Review: Broken Play by Samantha Kane (Birmingham Rebels #1)
Note: This ARC was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
They're known for their moves on the field, but Birmingham Rebels offensive linesmen Cassidy "Cass" Zielinski and Beau Perez have made a reputation for themselves off the field as well, no thanks to a viral video that showcased their threesome exploits. Now, they've got their eye on new assistant offensive coach, but while Cass is more than sure that he wants Marian Treadwell to share a bed with him and Beau, Beau is a bit more hesitant, unsure if Marian is the kind of woman for them. But soon it's clear that Marian wants exactly what it is that they have to offer, but she's keeping secrets from them, secrets that continue to haunt her, and Beau has a secret of his own, one that may likely alter his friendship with Cass forever.
I first started reading Loveswept in the 80s, when I was a teenager (now, don't go trying to figure out how old that makes me) and I've still got the mass market paperbacks lining my bookshelves to prove how I couldn't get enough of the stories. Times have changed and open-minded and adventurous romance readers like a fair amount of diversity in the genre, and Samantha Kane gives readers that with the first book in her new Birmingham Rebels series, Broken Play. To be honest, I had forgotten what the book was about when I signed up for the blog tour, so I was a tad surprised when I started reading it, and by the time I finished the book, there was one that that was clearer than day: this so isn't your mother's Loveswept!
Cass Zielinski and Beau Perez have been there for each other for years and while they're known for sharing women, what they want with Marian Treadwell is different--they want something more than a one-time thing with her. And while Marian's always wanted to be with more than one man, a dark moment in her past has made her skittish. Then you have Beau's own feelings for Cass and how he wants to explore them with him. While the idea of being in a polyamorous relationship isn't a foreign one, this is the first time I've seen it set in the testosterone-filled setting of American football, so that was certainly interesting. I did, however, feel more chemistry between Cass and Beau than either or both of them had with Marian.
The way Cass and Beau tried to help Marian get over what happened to her while she was in college was one that I so did not see coming. I was a tad shocked by how it all played out and how open and willing she was to the whole thing. My reaction does not mean I'm a prude because that was definitely not my first encounter with it, but it was more due to Marian's past and how she took to the plan of action Cass and Beau came up with. And while I wish the author had delved a bit more on the game of football and what happened on the field, the story was pretty good and an easy read. I wonder if the rest of the series will follow in the same vein Broken Play did, so I'll keep an eye out for the next book. I'm giving this 3.5 stars. ♥
Release Date: 01 September 2015
Date Read: 01 September 2015
Learn more about Samantha Kane here.
Thank you for hosting BROKEN PLAY!
ReplyDelete