to-get-the-girl' was the thing. *Roll my eyes.*
I have read until page 36 and I knew that I wouldn't be able to finish it. How would I describe the hero? One word: Douchebag. How would I describe the heroine? She's so stupid and childish that she's stoopit. I want to buy her a lollipop.
I give this book one star because I know how difficult it is to finish a book. I congratulate the author on that.
I wouldn't recommend this book to a blind person.
-----------------------------------------
I started skimming through the book because some people wrote about good sex scenes in the book. Part of me was skeptical because if the author writes such horrid dialogue and character development and the actual emotional connection between the MCs is so juvenile, how could the sex scenes be better?
I found a sex scene on page 85 and I cringed... AGAIN! It's kind of Fifty Shades-ish (which I also thought was a shitty book), and wow, THAT did it for me. I closed the book. I'm not reading it again.
January 25, 2017
This is an adult book written like a young adult novel. The lead man Rory is a jerk. The author never shows any depth to his character. All he does is have one night stands all the time and hang out with his buddies. Not to mention the first interaction with all of his buddies they play strip poker and his friend tries to screw Keira on the poker table. At least he actually talked more than a few words to her! Keira is annoying. She needs a new roommate so she puts an ad up. He answers the ad and boom as soon as she opens the door to him she wants him. She is falling for him just because she is attracted to him. Keira's character is supposed to be awkward but it was to the point I was skipping right to the sex scenes. She bases her whole life on getting Rory to fall for her. Although the author uses the cover up of Kiera's article, she would have done whatever she could to get him anyways. I couldn't finish the book. That is how bad it was. The sex scenes were mediocre at best. I guess this is what I get for downloading a free book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
July 30, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/30/2019)! 🎁
October 20, 2020
Heat Level: Scorching (More sex than plot)
Spoilers ahead
Yikes. This was an ebook that's been on my kindle for a few years and I'm trying to read the older ones to clear it out a bit. I'm not sure if I would have liked this in 2017, but in 2020 I most definitely did not.
The author's note indicates that she wrote this as a rom-com that was inspired by New Girl and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, a show that I absolutely love and a movie I really enjoyed. This was not funny at all. Unless you find serious cringe and stupidity funny.
The main character Kiera was really annoying. She played the whole awkward innocent vibe that was probably meant to be endearing, but it didn't come across that way. She allows a guy she's super attracted to to move into her apartment and then proceeds to think everything he says means he likes her even after he says they can't get involved. Her inner monologue was so cringey. She plays hard to get, tries to make him jealous, lies repeatedly, throws herself at him as he tries to convey that he's not interested and I think this is supposed to be funny...? It's gross. She is also a woman hater. Every girl she talks about that is interacting with her love interest, Rory, is a slut and/or a whore and what they're wearing is whorish and their makeup is whorish. She then proceeds to turn herself into what she calls a whore to try to get Rory's attention. Yuck. Sooo much slut-shaming.
Then we have Rory. He's an attractive chef who is also a douche and likes to sleep with many many women and not the same ones and has them all rated with a star system on his phone contact list. What a guy. This is literally all there is to him. The author attempts to give him a backstory (his ex-girlfriend who he thought he loved cheated on him), but he has no depth whatsoever since we see only a line or two about his "feelings" and that's all that's mentioned. His friends aren't any better. Connor was nice and I thought something might actually happen with him (now that would have been interesting), but nope. Kiera must have Mr. Douche and was not to be distracted by anyone else. Their romance was non-existent and Kiera claims she in love with him even though she later mentions she knows nothing about him.
This plot was pretty bad. When you don't care about the characters, it's hard to feel like there's any stakes when the big "conflict" happens. Kiera is a freelance writer who can't seem to write anything because her new roommate and his friends are so distracting. So she writes an article about how to get a player to love you or some shit. Obviously, this was going to come out in the end and ruin this beautiful romance. And when it happened I felt literally nothing. They got mad for a bit and Rory left, but he came back the next morning and they decided to bang it out for like 5 pages. And then this player who doesn't want commitment feels the best option is to ask her to marry him! Omfg, it was so cringey!!! Honestly, all her tactics to land this guy were cringey and the fact that they worked on him was gross. I didn't like Rory at all, but even I was thinking "Seriously?!?" when he fell for her shit and decided he wanted a relationship with her.
