Wednesday 15 January 2014

Review: Playing the Playboy by Noelle Adams

Playing the Playboy (Heirs of Damon, #2)
Playing the Playboy (Heirs of Damon #2) by Noelle Adams
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication date: November 17th 2013
My rating: 3.5 stars 


 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19314703-playing-the-playboy

Laurel will do anything to save her Santorini inn from the powerful Damon family, and that includes manipulating Andrew Damon, the man they’ve sent to get her off the property. Andrew might have a reputation for being irresistible to women, but she won’t have any problem resisting him. This is war, after all, and the Damons drew their weapons first.

Andrew has spent most of his life chasing women and wasting time, but he’s determined to do his duty by his family, even if that means ousting an infuriating (and gorgeous) widow from the inn that legally belongs to the Damons. He doesn’t expect to fall for her. And he definitely doesn’t expect to discover that he’s been played.

My Thoughts:

Playing the Playboy was the second book in the Heirs of Damon series centering on Andrew, the carefree “playboy” brother of Harrison.  It was a light, sweet, and entertaining romance.

Laurel is prepared for an all out war with the Damon’s when they make a claim to her beloved inn in Santorini.  She’s willing to use whatever weapon she has, even if it includes seducing Andrew who is set to arrive and meet with her.  Laurel doesn’t realize how affected she’d be by his charismatic and sweet personality, and soon realizes why so many women have fallen for him in spite of his reputation.

Andrew is the Damon brother who has skirted most of the family’s business responsibilities, but with Harrison at odds with their uncle, he must step in and do his share.  When he meets Laurel he finds she’s not the gold digger woman he thought she was, marrying someone older just for money.  He also discovers that Laurel feels she has a legitimate claim to the inn and after getting to know her, Andrew hopes this is true.  He hopes at the very least, they can at least work something out, because he’s come to care about her.

Andrew was a sweetheart, trying to make the best to make a bad situation.  He truly didn’t have a malicious bone in his body and was quick to make amends when he was in the wrong. My heart went out to Laurel.  Her life had been anything but easy, but she wasn’t one to wallow in self-pity, instead she focused on solutions and worked hard for everything she had. 

Their romance was touching.  The way Andrew steps up to care for Laurel when she needs it, even when they’re at odds couldn’t help but win everyone over.

“I liked rescuing you then. I’ll be happy to dash to the rescue any time you need it.” His words had been teasing, but as he gazed down at her, a wave of deep desire overwhelmed him. He wanted to rescue her, from anything that might threaten her.  He wanted…her.

While I don’t think this held the same charm as the first installment, it had a sweet appeal that drew me right in.  Noelle Adams creates characters with layers, depth and likeability, making it easy to connect with Laurel and Andrew, and root for their HEA.

*Quote taken from an uncorrected proof and may change in the final copy.






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16 comments:

Keertana said...

I haven't heard of this series, but I think I'll start with the first book for sure since it seems to have been slightly better. With companion romance novels, it almost always depends on the couple in question more than the writing or plot line to win me over so while the love story in this book seems sweet, I'm curious about its predecessor even more. Wonderful review, Rachel, and thanks for introducing me to yet another romance novel! ;)

Mary @ BookSwarm said...

Sometimes, sweet appeal is just what you need. While it wasn't everything you hoped, entertaining and likeable is a good thing!

Anonymous said...

I have the first book in the series but I haven't read it yet. These books sound like light and romantic books that I need to read in between heavy books. I'm glad you enjoyed this one despite it not living up to the previous book entirely.
Lovely review, Rachel.

Jenny said...

This sounds like a perfect in-between read Rachel. Something that's not too serious and may not forever leave it's mark in your memory, but one that entertains and makes you smile nonetheless. I definitely need books like that in my life!

Unknown said...

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy this installment as much as the first. I do love the quote you included!

Shooting Stars Mag said...

That's great you still enjoyed this one overall. I do like these books that focus on a new character each time. :)

Tanja - Tanychy said...

I have never heard of this book before, but at the end of the day it doesn't sound like something I'd love. I mean romance is not generally my genre. I'm glad you enjoyed it overall. Great review, Rachel :)

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

If I was in the mood for a NA I would consider this, but right now I am just burned out on the whole genre. Glad this at least had a sweet romance and wasn't a gut wrenching read.

Rachel said...

You're in luck then, Heidi, this is an adult read not a NA. :)

Rachel said...

Thanks, Keertana! I really loved the first one, so I hope you do, too! It had sass and charm. :)

Rachel said...

Thank you, Tanja. I think it's important to recognize what will work for you as a reader and what won't. :)

Rachel said...

Thanks, Nick, I think you'd really enjoy the first one. This one was fun, light and sweet. :)

Rachel said...

So true, Mary! :)

Melissa (i swim for oceans) said...

Oh, that's disappointing that it didn't hold the same level of charm as the first, but I'm glad to see that the romance was still solid. That's good, at least! Lovely review, Rachel :)

brandileigh2003 said...

Good to hear it was sweet even if it doesn't have quite same draw as the first

Lauren @ Love is not a triangle said...

Sounds like I need to check out the first book in the series! But I love when characters have a certain image in their mind of their future love interest and it's immediately shattered. It's so much fun to watch them try to change their perspectives. This one sounds sweet and fun without too much drama.

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