Sandy M’s review of Play Dirty (Temping SEALs: Triton, Book 1) by Lora Leigh
Contemporary Romance published by Bramble 26 Mar 24
I read Lora Leigh for years and loved those early books. Then back in 2021 after not finishing Her Renegade Cowboy, I was mystified as to what happened and why it left no impression on me. In my review of that book, I take part of the blame for the story not working for me. I’m thinking of changing my mind after reading this book, because it seems perhaps Ms. Leigh has gotten her mojo back, at least for me, in this new series.
Jack Lee Bridger and his life-long friend Poppy, the girl who saved him years before and despite his actions since that time, come together again when Jack returns home, released from prison to lead a SEAL team to bring down new AI technology that will change the world if it’s completed. Only thing is, Poppy knows nothing about this mission, and Jack knows in the end she will never forgive him for his upcoming betrayal.
Poppy has always loved Jack from the very first, and she’s waited for him all that time, even when he stayed away from her on his infrequent trips home. But now he’s here to stay, and she’s ready to see where things go with him. It seems he is too. Despite the secrecy he and his band of disgraced SEALs hold close and the warnings from her brothers to keep away from the man, Poppy wants it all. And, boy, does she get it all. The love scenes are vintage Lora Leigh, more than spicy and in your face.
There is violence – it’s a military op with grave consequences if it all goes south. So the fighting and killing are in tune with that premise. I like Poppy’s friends and also Jack’s men, and it looks like there may be some romance brewing between them in coming books. The one thing Ms. Leigh has not changed in her writing is all the repetition. I found myself skipping here and there when the past and all that happened between Jack and Poppy keeps going over the same old ground. I always think an author can’t come up with enough new stuff to fill the pages of a book when repeats like that happen throughout a story, and this one is no exception.
But with that one nitpick, I’m happy to say it’s nice to enjoy a Lora Leigh book again. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I’m keeping my fingers crossed it goes as well as this one.
Grade: B-
Summary:
She saved his life when they were kids and then he saved hers. When she became a young woman, Poppy knew she would never love anyone the way she loved Jack Lee Bridger.
But after a near tragedy, Jack left home to become a Navy SEAL and Poppy knew there wouldn’t be another like him. Not for her.
She remembered the way it felt when he looked at her with those smoldering eyes.
The way he kissed her.
Touched her…
Now it’s years later and danger is dogging her footsteps and Jack is back.
And Poppy knows that he will do anything–absolutely anything–to keep her safe. She trusts him to protect her body, but can she trust him with heart?
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
Play Hard – November 26, 2024