So take out the pages and pages and pages of sex scenes and this is a short bland story about insta-love. If you're in it for the sex, I guess it was okay. I didn't think the sex scenes were written that well to be honest. However, if you're looking for a good romance story... this ain't it.
CAWPILE Score: 1.86 = 1 star
Characters: 1 (this point was only for Connor who had a sort-of personality)
Atmosphere: 4
Writing: 2
Plot: 1
Intrigue: 2
Logic: 1
Enjoyment: 2
Spoilers ahead
Yikes. This was an ebook that's been on my kindle for a few years and I'm trying to read the older ones to clear it out a bit. I'm not sure if I would have liked this in 2017, but in 2020 I most definitely did not.
The author's note indicates that she wrote this as a rom-com that was inspired by New Girl and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, a show that I absolutely love and a movie I really enjoyed. This was not funny at all. Unless you find serious cringe and stupidity funny.
The main character Kiera was really annoying. She played the whole awkward innocent vibe that was probably meant to be endearing, but it didn't come across that way. She allows a guy she's super attracted to to move into her apartment and then proceeds to think everything he says means he likes her even after he says they can't get involved. Her inner monologue was so cringey. She plays hard to get, tries to make him jealous, lies repeatedly, throws herself at him as he tries to convey that he's not interested and I think this is supposed to be funny...? It's gross. She is also a woman hater. Every girl she talks about that is interacting with her love interest, Rory, is a slut and/or a whore and what they're wearing is whorish and their makeup is whorish. She then proceeds to turn herself into what she calls a whore to try to get Rory's attention. Yuck. Sooo much slut-shaming.
Then we have Rory. He's an attractive chef who is also a douche and likes to sleep with many many women and not the same ones and has them all rated with a star system on his phone contact list. What a guy. This is literally all there is to him. The author attempts to give him a backstory (his ex-girlfriend who he thought he loved cheated on him), but he has no depth whatsoever since we see only a line or two about his "feelings" and that's all that's mentioned. His friends aren't any better. Connor was nice and I thought something might actually happen with him (now that would have been interesting), but nope. Kiera must have Mr. Douche and was not to be distracted by anyone else. Their romance was non-existent and Kiera claims she in love with him even though she later mentions she knows nothing about him.
This plot was pretty bad. When you don't care about the characters, it's hard to feel like there's any stakes when the big "conflict" happens. Kiera is a freelance writer who can't seem to write anything because her new roommate and his friends are so distracting. So she writes an article about how to get a player to love you or some shit. Obviously, this was going to come out in the end and ruin this beautiful romance. And when it happened I felt literally nothing. They got mad for a bit and Rory left, but he came back the next morning and they decided to bang it out for like 5 pages. And then this player who doesn't want commitment feels the best option is to ask her to marry him! Omfg, it was so cringey!!! Honestly, all her tactics to land this guy were cringey and the fact that they worked on him was gross. I didn't like Rory at all, but even I was thinking "Seriously?!?" when he fell for her shit and decided he wanted a relationship with her.
So take out the pages and pages and pages of sex scenes and this is a short bland story about insta-love. If you're in it for the sex, I guess it was okay. I didn't think the sex scenes were written that well to be honest. However, if you're looking for a good romance story... this ain't it.
CAWPILE Score: 1.86 = 1 star
Characters: 1 (this point was only for Connor who had a sort-of personality)
Atmosphere: 4
Writing: 2
Plot: 1
Intrigue: 2
Logic: 1
Enjoyment: 2
October 20, 2015
ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
4 'teasing' stars from
Keira is in search of finding a new roommate but the only
appealing candidate is a guy A HOT SEXY GUY, which is the last thing she wants but she doesn't have any other choice because the other applicants aren't a good fit for her. So she ends up choosing Rory the hot, sexy guy. Extremely interesting things will happen to them as roommates...!!
To begin with, i have to say that i have pretty mixed feelings about this story.
I totally don't hate it but something keeps me but from falling completely in love with it.
Keira made me laugh many times with her teasing skills towards Rory and of course her 'big' mouth when she was feeling nervous (again with Rory) was totally one of the highlights of the book.
Rory is completely opposite of Keira 'the good girl', he is the bad boy one word explains everything MANWHORE yeah that's what he is. In the beginning i was OK with that but then got me completely Angry especially in some parts. I was something like that...
The other thing that i didn't like was Keira asking many advices and doing all of them...Girl why why??
Alright i understand that you want an advice but please why overdo it??? You can lean on yourself, you have it you are beautiful and sexy with sense of humor, you don't need anything else just THINK, BE BOLD!! You know what you want,go get it..
If you remove the two above things that i didn't like, everything else was really enjoyable and close to perfection. Funny scenes and dialogues, hot,sexy scenes, the game of cat and mouse between Rory and Keira and definitely Rory's hot friends are some of the best things the book has!!
January 13, 2020
Dear, sweet Keira is beautiful but awkward. She places an ad for a roommate and enters hot, sexy, Rory. This girl had me laughing so hard with her desperate ways to get Rory to like her. The sex scenes are hot, but the story-line is a little predictable. I am older, so maybe that is why I couldn't tolerate Keira's being so naive and making bad decisions. If I were younger, I could see how this book might be romantic. This book is a good read for a laugh.
June 6, 2023
Eh.
Didn't like the guy at all.
Disliked that he was still with other girls (f*ing in the apt) after meeting her.
Went on a date (which he claimed he NEVER did, after being with her)
Also slept with a woman the NEXT DAY after sleeping with FMC 😖🚫
FMC was des-per-ate. So needy and would do anything to get him.
With other women? Who cares.
Date another woman after being with you? Who cares.
Think he's cheating on you? He won't answer you? You're pissed at him?
He proposes?
YES! 💍
👎
Didn't like the guy at all.
Disliked that he was still with other girls (f*ing in the apt) after meeting her.
Went on a date (which he claimed he NEVER did, after being with her)
Also slept with a woman the NEXT DAY after sleeping with FMC 😖🚫
FMC was des-per-ate. So needy and would do anything to get him.
With other women? Who cares.
Date another woman after being with you? Who cares.
Think he's cheating on you? He won't answer you? You're pissed at him?
He proposes?
YES! 💍
👎
October 19, 2015
Keira, is looking for a new roommate her last one moved out to get married, and that was also her last single friend. The first person who answers her add is a good looking man named Rory. She is attracted to him but does not want him as a roommate. She has a few more interviews but they do not go so well, so now she goes to the restaurant he works at and says yes to him moving in. She is not ready for her emotions and feelings towards him and for his two friends who always seem to be over at the apartment. The three of them like to tease her because she blushes real easy, and when she get nervous she starts ramble and say things that she shouldn’t. Once they find this out about her it is like game on, but at the same time they all like her and Rory tells his friends to back off. After two different nights of listen to him and the different women he was with she decides to write him a letter, but instead of giving him the letter she forwards it to her editor at the paper she works for and they decide to have her do a series of articles about a women trying to break a player. Once she has the guy though she needs to come up with a way to tell him about the articles and before she could do that it was brought out by someone else. She is still having issues of self-esteem because of former boyfriends and though he has been trying to give her more confidence though fears come back. This is a good book with a little romance some good steamy sex scenes and a love story that is a little different than most. You need to read the book to find out if they can make it work. A good book. I got this book from net galley.
December 8, 2019
Nope
Story line was just too juvenile for me. Sweet girl likes sexy player. It’s all playing games and nothing more.
Story line was just too juvenile for me. Sweet girl likes sexy player. It’s all playing games and nothing more.
February 10, 2017
Love and hate.
Rory is the type of man you love to hate. I think Kiera was too easy on Rory. He is a manhole, he even brought home a skank to sleep with right under Kieras nose after sleeping with her. He was very disrespectful bring home bar whores and he knows she can hear them and had them stay until morning to rub her face in it more. I wish Kiera had ended up with Conner. I did not like Rory at all! She was too much of a push over for me to give this book a higher rating.
Rory is the type of man you love to hate. I think Kiera was too easy on Rory. He is a manhole, he even brought home a skank to sleep with right under Kieras nose after sleeping with her. He was very disrespectful bring home bar whores and he knows she can hear them and had them stay until morning to rub her face in it more. I wish Kiera had ended up with Conner. I did not like Rory at all! She was too much of a push over for me to give this book a higher rating.
March 1, 2017
I downloaded this book months ago as a freebie. It was ridiculously bad. Pissed that I even waisted a few hours on it. Keira was such a weak character. Don't understand girls being attracted to these man sluts and will go three stupid lengths to get their attention. Wasn't even aware her & Rory were even dating before he proposed to her after what a month living together as roommates. I really was hoping she would end up with Connor.
February 15, 2017
I made it to 40%..and that was after pushing really, really hard to make it through this. Rory and Keira are about as interesting as a cardboard box and I spent more time being embarrassed by Keira's antics than trying to find something enjoyable about this story. Glad this was free.
February 6, 2017
I don't have time for a rant right now. But if I did...
did-not-finish
April 26, 2022Dnf 9%
I think I've never dnfed a book this early. But I just couldn't anymore. Why this book has so many good reviews is beyond me.
Keira is absolutely pathetic. She meets Rory, a hot guy, and her brain just stops working. She lets him move in with her, even though she doesn't want a man as a roommate and doesn't know anything about him because she forget all the things she wanted to ask possible roommates because he is just that hot. At one point she hides in her room for hours because she just can't handle his hotness.
He shows absolutely no interest in her and makes out with women in front of her, but she can't let go and tries to make him jealous in such an obvious way that even his friends notice and talk to her about it.
Listening to this was so utterly embarrassing, I just couldn't anymore.
I think I've never dnfed a book this early. But I just couldn't anymore. Why this book has so many good reviews is beyond me.
Keira is absolutely pathetic. She meets Rory, a hot guy, and her brain just stops working. She lets him move in with her, even though she doesn't want a man as a roommate and doesn't know anything about him because she forget all the things she wanted to ask possible roommates because he is just that hot. At one point she hides in her room for hours because she just can't handle his hotness.
He shows absolutely no interest in her and makes out with women in front of her, but she can't let go and tries to make him jealous in such an obvious way that even his friends notice and talk to her about it.
Listening to this was so utterly embarrassing, I just couldn't anymore.
August 10, 2025
Loved this book. The last one of the friends who was always the bridesmaid never the bride. A young journalist who just wants to write what she likes but trying to make it big still has to do what her boss says to write. This book def gives you “how to lose a guy in 10 days” vibe. Such a cute book. Can’t wait to read the rest of this series.
July 16, 2024
Fun little spicy rom com!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2015
Playing the Player was my first read from Ivy Smoak and I loved it so much I gave it a 5 star rating of hotness. Hot Sex, Mind Games, Hot Alpha
There was one girl who thought I was too sloppy to live with.
Rory leaned forward on the counter “I don’t mind if you’re a little dirty”.
Keira is looking for a new roommate and has setup interviews for the morning after her previous roommates wedding. She is taken by surprise when Rory shows up and turns out to be a hot 6ft tall single man. With the mindset that he will not be her choice, Keria realizes he actually turns out to be the best choice.
Rory agrees to move in and they make an agreement that they will not hook up with each other. However, Keira is definitely having second thoughts. Keira finds that Rory is a one night stand kind of guy and is experiencing jealousy when he brings other girls home.
And Rory’s friends, OMG holy hotness.
Keira’s mind games to get Rory’s attention were perfect. She finally gets what she wants but finds herself struggling with how to move forward after their night together. She tries to be strong and blow it off as a one night stand however inside she wants it to be more. She gets advice from an unexpected source and decides to use it. And it is hilarious what she does, not sure if I could be that brave.
Conner, Jackson and Emily add a great element to the story.
Keira decides to write an article for the Post about “how to play with a player” and what she is doing to get his attention. After she proposed the idea to her editor she starts to have second thoughts. What if Rory or his friends see the article?
There are several surprises, twists and a little bit of jealousy thrown in. Rory’s past always seems to find a way to bite him in the ass.
I can’t play with a player because I’ve been completely played.
Playing the Player is a fast read that I couldn’t put down until the end. The ending was perfect.
Would love to see something in the future for Conner.
Thank you for a great steamy read Ivy.
ARC Provided, Honest review done by MAustin for Alpha Book Club without influence from publisher or author.
There was one girl who thought I was too sloppy to live with.
Rory leaned forward on the counter “I don’t mind if you’re a little dirty”.
Keira is looking for a new roommate and has setup interviews for the morning after her previous roommates wedding. She is taken by surprise when Rory shows up and turns out to be a hot 6ft tall single man. With the mindset that he will not be her choice, Keria realizes he actually turns out to be the best choice.
Rory agrees to move in and they make an agreement that they will not hook up with each other. However, Keira is definitely having second thoughts. Keira finds that Rory is a one night stand kind of guy and is experiencing jealousy when he brings other girls home.
And Rory’s friends, OMG holy hotness.
Keira’s mind games to get Rory’s attention were perfect. She finally gets what she wants but finds herself struggling with how to move forward after their night together. She tries to be strong and blow it off as a one night stand however inside she wants it to be more. She gets advice from an unexpected source and decides to use it. And it is hilarious what she does, not sure if I could be that brave.
Conner, Jackson and Emily add a great element to the story.
Keira decides to write an article for the Post about “how to play with a player” and what she is doing to get his attention. After she proposed the idea to her editor she starts to have second thoughts. What if Rory or his friends see the article?
There are several surprises, twists and a little bit of jealousy thrown in. Rory’s past always seems to find a way to bite him in the ass.
I can’t play with a player because I’ve been completely played.
Playing the Player is a fast read that I couldn’t put down until the end. The ending was perfect.
Would love to see something in the future for Conner.
Thank you for a great steamy read Ivy.
ARC Provided, Honest review done by MAustin for Alpha Book Club without influence from publisher or author.
April 13, 2016
~~~~ARC Provided Via Net Galley~~~~
Title Change Previously The Roomate
Ok so here's the deal.... The cover is absolutely hot but that's pretty much what interested me in this book. I had a super hard time getting into the book and couldn't relate at all. I read to escape everyday life and it usually relaxes me however this read I found myself confused at times and then annoyed and then finally irritated. I wanted to put it down and walk away but because I'm so committed to finishing things I just couldn't. I was hoping there would be a turning part in the story that it would change but it just kept getting worse and worse.
The main H Keira was ridiculous with her antics of trying way to hard to get the guy. It was so repetitive it became immature and very childish. If you have to try that hard for a guy maybe you should keep looking. Then her constant rambling ~insert eye roll~ I just couldn't take it. So I started skimming the pages. She had a great guy right in front of her but preceded to use him for her own benefit. It seemed to me that Keira was extremely selfish and only cared about Rory and no one else's feelings.
Rory was the H I guess you can call him that. I never really got a good feel for what he looked like besides his muscular body or maybe I just missed it. He annoyed me too how can you be so naive to the point of telling her how to hook up with a one night stand but not see she wants you???? Also one more thing how is it they can go from a wedding a couple days before he popped the question when ppl asked if they were together he said "oh god no" I mean really??? But the. A few days later you wanna spend the rest of your life with her???? Umm I get it is a book and I maybe be looking to far into it but I'm just so confuse how this book got so many 4-5 stars??
Even though I would be reading anymore in this series I fully intend to read another book from this author. She had a great story line however the way she delivered it in my opinion was frustrating. So maybe it's just me and this story so I will read another book from the author and won't let this book influence my opinion on it. I'm sorry to be so down just being honest!
Title Change Previously The Roomate
Ok so here's the deal.... The cover is absolutely hot but that's pretty much what interested me in this book. I had a super hard time getting into the book and couldn't relate at all. I read to escape everyday life and it usually relaxes me however this read I found myself confused at times and then annoyed and then finally irritated. I wanted to put it down and walk away but because I'm so committed to finishing things I just couldn't. I was hoping there would be a turning part in the story that it would change but it just kept getting worse and worse.
The main H Keira was ridiculous with her antics of trying way to hard to get the guy. It was so repetitive it became immature and very childish. If you have to try that hard for a guy maybe you should keep looking. Then her constant rambling ~insert eye roll~ I just couldn't take it. So I started skimming the pages. She had a great guy right in front of her but preceded to use him for her own benefit. It seemed to me that Keira was extremely selfish and only cared about Rory and no one else's feelings.
Rory was the H I guess you can call him that. I never really got a good feel for what he looked like besides his muscular body or maybe I just missed it. He annoyed me too how can you be so naive to the point of telling her how to hook up with a one night stand but not see she wants you???? Also one more thing how is it they can go from a wedding a couple days before he popped the question when ppl asked if they were together he said "oh god no" I mean really??? But the. A few days later you wanna spend the rest of your life with her???? Umm I get it is a book and I maybe be looking to far into it but I'm just so confuse how this book got so many 4-5 stars??
Even though I would be reading anymore in this series I fully intend to read another book from this author. She had a great story line however the way she delivered it in my opinion was frustrating. So maybe it's just me and this story so I will read another book from the author and won't let this book influence my opinion on it. I'm sorry to be so down just being honest!
November 4, 2015
This a sexy book about a single girl that has been watching her friends meet and marry their soul mates. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. But with her latest friend/roommate getting married, she is in need of another roommate. So she puts on ad out and prepares to meet the applicants, hopefully one of them will work out and not leave within a year like the others.
However, the best person for the room is not whom Keira could possibly live with is the last person she wants to say yes to. Rory is male and not only that, he's stunningly sexy and keeps Keira tongue tied. But she's not thrilled to foot the bills by herself, so she agrees to let him live there with the pact that nothing will ever happen between them.
What could go wrong with that?
Well, as the two spend more time together, the more she is drawn to Rory. Like seriously can't stop thinking about him and his gorgeous body. What is he hiding under those boxers and can they make her scream like those of her dreams? But if they cross that line, will it be just a one time thing or can this develop into something more?
This was a quick and sassy read. I loved Keira's tenacity to achieve what she wants most both personally and professionally. Sometimes her plans don't go as she would like, but she sticks to her guns and that is something I can relate to. Rory, for his part, is equally parts sexy, humorous, talented and friendly. I loved their banter both when they made my laugh, smile, and cry out in frustration.
I enjoyed this book with it's quick wit and saucy perspective. I enjoyed watching these two adjust to living with the opposite sex and their growing feelings. Sometimes when you least expect it, fate gives you exactly what you've been waiting for. It just may come in different package than you looking for.
However, the best person for the room is not whom Keira could possibly live with is the last person she wants to say yes to. Rory is male and not only that, he's stunningly sexy and keeps Keira tongue tied. But she's not thrilled to foot the bills by herself, so she agrees to let him live there with the pact that nothing will ever happen between them.
What could go wrong with that?
Well, as the two spend more time together, the more she is drawn to Rory. Like seriously can't stop thinking about him and his gorgeous body. What is he hiding under those boxers and can they make her scream like those of her dreams? But if they cross that line, will it be just a one time thing or can this develop into something more?
This was a quick and sassy read. I loved Keira's tenacity to achieve what she wants most both personally and professionally. Sometimes her plans don't go as she would like, but she sticks to her guns and that is something I can relate to. Rory, for his part, is equally parts sexy, humorous, talented and friendly. I loved their banter both when they made my laugh, smile, and cry out in frustration.
I enjoyed this book with it's quick wit and saucy perspective. I enjoyed watching these two adjust to living with the opposite sex and their growing feelings. Sometimes when you least expect it, fate gives you exactly what you've been waiting for. It just may come in different package than you looking for.
November 4, 2015
So before i started this book my dumb self went through the reviews... Yeah I am never doing that again!!!! The blurb had me intrigued the cover seriously had me wanting to know what it was all about and who can pass up a book with a hot picture on the front? (I know I cant) But the reviews were kind of putting me off the book... BUT OMG I'm so glad that I did not chicken out from reading this book based on what others thought was bad because personally I fell in love with it.
Keira is roommate less after her last roommate went and got married. So she posts an ad on craigslist and had a few respond when the first person knocks on the door shes expecting to see a female named Rory. What she gets is a gorgeous hunk named Rory. As soon as she opened the door she was flustered and nervous. I freaking loved when she would get nervous and just ramble on and on and say the truest things then try to cover it up like hadnt said it or meant to say something else.
Rory hmm... swoon... Doesnt do relationships/commitments. hes a one night stand kind of guy (and sometimes pretty clueless) But once he figures out what he wants there is no holding him back.
This book is just one thing after another. There were times that I thought Keira was a bit selfish and clingy but over all this book had me sucked in from the beginning and made me laugh, and want to cry as well in a couple spots, and it even got really pissed of at both Rory and Keira at times. They can be so infuriating haha.
Will definitely be reading more from Ivy in the future
Keira is roommate less after her last roommate went and got married. So she posts an ad on craigslist and had a few respond when the first person knocks on the door shes expecting to see a female named Rory. What she gets is a gorgeous hunk named Rory. As soon as she opened the door she was flustered and nervous. I freaking loved when she would get nervous and just ramble on and on and say the truest things then try to cover it up like hadnt said it or meant to say something else.
Rory hmm... swoon... Doesnt do relationships/commitments. hes a one night stand kind of guy (and sometimes pretty clueless) But once he figures out what he wants there is no holding him back.
This book is just one thing after another. There were times that I thought Keira was a bit selfish and clingy but over all this book had me sucked in from the beginning and made me laugh, and want to cry as well in a couple spots, and it even got really pissed of at both Rory and Keira at times. They can be so infuriating haha.
Will definitely be reading more from Ivy in the future
November 6, 2015
Playing A Player by Ivy Smoak is a full-length standalone romance that involves a female/male roommate arrangement, a roommate pact, a hot male player and a steamy tryst or two dozen.
Keira is looking for a roommate - AGAIN. Her friends keep getting married and moving out and she feels like she is just spinning her wheels. When Rory shows up to apply for the roommate position Keira is thrown off by both his good looks and his manner. He steamrolls right over her insistence that she thought Rory was a girl's name and no men were supposed to apply.
The banter between Keira and Rory and his friends is both funny and awkward - she has a tendency to ramble when nervous and Rory's hot body and confident player-like behavior DEFINITELY makes her nervous. So what happens when the roommates step over that line between friendly behavior and an intimate tumble in bed?
The bare bones of the story were fun. The sex was very hot and kinky. It seemed a little busy and rushed in parts but I think perhaps as it was originally a serial and was since published as just one book this might be why. In my experience serial novels are usually short but crammed with all kinds of happenings. I'm still dithering between a 3 and 4 star rating and will sleep on it. Lol.
Keira is looking for a roommate - AGAIN. Her friends keep getting married and moving out and she feels like she is just spinning her wheels. When Rory shows up to apply for the roommate position Keira is thrown off by both his good looks and his manner. He steamrolls right over her insistence that she thought Rory was a girl's name and no men were supposed to apply.
The banter between Keira and Rory and his friends is both funny and awkward - she has a tendency to ramble when nervous and Rory's hot body and confident player-like behavior DEFINITELY makes her nervous. So what happens when the roommates step over that line between friendly behavior and an intimate tumble in bed?
The bare bones of the story were fun. The sex was very hot and kinky. It seemed a little busy and rushed in parts but I think perhaps as it was originally a serial and was since published as just one book this might be why. In my experience serial novels are usually short but crammed with all kinds of happenings. I'm still dithering between a 3 and 4 star rating and will sleep on it. Lol.
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